We are delighted to have been selected as Finalists in the 2025 Kent Charity Awards.
We are delighted to have been selected as Finalists in the 2025 Kent Charity Awards.
Earlier this month, Wealden Sailability were proud to receive the Charity of the Year 2017 – Runner Up Award from Sevenoaks District Council.
Here are some of our fantastic volunteers, overlooking Chipstead Lake, with the Trophy.
Last Friday, Brian Stanley was recognised at the Annual RYA Volunteering Awards for his many years of volunteering with Wealden Sailability – so well deserved and I am sure we are all so appreciative of the amazing organisation that he founded and continues to give so much time to.
Below is the RYA press release about the event, which includes a video. The eagle-eyed among you will spot that HRH The Princess Royal was also honoured by being seated next to Brian for the lunch!
The Francis Elkin Award, dedicated to the memory of a former RYA Council Chair and Sailability Trustee, recognises exceptional individuals who have made significant efforts to enable people with disabilities to become involved in sailing. This year, the award went to Brian Stanley who founded Wealden Sailability in 2008, making it one of the largest Sailability organisations in the UK. Brian’s commitment and leadership have been the backbone of Wealden Sailability’s success, providing sailing opportunities to people with disabilities and positively impacting their wellbeing.
On receipt of his award, Brian said the following.
”There were a lot of clubs there [today], many of them I’ve never heard of before … Lots of people who are giving so much time to so many other people, and normally they don’t get recognised. I think it’s absolutely terrific that they can go up there and be presented to The Princess Royal to get their award.”
On behalf of all of our volunteers and clients, Brian, congratulations on winning your award and Thank You!
We were very lucky to have Bunny Penny, from St. Stephen’s school, to talk to us about managing sight impairment for our previous winter talk. It certainly made the delegates very aware of the trust that is placed in the helper and the importance clear communication.
Our next and last talk for the winter season is on March 7th by our very own Nigel Lamb. The topic is on racing design and related to racing. Starts 11.00 – 12.00 with coffee/tea biscuits provided. All are welcome.
With the 2023 season now over, 3 winter talks have been organised to help pass the winter months. Each talk will be held in the Clubhouse 11.00 – 12.00 on a Thursday. Come at 10.30 for a chat beforehand.
| Date | Speaker | Topic |
| 25th January | Mick Janes | Being a Tug Boat Captain – Some of you may know Mick as he has been the bosom for CSC and helped WS. He’s recently retired as a tug boat Captain and is pursuing his passion as a marine artist. Areas covered in his talk will be training, types of tugs, salvage, who has control – tug boat, pilot or ship, etc |
| 15th February | Bunny – St Stephen’s School | Managing Sight and Hearing Impairment People |
| 7th March | Nigel Lamb | Discussion on Boat Design and Racing Techniques |
