The River Medway Business Users Association (RMBUA) held its fourth Annual dinner dance at the Roffen Club in Rochester last week.

Formed in 2001 to promote development of both commercial and leisure interests on and around the river, the Association is fortunate in its ability to draw upon the considerable experience and expertise provided by its members to encourage and support the positive development of the river. The RMBUA is now an established and fully recognised voice of those who live, work or simply enjoy the river, and works hard to ensure its pragmatic development as an economic resource. As testament to its achievements, the Association, which has nearly 40 members representing every facet of river activity, is regularly consulted by local authorities and developers.

Speaking at the dinner, Association President Roy Brooks thanked members for their continuing efforts in creating the necessary focus and awareness of the River Medway, a process that was showing signs of positive progress that would ensure future prosperity for the river. In addition he said it was clear that the recently published river study will provide a framework for development of the river that will benefit all users.

Roy commented that "after years with everyone saying ‘we must use this valuable asset’ but with little action, there is at last evidence that its commercial and leisure-related value is being recognised, with both the private and public sectors taking steps to revitalise the river. Environmental considerations will have the affect of bringing the river back closer to its original prominence as an artery running through the centre of a region that owes its very existence to the river.”

A fascinating and informative talk on Kent’s river and coastal region from a historic and economic perspective followed the dinner delivered by Professor Sarah Palmer, director of the Greenwich Maritime Institute, part of the University of Greenwich.   

For further information please contact:

Roy Brooks, Chairman, RMBUA; email: marketing @rmbua.co.uk