Clubhouse
2007 was another busy year for the Development Committee as we successfully completed an interim refurbishment of the club house including the main room, though we apologise for the problems in getting the ladies showers completed satisfactorily.
As you are all aware, in September the Vale of White Horse District Council gave us planning consent for the extension and alteration of the Oxford Sailing club house. The proposal will enable OSC to improve its facilities to existing members as well as attract new members.
2008 also looks to be a busy year. It is the Development Committee’s intention to secure a means of funding and commence the extension/alternations to the club house in the Autumn.
The extension/alternations to the club house will cost in the region of £500,000. In recent years, OSC have been saving for a new club house on our behalf and have raised approximately £150,000. As OSC and the club house belongs to us all we now need your help in raising the remaining £350,000. In the coming months the Development Committee will be writing to you all in regard to possible funding options. At this stage it would seem a commercial loan is the best means of securing funding, however, in order to repay the loan it is likely the 2009 membership fees will have to increase.
I am sure you will agree 2008 represents an exciting year for OSC and that we all look forward to welcoming a new look club house in due course.
Arron Twamley
Secretary
Pontoon Project
Last year was a successful year for Accessible Sailing, the Charity behind the Farmoor Reservoir Pontoon Project, in raising money to build a new pontoon which will provide a larger harbour area and make wheelchair access to boats possible for our disabled sailors. In addition to gaining grants from local authorities we were also successful in winning the public vote in the Big Lottery ITV People’s Millions competition. This has given us the funds to build an electric lift so that access to the pontoon will still be possible if the water level drops too low for less agile people to use the access ramps.
The final design of the pontoon/lift system is being carried out prior to publishing a production and installation schedule. It is anticipated that the pontoon will be completed in phases as funding permits. Since we started fundraising over four years ago, construction costs have risen dramatically and we face another year of intensive fundraising to raise the total amount needed for completion. If you ‘Buy a Plank for £200’, we will acknowledge your donation with a named engraved plate on the pontoon itself. If you are a taxpayer and fill in a Gift Aid form, available in the office, the Inland Revenue will top that up at no cost to yourself to £256!
Bill Proctor
Committee Member
