Go
BackDear Member
As we have now completed the first half of the sailing season, it seemed an
appropriate time to circulate a global e-mail to provide you with an update
of general information, of what the Club and its members have achieved, and
what the Club is planning for the year moving forward.
Firstly, may I welcome our new members, Paul, Jo, Ciaran & Amy Bolton, Kevin
& Jean Nolan, Aimi & Paige Maddox, Philip Harris, and Ian, Henry &
Charlie Shotton, and hope that you will integrate with the members who are more
than willing to assist with any sailing or general queries you may have.
I would like to thank all those who attended the “Curry with a Difference
Night” back in February and hope you agree,it was an enjoyable evening.
Thank you also for the support at the Royal Wedding Handicap race and Barbeque
at the end of April. The bonus for this race was that with the high winds on
the Monday following, meant you were still able to race on two days.
As previously notified, we have organised a joint Centenary Quiz Evening including
supper with the Fishing Club on Friday 24th June, 100 years to the very day
the initial licence was signed with the Earl of Plymouth, to create the existence
of the two Clubs. We hope members, their partners and friends, will support
this evening which requires teams of 6/8 on a table and it is hoped the teams
will be mixed between the Clubs. To assist with the catering, please book your
places by Tuesday 21st with Gordon Padmore 01562 730481 (evenings), or gpadmore@opening-doors.org.uk.
This evening really does require your support please. More information can be
viewed HERE
Although I am aware that some members have been to the Club since the handbooks
became available, they still have not collected their copy from the Clubhouse.
This gives you general information and changes that the Club has made for the
sailing year and more importantly, advanced notice of your Duties etc., thus
enabling you, if necessary, to arrange a swop well in advance through Dutyman
and not let your fellow members down at the last minute by just not turning
up.
In addition, there are a quantity of envelopes containing member’s boat
/ board labels for sticking on the transoms or masts of your crafts to ensure
they are not moved to the far end of the boat park. Please assist us with this
census promptly, as it is very much to your benefit to do so.
A number of the Class Open meetings have already taken place and with the exception
of the Solo Class, all had good winds. I hope this will continue for the remainder
of the Opens and as the season progresses, the water level does not drop much
further. Many thanks for all those who entered their particular Open meeting
and to the Class Captains for their input.
The Safety Committee met earlier in the year to assess all aspects of safety
at the Club. One decision made was that prop guards will be fitted to all powerboats.
Unfortunately, within 2 weeks of the latest one being fitted, this has already
been damaged. Please could I advise all powerboat drivers that with the water
level now lowering quite quickly, this has the effect of raising the concrete
slipways near the jetties which appears to be the cause of the latest damage.
The cost of a replacement guard is now £150.00!!
We have also commenced a schedule of professional servicing of the Powerboat
engines which appear to have been neglected over recent years, this is to ensure
a prompt response is achieved when a rescue is requested / required. We have
also introduced a rotation system for using the powerboats, to provide even
use and wear, and I would ask that this arrangement be adhered to, rather than
changing the boats about to continually use a particular favourite.
At our main Committee meeting it was decided that the four new Club Pico’s
should be used for training purposes only and that members who currently do
not own their own dinghy and therefore not pay for repairs or insurance, must
rig an old Pico with the original dagger board, rudder and the, not so old all
blue sails, to ensure these get used.
Information for all OD’s - Please note that we have now moved the amplifier
and mic to a wooden box in the OD box which is locked with the standard padlock
and general key. In addition, there is now a pair of walkie-talkies for use
between the box and a rescue boat, again to promote prompt assistance to sailors.
Junior Training over the Easter period took place with a slightly reduced number
of trainees, due to the numerous Bank Holidays and school holiday date confusion,
however, all benefitted from a great experience – even Merlyn. Mandy is
now taking names for the next two Junior Training courses in July and August.
Please promote these to your family and friends – how could you not wish
to have your children trained by the Bromsgrove “Coach of the Year”
who has now progressed to the County Awards to be held in November. For the
next 6 weeks, Mandy has taken on a Girl Guide group to train them up to the
RYA level 1, and hopefully 2, by the end of the period. (The application form
can be downloaded from the club website homepage or by clicking HERE)
Courses; I would like to draw your attention to the various courses the Club
offers to its members at subsidised rates and in particular, the Safety and
Powerboat courses which are of benefit to all when being rescued or, offering
rescue to others.
Mandy’s Monday’s Ladies Training has started but with low turnouts
so far. Ladies, please support this initiative as Mandy gives up her time freely
for you and we need a competitive Ladies Race on Regatta Day.
This is also applicable to Friday Night Youth Sailing which we increased to
weekly, to avoid confusion of which Friday evenings were applicable. Sadly this
has not worked out and therefore, we are reverting back to the 1st and 3rd Friday
evening in the Month, commencing in June. So initially, the dates are the 3rd
& 17th June, and 1st, 15th & 29th July. I am hoping to get a sailing
evening with a fun race against Worcester RGS one Friday evening before they
break up and would want to see support from the juniors for this. Potentially,
the 17th June needs to be pencilled in.
Saturday afternoon sailing was to commence with rescue cover from the 18th June
to the 27th August, however, as the Optimist and Cadet Open meetings have now
been moved to later in the year, it will now bring the start of this facility
forward one week to the 11th June, providing cover can be arranged.
We have had to move the 2nd Open Day from the 9th July to Saturday the 25th
June and would advise that there are wedding receptions / private parties booked
for the 2nd, 9th and 30th July. Although those involved accept they are booking
a Sailing Club, on the first two dates, please park where you cannot be blocked
in and also ensure the changing rooms are left tidy. (Guests are due to arrive
around 3.00pm on the first two dates).
Diary dates coming up or amended from those listed in the handbook.
11th June - Start of Saturday afternoon sailing (providing cover can be arranged)
16th June – Start of fishing season on Upper Bittell (please adhere to
the guidelines, as enclosed with handbook)
25th June – 2nd Club Open Day – (assistance from members required)
3rd July – Flag Officers & Regatta Day including Barbeque
4th – 8th – July – Solihull School training
11th – 15th July – Solihull School training
25th – 27th July – Junior Training
29th – 31st August – Junior training
17th September – Optimist Open Meeting
1st October – Cadet Open meeting
Although members are very coy in coming forward to report on their sailing successes
and achievements away from the Club, I have learnt that William Lockett has
been selected for the Laser 4.7 national summer squad and will be supported
by the RYA at the European Championships, Martyn Wrigley has been selected for
the Optimist National squad and Freddie Lockett made the Eric Twiname Championships.
Finally, I would be very interested to receive feedback back from the membership
if there are any improvements you would like the Committee to consider in planning
for the future of the Club sailing programme or facilities. Our next committee
meeting is on the 28th June and therefore, you need to forward your suggestions
to me prior to this date. Remember if it’s a problem for you it may be
a reason not to join the Club by others.
Wishing you a continued enjoyable sailing season.
Gordon Padmore
Commodore
gpadmore@opening-doors.org.uk