Eviction of SYM Sailing Club from Stubbers Activity Centre

SYM Sailing Club (Stubbers Young Mariners) is facing eviction from Stubbers Activity Centre, its home since 1982.        

SYM is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised training centre which teaches people of all ages and abilities to sail safely and affordably. The Club is unique as it is managed by volunteers, has its own fleet of 35 boats and all the instructors are RYA qualified.

As a community based club SYM has helped Cubs, Scouts, Guides, an Autistic Society group, GCSE students, Duke of Edinburgh candidates and even trained young sailors to represent Havering in the London Youth Games. The family friendly atmosphere builds personal confidence, independence, diverse thinking and supports good mental health all whilst being an environmentally friendly sport. 

The club is actively fighting this eviction, engaging local MPs and councillors, and launching a legal challenge to preserve this valuable resource for Havering and Essex. 

Tribute to Peter Bruce

Peter Bruce was 87 years old and well known in the area for his long standing work as President of  Havering Sports Council.

Peter was a founder member of Havering Sports Council when it first formed in 1967 and had been an enthusiastic activist ever since.  For decades he organised their annual Sports Awards, the highlight of the Borough’s sporting year, and also the Sports Council’s annual dinner.  Peter was Head Coach at Everyone Active Havering Tennis Club and was also a skillful and talented player.

The onset of age failed to dent his impact as a competitor and he could give a good account of himself, often at the expense of players many years’ younger!  In the Masters’ ranks he successfully played in quality tournaments around the world.  He was both well connected and highly thought of in the tennis world and often attended Wimbledon. In earlier times he’d coached gymnastics and for many years had served local football as a referee. Football was in his blood as he was a devoted West Ham United season ticket holder and always present – when crowds were admitted! 

Peter’s sporting interests were spread across the board as he was seen so often throughout Havering.   When attending professional boxing shows he was knowledgeable when following the “noble art”  and took his own scorecard along to score each round. 

Peter was a natural communicator once having regular sports spots on two local radio stations, Active FM and Link FM, during which he gave listeners tips as to which players they should place wagers on during Wimbledon. 

Peter died in post as Havering Sports Council President, and had only another month to serve before completing his term of office. He was a most active man until a recent illness affected him, and when told his age for a first time, few believed it as his lifestyle was nothing like that expected from an octogenarian.

Dave Ainsworth