Lifetime honour for Shropshire sailing star
An outstanding contribution to local sailing has earned a Shropshire volunteer a prestigious award presented to her by The Princess Royal.
Elaine Westwood, from Bridgnorth, received the Royal Yachting Association's Lifetime Commitment Award last Friday.
The Chelmarsh Sailing Club member is one of 47 winners from across the UK. They were honoured for their commitment to the sport at a ceremony in Westminster. She was presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate by HRH, who is president of the Association.
She said: "When the letter arrived telling me about the award I checked the name on the envelope thinking it must have come to the wrong person. When I realised it was for me I was obviously delighted.
"The sport has given me so much, not least being able to share an activity with many different people both here and abroad. Our best ever holiday was sailing in Greece. Sailing is a sport you can participate in at any age and any level, from the beginner to the most skilled sailor. You can be a member of a like-minded community where everyone simply has the intention of enjoying themselves afloat."
Westwood has played a pivotal role in the success of Chelmarsh Sailing Club by encouraging more local people into the sport.
Having joined in 1986, she supported the club's social and shore-based activities. She carries out many duties, such as administering entries, fee collection and recording, compiling and publishing race results, and bulb planting.
Duncan Truswell, RYA sport development manager, added: "The RYA Volunteer Awards are all about celebrating the commitment of the countless volunteers who do fantastic work to support our sport. These people are the lifeblood of our sport, they keep our sailing clubs, events and organisations thriving and make it possible for others to get out on the water."
