Pair on the right tack for awards
TWO members of Redesmere Sailing Club have been presented with awards for their contributions to the club.
Geof Weston and Rachel Ward, who both sail at the club near Capesthorne, were recognised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) for their work to help the club develop as a venue for training as well as competition and pleasure sailing, and were presented with their award by HRH The Princess Royal, President of the Royal Yachting Association.
Rachel, of Monshall Drive, Macclesfield, started sailing at Resdesmere with her dad when she was little.
Now she takes her own daughters sailing, seven year old daughter Poppy and Isobel, three, who is just starting out.
Rachel, who runs her own business, started by volunteering as an assistant on sailing courses and then became a dinghy instructor.
She has been Commodore of the club and then Chief Instructor and Principal of the Training Centre helping to develop an inclusive sailing club open to all abilities and providing opportunities for every member.
Rachel ,who is married to Steve, said: “It’s great to get the recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in over the last 12 years. - I didn’t realise how much I did until I see it all on paper.
“I don’t get on the water as often as I like but I try.
“You don’t have to think about anything, you can just feel the wind in your hair, and it’s a real adrenaline rush too.”
Grandfather of five Geof, 76, has been part of the sailing community in Cheshire for more than 40 years and a driving force at Redesmere for more than half that time. He received a Lifetime Contribution Award.
The former King’s student was a key player in the Cheshire Schools Sailing and Canoeing Association (CSSCA) which uses Redesmere as a venue.
Geof, who lives in Congleton, said: “I was thrilled to get this award, it was a wonderful experience.”
Duncan Truswell, RYA sport development manager said: “The RYA Volunteer Awards are all about celebrating the commitment of the countless volunteers who do fantastic work to support boating in all its forms.
“These people are the lifeblood of our sport; they keep our sailing clubs, events and our organisations thriving and make it possible for others to get out on the water.”
For more information about the club go to redesmere.org.uk.