YOUNGSTERS at Weymouth Sailing Club (WSC) and Weymouth Rowing Club combined celebrations last weekend.

This year, Phil and Daphne Samways have reached 10 years of successfully running the cadet section at WSC, dedicating Friday evenings throughout the summer, other evenings throughout the winter and hours to fundraising.

As a special reward, the committee at WSC recommended the duo to the Lord Lieutenant and later received an invitation to Buckingham Palace to attend a Royal Garden Party.

Phil said: “It was strange and quite surreal to walk on the red carpet, in the front door and out into the gardens through the French doors where kings and queens have walked for hundreds of years.”

Closer to home, last Satur-day, they celebrated with the current cadets and arranged to combine with the gig rowers to provide a fun and action-packed day.

Under supervision, the youngsters from both clubs swapped craft and tried one another’s sports.

James Limb of WSC said: “It was a wicked experience and I would love to try gig rowing again.

“I also enjoyed the lunch provided by the rowers and the barbecue at WSC.”

On Sunday, the Samways took the cadets to Castle Cove Beach with a variety of water crafts to enjoy their annual picnic.

Samuel Mottershead, the cadet captain said: “Everyone had a very good day and were grateful to Phil and Daphne for yet again, providing such an action-packed time.”