Archie Smith a very welcome visitor to the LRGC

PRESIDENT of the HMS Conway Club, which aims to maintain relationships with former cadets of the HMS Conway training ship, visited Lyme Regis last week and praised the town’s boating organisations.

The visit from Archie Smith was organised by Lyme Regis Gig Club member Michael Rushforth, who is a former cadet on the HMS Conway.

He said: “This visitor is special and could do a lot of good for the youth of the town in terms of either sea careers or maritime employment through his wide office of expertise.”

The Conway Club has already donated the gig club with a super cruiser to sell at Rob Perry Marine to fund their new safety boat, which will be called “The Conway”. They will also be awarding a historical cup from a collection that has been on display at HMS Devonport in Plymouth.

Mr Smith, who is also director and chief of the global Oil Spill Response Ltd, was shown around the Boat Building Academy and viewed the gig club’s first vessel “Rebel” with bosun Chris Douglas, followed by a viewing of their second boat, which is currently under construction, “Black Ven”, with boat-builder Gail McGarva.

The academy also provided lunch for the guest, who was given a “Rebel” polo shirt and cap.

Mr Rushforth said: “Archie left with a big smile on his face and was amazed at the skill and dedication here in Lyme Regis on all matters to do with the sea, and the community spirit portrayed at the Boat Building Academy.

“His interests spread far and wide in the marine industry and he has special feeling for our gig club.”

Mr Rushforth is also hoping to open a Conway Centre in the town, full of artefacts and memorabilia from the training ship.

FORMER CADETS: President of the HMS Conway Club Archie Smith with former HMS Conway cadet and member of Lyme Regis Gig Club, Michael Rushforth.

GOOD JOB: Archie Smith meets Boatbuilding Academy Student Paul working on his boat..