As we look to start construction for WMI, we’ve invited local groups and organisations to share what they do in the community, to learn from them and chat about how the works will benefit the area.

In our Winter 2022 edition, we’ve put a spotlight on Greensforge Sailing Club, a friendly family sailing club at Calf Heath Reservoir. Written by Ian Cooper, Principal of the club, this is the first in a series of blogs covering a range of topics on the future of the WMI landscape.

Tucked alongside Junction 12 of the M6, on the south-west side, lies Calf Heath Reservoir, directly adjacent to the new WMI development project. Greensforge Sailing Club, founded in 1958, has sailed here since 1974 and has close links with the local community. We are an official Royal Yachting Association Training Centre and focus on families and beginner sailors, introducing newcomers to the sport of sailing, putting on regular courses for both adults and youngsters. We sail at weekends and race competitively each Sunday for ten months of the year – Jan and Feb are excluded – it’s too cold!

The 1^st Blackfords Sea Scouts from Cannock sail with us during Wednesday evenings in the Summer, they also paddleboard, kayak and canoe. We hold an Open Day annually, sponsored and supported by the RYA that enables people who have considered sailing but not done anything about it, to come and have a go, taken out onto the reservoir by club members and instructors.  One of our most rewarding days is when we entertain a local group of young adults with physical and learning disabilities. They get to experience the thrill of sailing in safe and controlled conditions. This has been an annual event for many years now and is always great fun and everyone, guests, carers and supporters go home happy – or maybe that’s due to the barbecue afterwards!

The club has been fortunate to receive sponsorship and funding from Veolia Environmental based locally in Four Ashes. They awarded us two grants in successive years to re-model and improve the waterside frontage that was falling into disrepair. The money also allowed us to improve disabled access to the clubhouse.

If you’d like further information about sailing at Calf Heath, training courses or facilities, please visit our website at www.greensforge.org.