An Evening with Alison Gill, Olympic Rower, and Jeffrey Watkins DFC

ACT is thrilled to announce that on Wednesday 3 November, at 7.00 pm, Thornbury’s Cossham Hall will pay host to two very different speakers, both originating from Thornbury.

Alison Gill, is an accomplished Olympic rower, who now enjoys coaching women in the sport, besides utilising her psychology skills to run a successful business, and Jeffrey Watkins, DFC, has a fascinating life story and distinguished record as a World War Two Lancaster Bomber Ace.

Alison Gill took up rowing while at Oxford, having attended Manorbrook and The Castle Schools and was subsequently picked for the British Team, taking part in three Olympic Games: Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta. Her build and 6′ height made her ideal to excel in the sport and she is now a recognised coach, working only with female rowers. As the first Thornbury female Olympian, her fascinating insight into 2012 should be inspirational.

Jeffrey Watkins attended Thornbury Grammar School, but joined the Royal Air Force at 16 ½ , progressing from a successful aircraft apprenticeship to gaining his pilot’s wings in 1940. Following operations in the Western Desert, he returned to England, flying dangerous Bomber Command ‘Pathfinder’ missions. Jeffrey was involved in the successful attack on the German Battleship: ‘Tirpitz’, using the Barnes Wallis ‘Tallboy’ bomb, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

To hear more of the fascinating, diverse life stories of these two local inspirational speakers, get your tickets from Thornbury Garden Shop at £10.00, £9.00 (FACTs), to include cheese and wine, and support ACT (Arts and Community in Thornbury) and its project to improve community facilities and provide the town with a 500 seat theatre. Enquiries please call David Goldring on 01454 883631. Visit www.ACTthornbury.org.uk for more information on becoming a FACT.

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