Friends of Rutland Sailability
The ‘Friends of Rutland Sailability’
are our Ambassadors and Supporters in the Community.
They play an invaluable part by:
Identifying and recommending people with disabilities who might come and try sailing with us.
Encouraging individuals to give a little of their time to come to Sailability to help our sailors and support our activities.
Making regular donations to our funds that may be Gift Aided to increase their value.
‘Friends’ are always welcome
to visit the Club to see Sailability in Action.
They receive regular Club publications and invitations to Club social events, Supporters Day, etc.
There are opportunities to become involved in the management of ‘Friends’ – arranging events, etc.
'Friends of RS' at Supporters Day on 26 September
alongside their Windrider 17 sailboat
More details can be obtained from Mike Baumber – Tel: 01780-740289 or email: michael.baumber@btinternet.com
‘You Cannot Be Serious!’
Over
200 people gathered at Greetham Valley Hotel, Rutland, on Saturday
evening 26 November, for the first ever Friends of Rutland Sailability
Charity Dinner. Organised by Friend, John Mason, the evening included a
sumptuous meal followed by a hilarious Heads and Tails session before
Alan Gray MBE entertained us.
Alan is an international tennis official – regularly officiating at grand slam championships, including linesman duties and umpiring at Wimbledon and other famous venues. Supported by video and stills from the history of tennis – all prepared by RS member John Deane, the presentation took us from the early days of modern lawn tennis up to the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, via the new roof on Centre Court, disputes with Hawkeye and film of John McEnroe's famous ‘You Cannot Be Serious!’ explosion!
A raffle organised by Friend, Peter Seagrave and a team of ladies, raised £680; Heads and Tails raised over £160 and an auction of exciting items raised another £460. This put over £1,300 into Sailability funds – with a little extra coming from the sale of the dinner tickets. At the same event, John Mason presented RS Chairman Malcolm Sutcliffe with a cheque for £3,113.55 – raised at events organised by John during his year as Seniors Captain at Rutland County Golf Club.
Everyone enjoyed the surroundings of Greetham Valley Hotel – the meal and service were super and Alan’s talk went down very well. We are most grateful to everyone who helped to organise the event, provide raffle and auction prizes and to the guests who supported the evening. We hope to return to Greetham Valley in 2012 – so do watch this space!’ said Friends of Rutland Sailability coordinator Mike Baumber.
Additional Photos are available in the Photo Gallery
If you would like to know about future Friends of Rutland Sailability events, do call Mike Baumber on 01780-740289 or email: michael.baumber@btinternet.com
Friends of Rutland Sailability And Their Guests Meet The Rutland Ospreys!
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Chris Emmet and Wendy Halford Presented Their Experiences with Rutland Sailability |
110 Friends of Rutland Sailability, members of Rutland Sailability and their guests attended the annual Friends Reception at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel on the evening of 8 June 2011. After reception drinks in the evening sunshine, the evening started with two short presentations by Rutland Sailability members.
Chris Emmet spoke about how Rutland Sailability enables him to sail again, after Multiple Sclerosis had driven away all thoughts of continuing with his sailing pastime. He told everyone how excited he became when he joined Rutland Sailability and how the club now provides a stimulating and enjoyable sport for him.
Wendy Halford joined Rutland Sailability as a helping member last year. She described the joy and satisfaction she gets from helping the disabled sailors, joining in the social activity and being a member of Rutland Sailability. Many guests expressed their wonder at what people with disabilities can do, especially in the specially designed and adapted boats, supported by trained and qualified helpers. Both Chris and Wendy thanked Friends of Rutland Sailability and the many other sponsors and donors who help to make sailing on Rutland Water possible.
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Dr and Mrs Howard with Tim Mackrill of The Rutland Osprey Project
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Dr Howard with |
Dr Howard with Martin Sutcliffe |
The main event of the evening was a presentation by Tim Mackrill, Leader of the Rutland Osprey Project, based at Egleton, on the shore of Rutland Water. Tim supplemented a fascinating talk about the introduction of Ospreys to Rutland with stunning photographs and video - some live from the Osprey nests. The introduction of Ospreys to Rutland Water in 1997 has led to successful breeding and an increase in the number of Ospreys that now call Rutland their 'home.' We heard about '08' - who has returned to Rutland Water every year since 1999 - but who has recently gone missing! This absence has not yet been explained, but steps have been taken to rear at least one of '08's' 2011 chicks in order to maintain the hereditary line for the future. More can be seen and learned about The Rutland Water Ospreys by visiting www.ospreys.org.uk
 Peter Lawson, Mrs Pat Morley and Mrs Elizabeth Mills |
A raffle rounded off the evening - including a tempting selection of dining and accommodation vouchers at local establishments, a steam train trip and a cruise on Rutland Water.
Our especial thanks to Ed Burrows and his staff at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, for sponsoring the venue; to Wm Morrisons Supermarket for the food we enjoyed, to the donors of the raffle prizes and to everyone who joined us on 8 June and supported the event. Around £1,000 was raised for Sailability funds
