A SAILOR from Frampton on Severn was amongst 57 people who were recognised at the Royal Yachting Association's volunteer awards.

At the ceremony, held at One Great George Street, Westminster, London, last month, David Greenfield received his RYA Lifetime Commitment Award in recognition of his work at Frampton on Severn Sailing Club.

The awards were presented by Princess Anne, president of the RYA, in recognition of boating’s most dedicated volunteers.

David has been a passionate supporter of Frampton on Severn Sailing Club for 36 years, holding almost every primary role within it.

A dinghy instructor, RYA race trainer, senior instructor and disability awareness instructor, he was also the crucial liaison link between the club and the Frampton Estate in negotiating a recent lease extension and handling plans for extensive club development.

With a long-term vision to make sailing available to everyone, he incorporated Sailability into the club in 2000, building it up to become a recognised Sailability Centre that represents 25 per cent of the club’s membership and supports a fleet of accessible boats.

Sailability organisations aim to enrich the lives of people of all abilities – the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged, as well as people with physical challenges - through the activity of sailing.

His successful fundraising has provided for the purpose-built facilities for disabled members and is ongoing.

David said: “Meeting HRH The Princess Royal was a delight, she was very chatty, putting you immediately at ease, and very interested in what you did.

“Events like this highlight the large numbers of willing volunteers that are helping all ages to enjoy time on the water.”