And so to the next fifty years

by Gordon Winterton

 

As the date of my resignation as Commodore of the Club draws closer, I have given some thought to what I would be saying after October 31st were I still in office.
   

Many things have happened in the last ten years, most of them for the better. The decline in membership and the shortening of periods on the river we called 'Club Cruising' are two features of which I am not proud. But we are still very active: the Constitution has been reformed, girls now cruise and race, we sponsor races.

There are reasons for the smaller intake and we all know them. The Club is no longer firmly based on teachers in schools who devoted time, money and energy to running cruises for seven or eight weeks, and sometimes more. They are now older, married or, in some cases, dead. Our method of enrolment was simple . . . boys or girls came when asked. We were proud of that and it served us well.

Despite all the inventions of the age of communication, that remains the only way to continue enrolment. We have relaxed our rules somewhat but the principle remains the same: invite people to sail and if we like them, invite them to join. With a solid membership and an active committee that is not difficult. Many already do it and I trust they will continue.
And, if this sounds like a rather gloomy swansong, it is not so meant. I am well aware of the new boat owners, Bob with White Rose and Mark with Melody, and the enthusiastic participation of the Third Generation, Daisy, Catherine, Eddie, Camilla, Martin Rodford, only fourteen and has already sailed three weeks, and Michael Deuville, from France, who is a mate after sailing with us seven times.We just need a few more, for the future is in their hands.
For as long as there are owners with boats to sail and youngsters keen to sail them, the prospect of the Green Wyvern Yachting Club surviving another fifty years is encouraging.

 

 

Gordon Winterton
Commodore
October 2000

 

Gordon