Cransley Sailing Club
1900. Nigel Austin
Nigel Austin, from Northamptonshire, is a passionate sailor who has been encouraging hundreds of young people to get involved in the sport and improve wellbeing, particularly following the pandemic.
Through his club Cransley Sailing Club, which he has been a member of for over 30 years, Nigel has launched new paddleboard sessions to help people get confident on the water, particularly following the Coronavirus pandemic and whilst social distancing restrictions were in place.
In a personal letter to Nigel, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Thank you for your years of volunteering which have kept ‘Cransley Sailing Club’ afloat! Alongside your team of volunteers, you have helped hundreds of young people to get active and enjoy the benefits of sailing and paddleboarding.
The sessions you run are a brilliant way for young people to build teamwork and communication skills and to help them to gain confidence.”
Philip Hollobone, MP for Kettering, said:
“I would like to congratulate Nigel on being presented with the prestigious Points of Light Award. Nigel is a legend at the Cransley Sailing Club and his volunteering work with the club over many decades has been inspirational. Having been involved with the club since a young boy, Nigel has since encouraged the growth of the youth section, has secured grant funding to improve the clubhouse and was instrumental in the club introducing stand-up paddleboarding which has increased membership dramatically. Nigel is a shining example of dedication and service to others.”
Nigel said:
“Such an award is really accepted on behalf of everyone at ‘Cransley Sailing Club’ that work so hard to make it a lovely place to learn to sail or paddle board or just unwind!”