Joe Cooper

Peter A. Gerard, 80, passed away on August 17, 2026, after a brief illness. Melinda, his loving wife of 52 years, and his daughter Jennifer were with him for his final moments. To say that Peter was “larger than life” not only described his tall, distinguished, presence, but also how he chose to live and what he gave to others. From his early childhood in New York to his business career in Texas to the hardest working “retirement' ever known in Newport, Dallas, and Indio, California, no one who knew Peter could ever forget his booming voice, his strong opinions and insights, and, above all, the kindness and good will he radiated to one and all.

By Joe Cooper 01 September 2026 politics News

Our mate Daniel Martinez, Founder and CEO of Martingale Marine , is hosting a seminar at Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston, RI on Thursday, October 1 about “Keeping your Boat Insurable.”

The 2nd XV faced a demanding test against a big and physical Fawley 1st XV, eventually going down 29 - 5, but the young Salisbury side gained…

My mate Bruce Chafee and I recently had a gam with Karen Lile and Rick Tittle at SailSportTalk.com about getting more young sailors involved with offshore keelboat sailing, with a focus the Ida Lewis Distance Race . Our interview (audio only) is linked here, and you'll find more of my thoughts below.

Twelve months ago, Andy Burnham arrived at Labour Party Conference as the party's insurgent-in-chief. Fresh from Greater Manchester and armed with an ambitious vision for reshaping the country, there was no shortage of enthusiasm for brand Andy. By the end of conference, however, the sense among members, the media, and MPs alike was that he'd gone too far too soon, with the then Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position strengthened, albeit temporarily.

Salisbury made it two wins from two in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South with a convincing 48 – 5 victory over Swanage & Wareham at Castle Road on Saturday, October 3.

The 55 - 15 win was particularly satisfying given the testing conditions, with a strong, blustery wind making handling difficult and turning the kicking game into something of a lottery.

Four teams took to the pitch on Saturday, October 10, ahead of the club’s first XV fixture against Trowbridge and its Oktoberfest celebrations, giving the Salisbury players another chance to broaden their experience in one of rugby’s fastest-growing formats.

Persistent rain, an unrelenting wind and a slippery ball made handling difficult throughout, limiting continuity and placing a premium on ball retention, discipline and tactical awareness.