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Joe Owen (Water Activity Development Officer) being presented |
Sailing in the right direction
Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club are welcoming all to jump aboard in the New Year and experience some of their exciting new pursuits.
Ever since the refurbishment and extension of the premises at Bridge Street, a welcome breeze has lifted the mood of the area and the club are really beginning to sail in the right direction.
Below is a brief update of the club's activities over the past few months:
- All were present during a warm and sunny October afternoon for the opening of the new look club and enjoyed a spectacle of boats on the water. Contributors from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Northern Rock Foundation and Sport England attended the event.
- Sir John Riddell, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and Queens Attendant, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the site as President of the Sailing Club. Sport England made the day even more fulfilling by offereing additional funding to the club!
- The Royal Yacht Association (RYA) has recognised the sailing club as a RYA Recognised Training Centre. This has paved the way for national standards sailing course at Newbiggin for both adults and children. Thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly to push for the approval.
- Although sailing may be out of season during this time of year, the club braved the elementsot host its Winter Open competition at Woodhorn Lake. A total of 27 boats set sail including competitors from Newbiggin and some coming to the local area from as far afield as Yorkshire.
- Right now, the club are working with Positive Futures, a group from East Ashington. The group help children to overcome learning barriers and have teamed up with the Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club to hold some exciting courses.
- On Armistice Day the community gathered at the sailing club to hold a memorial service in front of a First World War memorial board uncovered in the Woodhorn Colliery Museum. The board bears the names of soldiers from Newbiggin by the Sea. It is soon to be refurbished by the Royal British Legion and will have a permanent home at Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club.
Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club will be wetting appetites with their proposals for 2006. Preparations are being made to:
- Expand on existing training programmes.
- Hold more open meetings that are accessible to everyone.
- Introducing basic sit on top canoeing classes.
- Organise corporate team building days with sailing exercises.
With promising times ahead we look to position Newbiggin by the Sea as one of the leading sailing centres in the North, so why not come down in the New Year and have boat loads of enjoyment!
