Decision details

New Windsurf Equipment & Improved Weather Station - The purchase of new (second hand) windsurfing equipment for members new to the sport. The purchase of a flag pole, weather station and webcam for improved vital weather data.

HSSC is a sailing and water sports club based on the seafront in Hythe. Our members come from all walks of life from all around the local area. Many members sail or windsurf with us competitively, but the vast majority just enjoy taking part in a leisurely sport. As an RYA accredited club, we offer training sessions in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. We are keen to promote water sports to help people lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the beautiful coastline in Hythe.

We currently have 2 projects that we are seeking funding for.

Project 1 – new windsurf equipment – seeking funding of £1,000

An increase in membership and interest in windsurfing means we don’t have enough windsurfing equipment available. Club equipment constantly needs updating as it gets worn out or technology changes. We are looking to purchase some second-hand windsurfing equipment, as it provides better value, to replace items that have been lost or damaged.

Project 2 – improved weather station – seeking funding of £2,198

Our current weather station, webcam and flag pole all need replacing and updating. The flag pole needs to be higher to source better weather information and the current weather station needs replacing.

UPDATE – 22 MARCH 2019 – Cllr Ewart-James has agreed for funding to be diverted towards the purchase of a new boat.

Every March we have regular maintenance days where the club volunteers get together and get the club and equipment ship shape for the summer season.  At last weeks session we discovered that one of our rescue boats seems to be damaged beyond economical repair – this is bad news as without the rescue boat we can’t race or run training sessions, which we are due to start up in early April.

At our Committee meeting last night we discussed the progress with the weather station and flag pole and as these items have not yet been purchased I suggested that I ask if you would consider us being able to divert the grants you provided us with away from the flagpole and weather station and towards the purchase of a new rescue boat which will set us back in the region of £3-4,000.  I am sure you can understand that this has to be a priority for us, over the weather station and flagpole.

To provide funding of £750 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Project 1 – new windsurf equipment

Over the past few years our membership has increased, with many of our new members wishing to learn to windsurf. Having new members is fabulous news for the success of the club but it also brings the challenge of providing equipment for those of them that are new to the sport. As a club we try to offer all members, both young and old, the opportunity to try a sport before committing to purchasing their own equipment. We run regular windsurfing clubs and need good quality equipment for our members to use at these sessions before they commit to purchasing their own equipment.

Project 2 – improved weather station

The data we get from our weather station is vital in planning races and training sessions and the current system is now outdated and needs replacement. Having accurate data on windspeeds, directions and potential storms etc allow us to ensure our members are always safe on the water. The current system no longer provides accurate data and we have been advised that it needs replacing.

UPDATE – 22 MARCH 2019 – Cllr Ewart-James has agreed for funding to be diverted towards the purchase of a new boat.

Every March we have regular maintenance days where the club volunteers get together and get the club and equipment ship shape for the summer season.  At last weeks session we discovered that one of our rescue boats seems to be damaged beyond economical repair – this is bad news as without the rescue boat we can’t race or run training sessions, which we are due to start up in early April.

At our Committee meeting last night we discussed the progress with the weather station and flag pole and as these items have not yet been purchased I suggested that I ask if you would consider us being able to divert the grants you provided us with away from the flagpole and weather station and towards the purchase of a new rescue boat which will set us back in the region of £3-4,000.  I am sure you can understand that this has to be a priority for us, over the weather station and flagpole.