Combined March 26 jw v2 - Flipbook - Page 45
Sailing Hayling Herald
Spotlight shines on Catherine
By Michael Massey
AT the annual Havant Borough Sports Association Awards Catherine Massey, the training officer for the Thursday Club, Hayling
Island Sailing Club Community Youth Sailing
Scheme, was presented with the Chairman’s
Award.
Catherine has been the training officer for over
15 years, and during this time has overseen the
training and development of over 800 youngsters.
Operating on a Thursday evening between May
and September, the Thursday Club offers children who would not normally get any chance to
try sailing the chance to do so.
With the help of qualified instructors and
under Catherine’s guidance they grow in confidence, stature and self-esteem. Each season the
youngsters work through stages to teach them all
aspects of sailing. This will include theoretical as
well as practical instruction.
For some the enjoyment is so great that they
want to go on and train to become instructors
themselves, and over the years many have done
just that.
Two of their younger club officers who are
also senior instructors began their sailing life at
Thursday Club. All training and development is
carried out following the RYA guidelines and not
only the youngsters but many of the volunteers
have also achieved qualifications through Catherine’s endeavours.
Without her passion, dedication and total
commitment to see continual development the
Thursday Club would, without doubt, not enjoy
the success it does.
Most do not see the hours of behind the scenes
work she does to ensure courses, venues, boats,
safety cover, examiners and attending youngsters
are organised to ensure the smooth running of
the training, not to mention the recording of
progress and eventual awarding of certificates.
With the ever-changing world she also has to
make certain that all regulations are strictly followed to ensure that whatever the Thursday Club
does is safe and fun.
Ask any parent who brings their youngster to
Thursday Club and they will all speak very highly
of everything Catherine does.
All those involved in Thursday Club are delighted that she received this award.
If you are interested in Thursday Club please
email hiscthursdayclub@gmail.com
Thursday Club training officer Catherine Massey with her much-deserved award
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