Over 12 years ago some boat dwellers without home moorings in the Reading area pulled themselves together to form the National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA). This was in response to extra enforcement in the Reading area. Their campaign against increased enforcement forced the authorities to back down.
Over the following years, NBTA membership would expand and so would its achievements. The resulting NBTA campaigns ensured that CRT followed the Equalities Act 2010, and helped to get boat dwellers into an Act of Parliament where Local Councils are required to do needs assessments for boat dwellers in their local area.
Throughout its existence, NBTA has helped to stop individuals being evicted and ensure they are able to get access to healthcare and education for their children. When necessary, NBTA sets up campaigns, varying from fighting against mooring spaces being taken away, to campaigning to get more boater facilities, to organising the community against boater evictions.
However, it must be said NBTA wouldn’t exist without people being a part of it. When we say NBTA did this or did that, the reality is that these things are being done by boat dwellers just like you; they might even be moored next to you. We believe more can be changed or protected when we work together as an organisation. The more people working together in the organisation, the more that can be done.
So if you’re not already, why not consider being one of the people who does something to protect our way of life?
Our meetings take place on the last Sunday of each month at 4pm. Our next meeting is on Sunday 25th July.
Due to Covid, meetings take place on line. You can also join by phone. Here are the joining details:
Alternatively, you can use the dial in details:
Dial-in: +44 330 808 1706 PIN: 45925961#
National Bargee Travellers Association - London Branch 