Today we had an attendance of 20 with 4 apologies
Our Reporter/Photographer Tony Taft writes:-
On a wet windy and miserable day we had a talk by one of our members Harding Jenkins entitled Getting Afloat or as he described it a ragbag of memories.
Harding has spent most of his life on the water in all forms of vessels and what he doesn’t know about sailing is not worth knowing.
At the young age of thirteen Harding decided he wanted to make his own sailing boat he called his boat Kingfisher, this was a huge undertaking for someone of that age but with perseverance he completed it, I am not sure how long it took him, if he said I missed it, when he reached the point of needing sails that proved to be a problem getting the fabric was not easy in the war years, but he said that food parcels from Australia were wrapped in a fabric that could be sewn together and with some added blackout material sails were produced.
Harding once canoed with a large group of scouts up the upper reaches of the river Seven, then he talked about the many adventures he has experienced over his life in all sorts of sailing vessels, some he has owned and others he was lucky enough to be invited to be a passenger helping to sail the boat in any way he could.
Some of our club members have also sailed with Harding and they reminisced about those adventures, clearly there are quite a few sailing experts in our club.
Shearwater Catamaran as owned by Harding
Harding also said he once sailed up the river Thames and that the Thames is the most expensive river to sail on, I think he said in the world but it might have been just in this country.
Clearly Harding has experience a very exciting life so far with many more adventures to come and many more stories to tell.
Harding brought along some photographs of boats he has either owned or sailed on, he also had some models to show us.
Considering the awful weather the meeting was well attended and enjoyed by all.
==================================
If you have enjoyed reading this Report or have interesting comments concerning this Talk please use the “Leave a Comment” Form below so your fellow Members can enjoy.
(Please add your email and name. Your email will never be made public)
Paignton Probus Club 