RMA Gig Club have, in just under six months managed to raised the money required to buy their own wooden gig from Helford River Gig Club.
The clubs new gig Cockleshell (formally Merthen) was collected on Monday 21st at 09.30, and arrived at her new home at the Mountbatten Centre, Plymstock, around 12.30. The emotions ran high especially when some of the club drove into Helfort Rivers club house location. All of the hard work was justified, and David Brain, Rob Guy and Ian Maguire were speechless.
After a short photo session they immediately took to the water for a couple of hours, all but one of the members had never rowed a wooden gig.
The Club raised £6,500 on its Justgiving page through various means; extensive promotions on Facebook forums, sponsored row, Facebook market place, cake sales, craft sales, and by far the most profitable, club virtual bingo and 50/50 raffle.
Due to the extensive work, professionalism, ethos and camaraderie portrayed by the Club, Phil Gilby MBE (Operations West) of the Royal Marines Association – the Royal Marines Charity invited the club to apply for a grant. Within the space of 36 hours the RMA Gig Club was awarded £8,5000.
David Brain announced the news to the Club via a zoom meeting, he said ‘I wanted to see their face. Some were struck dumb, others danced around a chair. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled.’
RMA Gig Club celebrated Cockleshell’s arrival with Royal Marines Association – The Royal Marines Charity, banners and flags.
The boat is named Cockleshell after a second World War raid. Operation Frankton, 7/12 December 1942, popularly known as “The Cockleshell Heroes“, tells how a handful of Royal Marines paddled 70 miles up the River Gironde during the hours of darkness. They took 5 days to reach Bordeaux, where they laid explosive charges on enemy shipping.
Wonderful news and what a great colour wishing them many hours of pure joy with their new Pilot Gig,
good fortune and great success for all crews who learn to love being out on the water each day is just beautiful.
Great story and very best wishes to the “Cockleshell Heroes.”
Peter Le Patourel F&MPGC
Great news, look forward to racing you on the water down at Mountbatten. Cattewater mens vets crew.
Glynne Dunn
Ex Royal Engineer Cdo