It is with sadness that we announce Alan’s death after a long illness.
Alan was Commodore in 1979 and was a long standing Honorary member.
Alan was hugely instrumental in the early development of the club particularly in relation to the dock. He was a well respected sailor and racer at the club and also further afield. A photograph of his last yacht Supermouse with him on board graces the wall in the clubhouse.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with Diane, Andy, and Alan’s friends and wider family.
Alan’s funeral is at the Lytham Park Crematorium on Friday 26th April at 12.15pm, and afterwards a reception at Ribble Cruising Club at around 1.30pm.
In normal circumstances there would be a funeral to celebrate Mike’s life, mixed with sadness at the loss of a good friend. Most regrettably due to the coronavirus regulations there cannot be such a service.
Attached is the notice as published in the St Anne’s Express and the Order of Service. The church seating capacity is very limited and Ribble Cruising Club will be represented by Jo Wray, John E.Ogden and David H. Miller. The service will be streamed from the church on Facebook, see:
The cortege will leave Ansdell at 11:00 am on the 1st September and proceed through Lytham to the Health Centre and then along the Green to St Paul’s Church for 11:30 am. I Know many members will be at the junction of Central Beach and the club car park, opposite the Queens, around 11:05 am to pay their last respects.
Some may wish to be outside St. Paul’s or at the Crematorium approach in Regents Drive, a personal decision.
It is with profound sadness that we have to report that Mike Briers died on Tuesday 11th August in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Mike became ill only four weeks ago with an aggressive brain tumour. His loss to his family, friends and the Ribble Cruising Club is impossible to overstate and Lytham has lost an extraordinary gentleman. He was active at the church, Music Society, Civic Society and other good causes, where with his infectious energy made so many lives richer.
Mike and Michele joined the club with their very young family Sarah and Daniel in 1979. For over 40 years Mike was been among the most active of members on and off the water.
He cruised and raced dinghies, trailer-sailers, quarter and half ton cruiser/racers and the International 12 metre Sceptre which gave Mike unparalleled experience, pleasure, and considerable success on the Ribble, Windermere, Scotland and as far as the Azores.
Mike was a Trustee, Commodore in 1985, Hon Secretary for 16 years and long-time speaker finder for the most successful Last Tuesday Talks. Most recently active on the RYA Northwest Regional committee with special interest in environmental and cruising matters. At the RCC August Main Committee meeting he was voted an Honorary Member.
The funeral arrangements will be notified in due course although they will inevitably be on a restricted format due to the Coronavirus.
Michele has asked for time to adjust and has the support of Sarah and Daniel and her grand children Jessica, Liam and Edward who are in our thoughts at this time of great loss.
David H Miller
Trustee
12th August 2020
Ian’s Funeral will be at 11.45 on Dec 6th in the Chapel, Coop Funeral Home, 550 Blackpool rd., Preston PR2 1HY. This will be followed by a Cremation at Preston Crematorium, off Longridge rd., Preston PR2 5BY.
This will be followed by a reception which is yet to be sorted out.
Willy has asked if anyone would like to speak to please let him know, there will be an opportunity at the Crem.
Captain Barnacle
Captain Barnacle
Captain Barnacle
