Family, friendship and 40 years of giving back

When John and Sheila Robinson received the news they’d been selected for an RYA Award last year, they were convinced there had been a mistake.

“When we opened the email, John said to me ‘read that, what do you think?’ We couldn't believe it, we thought somebody was pulling our leg,” Sheila recalled.

The recognition was not only real, but richly deserved. The couple has given over 40 years of service to Ullswater Yacht Club, becoming a cornerstone of the club community and setting an inspiring example of the personal rewards volunteering can bring.

John, now club President, began sailing as an eight-year-old child and moved to Ullswater after finishing university. Sheila started her own sailing journey aged 18.

They have been volunteering for the club since their first day and have played a part in every aspect of club life, from grassroots initiatives to organising national and international championships.

“We’ve been volunteering ever since we joined,” Sheila said. “The family has developed with us here. The family came, the boys have learned to sail. The grandchildren are learning to sail. Our fun has been here. The family has stayed together by playing together.”

That connection between club, community and family is something they’ve cultivated through their decades of service. One of their lasting legacies is Sailcamp, a summer training camp for junior sailors that celebrated its 40th year last year. 

They've also been key players in the organisation of the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, Ullswater’s flagship event and dubbed the ‘Glastonbury of sailing’, with Sheila coordinating safety for the 200-boat event and both taking lead roles in the event and club prize-givings.

John is also a pivotal member of ‘Monday Club’ undertaking work around the club site on a weekly basis, including reinstatement of the clubhouse in 2015 following extensive storm damage.

“Volunteering is just part of [the club],” said John. “If nobody volunteered, we wouldn't have the place because the club is the people. It's a lot more than just the building and the land. It's the people that make the club and everybody joins in and helps.”

That sense of purpose has also extended beyond their local waters. Together, they’ve helped run five World Championships with the Tempest class. For John, the appeal is clear: “Good company and good craic. And we meet all our friends from all over Europe [and America].”

‘Complete surprise’

For both, the most powerful rewards of volunteering aren’t medals or accolades but the companionship created and memories made.

“Oh, [it’s] friendships,” said Sheila, when asked what volunteering has given her.

“By volunteering, you make friends very quickly. It’s about camaraderie and community.”

“It’s the whole social thing,” John added. “You meet more people, you talk to more people, you make people welcome in the club. People who come visiting – we talk to them and hopefully they join and we'll get more people in the club promoting the sport, which is good for everybody.”

The couple’s humility underscores just why they were nominated. “We don't look for recognition. We don't look for praise,” said Sheila. “But it was just amazing getting it.”

“It was absolutely fantastic [to win the award],” John added. “It was a complete surprise.

“It is so nice to be recognised and not only recognised, but to be recognised as a couple is special.”

Their message to others is simple: don’t underestimate the impact that a nomination can make to someone special in your organisation.

“If you think there is somebody that deserves an award, you must go for it. Just go for it,” Sheila urged. “There are people all over the country volunteering who deserve this more than we do.”

And for those who’ve never dipped a toe into volunteering, John and Sheila’s story shows just how much there is to gain.

“It isn't just the sailing,” Sheila said. “If you volunteer, you'll find yourself doing things that probably you never thought, never dreamt, that you would actually have a go at doing. It's very fulfilling.

“Think about why you joined the club. Did you join just to sail, or did you join to become a part of it? By volunteering you make friends very quickly. It's back to camaraderie, community. You get out more than you put in.”

Nominate someone special

if you know anyone like John or Sheila – an everyday hero or an organisation that’s making a difference, helping others to get afloat and helping build a stronger boating community along the way – nominate them today for an RYA Impact Award.