Tributes paid to retiring president Eric Gordon at annual general meeting

A NEW president has taken the helm at the Axe Yacht Club.

After seven years in the post Eric Gordon stood down at the recent annual general meeting, attended by 140 memebrs.

He joined the club after a distinguished career in the Royal Navy and in the colonial service and served as the commodore from 1994 to 1996.

A yachtsman of high renown, in his mid 80s, he will continue to sail from the club in his boat Spintail.

Elected to take over from him was Brian Lavender, a late convert to sailing having retired from the RAF as a Group Captain and having served as club secretary for 10 years.

Noel Coplestone, a business man who had completed a very successful statutory three years as club commodore, stood down to resume treasurer duties on the executive committee. Elected to replace him was Gordon Wright, the ex-treasurer, who is a very competitive cruiser sailor and was managing director of a Liverpool shipping company before retirement.

Taking over from Rear Copmmodore Penny Coplestone as head of the social committee is Kevin Mercer while Steve Smith takes over as social secretary. David Crees, a qualified RYA Instructor, was elected to rejoin the committee as sailing secretary, replacing Adam Poulson who resumed his harbour services duties.

The various reports given at the AGM confirmed that the club, with over 800 members, was in very good heart and enjoying the greatly improved facilities provided mainly by volunteer workers over the last few years.

Photos:

Brian Lavender (left) presents Eric Gordon with one of the farewell gifts

Kevin Mercer presents bouquet to Penny Coplestone