The Mayor and Mayoress were pleased to attend the annual visit to Weybridge Mariners Club, of a Flotilla of Dunkirk little Ships on Friday 11th September, but somewhat different from other years. Observing restrictions there was no dinner, no handshakes and certainly no hugging. The spirit of good fun and companionship was not deterred.
Cllr Colin Barnard, Mayor of Spelthorne and Mayoress and wife Barbara are boating enthusiasts, with a lot of experience of river craft, so this was a treat indeed.
The mayor said “It is a delight to see the results of hard work and dedication of the own-ers and crews, who endeavour to keep alive these wonderful craft, and the heroism of the crews, who saved so many of the troops from the disaster that took place on the beaches of France in 1940.
We were particularly delighted to meet Janine and Malcolm Jones, from our own Lower Sunbury. They have lovingly restored a little ship called “Nydia”, and were kind enough to allow us to view her inside and out. After all the years she now looks like she is fresh from the showroom and newly bought. We really do have hidden talent on our Borough.
Many thanks to the owners and crews who attended, and in particular to Roy Nash, commodore of Weybridge Mariners for keeping us safe and Rob Fry Secretary for inviting us”.