A?FORCE?to be reckoned with

Published: 9:00 AM November 7, 2009 Updated: 10:44 PM November 6, 2020

Christopher Rudd s recent illustrated talk about his Jubilee Sailing Trust and the Tall Ships that sail with physically handicapped and able-bodied mixed crews was a great success and much appreciated by all present, especially when they realised it might

Christopher Rudd's recent illustrated talk about his Jubilee Sailing Trust and the Tall Ships that sail with physically handicapped and able-bodied mixed crews was a great success and much appreciated by all present, especially when they realised it might very well have not taken place.

The whole event was in aid of FORCE. The venue was booked the previous year, but I received a tremendous shock when, as late as September 2, it was announced by the local Exmouth committee they were cancelling because "we do not know how many will turn up". Meaning, I suppose, "how few", but that did not deter me. It required only about eight of the committee to be present to cover the hire cost! I certainly sought no reimbursement.

Hurriedly, I paid for the Methodist church hall, designed the posters and paid for them. Then, I set about persuading shops, pubs, hotels, churches, sailing clubs, Stuart Line cruises etc to kindly exhibit them, which they gladly did.

It all paid off and, as I explained to the audience, even I had no idea who would turn up. I was not going to be defeated and, most certainly, I was not going to let down all the wonderful people who run the FORCE cancer centre in Exeter.

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Subsequently, I learned how moved and uplifted they were by Christopher's talk and how inspirational were his photographic slides. I even heard of one sailor who is considering joining a cruise as crew because there are no passengers, of course.

So, in conclusion, may I thank again so sincerely all those who were there; as for those who were not, do not despair. I am sure there will be another opportunity another time.