JET SKIS

I was delighted to see in the press recently that North Norfolk Labour Party are pursuing the issue of Jet Skis. Four four years I have been trying to formalise how these can be accommodated safely along our coast. We got a little way with the old Jet Ski Working Party at during the last administration, but the work was never completed, much to my disappointment.
I have raised the issue again and North Norfolk District Council has agreed to a further working party starting in the autumn which, of course, means yet another summer has gone and risk remains identified but unresolved.

The jet skis are not going to go away, tourists with little or no knowledge of their skis, let alone our coast will still visit us, so they have to be controlled. There is one bit of good news, H.M. Coastguard have classified Personal Water Craft (Jet Skis) as a craft. This means that should they break the marine laws, the coastguards can prosecute.

In respect of what North Norfolk can achieve, I shall be asking for the following:
Where possible liase with the local users to encourage a voluntary code of practise, which can be advised to visitors. This has worked particularly well at Sea Palling.
Encourage any interested parties to obtain a copy of "Managing Personal Watercraft" from the RYA.
All beaches with access points to be properly zoned with notices on groins / revetments stating what can be done and where.
Mooring type buoys to be placed at the 200m point beyond the low water mark at slipways May to September. RYA guidance states that Jet Skis should travel at tick over speed until this point - apart from avoiding conflict with other beach users, it lessens the noise pollution to those on the beach and cliff tops.
Extend the lifeguard service to beaches with active slipways and if they are not in Council ownership, liase with, and lobby the owners.
Cllr Angie Tillett, Conservative Group Leader

Readers Letter

With reference to S&DPS letter, Issue 76, "Augusta" lifeboat, it requires serious redress. There is no need for such sarcasm on my knowledge of crab and lifeboats, something I've been very interested in since childhood, unlike the S&DPS committee, who have the audacity to spread about that their model lifeboat is of the highest standard, when in fact there are several faults. I am not suffering a fit of sour grapes over not having my model on display in the "Shed", my motive to criticise their model, which is not museum material. But somehow my message is falling on deaf ears. Their understanding that the differences between the "Augusta" and "Ramey" lifeboats is due to them being built 56 years apart by two different men is utter rubbish. The usage of the "Augusta" brought about improvements to the rudder of the "Ramey" by fishermen's recommendations. I did not break the contract to supply my model. I was led to believe that the Sheds would be ready for me to install my work of art within 12 months, which turned out to be three and a half years! By which time they had two and a half years interest free credit on the half of the price balance owing and also by then the cost of the glass had gone up by 25% which they refused to pay. I therefore sent their payment back and happily kept the model. My criticisms are totally justified. Robin (Lobster) Farrow

SHERINGHAM EVENING WI

At our August meeting, under the supervision of Sally Holman, a National teacher of patchwork and quilting, some members tried their hand at creating a patchwork miniature seascape, while other members admired the beautiful quilts made by Sally, which were on display.

We celebrated the summer evening with cheese and wine and enjoyed a pleasant social time. We looked forward to the bargain stall on Otterndorf Green in support of Balloone4Hearts and a river trip at Horning.