
Jane Neale awarded Letter of Commendation, November 2024
Nominated by Thandi Bates who wrote: I think Jane Neale of the Eastern Region should be nominated for her exceptional organisation of the Beccles Rally and significant fundraising for the RNLI, an excerpt from our heads up summarises:

“A very big thank you to Jane Neale, who was ably assisted by her husband, Richard, for organizing the event.
The event kicked off on Friday morning with more than 20 boats arriving to moor up. The weather decided to add some extra excitement, with a howling gale making the process quite the adventure! Nevertheless, the Broom Owners’ determination ensured everyone was safely docked and ready for the weekend ahead.
Saturday brought continuous rain, turning the central roadway at Beccles into a mini lake and causing water levels in the mooring basin to rise due to spring tides. However, the rain didn’t stop the RNLI from making an impact. Their stall saw £250 worth of merchandise sold, alongside nearly £20 in donations. Philip, the Water Safety Officer, also provided invaluable service by examining 50 lifejackets, ensuring everyone was well-prepared for safe boating. Southwold’s award-winning brewers and wine merchants, Adnams hosted a well-attended wine tasting on Saturday afternoon. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the planned barbecue went ahead. Broom Owners are nothing if not resilient, and the determination to enjoy the event shone through, with everyone gathering for a cozy BBQ. Many burgers, sausages and steaks were consumed – and even a kangaroo fillet!
Thankfully, Sunday greeted participants with sunshine, setting the stage for a fun-filled day. The treasure hunt around town was a big hit. The afternoon saw a spirited guys vs. gals’ cricket match followed by a quintessentially British treat—a strawberry cream tea. The weekend concluded with a gala dinner at the Caxton Club”
Dear Jane,
David Haugh, BEM
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER OF COMMENDATION
It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you of the award of a Chairman’s Letter of Commendation from the Broom Owners Club. This award is presented to members who have enhanced the good name and reputation of the Club and have contributed in a significant way to the enjoyment of the Club by members. It recognises your contributions to the success of the Club, always ably and enthusiastically assisted by your husband, Richard.
You are recommended for this award by Thandi and Paul Bates, joint Co-ordinators of the Eastern Region, who recommended you for your significant fundraising for the RNLI and exceptional organising of the Beccles Rally. Although you have frequently been the organiser of that event, they particularly drew attention to this year when, faced with harsh, inclement weather, your planning and foresight ensured that all boats were moored safely and that the whole weekend was a safe and resounding success, with those attending enjoying all the planned activities.
Jane, your enthusiasm and contributions help to make this great Club what it is. You provide a wonderful example in an un-assuming but efficient and happy way, of how a major objective of the Club, to encourage owners of Broom boats to use, maintain and enjoy their boats, can be achieved in a practical way, and I take great delight in awarding this Chairman’s Letter of Commendation to you.
Congratulations and thank you for what you do for the Broom Owners Club.
Yours sincerely, David
Chairman, Broom Owners Club