A right Royal occasion it was too

Despite a forecast for rain, the long awaited day dawned sunny and bright, with a fair wind – ideal conditions for sailing and a visit by HRH The Princess Royal. We got both!

Arriving by helicopter, HRH was welcomed by Bryan Rowley, Sailability Chairman, who introduced Bob Bailey who was to take her round Peterborough’s Sailability operation at Ferry Meadows.

Her first stop was to chat to some of the disabled sailors, their carers and families. She asked them what they liked about coming to sail, and how far they have progressed through the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Achievement Scheme.

Next, Princess Anne was introduced to Rosie, one of our wheelchair heelchair sailors sailors, and watched as she was hoisted into a Challenger trimaran to enjo enjoy the freedom of the water.

Some of the Volunteer Helpers e explained plained their variari ous jobs at Sailability, before HRH moved on to name our n new Deben Lugger “Blue Bird”. Following the naming ce ceremony she was presented with a posy by Jenny Wilson, one of our very enthusiastic i sailors. After the Royal Party departed a plaque was unveiled in front of the main building recording a successful u – and for all at Sailabilty ve very exciting – visit.

Rotary is very well represe sented in Sailability; all four lo local clubs support the enterprise with at least one active volunteer o from each club. As well as providing essential practical assistance Rotary also l continues to offer valuab able financial help to keep th the Sailability operation afl afloat. A wonderful example of Rotarians giving time and expertise x to serve our local co community.

Footnote: In Rotary Corner July 3rd I reported on another Rotary flagship community activity, Kids Out, when disadvantaged children are taken for an amazing day out at Wicksteed Park. I can now add that 22 tired children had arrived in the UK from Belarus to be met by the Friends of the Children of Chernobyl (FOCC) group. Deepings Rotary club made sure these children, still recovering from the effects of radiation, did not miss out. 11 boys and 11 girls descended in a frenzy upon Wicksteed Park to join in the fun.

On such a wonderful hot day they especially enjoyed all the rides and their ice creams, kindly donated by the Deepings Interact Club. Cecilia Hammond, the local Children of Chernobyl facilitator, said “The Kids Out trip was one of the highlights of the children’s visit to the UK.” Well done Rotary.