Essex Mark Benevolent Fund and St Katharine's Mark Lodge No.1026
support local charity Sailability
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Sailability is a charity and a sailing club that is based at Hanningfield Reservoir Essex. The reservoir which covers some 352 hectares of water is a local leisure and sailing centre . The club provides opportunities for people with any form of disability to go sailing in a controlled environment.
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The group was formed in 2013 by the present Treasurer and her late partner. Anyone with a disability is welcome and the aim is to provide and encourage sailing for those persons who wish to expand their knowledge and ability for both leisure and competitive enjoyment and of course to improve their well-being.
At present Sailability operate eight yachts that are specially designed for disabled people being both uncapsizable and unsinkable.There is also specially designed lifting equipment to enable embarking and disembarking procedures to be easily and safely carried out. The project has the full backing of The Royal Yacht Association, Chelmsford City Council, Essex and Suffolk water and having amongst other things on site a fully qualified RYA instructor is always available.They have the privilege of a free lease of a club house,slipway and pontoon from the water authority. |
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The club at present has 27 members with 23 volunteers running it. In July 2023 the club had a break in and the outboard motor stolen from their safety boat. The safety boat which is required to reach any emergency at speed was rendered unusable. The safety boat is the most important item in the fleet and the club is not allowed to operate without it.
Unfortunately due to a technicality it was not insured. The club then set about various fund raising events and appeals to the public to raise enough money for a replacement . Unfortunately after raising a substantial amount the donations dried up. That's were Essex Mark comes in. The Dep.Prov.G.M. W. Bro. John Finlay was at St Katharine’s Mark lodge where a presentation was made by Sailability outlining their work. Being impressed by the sincerity of those that spoke, the Dep.Prov.G.M made an approach to The Essex Mark Benevolent Fund to see if there was any possible financial assistance available. |
After careful consideration by the Trustees, it was deemed a worthy cause and it was decided to make a donation of £1,000, which together with their own fund raising efforts, enabled Sailability to purchase a replacement outbound engine. Ensuring their ongoing operations for not only the 2024 season but the foreseeable future.
The Brethren of St Katharine’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons has also pledged to support Sailability for the next five years with £100.00 per annum.
The presentation seen being made here by our very own Assit.Prov.G.M. W. Bro John Stannard, who is surrounded by a delighted mix of disabled sailors, their voluntary helpers, and members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Essex.
The Brethren of St Katharine’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons has also pledged to support Sailability for the next five years with £100.00 per annum.
The presentation seen being made here by our very own Assit.Prov.G.M. W. Bro John Stannard, who is surrounded by a delighted mix of disabled sailors, their voluntary helpers, and members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Essex.
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Posted on 12/01/24
