While many people have, over the years, given much to Draycote Water Sailing Club, I don’t think anyone has loved the Club as much as Annette (Annetta was her actual name, but she disliked it and tried not to use it). She loved the lake, seeing boats sailing on it and, most of all, she loved the members.
Her last visit to the Club was on 13th July and she was still telling anyone who listened how much she loved the Club.
That was a special day for another reason as it was her and Harry’s 60th wedding anniversary and it was lovely to have a drink with both of them to celebrate that.
Annette came from a farming family with a number of strapping brothers, but at a fairly young age she met Harry at dance classes. They promptly fell in love and married, although this was against the wishes of Harry’s father and his parents did not attend their wedding.
Anyone who has known them as a couple since know that love triumphed, and their family grew with two daughters who they are very proud of.
They were founding members of the sailing club, and Harry served twice as Commodore and was President for a significant number of years – all the time supported by Annette. They were both made Life Members of the Club in recognition of their enormous contribution.
My earliest memories of the Club, as a visitor over 40 years ago, were of Harry and Annette giving out the prizes. When I subsequently joined the Club many years later, it was a delight to get to know them better and become friends.
Annette sadly passed away on 10th August from heart failure, but she will be remembered fondly by her many friends at the Club and at every prize giving, when the tablecloth she made elevates the table to be a fitting setting for the prizes.
Those wishing to attend Annette’s funeral are asked to gather at The Manor Hotel, Meridian (CV7 7NH) at 12 noon on Tuesday 26th August. This will be followed by a service at St Andrews Church in Upper Eastern Green, Coventry (CV5 7BX), after which the family will depart for a private ceremony (which is why the reception is being held first).
No flowers please. If you wish donations in lieu to Alzheimer’s Society can be made via J E Hackett and Sons website or by post to J E Hackett and Sons Ltd. Longford Bridge, Coventry, CV6 6BH.
Written by Jeremy Atkins.