by John Moulton
During the month of July I received a letter from the RYA (Royal Yachting Association), I had been nominated by the Commodore of Bolton Sailing Club for a volunteer award and that the nomination had been successful To receive the award I needed to go to London on the 11th November for a luncheon and prize giving The invite included one other, and we had to keep it a secret due to the RYA wanting control of any publicity.
I, of course, accepted and sent the required photos of myself and the club house, so a new suit and a new frock for Carol and we waited the day with some trepidation.
Our son and family live in Bedfordshire so we spent the weekend with them. Paul and Emma said they would come into London with us so that saved any confusion with trains, underground and time schedules (needed to be there for 11:00). So, up early, suited and booted, off to the station 20 minutes away, and after several tube trips we emerged out of Westminster tube station.
The venue, One Great George Street, was a Grade 2 listed building and the head quarters of the institute of Civil Engineers, and has 21 function rooms. As its only a few hundred yards from Big Ben we got there by 10:15. We left the family at the door and went through security then on to the cloakroom.
We went up the main staircase had a photo taken (no idea were that finished up) then up to reception for badges. We had to be in our seats by 11:15, so we managed to sneak down to the cafeteria for a quick coffee.
The recipients had named seats, the visitors could sit anywhere in the centre of the room. The room was set out like a cinema/theatre with a low stage and screen.
The Princess Royal arrived promptly and took an active part in the AGM followed by a short speech focused on voluntary work. We were now up to the presentations. We went up in alphabetical order as our names were announced and a picture of the club displayed. I noticed that the Princess turned and looked at every picture prior to shaking hands and the presentation. Everybody had a chat with the Princess and I am worrying about what I am going to say to her. Anyway, "John Moulton Bolton Sailing Club" - up I went, Princess Anne shook my hand and looking up at the picture said "you know when you are introduced as Bolton Sailing Club one does not expect that" and I said "yes, its very picturesque mam"! We chatted about water levels and she made things very easy. We received a certificate and a very nice silver plated picture frame to put in the picture taken with the Princess Royal.
From there, the recipients went in to the Great Hall for a drinks reception, to be joined shortly after by our guests. Everyone was very nice and after a bit of circulating we went to our allotted table for a 2 course luncheon, which as you would imagine was wonderful. The waiters kept bringing the wine (well it would be rude not to) and although the Princess Royal did dine with us at another table we didn’t speak again. A little later the Princess left and we all went to have a group photo on the stairs.
We met up with family again at about 15:45, had a quick photo with Big Ben because that was all we saw of London. Then back on the tube to spend a wonderful weekend with the family that we don’t see often enough.
I would like to thank BSC and Andrew Craig for the nomination, it means a lot. Also, the RYA for accepting it, and making Carol and myself so welcome and at ease and helping us to have a brilliant time.
Related: https://www.rya.org.uk/news/2022/11/16/2022-volunteer-awards
RYA Volunteer Awards
Celebrating the exceptional commitment and achievements of volunteers
Say thank you to the volunteers making a difference by nominating them for the 2023 RYA Volunteer Awards.
Celebrating both long-standing and younger volunteers, the awards recognise all those who have contributed to the sport and made an impact in their communities.
https://www.rya.org.uk/about-us/rya-awards/rya-volunteer-awards
