What a phenomenal year it’s been! Clubs have been busy with lots of on-water activity, and there seems to be a surge in clubs considering becoming Training Centres, so next year is looking exciting. It’s so good to finish my blogs this year by celebrating lots of awards here in the south-west – very well-deserved by all who received them. Happy Christmas and stay safe if you’re going on the water in the freezing cold!
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Two south-west organisations were announced as recipients of The King’s Award on 14 November. The Whitefriars Sailability Group and the Disabled Sailing Association were both honoured with this award, which is equivalent to an MBE and the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
Along with all this year’s successful groups, Whitefriars Sailability and the DSA will be presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature by the Lord-Lieutenant at a locally arranged event. They also receive two invitations to attend a Royal Garden Party.
Many congratulations to everyone involved in this massive achievement!
RYA Volunteer Awards
Eleven club stalwarts from the region received an RYA Volunteer Award this year – which is a source of great pride and pleasure for their colleagues, friends and clubs.
The official ceremony was held on Friday 10 November in London, in recognition of the outstanding dedication and commitment made by volunteers of all ages and from all corners of the UK, with awards presented by HRH The Princess Royal.
My personal congratulations go to all the south-west award winners, who are:
- Norah and Henry Jaggers
- Ian Matthews
- Ben Miles
- Julie and Neil Morton
- Kit Noble
- David Oliver
- Chris Queree
- Stephen Staple
- Tony Wootley
Connected events
We’re just finalising the details of six in-person RYA Connected events that will take place in February and March. These short evening sessions will offer you the chance do some networking (we know how much you value that after the success of our Connected conference in November) as well as to get a regional update.
Look out for dates and booking information in the new year.
Junior racing news from Regional Performance Manager, Duncan West
“Winter training is going well, despite having to dodge storms or contend with a lack of wind!
“Let me remind you to book your Race Coach training courses now. They’re already filling up, so don’t wait till the spring to set up spring courses, because there’ll be no trainers available!
“I hope you have a very merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you ‘on the other side’ in 2024.”
Regional Manager Rob Howlett
07876 330374
rob.howlett@rya.org.uk
