Lorna Deakin, as part of her fourth year studies at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, is conducting research in invasive non-native species. Her research proposal aims to gauge both the public and commercial sectors� level of interest, understanding, and concern about invasive non-native species; and furthermore, attempt to ascertain whether past and present on-going efforts into publicising any relevant information (through advertising campaigns and such like) are both efficient and effective, or could otherwise be improved.

She would greatly appreciate members responses. Please use the following link

The online survey is found: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/InvasiveSpeciesCampaigns

Following a lot of work to introduce direct debits as a means of payment for subscriptions via a service called WebCollect, the membership secretary has recently sent out a couple of emails. The initial one introduces the service, and the second is the renewal notice. Please check your emails and act on them at your earliest convenience.

The slight delay will mean that those opting to pay by instalments will do so over just nine months this year (February to October). Payments will be debited at the beginning of the month, so please act on the emails quickly to ensure that the direct debit authority is in place in time for the first due instalment.

If you prefer, the service will cope with paying subscriptions in full as well.

We hope you find the process straightforward, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any problems.

Wishing you all a happy and successful 2014.

Looking forward to seeing you back on our wonderful (though challenging at times) stretch of water.

At the 62nd Annual General Meeting held in the Clubhouse on Sunday 1st December 2013 there was some healthy discussions surrounding the various reports and proposed rule changes.

The main points that were agreed:

• Subscriptions to rise by approx 2% from 1st January
• Payment of subscriptions by instalments has been formalised with introduction of direct debits
• Associate membership category withdrawn
• Rule regarding supervision of Junior members during training courses has been amended, but details will be appropriately defined by use of Bye-Laws

Prior to all that the following members were elected on to Council.

Commodore – Andy Smith
Vice-Commodore – Mark Somerville
Secretary – Pauline Nicholson
Treasurer – William Carruthers
Sailing Secretary – Jon Denwood
Rear Commodore – Stephen Kirkpatrick
Asst Sailing Secretary – Lezli-Ann Pearson
Bar – Eric/Tania Guillois
Boats & Buoys – Phil Davenport
Galley – Lucy Thomas
Grounds & Jetties – Mike Cowan
House – Alan Jones
Membership – Dave Lawson
PRO – Robin Dawson
Training – Neil Garrison
Safety – Peter Ballard
Social – Claire Duncan

Fleet Captains
Flying 15 – Graham Kirkpatrick
GP14 – Mike Fairlamb
Mirror – Mik Chappell
Handicap – Phil Davenport/Peter Ballard
Topper/Laser – Neil Garrison

After the main business of the meeting there was an open discussion with a focus on whether personal handicap racing encourages sailing or not.

This year’s prize giving was held at the Castle Inn where 70 members and guests togged up and enjoyed a three course dinner. Did the training officer really try to set the evening alight with some fire raising?

Commodore Andy Smith opted to use technology for a poetically linked photo montage in his speech before proposing a toast to the club.

His wife Emma then presented the numerous trophies to this year’s prize winners. Some of the interesting awards were

– Mik Chappell was represented with his lifetime commitment medal that he received from HRH The Princess Royal
– Kayla received a fridge magnet as the ‘token’ prize from the Jubilee Sailing Trust
– AJ won an hours family swim at the Calvert Trust for winning his ’round the laker’

Dancing to a live band then followed for the rest of the evening.

Prize winners 2013 (apologies for some picture quality)
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