HRH The Princess Royal visits Scaling Dam Sailing Club
by James Proctor 25 Sep 2014 10:29 BST
23 September 2014
HRH The Princess Royal meeting with the Club Bosun (Steve Bringloe) and chatting with other club Members © Lisa Metcalf
On the afternoon of the 23rd September Scaling Dam Sailing Club members prepared themselves for a royal visit from HRH The Princess Royal. The visit was to mark the opening of the Club's new Training and Storage facilities.
Princess Anne arrived at the Sailing Club at 2.40pm where she was greeted by the Club Commodore, Mark Lewis, (for the editor: details of the other members of the greeting party are given below) who then gave HRH a guided tour of the club and introduced her to club members, affiliates and organisations who have supported the development of the new facilities. The Princess Royal is a keen sailor herself and President of the Royal Yachting Association and she took time to talk to members about the club and sailing in great depth. She then presented the new Commodore's Trophy to David Brown, who received this in recognition of helping new club members to develop their sailing skills through hosting a sailing and social gathering every Friday evening through the season. HRH unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit and took her leave amidst cheers from young sailors from the Club and from East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre.
Commodore, Mark Lewis said "What a great day for the club – we are a volunteer club and it is great to be able to recognise everyone's contribution to making sailing at Scaling possible and such an enjoyable activity for all – as I think we all told the Princess". Vice-Commodore Andy Young also added, "The visit has generated a real buzz around the club and is in recognition of the contribution the club makes in providing watersports activities to the local community. Our new facilities will enable us to provide an even better learning experience for adults and young people on our training courses."
The new facilities were a much needed addition to the club, which will allow training courses to be supported and run in a purpose built training room fitted out with the latest teaching aids and technology. The storage area gives the club more secure storage and workshop facilities to help maintain club and members boats. The facilities were built during the winter of 2013 / 2014 by Robert Harrison and Sons after funding was secured by the club from a number of major sponsors including Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund, Yorventure and Northumbrian Water.
The Club are holding a "Come and Try" day from 1pm on Saturday October 4th. This is an opportunity for people to come and get out on the water and experience the thrill of sailing. On the day there will also be an opportunity to speak to club members and find out more about the club and sailing. Throughout the year the club offer training courses for sailing and powerboating, as well as providing sailing on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays and racing on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Come along to find out more.
Greeting Party: The Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland, Councillor Carole Simms and her Escort, Lawrence Edwards; the Chief Executive of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Amanda Skelton; the Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water Group, Heidi Mottram; the Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Sean White; RYA Regional Development Officer for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Sam Usher.