Hi, I’m Linda Palmer, the Sea Scout Leader’s mum. The River Stour and Sea Scouts has always played a big part in our lives, so I’m delighted to help support the web site.

Robert’s dad had always been a keen fisherman. When the shortage of work in Yorkshire, 29 years ago, caused us to relocate my husband decide the delightful market town of Sudbury was the place to move his family too because it had good fishing.

Our social time was always spent down by the river. The Water Bailiff got to know the Palmer family very well. He often said we were like the tribe of Israel walking across the meadows. Me, with the pushchair with my daughter Diane in and a bag of toys dangling from it’s handles, my husband with all the fishing gear and chairs, Robert and big brother David carrying either the cool box with our picnic in or the playpen and our Labrador puppy Logan in tow. The boys and their Dad fished whilst I played with and amused our daughter or walked the dog. I suppose Diane & I could have stayed at home but that wasn’t as much fun as being down by the river. I became the official family photographer to record all their fishing catches. Robert’s first boat was an inflatable blue dinghy that he sailed frequently until he lost a paddle – another reason for him to join Sea Scouts as boats are provided.

Robert joined Scouts and eventually Sea Scouts. When he was invested as a Sea Scout my Dad an X Royal Navy sailor took great pride in buying his grandson his first uniform and hat. Robert has always loved the water, like his father, and has always been passionate about Sea Scouts. I remember the early days, when as parents we did all we could to help raise funds to build the new Scout Headquarters and do things to support the group be it cooking on my part or providing wood for Bonfire night celebrations from Dad. I’ve seen my son grow up to manhood with numerous life and water skills gained through Sea Scouts. He now works as Sea Scout Leader for the group he grew up with, giving freely of his own time to ensure that the youngsters of today and tomorrow will be able to grow in strength, confidence and good character with the many life skills and disciplines the group participate in. Long may the work of 3^rd Sudbury Sea Scouts and the River Stour Trust continue to work in harmony for the benefit of the people of Sudbury, Great Cornard and surrounding area.