We have now completed this year’s handbook which incorporates some minor alterations made by the Committee, or as a result of the AGM, which I hope will provide enjoyable safe sailing for all members whilst at the Club. (Collect handbook from clubhouse)

After consultation between representatives of the Fishing and Sailing Clubs, a set of guidelines drawn up by the two Clubs to accommodate their particular requirements has been produced. This again is to provide enjoyment for us all and respect for each others sport. However, if whilst setting a course you have a problem with lay lines etc., please speak politely to the fishermen concerned to explain your predicament, as they too have received a copy of the guidelines and I am sure they will accommodate your requirements. Guidelines link HERE

I would like to welcome back all those who have not sailed since the end of November and hope to see you out on the water practicing for your particular class “Open” meeting. This year, these commence with the Solo fleet on 16th April and, in general, are all completed by mid June. I would encourage all members to support their Class Captain by entering their particular “Open” meeting, as it is your opportunity to sail against similar dinghies and sailboards without interference from other classes.

As you will know, from previous global e-mails, the Club has successfully been awarded an £8,504.00 grant by Sport England to purchase four new Pico training boats which have been delivered and are ready for use on the 19th/20th March for the fully subscribed RYA level 2 Race Coaching course. Please ensure care is taken to return all of the Club boats to their respective storage areas, that they are correctly stored, and any damage / breakages reported.

This year the emphasis is on raising the profile of the Club to the outside world and what better way to begin than by entering Mandy Suggitt into the Bromsgrove District Sports Awards for “Coach of the Year” in February. Having won this Award, we extend our congratulations to her and wish her well as she now progresses to the Herefordshire & Worcestershire County Sports Partnership Awards later this month.

The Club has scheduled an array of training courses throughout the year with additional dates being added, as and when required. The extra courses will be circulated by E-mail which is proving an effective method of advising and updating members of all Club activities and events. I would however encourage you to support the Club events when you can, as your Committee is working hard on your behalf, and they too are volunteers.

As you will see from the diary dates, we are proposing to run a Royal Wedding “One Off” handicap race in the afternoon of 29th April, providing there is sufficient support, and this will be followed by a barbeque. Please watch the Club notice board regarding this, visit the Club website and read your e-mails. GALLERY

Lisa and Fred will be providing Wednesday night suppers again this year, commencing on 13th April. It is necessary for you to book your meals in advance by signing the form by the galley on Sunday or, telephoning Lisa by Tuesday evening. This is a great way of breaking the week up by finishing the day with a sail, a meal and a social.

We have recently, with Barnt Green Waters Limited and the Fishing Club, started the exciting process of planning the funding, through a grant application, for the upgrading and extending of the Ladies and Gentlemen’s changing rooms and showering facilities, to bring these up to the 21st century. >>>>>>>>>>>

At our initial meeting with Dave Cartwright of Boost, a company that sources potential funding from available grants, we put forward the idea of not only submitting plans for the changing room upgrade but also, other improvements to the overall structure and facilities around the entire estate.

We therefore have decided to break the project up in to 3 wish lists, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and would welcome your feedback on any item of expenditure you would like to see incorporated, if feasible, around the house and grounds. Please remember that the Fishing Club may also have needs that we are not aware of on Lower Bittell but could have a positive impact for us in the overall scheme.

For your Information and as a guide only;

Bronze: Upgrade and extend the Ladies & Gentlemen’s changing and shower areas including, disabled facilities to accommodate the current legislation and improved safe access from around the front of the building (water side).

Silver: As above but including, mains water being brought on to site, additional storage above the changing area and by having a pitched roof, the fitting of solar panels to improve our green credentials in an SSI area, thus improving the heating and lighting facilities, and installing internet and a hearing loop system in the main clubroom.

Gold: As with Silver but incorporating, the resurfacing of the car park area, and the removal and rebuilding of the Sailing Club boat sheds in a brick finish, to improve security.

Please note, the above are only a suggested list of wishes to provide you with an idea of the extent of the thinking but as previously stated, I would very much welcome your input in writing to gpadmore@opening-doors.org.uk, as I am unable to remember everyone’s suggestion during a brief chat, generally on a Sunday. I would also welcome offers of help from any architects, quantity surveyors etc. whom we may have within the Club membership.

May I remind everyone of the Club tradition that for those who have the misfortune and necessity to use the rescue service during racing, on returning to the shore, they should put a £1.00 into the RNLI box on the bar.

The RNLI recently wrote to the Club thanking us for our donation in excess of £88.00 towards their Organisation which is considerably higher than the previous year and leads me to think, it must have been windy during the year.

Finally, may we ask all Rescue and Assistant Rescue Officers, and all other powerboat users to take care when manoeuvring the rescue boats over shallow water and around the concrete slipways, as by doing this, it is hoped we will protect the £135.00 prop guards!

I wish everyone a good sailing season and trust that you achieve your personal goals.

Yours in sailing

Gordon Padmore

Commodore ( March 2011 )