Northants sailors have Royal Award appointment
by Karenza Morton, RYA 30 Oct 2014 17:53 GMT
30 October 2014
RYA Outstanding Contribution Award winner Stewart Elder © RYA East Midlands
Three Northamptonshire sailors will receive one of the Royal Yachting Association's most prestigious awards from HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, next month in recognition of their huge contribution to the sport.
Peter and Jill Betts and Stewart Elder, all members at Hollowell Sailing Club, will be honoured with RYA Lifetime Commitment and RYA Outstanding Contribution awards respectively at sailing's national governing body's annual awards ceremony in London on Friday 21 November.
The Betts' have dedicated more than 35 years to the development of grassroots dinghy sailing locally, firstly in the management of Naseby SC for 20 years, before joining Hollowell in 2000. Their sensitive establishment of excellent relations at Hollowell SC forged a base for Naseby members to join Hollowell when it closed in 2003 and the Betts' have played a significant volunteer role in club life ever since.
Affectionately known as Hollowell's 'Grumpy Scotsman', Stewart significantly influences involvement with sailing through his determination as sailor and powerboat instructor, his management of day-to-day safety and inimitable commitment to communications. A member since 2003, he remains a keen attendee of weekly 'Wrinklies' work parties and developed a new club website two years ago.
The trio, who all live in Lutterworth, were nominated for their awards by Hollowell SC and were selected as winners by the RYA Awards panel. They will enjoy a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, and be presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Peter, Hollowell's club Bosun for over a decade, said: "We're very honoured to be recognised for something which has given us both years of pleasure and enjoyment in learning new skills and attaining new abilities.
"We get so much from being part of a club which caters for all ages and aspires to help others achieve and progress, and have loved being able to support the running of firstly Naseby and now Hollowell SC."
Jill first started sailing with her husband and their young young sons in and around Poole Harbour with Peter's brother before joining Naseby. She added: "Sailing is a sport for all ages and all abilities, from all works of life. It gives the opportunity for the individual to meet new challenges and to progress to meet their own goals. It's very pleasing for us to see young people taking up the sport and achieving far more than they would have thought."
Stewart has sailed since the Sixties with the sport playing a huge part in his career first as a care worker for people with special needs and later in the police. He said: "Hollowell is a great club to spend your time with. It has some great characters and hard workers I'm very honoured that out of them I was chosen for this award.
"Sailing is a great sport because it's a constant physical activity. You have to concentrate on what you're doing and can think about your worries after you come off the water. You need to have knowledge and understanding of many things and you never stop learning. You also meet some very interesting people with stories of great adventure. I love the self reliance and freedom experience it gives."
Club Commodore Nicola Wikinson, who nominated the trio on behalf of Hollowell SC, added: "Peter and Jill are a truly inspiring couple. Although they sail less these days they are at the club weekly and are an essential part of our community. We have the privilege of knowing them both to be gentle, discerning, wise, gracious, exceptionally knowledgeable and giving.
"Stewart has an infectious enthusiasm for a life. He is approachable, knowledgeable with an attitude that encourages people to return to the club. We are very fortunate to have him as a member."
Meanwhile there is also award success for Hollowell SC's former Chief Instructor and Sailing Secretary, Howard Nelson, who receives an RYA Regional Award. Howard played a lead role in Hollowell establishing itself as an RYA Training Centre to help boost membership in 1990s before moving from the area.
For more information about the RYA Volunteer Awards visit www.rya.org.uk or to find out more about boating in Northamptonshire visit www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands