Susannah is now well established as Chair of Whitstable Maritime and – to continue the metaphor – the last thing she needs is a ‘back-seat driver’. So, while I shall always be willing to assist with the Charity when invited, this is my last Editorial of the website.
Early in my career in Education I had the privilege of working with a range of companies in the Midlands and one of the lessons I learnt was the importance of ensuring the careful management of Succession Leadership which could make or break an organisation, large or small. This outcome was readily transferable to the management of schools and, I would argue, also apples to voluntary organisations such as Whitstable Maritime. In our case the task was easier because the Charity is well-grounded in its aims and had several established programmes – the Gamecock restoration project, the Coastal Trail, and the annual Shows which had been disrupted by the pandemic.
As you will be aware, there is now a desire to restore the Show on Saturday 9 August. We have been building on our pre-pandemic experience because the rapid rise in attendence at the three Shows suggested the basic formula was sound: the insistance on a maritime theme, the engagement of local charities and other organisations, and the restriction of commercial outlets to those already resident in the Harbour. Of course, a growing proportion of our visitors become ‘regulars’ so it is important to create new features that will keep the programme fresh as well as retaining popular activities. This year, the Show has a stronger community engagement at the planning stage, an extension from the confines of the Harbour to a section of the coastline, and the creation of a Heritage Boat-building Centre. If successful, the latter should further strengthen the links between the Show and the Charity’s aims.
As to my future? There is no plan but retirement does not seem an option! Yes, in the classic phrase, I do wish ‘to spend more time with my family’; however, I also aim to try and keep body and mind active. Whitstable Maritime has given me an interest and a network of interesting people. I sincerely thank you for sharing the journey.
Gordon
You can follow developments with the 2025 Harbour & Boat Show on:
https://www.whitstableboatshow.org.uk/