Page 5 - Yachter Autumn 2024

GINS GETS AN UNSCHEDULED REFURBISHMENT!
HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT
2024 has been a season of very significant change at the Clubhouse giving us an excellent platform for future development into 2025 and beyond.
Early in the year we said a fond farewell
to our long-standing Bosun, Colin Stokes. Over the years, Colin has made a considerable contribution at the Club. For those lucky enough to get to know Colin on the Water Taxi, they will know just what a great job he did, in all weathers, always smiling. This part of his role he performed diligently and efficiently; however, it is really all of Colin’s unseen work that we thank him for most. You may not have seen anything broken, or untidy at Gins in recent year; this is because, quite simply, Colin saw it and had it fixed, before anyone even noticed. He has a rare combination of talents which we will surely miss. Colin – a big thank you on behalf of all the Members.
We were indeed fortunate to be able to recruit James Brushwood as our new bosun. James has considerable experience in waterside roles around the Solent and is well known to many in the boating community.
THE FLOOD
Life at Gins changed for everyone on the night of Monday 8th April, when at High Tide, a major storm and southerly winds led to record breaking water levels on the Beaulieu River and a major flood of the Clubhouse. Rob Miller was on hand to capture the flood with some dramatic footage. The waters rose to 4 feet above floor level in the Clubhouse. The resulting damage was of course, significant and not just cosmetic.
The clear-up and restoration started straight away. The early days were hectic, and Michael Boyle brought his considerable electrical expertise to the process. Colin Stokes came out of retirement to assist, and all Staff worked very hard against a very difficult background to undertake the initial clear up.
Loss Adjusters and Insurers were engaged, and we moved into a period of disrupted limited operations, with outside lavatory facilities. The Club would like to record its on-going thanks to Richard Greenslade of Courtney Smith who has represented us in our claim with extraordinary diligence, bringing great expertise to his role.
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