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Club News

Message from the Commodore.

Posted: Tuesday, 04 April, 2017

"It is with great regret that I pass on the news to members that Allan Barnes has died. Allan has suffered for the last eighteen months with cancer, and passed away peacefully at his home in Canterbury last week. Allan was an immensely skilled and popular member of the Safety Boat team, with strong links to the Merlin Class at Wembley Sailing Club. He had driven safety boats during Merlin Week in Salcombe for many years. It was there that John Cooper recognised him as a newly joined member of the WYC Laser fleet and suggested he should join the team at Whitstable. In the few years that he was with us, Allan endeared himself to sailors and safety boat team members alike for his good humour, quiet competence and great skills afloat and onshore. He had a mischievous sense of fun, and was one of the principal players in some legendary evenings on the WYC deck during the Merlin Nationals and other events. Last year he donated his Laser to the club. He will be greatly missed."
Update: The funeral will take place on Friday 21st April at Barham Crematorium. The service will start at 13.20pm. Rather than flowers, Alan's family will be taking donations for the Pilgrim’s Hospice and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. If you would like to donate then they will have a collection and can take cash or cheques. Both are worthy causes and they are obviously close to the family's hearts so please be generous.