RDO Blog November 2019

Hi everyone,

As we continue our planning for next season, it’s a great time to be thinking about your Club’s volunteers – what roles they do and how you value them as a club. The recent RYA Volunteer Survey found that whilst 92% of those asked were either ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with their volunteering experience, 14% of members had not completed any tasks or volunteering duties in the last 12 months. Clubs often find that this results in fewer volunteers taking on a large proportion of duties, yet 47% of members want to contribute more to their Clubs. So how do we deal with this? You can find out more thoughts and ideas at the RYA Affiliated Club Conference on Saturday 23 November (more information below) but we would also like to hear your ideas. Has your Club done something innovative in terms of getting volunteers involved, or demonstrating good practice that you’d like to share with others? If so, please get in touch with Robbie.bell@rya.org.uk

Affiliated Club Conference

The RYA East Affiliated Club Conference is now just around the corner, taking place on Saturday 23 November at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. Bookings are looking very encouraging, with around 100 delegates representing 50 Clubs, so please ensure that your Club does not miss out – you can send up to 4 delegates to this day of free workshops and networking. Our keynote speaker is RYA CEO Sarah Treseder, talking on the conference theme of ‘Putting People First’. Delegates can take part in a wide range of workshops, from exploring development opportunities with coaches and instructors to working with volunteers, environmental matters, growing membership to employment law, meeting your Regional Committee, plus much more. The event is ideal for committee members, with the opportunity to meet members from other clubs in your region. Lunch and all refreshments will be provided. You can see the full agenda and booking links here.

RYA East Cruising Conference

The next day, Sunday 24 November, sees the inaugural RYA East Cruising Conference also taking place at the Royal Hospital School, Ipswich. There is a packed programme of interesting and informative speakers and sessions throughout the day, with the chance to hear from industry experts on a range of topics aimed at supporting sailing and cruising activity. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking. RYA Director of External Affairs, Howard Pridding, is the keynote speaker. Howard will be able to share valuable insight from the work of the Government Affairs and Cruising Department on all of the current hot topics, including Brexit and how it may affect boating. With lunch, teas and coffees included, the cost is just £10 to RYA members and £20 to non-members – don’t miss out and book now!

Lastly, on behalf of the RYA East team, I would like to congratulate Holly Hancock, RYA Regional Communicator and Sailing Development officer, on the amazing achievement of completing her PhD and becoming a Doctor of Law. Holly is well known to many of you, having been a Sailing Development Officer in the East for more than 10 years. Holly is our lead for funding advice in the region and continues to support the work of clubs and centres throughout Norfolk and further afield. Well done Holly, we are privileged to work with you.

Hope to see you at the Affiliated Club Conference if not before - don’t forget to keep us updated with your latest news (Twitter: @RYAEast and Facebook: RYA East Region).

Robbie