It was an event to befit the celebration of an 80^th birthday – Nancy’s. The Nancy Blackett Trust’s 14^th AGM on Saturday seemed to go in for two of everything: two guest boats in attendance – Peter Duck, and Swallow from the 1974 film, and two guest speakers.

Surprise guest Sophie Neville, who played Titty in the film, charmed everyone with her exuberant account of adventures in the making of it (including danger money!), and her later production career with the BBC, including making "Coot Club" and the "Big Six". Robert Simper, a local sailor and author who found his way into boats via reading "Secret Water", gave an informal presentation on 'Ransome’s rivers' – the Orwell, Deben and the Backwaters – how they were in Ransome’s days and how they’ve changed.

And we elected two new vice-presidents, Brian and Lorna Hammett, marking Brian’s retirement from the NBT Board. Brian and Lorna were both present at Mike Rines’ famous Butt & Oyster dinner to mark the restoration of Nancy in 1990, and have actively supported the Trust since its formation.

Julia Jones, now a celebrated author in her own right, came round on Peter Duck, and stayed to sign copies of her new novel, "The Salt-Stained Book".

Swallow, skippered by Mark Jacobson, was on hand to take delighted youngsters (and not-so-youngsters ) sailing, as was Nancy herself, thanks to skipper Phil Durnford and mate Andy Atkins.

The auction raised a record amount for the Trust – over £600, helped by over £300 for a single item: the Geoff Hunt painting of Nancy.

And to top it off, a convivial dinner in the evening, replete with many toasts and much laughter.