Newsletter 11 11 26
Published 15:00 on 11 Nov 2026
Welcome to WKSC Newsletter
A round up of Club news this week... including sailing, training and upcoming social events. Also included are links to current boats for sale.
A View From The Bridge
Fireworks, Remembrance and the Power of Volunteers
What a fantastic weekend we've had at WKSC.
Our Fireworks Night was a tremendous success, with a spectacular display enjoyed by members, families and visitors alike. The atmosphere around the Club was superb, and, most importantly, the event raised an outstanding £5,523 for the RNLI.
Events on this scale simply do not happen by themselves. They rely on a huge number of volunteers giving up their time before, during and after the event.
My sincere thanks go to our stewards, those who were out coning the roads, the pyrotechnic team responsible for delivering such a memorable display, and the volunteers who kept the bars and BBQ running throughout the evening.
Special recognition must go to Peter, Tom and Ciaran, who once again took on the enormous task of organising and delivering the event. Their leadership, planning and hard work, together with the efforts of so many volunteers, ensured another memorable night for both the Club and the RNLI.
The following day we were pleased to host our traditional Remembrance Sunday gathering at the Club following the service at the War Memorial on Grange Hill. It was wonderful to see veterans, members and guests together to mark the occasion and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country.
We were particularly honoured that Deputy Lord Lieutenant Liam Hanlon joined us and spoke warmly to those assembled. We also heard from Richard Diamond, our local RNLI Launch Operations Manager, whose words were greatly appreciated by veterans and members alike. Special thank you to Helen Brown for providing a delicious buffet for those who gathered at the Club. Thank you to everyone who helped organise and support this important annual event.
Both of these occasions highlight something that is easy to overlook: West Kirby Sailing Club is, and always has been, a volunteer-run club.
The reality is that a relatively small number of people undertake the vast majority of the work required to keep the Club running. Out of a membership of around 900, it tends to be the same 80 or so members who volunteer to organise events, run races, maintain facilities, staff the galley and bar, support our junior sailors, serve on committees and carry out the countless jobs that happen behind the scenes.
If we want to continue enjoying the wide range of activities, facilities and events that make WKSC such a special place, we need more members to step forward and get involved. The alternative is to employ more people to undertake many of these tasks, and that would inevitably lead to increased costs and higher subscriptions for everyone.
Can You Help?
We're not asking for a huge commitment. If every member gave just a few hours of their time each year, the difference would be enormous.
Whether you can help at a social event, assist with race management and planning, support one of our maintenance days, help with junior training, join a committee or simply lend a hand when extra bodies are needed, there is a role for everyone.
If you've never volunteered before, now is the perfect time to start. Speak to any Flag Officer, Committee Member or section lead, or simply drop me an email and we'll help find something that suits your interests, skills and availability.
Many hands really do make light work. The success of Fireworks Night showed what our Club can achieve when people pull together. Imagine what we could do if another 50 members decided to get involved.
Thank you once again to everyone who helped make Fireworks Night and Remembrance Sunday such special occasions. They were wonderful examples of community, service and teamwork, and a reminder that the strength of WKSC has always been its members.
The Club needs volunteers. If you value what WKSC offers, please consider becoming one of them.
Chris Gatenby
Sailing and Club Calendar - What's on this week
Click here to view the Club's full calendar.
Radio Sailing Thursday 12 November, 10:30
Thursday Talks - Conquering Everest Thursday 12 November, 19:30-21:30 - ALL WELCOME
Illusion Friday 13 November, 14:00
Special Tidal Event All Classes (T) Saturday 14 November, 12:30
BRSC AGM Saturday 14 November, 14:00-16:00
Christmas Fair Saturday 14 November - ALL WELCOME
Star AGM & Dinner Sunday 15 November, 11:00-16:00
Frostbite 3 & 4 Fast Handicap (L) Sunday 15 November, 11:00
Frostbite 3 & 4 Novice Handicap (L) Sunday 15 November, 11:03
Frostbite 3 & 4 Slow Handicap (L)Sunday 15 November, 11:06
Mature Juniors Christmas Dinner Tuesday 17 November, 19:00-23:00
News & Notices
Merchandise - Click here to see all WKSC Merchandise available to buy online
WKSC Merchandise great for a Christmas present!
Thursday Talks - This Thursday 7:30 - ALL WELCOME
Christmas Fair - Saturday 14th November - This Saturday
Open to the Public - All Welcome
Everyone is welcome. Pop down grab a mulled wine, or cup of tea and homemade cake, and start your Christmas shopping at the fantastic local stalls in the Main Room.
Helen's Sunday Lunches are back!
Sign up at the Bar
Volunteer Opportunities – Help Shape the Future of West Kirby Sailing Club
West Kirby Sailing Club is looking for volunteers who would like to make a positive contribution to the future development of our club.
As a membership club, WKSC relies on the support, involvement and contribution of its members to keep the club running successfully. Volunteering is an important part of what makes our club work and helps ensure it continues to thrive for future generations.
We have several opportunities for members to get involved, using their skills, experience and enthusiasm to help improve and develop different areas of club life.
These include:
· Marketing & Communications – Developing the club's brand, raising its profile and attracting new members.
· House & Social – Helping develop and promote the clubhouse, social activities and events.
· Sailing – Supporting and developing sailing activities, participation and events.
· Registration & Membership – Improving the registration process, welcoming new members and encouraging membership growth.
· Training – Supporting and developing the club's training programmes and opportunities for sailors of all ages and abilities.
You don't need previous committee experience or specialist qualifications. Enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a willingness to get involved are what matter most.
Whether you can offer a little time or take on a more active role, we'd love to hear from you.
Help us make West Kirby Sailing Club an even better club for existing members and the next generation of sailors.
Interested in Getting Involved?
For an informal chat or further information, please contact:
Jonathan Atkinson
Vice Commodore
Telephone: 07714 206567 Email: jdatkinson9599@gmail.com
Sailing Matters
In this week's Sailing Matters:
Halloween hop shedly matters and much more....
Click here to see this week's Sailing Matters
Tony Marston
Sailing Secretary
The Galley
Seafood Shack are providing a delicious menu this week
Click here for the menu
Training
PB2 Course
Click here to book your Training Courses
Events
Christmas Fair - Saturday 14th November - This Saturday
WKSC Prizegiving - Saturday 21st November
Junior Christmas Party - Saturday 12th December
Click here to book your tickets
Click here to book your tickets
Christmas Carols - Sunday 20th December
The Quiz - Wednesdays 2000hrs
As with previous series this will consist of 5 General Knowledge / Trivia rounds, a specialist round and a news round.
Each round has ten questions except the specialist one which varies week to week with Anagrams, Dingbats, Riddles and other brain teasers.
Once again Jenny Wilkinson is our host who puts in many hours to produce these challenging but fun evenings.
There are a hard core of quizzers but we would welcome any other members and friends interested in coming along either individually or as a team.
Finally to round out the evening we have a game of cards where, if your luck is in you have a opportunity to go home with up to a hundred pounds.
Come along, support your Club and have a pleasant couple of hours.
See you there!
Other Information
| Boats for Sale |
Boats for sale - Click here to view all Boats for Sale on the website. |
| If you would like something added to the newsletter please contact newsletter@wksc.org.uk |
Last updated 18:55 on 11 November 2026