The trustee board of Derwenthaugh Boat Station has announced that Lucy Winskell OBE DL has been elected to the position of president. Lucy, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Engagement) at Northumbria University, has been a supporter of the marine-based charity for many years.
The boat station, based at Derwenthaugh on the River Tyne near to Newcastle, trains young people from a range of backgrounds in boating activities, with the aim of providing enduring life skills and to achieve full use of their talents. Derwenthaugh Boat Station is an independent entity but is affiliated to the Sea Cadets, sharing its ideals and high standards of behaviour and operation.
The charity’s facilities include a residential building providing accommodation for up to 20 young people and July saw the completion of renovations to the adjacent boat building which now offers new, up-to- date and flexible onshore training facilities to complement the range of sailing, power boating and rowing craft available to its users.
Lucy, previously a litigation lawyer for 28 years, leads the development of Northumbria University’s relationships with local government and public bodies, shaping its contribution to regional economic, cultural and social development. She is currently Chairman of the Board of the North East England Chamber of Commerce and has been a non-executive director of a number of businesses nationally and internationally. In 2014 she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to higher education and the regional economy in the north east.
Lucy said: ‘’It’s an honour to be elected to the role of president for Derwenthaugh. I’ve always admired the boat station’s achievements and the great work it does in support of the region’s young people.’’
Alfie Simpson, the Boat Station’s principal added: ‘‘We very much look forward to working with Lucy.
We know she will be a great asset, bringing a huge amount of experience as well as a great enthusiasm to help us achieve our aims.’