Welcome to a new innovation - the commodore's Blog.  These are the personal thoughts of the Commodore and do not necessariy reresent the view of the Club or the membership. Rather like the forum you can make comments on my thoughts right here on the Blog.  I chose a suitable picture of Kielder for the background, I hope the choice of picture and text colour works for you - I will refine if not. Let me know.

First of all what a fantastic turnout for the AGM, as crowded as I can remember.  It was also very good that so many of you stayed on for the Kielder Water Club AGM afterwards and of course most of us stayed for the amazing bonfire and fireworks display (many thanks to Tom, Paul and Paddy with others for managng this). I hope some pictures appear on the letmein site soon. Helen Shaw was inspirational in her Galley Duty today working fom early right through until after the Fireworks display to provide use with sustinence.  She is providing Galley duty throughout the winter series - I look forward to this!

For me - the highlight of the day was to be abe to (inadequately) express, on behalf of us all, my thanks and indebtedness to Viola Scott, now getting used to her new title as Rear-Commodore, for three amazing years as Commodore.  Viola is the welcomng face of KWSC and has helped create a wonderful family freindly club with excellent atmosphere. At the same time she has improved her personal sailing to dizzy heights. Now the winner of a record 4 Little America's Cups this year Viola was the first lady helm to win a race at the Nationals but only last week surpassed this by becoming the Osprey Inland Champion for 2007.  What a team her and Mike make - an inspration to us all.

It has been clear to me over the years that despite all we have done we still do not comunicate well enough with the membership. I will be trying to remedy this.  Today you can see on the web site, the new Constitution resulting from the AGM, and my personal vision for KWSC. Our web site will be revamped over the winter and there will be a more 'newsy' feel to it with more frequent updates.  Favourites ike the letmein site and the forum will cntinueto be supported.

A new Committee is in place (also viewable on the slides here) and I have already set them some tasks to ensure we do not rest and continue to move forward improving the club.  All of your committee are approachable and you should use any of them, this blog, or simply contact myself, to express any ideas or comments you may have.

Nov 30th (Friday) is our Dinner Dance a and Ruth Hawkin has already sold many tickets.  There is good food and a Ceilidh as well as the Prize Giving.  Dress code is as you wish from informal to formal. Speeches are restricted to the prize giving - the emphasis is to have a good time. I hope we will see you there.

Thank you for reding my first entry nd see you all next Sunday for the continuation of the winter series.

Steve Gibbon,  Commodore