John Fletcher has been the IWA's national chairman since November 2002 and – at the behest of the council – was persuaded to extend the period of his chairmanship beyond his originally planned period of office.

He has become well known for his outspoken views and the skills with which he has steered the association through a number a campaigns – particularly the one against the DEFRA cuts in waterway budgets - forging closer links between the IWA, other voluntary campaigning organisations and the marine industry. He will be a hard act to follow.