Eighty-seven year-old sailor to return to the water (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Eighty-seven year-old sailor to return to the water

11:00am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News By Ian Craig

VETERAN sailor Henry Hedges will be able to take to the waters once again this summer following the launch of a new sailing programme for disabled people.

The 87-year-old, who has learning difficulties, has enjoyed a weekly sail at Whitefriars Lake, Ashton Keynes, for years but was left high and dry when his group moved to another location.

However, Mr Hedges, who lives at the Brandon Trust’s Beeches View care home in Fairford, will be able to carry on sailing thanks to a ‘sailability’ programme for disabled boating enthusiasts launched by the Whitefriars Sailing Club along with the Royal Yachting Association.

Brandon Trust chief executive Lucy Hurst-Brown said the scheme was a great example of the charity’s commitment to support people with learning disabilities.

Sailability coordinator Chris Stout said disabled people would now be able to set sail every Wednesday between 11am and 3pm this summer.

“We are very much a community club and are committed to fostering the widest possible use of our facilities,” he added.

To contact the Whitefriars Sailing Club, call 01285 861 670.