New £45,000 waterfront secures sailing at Calf Heath for next generation
by Karenza Morton 20 Oct 2018 11:14 BST
Veolia's Gemma Parkes cut the ribbon on the new section of waterfront at Greensforge Sailing Club © Karenza Morton
It was a very happy birthday for Greensforge Sailing Club as it marked its Diamond Anniversary with the opening of the latest phase of its £45,000 waterfront restoration project to secure sailing on Calf Heath Reservoir, near Cannock, for the next 60 years.
Thanks to a funding award of £14,000 from the Veolia Environmental Trust - Veolia having also supported phase one of the project with a £20,900 grant – the club now has 70 metres of renovated frontage to provide better and safer access to the water.
Cannock's 1st Blackfords Sea Scout Group were amongst those getting afloat as Veolia's Gemma Parkes cut the ribbon on the new section of waterfront. Sea Scouts of all ages, including Explorers, Beavers and Cubs, took part in sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, during the day.
Ian Cooper, Greensforge SC RYA Training Principal and Trustee, revealed the facilities have already being put to good use throughout the summer.
He said: "Many local people have already enjoyed the benefits of the new frontage. It was put to full use for all our RYA learn to sail courses, helping build confidence in the new sailors by it now being easier and safer to step on and off the boats, and it served us well for various other events we've enjoyed hosting too. Our club sailors have also made good use of the new dinghy mooring facilities as more boats can now be temporarily tied up between races.
"We are indebted to the Veolia Environmental Trust for showing their continuing long-term support of the club by awarding us the second grant; without them none of this would have been possible. The facilities will see Greensforge through the next 60 years of sailing. With the continued success and expansion of the club, phase three may not be far away!"
Greensforge SC was founded at The Navigation Inn, near Kingswinford in 1958. Phase one of the project was completed in April 2017 before contractors, The Rothen Group, returned to install the latest 30m of piled shuttering along the waterfront earlier this year. Dedicated club volunteers then rallied round to get the frontage ready for boats.
The club is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. For more information on how you can get involved at Greensforge SC visit www.greensforge.org or like Greensforge on Facebook.