Freddie Babcock

Sadly we have to record the death of Freddie Babcock, erstwhile President and Chairman of the UKCCOA. Many of the present membership will not be aware of the extensive service Fred gave to the class, but from the early days his generosity and efforts in many ways helped substantially to keep the class alive.
Many past committee meetings were held at his home, his hospitality extending to accommodating overseas visitors there and also class supporters involved in the early Crystal Palace Dinghy Exhibitions
It is always difficult to isolate individual credit from collective effort, but his influence was certainly behind the best ever Nationals entry (72 at Hayling Island in 1969) and many other significant events, not least a large share of the organisation of the two World Championships to be held in this country, Torbay in 1974 and Bognor Regis in 1980. His three decker trailers enabled various promotional efforts, including a demonstration on the Firth of Forth and an overland trek to a one-of-a kind in Anzio in Italy. His company at one time supplied both kits and complete boats, and innumerable prizes were donated in the name of Watling Joinery.
I feel sure that although illness may have prevented him from taking an active role in recent times, his moral support remained intact. I feel equally sure that all past and present members who knew Fred would wish to join with me to express our sympathy to his family for their sad loss.

Chris Forman, 1988