WOA National AGM - 31st January 2009

John Gozzard receiving the Rayner Challenge Plate from the Commodore, Brian Easteal

Janet Brinnand giving an informative talk on the SS Great Britain and its creator

Geoff Holt giving an inspiring talk on achieving his 'Personal Everest'

For the last three years the AGM has been held at the Four Pillars Hotel in Oxford. Following a membership survey in 2008, it was decided to try to encourage more members to attend by making it more accessible from their home town. The 2009 AGM was therefore held at the Academy Conference Centre, The Holiday Inn, Filton Road, Bristol on Saturday 31st January. The day began at 10a.m. with teas and coffees, and an opportunity to visit the boat jumble, trade stands, National Coast Watch and RNLI Sea Safety exhibitions.

Approximately 160 members attended which is the highest number for three years. The formal proceedings were opened at 11a.m. by the Commodore, Brian Easteal, who welcomed members from across Scotland, England, Wales and Jersey. He then gave a review of his first year in office. This was followed by the Treasurer’s report and Committee elections for Bernard Clarke, (Rear Commodore), Peter Minns (Treasurer), Judith Symonds(Boat Show Organiser), Dave Simner (Regalia), Mary Boylan, and Andy Truscott.

Full minutes of the meeting will be provided to members in the normal manner.

The AGM was followed by presentation of a number of prizes:

Magazine prizes were awarded to Jackie Williamson (Best 2008 article) for ‘Rally Virgins get the feel of it’, George Jepson (Best Technical article) ‘A Tale of two Westerlys’, and Bernard Clarke (Best Log) for ‘Final Passage report – Golden Eye of Chichester’.

The Commodore’s Clock went to Bill Miller for his outstanding work in re-energising the East Coast Group in 2008, at a time when it was in danger of folding.

The ‘Rayner Challenge Plate’ was awarded to John Gozzard for an account of his entry in the Jester Azores Challenge, ‘A Competitors View’ in a Westerly Griffon Pippin.

Following lunch, members enjoyed presentations by Janet Brinnand, a Trustee of the SS Great Britain which is located in the Great Western Dock, Bristol. She gave an excellent informative talk on the ship and its creator Isambard Kingdom Brunel which has encouraged members to visit the ship. The second talk of the afternoon was particularly inspiring and delivered by Geoff Holt, a paraplegic sailor, who described achieving his ‘Personal Everest’ in single handedly sailing a Trimaran on a voyage around the UK. Following the talk Geoff signed copies of his book, ‘Walking on Water’.

The Commodore closed the meeting at 1610hrs. An excellent day was enjoyed by all!