Beer Regatta Committee sends out urgent appeal for new members

Beer Regatta Committee is urgently seeking new members, with several existing officers planning to stand down following this summer's event.

The committee will be holding its annual general meeting on Thursday, February 10 from 7.30pm at Beer Sailing Club and all are welcome to attend, particularly those who would be willing to volunteer.

A spokesperson said: "Beer Regatta has been a much loved, much celebrated event for over 100 years – locals have grown up with stories of Regattas past, and it is such an important part of our heritage.

"We have a vast amount of regatta experience on the committee, but we now need to pass this onto new people to secure the future of regatta going forward."

In particular, the committee is seeking a new chairperson as Sarah Taylor will be stepping down with immediate effect.

Several other officers are planning to stand down after this summer's Regatta Week, so new volunteers are needed to shadow them and take on the roles for next year. These include vice-chair, secretary, treasurer, and social media and website officer.

Sunday Funday organiser Andy Weston Webb is also unavailable on this year's date, but is happy to work with someone to plan the day in advance.

The new role of minutes secretary is also available, allowing the current secretary to concentrate on other admin tasks.

The spokesperson added: "We will give you all the help, support and training you need to take on these roles, and the current officers still plan to be part of the wider committee. However, we need new people to come and get involved, with new ideas too – that's healthy for the future of regatta!

"We also need volunteers to help out at events – please contact us if you are happy to be involved in a particular event or if there is a particular day you are available to help – we need you too!

"You don't need to come to a meeting to offer to help put the gazebos up at the football club, or to help clear the beach before the fireworks.

"It doesn't matter if you have lived here all your life or if you've just moved in – we really do need you now.

"Please consider giving of your time so that Beer Regatta can continue to thrive; you don't need to sign up for 20 years – this is not 'Hotel California' or 'a job for life'!

"We are sure you will really enjoy being involved – it is a great team, it's a great way to meet new people and get involved in this great community to continue this wonderful village tradition.

Those interested in helping should attend the meeting or email [email protected]