Kirby Muxloe couple honoured by HRH The Princess Royal

A Kirby Muxloe sailing couple had their contribution to grassroots sailing and Staunton Harold Sailing Club recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the 2016 RYA Volunteer Awards on Friday (18 November).

Nigel and Diane Pepperdine received an RYA Outstanding Contribution Award, which celebrates individuals who have made a significant volunteer contribution, either over a period of time or a 'one-off' effort, at the RYA's annual awards ceremony.

The RYA Volunteer Awards are considered the 'MBEs' of the sport and 44 people from across Britain were honoured for their exceptional generosity and commitment to boating at the ceremony and exclusive luncheon held at One Great George Street, Westminster.

The Pepperdines, who joined Staunton Harold SC in Melbourne in 2005, are true club ambassadors, between them volunteering many hours a year to their current roles managing the club's 250 memberships, looking after the club's fleet of hire dinghies so newcomers to sailing don't need to own a boat and also organising the catering for many events and functions. They are both keen and successful racing sailors too.

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive, said: "The RYA Volunteer Awards recognise the genuinely exceptional voluntary contributions that are given by so many individuals who make a real impact in boating."

Alistair Dickson, RYA Director of Sport Development, continued: "These volunteers are making our sport happen and without them local people wouldn't be getting out on the water and enjoying all the activities they do. It's really important we take the time to say thank you."

The Pepperdines were nominated by their club and selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel. HRH The Princess Royal presented a total of 23 Lifetime Commitment Awards, nine Outstanding Contribution and two Youth Awards in addition to a number of other special categories.

For more information about how to get out on the water in the Midlands visit www.rya.org.uk/go/startboating

Source - Content & Image: Royal Yachting Association