BLYM Newsletter - February 2024

We are excited to share some important updates and express our gratitude to our dedicated volunteers as we gear up for the 2024 season.

Updates to the BLYM teams

As part of our growth and evolution, we want to thank Ben Constable and Ed Bourton, who have served as BLYM's RYA Principal and Chief Sailing Instructor respectively. As they move forward in their careers they have decided it's time to hand these critical roles over. We warmly welcome Malcom Talbot and Sam King, who will be taking these roles on for this coming season.

As Sam King transitions into his new role as Chief Instructor, he's passing the torch for Instructor Development to Molly Losty. If you've completed your sailing qualifications and are passionate about sharing your knowledge with others, we encourage you to volunteer your time and refine your skills through our instructor training program. It's a fantastic opportunity to give back to the sailing community and gain valuable experience. For more information or to express your interest, please reach out to Molly directly.

Graham Thomas has decided it is time to hand over the responsibility of being BLYM’s Treasurer. Graham’s contribution has been significant and was reflected in the award he received at the Laying Up Supper. Graham is handing this role to Bhavesh Chauhan who has kindly volunteered to take on this critical role.

David Ridout will lead the BLYM Leadership Team (BLT), with a view to finding a new BLT chair towards the end of the year. The BLT is focused on ensuring the safe and efficient operational running of BLYM. It is comprised of a team of volunteers who are passionate about contributing to the day-to-day activities. We welcome interest in the BLT Chair role, or general interest in getting involved with BLT, to reach out to David Ridout or Mark Colston.

We also extend a warm welcome to André Roy, who has joined the Trustee team with significant experience in management, operating within charities/ not-for-profits and technology strategy. André is already well immersed in starting to shape BLYM's IT strategy (more news to come) and helping with refreshing the BLYM five-year strategy.

We also warmly welcome Lin Blake who will be working with Chris Hallet on securing new wardens and keeping our volunteers engaged.

Thank you also to Paul Childerhouse (a.k.a. Chilly) for volunteering to take on the management of BLYM’s facilities. Chilly has already been working hard to get everything ready for the upcoming season. He is also taking a leading role in moving the final stage of the building project forward, including the liaison with our contractors and the Three Rivers District Council (TRDC). If you notice anything that needs attention, please let Chilly know.

Save the Date - Opening Saturday 23 March

BLYM reopens for Splash Day on 23 March, feel free to come down to help reopen the base – all help is welcome. General Sailing will then continue every Saturday throughout the season. The Splash Club, an after-school program, starts on 29 May and continues every Wednesday from 4 pm.

Volunteer Opportunities - General Sailing Volunteers Urgently Needed

We urgently need more volunteers to become wardens or assistant wardens for General Sailing and Splash Club. Extensive training and support will be provided. Please contact Chris Hallett, Malcolm Talbot, or Lin Blake.

RYA Training School - all courses available online

Explore our website for a variety of sailing and powerboating courses for all levels, starting at Easter including:

• RYA Youth Sailing Courses (9 - 16)
• RYA Adult Sailing Courses (16+)
• RYA Intermediate & Advanced Sailing Courses - RYA Seamanship + Spinnakers
• RYA Powerboat Courses
• Shorebased Courses - RYA First Aid 

Youth Team

A huge thank you to Molly Losty for chairing the youth team so successfully last season. Welcome new Youth Team Chairs, Francesca Rollinson and Owen Skinner.

Our Annual Funday is planned for June (date to be confirmed) and stay tuned for more exciting youth team events and activities.

Stakeholder Forum

The Stakeholder Forum will shortly be launched for group input and feedback, led by André Roy and Katie Mac. Self Managed Groups will be contacted soon about renewing their 2024 membership (note prices have been kept the same as 2023). 

Finally and huge thank you to all our volunteers and members for your continued support

Best wishes,
The Trustees and BLT

Key Contacts

• Chair of Trustees: Mark Colston
• Operational queries: David Ridout
• Instructor inquiries: Molly Losty
• Finance-related matters: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Warden and volunteering inquiries: Chris Hallett, Malcolm Talbot, or Lin Blake
• Building and site matters: Chilly
• Stakeholder Forum inquiries: André Roy or Katie Mac
• Youth team: Katie Mac

Emails

• Mark Colston - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• David Ridout - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Molly Losty - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Chris Hallett - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Malcolm Talbot - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Lin Blake - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Chilly - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• André Roy - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Katie Mac - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.