Lots of bits and pieces this week.
Pairs Head Prize Giving
The pairs head prize giving – hosted by BBL patron John Inverdale – was held today. A HUGE thanks to Lucy and Sarah R for all the organising and compere-ing and , Nick, Katie C, Sarah and Sue for variously tidying the shed, making sandwiches and manning the bar.
It was a great event – luckily there were enough sandwiches and nearly enough cava to keep everyone going whie we waited for our host ‘flying in specially for the event’, everyone seemed excited to meet John (though one Quintin Vet was heard to say ‘I’m not giving you a kiss’ when he went up to collect his award).
People came from as far afield as Cardiff to collect their prize (and then had their car window smashed by the local low-lifes – welcome to Chiswick!). The President of Weybridge came to present the new Amy Gentry trophy for the fastest women’s crew. Amy Gentry was central to the development of women’s rowing as well as founder of Weybrige Ladies ARC – I think it is really appropriate that a race run by a women’s club has a trophy in her name.
Cygnet lunch
A selection of captains and other BBLers went to Henley to join Cygnet in their annual lunch on Satuday. The wine flowed, toasts were made and Cygnet Captain Dave gave a very lovely speech (which will be shamelessly ripped off for the Christmas party). As well as lots of friendly Cygnets there were lots of women who have been important to our club and to women’s rowing generally – it was really lovely to feel part of such an impressive tradition.
Christmas party – 7 December
The event of the social season –
This year’s ‘do’ is being held at Rosslyn Park RFC (on the corner of Priory Lane and the Upper Richmond Road, just beside Barnes Station), starting at 7pm on Saturday 7 December. There’ll be food, drinks and dancing – in short, a right good knees up. It’s licenced till 2am so all the die-hard party animals can carry on into the wee small hours.
Tickets are £40 each, to include a welcome drink, three course meal and 1/2 bottle of wine per person. Partners and friends welcome. Contact Katie C (cc’d) asap to let her know if you want
Head races
Kate and Sharon were racing the lovely Luna at Upper Thames Small Boats Head today – we await news of the results. Looking ahead:
Kingston Head – 9 November
Annabelle, Clemmy, Cara, Jenny – 4-
Lucy, Nick, Abi, Ellie – 4+Sue – 1xKaty – 1x
Scullers Head – 16 November
Sue, Katy, Ellie, Leah, Caroline
4s Head – 30 November
Annabelle, Clemmy, Cara, Jenny – 4-
Lucy, Nick, Abi, Ellie – 4+
It also looks like we’ll have a good mix of boats for the Vets Head – watch this space.
Also -Vesta are on the look out for launch drivers for the scullers head on 16 November – please contact me asap if you think you can help out.
Subs
I’ve emailed today outlining the plans for changing the timing of subs. I think this will be a change for the better, but do let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Safety
I think we’re all a lot more conscious about naviagation since the PLA talk – but I’m aware that a few of us have been caught out recently. Please keep your wits about you when you’re out there. Remember, in particular, that published tide times are never entirely accurate and that at the turn of the tide you need to make sure you are checking on the direction of the stream (not the height of the river) and be ready to move sides (safely) if the tide turns while you are out. Please also report all near-misses to me – I completely understand that mistakes are made (many of them by me) but I’d much rather hear about something from you than the PLA or another club.
Katy