Just to let you know that Joan Braithwaite who was crewing at the first Rocket championships at Hayling Island in 1946 is 102 on the 27th March.
I think she was the first holder of the Minima Cup! She is still very active and reads the MR discussion forum.
She is at St George's Care, De La Warr Road, Milford on Sea S41 0PS if you want to send her a card.

Redoubtable is the word that springs to mind! Jude and I had the pleasure of meeting Joan a few years ago at Lymington and hearing of the famous England v Scotland sailing match in 1946 when the English contingent towed their boats up to the Clyde... Heavy metal centreplates, no motorways, fuel rationing etc. Redefines determination ... and makes me ashamed of thinking that RNaS in Lowstoft is too far away!

GGGGG

She is a remarkable lady and was sailing X boats until recently.

My Great aunt Joan Braithwaite has passed on
at the age of 104 . Sadly missed . She was an extra grandmother to me since I was born and especially after my grandmother passed on .
I have many lovely memories of my holidays on the converted MTB and at the Mill . She also taugt me to sail at the age of 8-11 on my holidays.
She is the last of her kind . Her brother Eric Moody HD passed on at the age of 99 four years ago , Eileen her younger sister about 15 years ago and lastly her eldest sister Mary Moody HD who also lived to the age of 104 and is recorded as the oldest working person in the UK being the chairman of the family company Mark and Moody.
Remarable , very special people of whom I have had the great privelige to have spent many fine moments with in this life.