This year’s Christmas dinner celebration has been arranged for Friday 11th December 2009 in Harrogate, starting at 1930 hours. If you would like to attend and have not yet reserved your place, you can obtain the full details from Jim Halliwell.

Anyone for sailing on a Wednesday afternoon?

Now the school holidays have started it might be a good idea to attempt sailing during the week – could I suggest a Wednesday afternoon – 2pm onwards, with possibly a barbeque in the evening for those who want to. Please email round if you intend to go. Di.

Ron (left) at the WRSA Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2007

Many congratulations to Ron who has been awarded a Lifetime Commitment Award from the RYA. This is for someone who has shown exceptional committment and dedication over a period of 15 years or more.

The RYA Community Awards, launched in 2002, recognise the exceptional voluntary contribution given by individuals. These awards, seen as the ‘MBEs’ of our sport, are given to people who make a real impact on our sport at local, grass roots level. In November 2008, fifty Awards, including four in the Youth Category were presented by HRH the Princess Royal.

Ron is the longest serving member of the Club. He has been an extremely active sailor in the past, winning many trophies. He ran our beginners’ training sessions on Sunday mornings for many years; giving lessons before taking to the water and supervising the trainees. During racing he would allow learners to helm his boat, with him crewing. All of this carried out with amazing patience!

Ron joined the club in 1972 when it was in its infancy. There was only a small clubhouse, chemical toilets, and no running water. In 1981, he helped to raise money to buy and, with a lot of effort by members, erect the present clubhouse. Since then the club has gained a septic tank, running water and flushing toilets. We have acquired a motor support boat and a ride-on mower. Ron has been instrumental in all of these changes.

Ron served on the committee for a long number of years and was Commodore from 1993 to 1995. Since 1999, Ron has taken the role of Bosun both officially and unofficially. Because he has seen the club from such an early age, he takes responsiblity to repair and upkeep all aspects of the club’s site. Ron’s contribution for the last few years has focussed on constant running repairs and upkeep of the site, clubhouse, changing rooms and grounds. Any problems at all, we always say “ask Ron”. He always understands the problem and knows what has to be done. We have come to rely on Ron as the ‘father’ of the club and many members do not realise just how much he does quietly behind the scene

I think you will all agree that this is well-deserved award. Every club needs a ‘Ron’ and we are extremely fortunate to have him in ours. Well done, Ron!!