Youth sailing instructor awarded BEM for 40 years of service

A FORMER West Wilts Youth Sailing Association (WWYSA) instructor has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to young people and charity. 

Nick Cross, who was awarded the BEM for his 40-year involvement with the sailing club, based at Eden Vale lake in Westbury, said he was shocked to read the email that told him he had been named in the New Year honours list. 

He said, “I was out in Antigua (as I volunteer my services each year to a sailing club out there) when I read the email from the Cabinet Office confirming that I was in the honours list. I couldn’t believe it honestly; I was in shock for a while!  

“I feel so honoured and proud to be recognised, but the WWYSA is a combined team effort made up entirely of volunteers who each put a lot of effort and time to make the sessions a reality – it’s not just me that deserves recognition.” 

The WWYSA has been providing training and events for young people for 55 years. Last year, the club celebrated their 35th anniversary of providing end-of-term events for children at Dilton Marsh Primary School. 

The initiative was initially started by Nick himself, who had taken some children out on the lake at the request of his son who attended the school – 35 years later and the day still remains an important part of the school calendar. 

Nick added, “I’ve seen thousands of kids over the years, and it brings us all great joy to see them having fun out on the water and developing their skills; we also keep in contact with some of them, which is just lovely. 

“In my time, I’ve seen so many children grow in stature, and I think taking them on trips to places such as the Solent and the Isle of Wight really helps put the practice into action.” 

Nick, who lived in Dilton Marsh for 42 years, has recently moved near to Colchester, where he hopes to get involved with training youth sailing.  

If you would like to get involved with the West Wilts Sailing Association contact membership@wwysa.org.uk or visit: https://wwysa.org.uk/ 

The club is also on the look-out for volunteers who have a Royal Yachting Association instructor certificate or people that may have an assistant instructor’s certificate, who are willing to help out at some of the events that take place throughout the year. Contact membership@wwysa.org.uk for more info.