Inland Waterways – a tribute to Derek Gowling

A tribute to Derek Gowling by Pat and Paul Wagstaffe

Derek had a very successful career as a Planning Specialist with Wiltshire Council and Senior Planner with the Greater London Council. His expertise was much respected in China, Japan, Canada and the Americas. He then joined The Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) as Policy Manager and there he supported three Government Appointed IWAAC Chairs.

His skill in research and expertise in clear, succinct and readable written words led to major changes in Central and Local Government attitudes towards, and respect for, the UK Inland Waterways.

Derek’s very professional work contributed significantly to the progress made in Waterways Restoration and Improvement. It helped unlock considerable millions of pounds of UK Lottery and European Funding granted to Waterway Projects.

His breadth of knowledge, expertise and ability to communicate with people at all levels and his dry sense of humour will be sorely missed.