DOUGLAS Dick is a stalwart of the local sailing community – both with Desborough Sailing Club in Shepperton and with Queen Mary Sailing Club on the reservoir in Ashford.
So it was tremendous, last week, to hear that his contribution to the sport had been recognised when he was presented with the B&S Trophy by the Commodore and Vice-Commodore of QMSC.
The trophy – named after Bryan and Sue Willis who are both members of QMSC – is awarded annually to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the activities of the club – in Douglas’s case through his efforts with QM Sailability which gets disabled youngsters out on the water to experience the thrills of sailing.
Well done, Douglas, and keep up the good work.
THE Dutch barge the Richmond Venturer will be hosting an evening photography cruise on Wednesday, August 4. The cruises are open to all photographers and friends and families are welcome too. All profits will go to support the work of The River Thames Boat Project, the charity that operates the Venturer in a bid to introduce youngsters and the disabled to the wonders of the river.
Starting from Kingston, the cruise will last for approximately three hours and will provide some stunning opportunities for great photos. The ticket price of £30 includes drinks and nibbles. Advance booking is essential and you can find out more at www.venturerphotography.com.
THERE’S a spectacular event taking place at Hampton Court Palace on Saturday when the Royal Palace stages a recreation of the arrival of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour, after their wedding.
Traditional sports of the time including falconry, archery and fencing will be on display as the staff at the palace celebrate and work hard to make sure there are no traces of Henry’s former wife, Anne Boleyn, to be seen!
An amazing flotilla of boats will be on view bringing representatives of the Holy Roman Empire and the French ambassador – all wearing the costumes of the time – up the river from Richmond to Hampton Court.
The whole day culminates in a spectacular fireworks display at around 9.45pm.
Ticket prices range from £7 for children and £14 for adults up to a family ticket for £38 that will admit two adults and up to six children. There are discounts if you book online and you can obtain more information from www.hrp.org.uk.