Mary Campbell Takes to the Water

Our second community built skiff, Mary Campbell, joined our first one, Greg Luckhurst, on Forfar Loch yesterday in an afternoon of fun and celebration.

Forfar Sailing and Watersports Club Vice Commodore for Skiffing, Sarah Ramage, welcomed everyone and gave a rundown of the order of events

Rotary President Scott Ballantyne gave thanks to all those who had contributed to the project - no matter how big or small - including Graham Campbell and his family who have sponsored Mary and the family of Bob Smith who have sponsored a beautiful set of oars

A specially carved rosebowl cup was presented to Forfar Skiffies (received by Sarah) which will be used for a future competition on the loch

Mary was then named by Mary's eldest grandchild Katherine Mary Campbell Donn

Fellow Rotarian Jim McCluskey followed this with a blessing for Mary with words included from her sponsor family

Carolyn Smith from Forfar Skiffies read out thoughts from club Commodore Mark Kimber who was unable to attend

Lastly Sarah thanked everyone again and encouraged folks to get out on the water

As Mary set sail with her crew, coxed by Graham Campbell, she was welcomed by a salute of oars from the crews of Greg Luckhust and Spirit of Catterline and much cheering from spectators on the shore. After a row around for plenty photo opportunities she came back in for a crew swap with Graham taking out many of his family. rowing continues well into the afternoon with lots of people taking to the water.

This is what our skiffing project has been about - adding this wonderful community to Forfar for the enjoyment of many. We hope both Greg and Mary give Forfar Skiffies much pleasure for years to come.