It was a sad and chilly weekend at the club, with both HORR and Vets Head cancelled.
The Happy Monday squad had been training hard for Vets Head, so also very disappointing. Lets hope the weather shifts soon for summer racing.
We managed to sell a few sausages which covered our costs, thankfully J had held off shopping, so we didn’t have stacks of food. Sadly that will be a dent in our head race fundraising. On a more positive note – we have two pieces of very exciting news.
Lottery funding
Last October Ellie Estchild (now secretary) spied that Sport England had some funding available to support the Olympic Legacy. Ellie set about putting a project together. We decided that we would ask for money to support our Get fit and row ladies, so created Get fit and row phase 2.
This project isn’t just about about the next intake, its also about supporting the rowers who joined via the Get fit and row course last year. We found out that we have been awarded the funding for our project, just under £8K. The money will fund a second launch (it will be a squeeze, but will be worth it in the long run), money for coaching and some coaching equipment. The committee and I are thrilled to have this opportunity. Thanks to Ellie for helping us achieve this additional funding, also to Liz McVeigh who kindly agreed to be our referee.
Patron
Following the Join in weekend last year, Katy Owen (Vice Captain) contacted John Inverdale about becoming a Patron of the club. Katy and I met up with John a few weeks ago (hence the Facebook pic) and discussed how John would be able to help raise the profile of the club and Ladies rowing. John is obviously a busy presenter involved in lots of sports so has a busy schedule, however he has agreed he could support a few events throughout the year. We’re thrilled, its a great opportunity for the club.
We’ll be submitting a press release about John coming on board, hopefully in the next few days in time for the Boat Race. Following the committee meeting we’ve come up with some suggestions for John’s involvement and will be announcing this over the coming weeks.
And finally, next up is Training Camp. Its a cross the board club event with a good mix of novices, intermediates and some Happy Mondays coming along. We’re praying for warmer weather…
See you at the club soon.
Sarah