EAST COAST SAILING MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM RALPHH PRE-CHRISTMAS GIFT

A sailing club which takes its name from a nearby former village that disappeared beneath the waves of the North Sea has become the latest recipient of a defibrillator gift from the RALPHH charity.

Slaughden Sailing Club was formed 50 years ago to meet the recreational needs of the working people of Aldeburgh and surrounding Suffolk villages. It has its own clubhouse, little more than 100 yards from the coastline, with the opposite side overlooking a type of delta of the River Alde. There are some 300 members who mostly rent their moorings.

The distance from the nearest A&E services at Ipswich made the need for a defibrillator a natural addition to the club services, so it was a request from member Simon Cusworth to the RALPHH charity that led to the presentation event by RALPHH Chairman, Richard Allen just before Christmas.

Members turned out in force for the event with the picture showing the presentation to Club Commodore Kathy Page outside the club house. Also includes among others in the picture are Club President Lesley Downey; Secretary Diana Munro and Simon Cusworth.

Slaughden has its own boats for training and among those taking advantage of this are younger individuals and well as school visits that take place in the summer months. There are also significant links with Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club and a joint membership programme with Bury St Edmunds sailing.

“I am so pleased that we have been able to help such an away-from-it- all location on a beautiful part of the coastline,” said Richard Allen. “Our links in support of sailing are continually growing and the need for fast action in support of an unexpected heart problem in some parts of the country that are removed from any nearby emergency services is all-too apparent.”