Angela Rippon CBE, OBE becomes Club’s Patron

When a recent newspaper article highlighted the fact that Angela Rippon was born and raised in Plymouth and her father, John, served in the Royal Marines during WW2, it was a unanimous decision by the Club’s committee to approach Angela and ask whether she would agree to be the Club’s very first Patron.

An email was sent to Angela’s agents explaining the foundation, aims and ethos of the RMA Gig Club and its support of the RMA - The Royal Marines Charity, together with the invitation to consider taking up the role of Club Patron - within a week Angela personally called to accept!

By becoming our Patron, Angela will provide her support and endorsement for our efforts in achieving our goal in promoting and teaching gig rowing which, in turn, will facilitate more physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Angela Rippon has one of the best known faces and voices in British broadcasting. Having trained as a journalist on newspapers in her home town of Plymouth , she joined BBC Plymouth in 1966 as a radio and television reporter. During her illustrious career has presented a multitude of diverse programmes, including; The Antiques Roadshow, Top Gear, and In the Country. She also hosted the Eurovision Song contest, worked on the 1979 General Election team, presented the Olivier Awards on three occasions and made her now famous appearance on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas shows of 1976 and 1977.  In 1977, she was also named Television Personality of the year. She is currently one of the three presenters of the highly successful BBC1 consumer programme Rip Off Britain, now in its twelfth year, and its sister programmes Rip Off Britain Travel and Rip Off Britain Food. She is also a regular contributor to The One show.

In  2002 she was named European Woman of Achievement, and in June 2004 received the OBE from Her Majesty the Queen for services to Broadcasting, Charity and The Arts.  She has subsequently received a CBE for her services to Dementia.

Angela remarked on her Patronage

“I can't tell you how flattered and thrilled I am to be asked to be your Patron. I so look forward to supporting the club in the years ahead and seeing you all in action - once the Covid 19 travel restrictions are lifted and I'm allowed to venture out of London. Can't promise I'm any good at rowing but I can cheer pretty loudly!

Meanwhile stay safe and well - and keep rowing !!”

Club Chairman, David Brain, commented

“I would like to welcome Angela as our Patron. The Club is honoured to have her onboard and as a member of the team I feel sure that, as our Patron, her name will add greater credibility and support to our organisation. This, in turn, will raise awareness of the Royal Marines Association - The Royal Marines Charity and further demonstrate the Club’s support to the Charity”