THE OPENING OF THE NEW CLUB HOUSE
EXTENTION
The new club house facility was opened today by the Mayor of Ards, Cllr Angus Carson. The weather was fine and breezy and luckily there was no rain. At 1300 there was a handicap regatta for dinghies, and the wind surfers were also out in force . The mayor, accompanied by his wife, arrived at 1600 and joined many members of the club and their guests to hear a short speech from our Commodore, David Cole-Baker. He expressed the heartfelt thanks of all club members to Laurence Baalham who managed the building of the new clubhouse and who has worked tirelessly throughout its construction saving the club many thousands of pounds. To warm applause the Commodore bestowed an Honorary Life Membership on him and then handed over a voucher for £400 to Laurence and his wife Valerie that will give them a short but well-deserved holiday break.
The new clubhouse extension. Only the glass in the balcony railing to be fitted. Picture: Bob Torrens
Councillor Angus Carson cuts tthe ribbon to open the clubhouse, accompanied by NSC Commodore David Cole-Baker, Dr David Park (founder member) and Alan Watts. Picture: Bob Torrens
In his speech the Mayor expressed his pleasure in seeing the club rise from a spot where, when he was a young lad, he had gone camping and had got wet in his tent as the tide rose to cover his feet. He said that he had personally supported the new development of the Club and was delighted that the Borough Council had been able to make a financial contribution.
The many members and guests present then had a drink and some excellent small eats, the latter having been prapared by club ladies coordinated by Liz Park . The prizes for the day's regatta were presented and then the Mayor cut the ribbon that formally opened the new building and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event.
|
