Remembrance of Bob Sumner

Bob was a member of the club for most of it's existence and Joan & I have very fond memories of him over the years.

He joined in 1950 but not having a boat at the time and being a skilled craftsman, he decided to build a 14ft Sharpie in the spare bedroom at his parent's home but on completion was unable to get it down the stairs. He solved this by removing the bedroom window, lowering to the ground and removing both the kitchen and front doors to attain the street Over the years, he built many other boats culminating in the Dutch barge "De Waterman"which he built in his back garden having tested a scale model in the wave tank at his work at the National Physical Laboratory.

Bob served the club for over 30 years in various capacities as Bosun, Harbourmaster, Rear and Vice Commodore and there are many examples of his work about the club notably the Bar which he built with the help of his father.

B0b fitting out De Waterman

He always seemed cheerful in approaching the most awkward of problems and many will be grateful for his advice and help over the years.

He had many other interests. He was an accomplished Square Dancer often going abroad for exhibitions and competitions. He and his group put on a Square Dance for the club but regrettably we proved to be better sailors than dancers. He also was greatly interested in the engineering side of large gauge model railways and pursued this interest both in Hillingdon and in Norfolk.

After divorce from his wife Vi, he found happiness with Janet and after retirement they moved to Norfolk but he never severed his ties with the club and he would frequently be seen pottering about the moorings or on Waterman.

Goodbye old friend, rest in peace, you will always be remembered with affection by all who knew you.

George Bray.

Bob fitting out De Waterman

Picture by Bob