Kielder Water sailor receives national honour
Kielder Water sailor, Michael Collins from West Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, was presented with his RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Community Award medal by Martin Peacock, Chairman of the RYA North East Region at Kielder Water Sailing Club on Saturday 21st April.
Michael Collins was nominated for this prestigious award by officials within Kielder Water Sailing Club as a token of their appreciation for all the hours of unpaid hard work he does around the club. The nomination was unanimously supported by the 350 members of the club, most of whom depend on Michael’s voluntary work around the club. Michael’s pre-retirement career as an engineer in the Merchant Navy has proved invaluable as he single-handedly undertakes the servicing of all the Club’s outboard motors, as well as other tasks including renovating the jetty, repainting and relaying the racing marks, repairing heaters, VHF radios and the storeroom roof.
Mention should also be made of Michael’s wife Jo, who supports him throughout his activities at the club and is herself a key member of the club, restocking the galley every week; a mammoth task given the 100 mile round trip to and from Kielder. A full time job in itself!
"Without Michael and his wife the club would be a poorer place," said Club Official Steve Gibbon in the original citation. "There are no trophies for individuals like Mike but I hope this nomination goes some way to expressing our many thanks."
Viola Scott, Commodore of Kielder Water Sailing Club echoed these words as she announced the award presentation on Saturday. "Nothing gives me greater pride and pleasure than to see Michael and Jo receive this commendation for their work around the club."
Martin Peacock, Chairman of the RYA North East Region, commented, "The continuing development of the sport of sailing rests on the back of all the unsung volunteers like Michael Collins and his wife. It is great to see Kielder Water Sailing Club thriving and attracting members from all around the north east and welcoming visiting sailors from up and down the country."
