Gripe for the week!!!!
When are we going to get a new lock or a set of keys for the beach barrier?
There has been at least two occasions in the last few weeks were the unworthy that have to park there craft on the west quay have found them self’s locked out /in, with no key available. It’s bad enough after hard days sailing/drinking having to drag the boat up the beach & around to the west quay, without the hassle of having to take your mast down so we can get under the barrier. The option of using the public causeway to get your boat back is all ways a possibility providing you have not already changed back into your every day togs’.  I have heard rumor that that it’s difficult to get a new key cut. Surly a club of our stature can fork out for a new lock. I wonder what would happen if the lock was lost, how long before a new one would be purchased. 
Mark

Hi Mark,

We have been trying very hard to get hold of a new key.  Unfortunately we are not in control of this and it is a CLUB MEMBER who lost it in the first place - so please don’t give the Club too much of a hard time. 

Fortunately last week Mike Weir (our Harbour Master) managed to locate the only remaining key and very kindly dropped this in to the office - believe it or not, we have been tirelessly trying to track one down for a while now.  I am going into Canterbury to get the key cut on Thursday - during my holiday and probably using my own petrol.  I will also be cutting a spare key!  All members are now expected to sign keys in and out which should prevent such a problem arising in the future.

Always feel free to contact me (or email me) at the office if you have any gripes - I don’t work full time but I will always get back to you.

Mel

I have just picked up this thread after a week away.  Mel has stated the position but what everyone should realise is that the club does not own the barrier - the harbourmaster does. We use it courtesy of him.

So when a club member loses/fails to return the key it is embarrassing for the club and we have to get permission to replace it.  This Mel has done.

John

Barrier key now in place - we have decided to attach it to an anchor!!!!

As I mentioned in the posting above, you will have to sign for this (in blood) behind the bar.  I’m sorry you have had to wait so long for this.

I must emphasise that the master key is under the control of the Harbour Master.  He does not hand these out too freely and they are VERY expensive to obtain.  Can you all bear this in mind when using it. 

Thanks.

Mel