Andrew Simpson Foundation open new Watersports Centre at Burghfield

(l-r) David Irwin, BSC Rear Commodore, Paul Outram, ASWC Reading Centre Manager, Miles Bradbury, ASF Chairman, Wynn Kenrick, BSC Ex Commodore, Andrew Holmes, ASF Volunteer, Richard Percy, ASF CEO, Tim Anderton, ASF Community Funding & Development © ASF

The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) is delighted to announce the opening of a new Watersports Centre in Reading. This is following a merger with the Berkshire Sailing Training Centre (BSTC), a local Charity based at Burghfield Sailing Club. The merger has resulted in BSTC's charitable assets (boats & equipment, building and remaining funds) being transferred to the ASF, enabling them to pick up and build upon the impact that BSTC has achieved within the local community.

The Andrew Simpson Foundation has renamed the facility, the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre – Reading and will operate the facility as a not-for-profit watersports centre all-year round, aiming to inspire and increase participation in sailing and other watersports.

Alongside a well-established centre based at the National Sailing Academy, Portland and a new Watersports Centre in Portsmouth, ASWC - Reading will help fulfil the Andrew Simpson Foundation's charitable objectives via the delivery of their flagship Community Sailing Programmes to their local area, offering affordable sailing to young people aged five to twenty-four.

The seven programmes aim to help with physical, mental, social and financial disadvantages, giving access to regular sailing sessions; the opportunity to learn key skills, develop as individuals and reach their potential.

Bernard Fyans, BSTC Chairman spoke of the merger - "BSTC has operated at Theale Lake for over 50 years under various titles providing sail training for children. The Trustees and I are really pleased that we have merged with another charity with similar objectives but with much wider resources."

Miles Bradbury, ASF Chairman added "The Foundation is delighted to have extended our UK presence to include a Centre in the Thames Valley region and to be given the opportunity to take on the charitable work of the Berkshire Sail Training Centre. Andrew grew up in this region and sailed here, so this is a particularly poignant and exciting step as we continue to grow our charitable activities."

All proceeds generated from the teaching of sailing and watersports to the public will allow the Andrew Simpson Foundation to continue broadening horizons and improving the lives of disadvantaged young people.

#sailonbart

To find out more about the Centre's activities please contact:

Paul Outram
Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre - Reading

Nathan Staley
Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre - Portsmouth

Alex Porter
Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre – Portland