Royal date for Shropshire sailing stalwart
A sailing stalwart from Shropshire has been presented with a top award by the Princess Royal for his tireless voluntary work.
Vaughan Jones, from Chelmarsh Sailing Club, near Bridgnorth, was awarded the Royal Yachting Association's Lifetime Commitment Award. Mr Jones, who has been a member at Chelmarsh for more than 30 years, received the honour from Princess Anne, who is also president of the association, at the organisation's annual awards ceremony on Friday.
Chelmarsh commodore Peter Wilson said: "Vaughan's consistent and enduring contribution to the club over a considerable number of years has been inspirational to others who have followed him in volunteering for club service.
"All of us at Chelmarsh Sailing Club are pleased to offer our congratulations on an award that is so richly deserved."
Mr Jones was praised for helping people gain confidence in the water, ensuring young members received a warm welcome and for encouraging longer standing members to keep sailing.
Mr Jones said he was inspired by books such as Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons and C.S. Forester's Hornblower series, before putting theory in practice on a sailing holiday in the Norfolk Broads in 1957.
He said: "Half a century on I'm still learning. The skills and knowledge gained in sailing many types of boat has allowed me to meet and compete with and against some of the nicest people you could find.
"My biggest pleasure has come from helping others to enjoy sailing as I have and continue to do.
"Playing a small part in helping my club and the sport grow and hopefully prosper into the 21st century is a real privilege.
"At individual level sailing emphasises the virtues of resourcefulness and self reliance.
"Also, experiencing the challenges of sailing leads to the tremendous fellowship I've been lucky enough to experience over the years.
"It's an honour to win this award and it gives me great pleasure to know my club and the association considers my humble efforts worthy of recognition."
Mr Jones enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal and was presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
By James Fisher
