The Westerly Owners' Association - AGM

The 2012 AGM

The 2012 AGM will be held on Saturday 28 January at the RNLI Lifeboat College, Poole.

The 2011 AGM

A record number of 196 members attended the AGM at the RNLI Lifeboat College, Poole this year. Some arrived on Friday and enjoyed a tour of the College facilities which was a very enjoyable event especially the Lifeboat bridge simulator.

After registration Saturday morning, coffee was available and a chance to view the trade stands, boat jumble and Area Group displays. The amount of boat jumble seems to increase every year. Members were able to bring expired flares with them for collection by RNLI; almost 500 were handed in!

The formal meeting began at 11am and we were welcomed by Geraldine Grainger, Principal of the Lifeboat College. She told us that the College has two main functions, mainly for training but also for leisure which produces revenue. The Commodore, Bernard Clarke, welcomed members from England, Wales, Scotland, Jersey and the Netherlands. He reviewed the past year and this was followed by the Treasurer’s report and election of officers. These were: John Ruskin (PR and Communications), Judith Symonds (Vice Commodore) and Andy Truscott (Rear Commodore). The positions and responsibilities of all Committee members were then confirmed. There still remains one vacancy on the committee but no member was proposed from the floor. Full minutes of the meeting will be provided to members in the normal way.

Following the formal part of the meeting, Christine Bull delivered her report and presented the magazine prizes. Mike Crummy was awarded the prize for the best magazine article, ‘Leaves from Annabella’s log’. Best log was won by Barry and Linda Edmonds for ’Sovereign Lady through the Canal de Midi’.

Robert Jones, Technical Editor, presented the prize for the best technical article. This was awarded to Jim MacDonald for ’Crevice Corrosion on a Westerly 33’.

Bernard then thanked retiring committee members Pete Minns, Dave Simner, Mary Boylan and John Maries and presented them with engraved tumblers. John was not able to be present to receive his so it has been sent to him with our thanks.

The Navigators and General Photographic Trophy had attracted 44 entries and these had been reduced to a shortlist of 10, which were shown to the meeting. The trophy was awarded to Ken Dougall for his photo, ‘Pemva moored at Arisaig’. The prize winning picture is on the front cover of this magazine.

The Rayner Challenge Plate was awarded to Sue and Bill Redgrove for their challenging adventures in Camomile.

The Commodore’s Clock was awarded to Gary McGuire for his work and encouragement to re-invigorate the Ireland Group.

A generous buffet lunch was provided by the Lifeboat College and some members went round twice for second helpings! Members then returned to their seats for the afternoon speakers. The first was a surprise additional speaker, Mark Covell, who gave us a taster, plus short and exciting video clips, in preparation for his return next year. It certainly whetted our appetites to hear more.

The main speakers were Dick Durham and Andrew Bishop. Dick told us of his interesting and amusing experiences including many encounters with mud on the east coast. Andrew gave us all advice on how to prepare both ourselves, our boats and the equipment needed for Blue Water sailing.

The afternoon session closed at 4.30pm. Some members made their way home after an enjoyable day but many stayed to sample the College bar and restaurant in the evening.