Norman & Rosslyn Doney (Click on the photo to enlarge)

Rosslyn was trained as a teacher and Norman’s business background is in banking. Since their meeting at a Christian Youth Enterprise (CYE) event, Rosslyn and Norman have been heavily involved in youth work in Cranleigh Baptist Church where they have led the senior youth group for 15 years and in village initiatives and CYE of course. Norman led this work into achieving charitable status in 1983, working among young people from an increasing number of churches.

In 1985 an opportunity arose to acquire a centre in Chichester Harbour for the work of CYE , and Christian Youth Enterprises Sailing Centre was born. The work increased and soon full time staff were needed. Norman became a full time director in 1989 and is financially supported by the Church and individuals. Rosslyn is involved in the work as time allows in their busy life with three children, two goats and a dog. Norman has an office at home and commutes to Chichester regularly.

The work involves sharing the gospel with young people, and helping them to grow in maturity and commitment, through camps and houseparties, training courses, schools work through Glebelands and hosting school trips to the harbour.

One thousand five hundred young people are contacted through the work each year in a variety of ways. Some hear an assembly and learn choruses on a school trip and appreciate the Christian staff role models, others are involved in a camp with daily talks and Bible discussion. Others are educated in Christianity through RE lessons at Glebelands in the winter. There are now ten full time staff increasing to fifteen in the summer.

The Centre is an ex-Navy Minesweeper called the Gerald Daniel with beds for 39 on board. Equipment includes sailing dinghies, canoes, safety boats and an assault course. The ship floats at high tide making a unique facility which creates an immediate atmosphere of its own, helping in relationship building and sharing God’s word.

Come and see the marvellous situation God has provided near Bosham, West Sussex.