9th May 2012

LYME REGIS: Boatbuilder Gail gets royal seal of approval

LYME Regis boat builder Gail McGarva visited Buckingham Palace last week to collect an award from Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal.

Gail recieved her “Highly Commended” certificate for the Prince Philip Medal, an international award honouring those who have “travelled the City & Guilds path” and achieved outstaning accomplishments in their chosen field.

Following a successful career as a sign language interpreter, Gail enrolled on Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy’s 38-week course in 2004 wanting to change career. Funded by a City & Guilds bursary she achieved City & Guilds levels 2 and 3 in boat building, maintenance and support and also began a relationship with the academy and Lyme Regis that continues to this day.

After working as an instructor at the academy she moved on to become an independent boat builder but has not moved too far from home, as she now works in a workshop on the academy’s site at Monmouth Beach. Gail is currently building Lyme Regis Gig Club’s third wooden gig to be launched this summer.

She said: “The City & Guilds bursary award in 2004 opened the door of boat building for me and I have never looked back. I am passionate about the building and preserving of traditional wooden boats and the stories they have to tell about our communities and our shores.

“This award is an incredible affirmation of this and it is a great privilege to receive it. Thank you to all who have guided, inspired and supported me along this journey.”

PICTURE: Boat builder Gail McGarva receives her certificate from HRH The Princess Royal

LYME REGIS: Boatbuilder Gail gets royal seal of approval

LYME REGIS: Boatbuilder Gail gets royal seal of approval

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