Toddbrook Sailing Club unveils new Inspired Facilities clubhouse
by Karenza Morton 18 Oct 2016 15:32 BST
25 September 2016
Joint Henri Lloyd CEO, Paul Strzelecki, presents Toddbrook SC Commodore, John Swales with a photo signed by Sir Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team © TSC
Toddbrook Sailing Club, in the Derbyshire High Peaks, welcomed two very special guests as they celebrated the opening of their new Sport England Inspired Facilities-backed clubhouse on Sunday 25 September.
Not only was the clubhouse officially by Paul Strzelecki, joint CEO of sailing clothing brand Henri Lloyd, whose father Henri used to sail at Toddbrook, but former Conservative MP and local Whaley Bridge resident, Edwina Currie, also popped in to help serve the hog roast!
The clubhouse, funded by a £50,000 grant from Sport England's London 2012 legacy pot plus the support of numerous club members, includes disabled access and facilities, which will to help the club attract even more local people of all abilities into sailing as well as providing a space the whole community can take advantage of.
Toddbrook's clubhouse project has been two years in the making, and the club also recently welcomed the news they had been awarded another £30,000 from the same Sport England Inspired Facilities fund to revamp the club's changing rooms.
With morning racing, taster sessions and children's activities, including building and racing small 'coracle' boats, as part of the clubhouse opening celebrations, John Swales, Toddbrook SC Commodore, admitted it had been a memorable month.
"The clubhouse has been a long time coming," he said, "But it is worth the wait. Most of the work has been done by volunteers and club members, and all of the hours that have gone into it have been a real labour of love for so many people.
"It was a pleasure to welcome Paul and his wife, Jenny, to formally open it. Henri Strzelecki used to sail at Toddbrook and had a factory in Whaley Bridge. He had his idea for nylon sailing wear, founded Henri Lloyd and the rest is history. For many years he was an honorary life member.
"Although there was a gap in the late 1970s when the reservoir lost its water and records were forgotten, the link to Strzelecki family was recalled last winter. We were naturally delighted when Paul said he would be very pleased to open the new clubhouse as, although he never sailed here himself, he has good memories of growing up and hanging out at the reservoir as a young child. It was a great day."
As well as opening the clubhouse, Paul and Jenny Strzelecki also presented Toddbrook SC with a photo of Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR America's Cup team, signed by all the team members. In total some 150 guests enjoyed the ceremony and open day.
Toddbrook SC is an recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. Set in stunning landscape on the edge of the Peak District, anyone can learn to sail at Toddbrook SC, with boats available to hire for just £5 a session and tasters sessions available from to book from £10 per person or £15 per family.
The club will be announcing its 2017 RYA Learn to Sail course dates in the coming weeks so visit www.toddbrooksailingclub.co.uk for more information.