Community Awards 

Three Thames Valley sailors have received RYA Community Awards for Lifetime Commitment 

Three Thames Valley and London sailors, Clive Church, Jeff Manning, and Peter Simpson were each presented with one of the RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards, an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award on Wednesday (23 November) by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony held at London’s One Great George Street.

A total of 48 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Hayling Island and Loch Tummel, Scotland.

Clive Church

Clive Church was nominated for his award by Cookham Reach Sailing Club and was selected as a winner by the Awards panel for his work. In nominating Clive the club said of him: ‘He has been a member the club for over 20 years, and has always been generous with the time and energy he puts into the club.

‘He ensures the smooth running and development of the club, doing both routine maintenance and upkeep of the clubhouse and development of the club’s facilities. His work not only helps to retain current members but also attracts new recruits to the sailing scene.

'Clive has always been the man to turn to for reliable maintenance skills and advice no matter what the task involves. He approaches every task with a well thought out plan and has the skills to take on any engineering or building related job.

‘As well as his practical contributions, Clive has also helped with the running of the club. He was Vice Commodore in the mid-1990s, going on to be Commodore for three years. From 2001 to 2010 Clive was the club’s bosun, and was entirely responsible for the club’s boats, as well as all other equipment on the site. He does all this with a constant smile on his face; he is unfailingly cheerful.’

Clive said: “I’m very proud to have been put forward for this award by Cookham Reach Sailing Club, it was most unexpected.

“It was a most memorable day, in a stunning venue at the Institute of Civil Engineers, George Street London. Together with my wife Sue we had the honour of sitting next to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal during the lunch celebrations, a wonderful lady with an abundance of enthusiasm for all sport and an excitement with regard to sailing.

“Being presented with the Life Time Award topped the day and I would like to add my sincere thanks to the RYA, Cookham Reach Sailing Club and to all volunteers who make this one of the UK’s leading sports.”

Jeff Manning

Jeff Manning was nominated for his award by Henley Sailing Club, which said of him: ‘Since the late 1979s Jeff has been a committee member in every possible role; Flag Officer, Commodore, and now Hon Secretary for the last 13 years, providing invaluable support to recent Commodores. That represents 32 years of continuous service to the club; an amazing achievement.

‘Jeff continues to be an active sailor, encouraging new and old members alike into river sailing and sharing his extensive knowledge.

‘Henley is one of the oldest club’s in the country and Jeff is passionate about the club’s history. He carefully archives all the old photos, records and documents and is extremely knowledgeable about its history.

‘Jeff is willing to tackle any tasks that will benefit the club, ranging from dealing with intricacies of the local authority licensing rules, to stripping down the diesel engine of the club’s elderly launch. He is loyal, completely committed to the club, incredibly hard working and well regarded by all the club’s members. The smooth running of the club and its committees is due in large part to his on-going efforts and enthusiasm.’

Jeff said: “I was surprised and very honoured to be nominated by Henley SC members for the Lifetime Commitment Award and to be presented with this accolade by the RYA Council.

“The award ceremony in London came after a drinks reception that the Princess Royal attended, talking to all of the guests before lunch. The awards were presented by Her Royal Highness in a separate ceremony. I found HRH very easy to talk to and we shared some small talk whilst on stage together before having a photograph taken.

“I would like to thank the RYA for organising a wonderful day.”

Peter Simpson

Peter Simpson was nominated for his award by Tamesis Sailing Club. In nominating Peter the club said of him: ‘Since he joined the club in 1975, Peter has fulfilled many roles including a stint as Commodore. In particular he ran the Cadet section for many years, introducing a great numberof youngsters to the joys of sailing.

‘He has also served as honorary bosun for many years, ensuring that the club’s rescue launches are in a fit state to be used for training and the race programme, and he also maintains the clubs other training boats.

‘Despite no longer being in charge of the Cadet section, Peter continues to go to each session to help run the launches and is on hand with his wealth of knowledge to offer his help and advice.

‘As well as Peter’s commitments on the club’s Management Committee, he continues to race at the club on a regular basis. Peter is a quiet person, but without him and others like him, clubs such as Tamesis would struggle to provide the high level of services and support they do, at prices that make the sport accessible to all.’

Peter said of receiving the award: “Crumbs – I was very pleased. The club hadn’t told me of the nomination so I was totally surprised and delighted, and I’ve been to the club today to show them the award.

“The awards ceremony was really well organised and I enjoyed the lunch with my daughter, her husband and a friend. Her Royal Highness spoke to all the guests.”

Clive, Jeff and Peter and the other RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.

Sarah Treseder, RYAChief Executive says: “The RYA is delighted to make this RYA Volunteer Award in recognition of their enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’contribution to the Thames Valley region’s sailing scene. All 48 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards.”