Tim Dobson rubbed shoulders with Britain’s elite young people at a Reception hosted by the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street.  The Reception showcased the achievements of young people aged 16-24 from all walks of life in a range of fields. Tim was recently named as High Peak’s Sports Young Leader of the Year in recognition of his unstinting voluntary work at Glossop Sailing Club.

Tim, 17, from Glossop, currently studying at Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College, was the guest of Tom Levitt MP who has been impressed not only by his sailing achievements but also by his work in the youth organisation of the club. The invitation was a formal request for Tim to represent High Peak at this prestigious event.
“This was an amazing experience for me because although I’ve visited Moscow and Paris, I’ve never actually been to my own capital city,” said Tim.  “Visiting the Houses of Parliament and meeting Gordon Brown were awe inspiring and unforgettable experiences.”

Tom Levitt said: "I was delighted to have a high achiever such as Tim with me to meet the Prime Minister. High Peak should be very proud of him and others like him. It is through young people with ambition, skills and determination that we prepare best for the future."

Tim is a proactive member of Glossop Sailing Club which has had its own challenges over the past year having been left high and dry after Torside reservoir sprang a leak. “We’ve actually relocated our boats to Pennine Sailing Club whilst the repairs are completed and we also decided to put all our efforts and energies into building up the Club whilst it’s out of action,” said Tim.  “A grant from the Lottery Fund Awards for All has enabled us to carry out a refurbishment of the clubhouse but I then saw the need to maintain our profile in the world of sailing.  I had previously competed in the Southport 12hour race and 24 hour race where teams compete in relay fashion and thoroughly enjoyed myself so decided to take the initiative and get a team of sixteen juniors together for this year.”

Undaunted by the prospects of the work involved, Tim set about approaching local businesses to raise sponsorship for their team.  Glossop Caravans provided a caravan, refreshments were organised and the event was a tremendous success for the junior members of the Club.  Although his parents are not involved in the sailing world, Tim grandparents Piers and Greta Plowman were great sailors and particularly well known for sailing a 16ft open dinghy across the North Sea to Poland,
“I wouldn’t quite compare myself to their level,” said Tim, “but I do my best. My sailing ambition would be to cross the Channel in one of our small boats – a Topper 12ft dinghy.”