Although I only got to know Di, through her role as Vice President, when I joined the Alliance three years ago, it didn’t take me long to realise why she had made such a big impact in rowing, sport and life in general.
I was joined in Henley by four of Di’s fellow Vice Presidents at the Alliance, one of whom, Brigid Simmonds OBE, gave a lovely tribute to Di as part of the service, in which she said:
“Di and I were born 20 years apart, almost to the day. Something I only discovered when Kate Lawrenson arranged birthday cakes when we were 50 and 70 respectfully. Di was deputy chairman of the Sport and Recreation Alliance (CCPR), throughout my time as Chairman and on the Board for 13 years. The organisation was at that stage going through a tough time and we certainly had some challenges. Di was always there for me. I remember her sending me flowers one day and when I asked why, she said just because what we have just done was difficult. Whilst I know from (her daughter) Claire that she did not work in HR per se, she was outstandingly good at dealing with such issues.
“It was never enough for Di to ensure her own sport succeeded, she was clear that it was her role to grow all sport, improve its professionalism, look after its volunteers and create an environment which encouraged participation and world class achievement.”
Brigid’s tribute was complemented by ones from Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, Dame Katherine Grainger, Sir Craig Reedie CBE and Tommy Thomson. All of them shared their personal memories of Di and the influence she had had, whether through reforming British Rowing, becoming the first lady Steward at Henley Royal Regatta, encouraging the next generation of athletes, playing a leading role in a number of wider sports organisation, as she did with us at the Alliance, and of course being a much-loved wife, sister, mum, grandmother and friend. The fact that the church was full of a real spread of generations was a true testament to that.
Brigid summed up the thoughts of everyone in the Church when she so fittingly ended her tribute, by saying:
“You were taken from us far too early, but I will always be grateful for your friendship, advice, cheerfulness and I am absolutely sure that we will meet again.”
On Wednesday 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP delivered her first Budget statement to the House of Commons. Whilst the Budget’s core focus was on a number of key tax rises to fund increased spending on health and education, we look below at some of the measures which will be of interest for Alliance members and the sport and recreation sector.
Read moreThe National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has issued the following response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024.
Read moreAs Black History Month (BHM) comes to a close, the Alliance is proud to have celebrated this with our members and sector leaders who – like us – are seeking to make sport, recreation and physical activity more accessible and equitable for everyone.
Read moreJoining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
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