On the occasion of the Queen’s 90th birthday, Cowes Sailability Club was invited to join the celebrations on the Mall in London.
Cowes Sailability Club was honoured to receive an invitation to the Patron’s Lunch, a unique celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, which took place on 12th June 2016. The club was nominated for an invitation by The Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White, in recognition of the outstanding voluntary work of members, who provide the opportunity for disabled people to enjoy water-based activities, and for which the club received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2010.
The club was represented at the spectacular event by Carol de Peyer and Ian Hammonds, two long-serving volunteers who have together devoted more than 20 years to helping people with disabilities enjoy sailing and boating on the Isle of Wight. “It was a real privilege to represent Cowes Sailability Club at such a momentous royal occasion,” says Carol. “Many of the other charities and groups there were large, national organisations. It made me feel very proud to know that even though Cowes Sailability Club is fairly small, the value of our work with disabled people is recognised.”
The Patron’s Lunch featured luxury picnic hampers, a colourful parade and the opportunity to see many members of the Royal Family. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were driven along the Mall in an open-topped vehicle just as the sun came out. “Despite the rain in the morning, it was an amazing day,” Carol recalls. “The event was so well organised and everyone was incredibly friendly.”
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