The Association AGM was held on 11 January, 2025 in Gloucester, East Coast Secretary, Pete Elliston, brings us this report. OGA President, Mike Beckett opened the proceedings with a thankyou to the Scotland Area team who organised the weekend’s activities, enjoyed by many of the Members attending the meeting at the historic Llanthony Secunda Priory. Activities included guided tours of the city, an excellent supper with live music and a visit to T. Nelson & Co. Boatyard. After the meeting, Awards were presented for winners of the annual Photo Competition and Association Trophies to those who were present.
The formal part of the AGM was kept brief. The Treasurer, Tony Kiddle presented a healthy set of accounts with a vote to approve continuing the small subscription increase in future years. Mary Gibbs stood down as Membership Secretary and East Coast Elder Gaffer, Clare Thomas was elected to a round of applause to take her place. Secretary, Colin Stroud and Tony Kiddle both stood for a further term in office.
In his report, Mike noted that 2025 was a great year highlighted by the trip to the Netherlands by many UK Gaffers to join their 20th anniversary celebrations. He was pleased to report that membership numbers remain stable. He noted that there are plenty of plans in 2025 and beyond for Members to join in with, particularly the visit to St Malo in June. The next AGM will be organised by the East Coast Area to be held in Chatham, late February, 2026.
Ben Collins and Maddie Masters translated for the President and Vice President of the Vieux Gréements de France (French OGA) as they presented their invitation. They hope to have 300 boats at the gathering, based at their base in St Malo with racing, sailing, waterborne games, skulling and day trips for those not sailing. More information and registration details will be available online. Jo Tall, representing the Younger Gaffers did a presentation on ‘Building a paddleboard from cedar’ which was fascinating and goes to prove that people will still build wooding things as this project clearly shows and may even lead into building a Gaffling.
Browse the winning photos and citations from the OGA Judge, East Coast member Sandy Miller here.
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