I’m very excited to be typing my first BBL news. As Sarah said, I’ve been at the club for a few years now, and I’m really pleased that I now get to put a bit back into the club I’ve got so much out of. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to implement all the plans for improvement we’ve discussed over the years (I see now that a club goat isn’t strictly practical), but if I can build even a little on the fantastic work done by Jenny and then Sarah, I’ll be really happy.
New season
The new season meeting is on 12 September at 7pm. It’s a chance for the captains and coaches to set out plans for the new season and for you to ask any questions you might have. Ahead of the meeting, we’ll be sending out a feedback form, to get your thoughts on your goals for the year ahead.
Key dates for the diary:
- Pairs Head – 13 October. This is the only self-selecting race of the year, so let me know if you and a partner want to race (or let me know if you want to race and haven’t found anyone, and we can try a little matchmaking)
- Scullers Head – 16 November – note much earlier date than in previous years
- Fours Head – 30 November
- Vets Fours Head – 1 December
- Women Eights Head – 15 March
We might also try and slip in a couple of small boat head races before the end of the year – more details at the new season meeting.
Volunteering
The pairs, hours and eights head are also key fundraising opportunities for us, when the BBLRC catering arm swings into operation. This relies on club members stepping up to volunteer – and we will be on the look-out for people not to wield the BBQ tongs, but also to mastermind operations. Let me know if you think you fancy being a catering supremo.
Sculling camp
Weekend of 14/15 September. A great opportunity to scull on mostly flat water – or sit in the sun and drink tea. Contact Matt Byne for more details or check out the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/220881058066282/
Weights
Weights sessions are still continuing on a fortnightly basis – dates on the website. We’re really lucky to have a dedicated weights coach, but it is really only worthwhile if we get the numbers, so use it or lose it.
Other news
You’ll have hopefully seen the picture of Coach Jenny at her wedding just over a week ago – she really did look that lovely, and the cake really did have rowing boat on it! Congratulations to Jenny and Garry!
Good luck to all the BBLRCers racing at the World Rowing Masters Regatta in Varese at the end of the week. Looking forward to the race reports.
Katy