Hi All,
Two lovely events to report on this week:
Pairs Head on Saturday 10th was a great success, thank you to all of you who gave your time. The water conditions were horrible, but the crowd on the hard were very jolly, and the cakes were spectacular. We raised £450. It was lovely to see so many old friends, both on the water and off. Congratulations to all 6 crews who raced – it was a tough one (remembering always that DNF beats DNS!) with special mentions for Jackie Darling who won WMas F/G, and to Emilie and Lucy who came 7/14 in their WIM 2-.
Pairs Head Prize Giving is this Saturday 24th, with special guest Andy Triggs Hodge. If you are able to come down please join us. The Pairs Head Committee bought us a new boat – which was raced by Sarah P and Katy B – and will be named at Prize Giving. Lunch at 1:00, followed by boat naming and prizes. See you there!
On Sunday we had the GFAR Graduation, celebrating with a BBQ on the lawn for all the BBL and Cygnet newbies, thanks to Sian, Ania and Michelle for providing delicious food, and a very generous donation from The Ginger Pig in Barnes.
This course has been phenomenally successful, with record numbers signing up and staying, and Sian’s matchless organisation has provided them with a very thorough introduction to rowing and the Tideway. They will now join the Novice Squad, and we look forward to seeing them out on the water regularly. Thank you to all who helped with coaching, coxing, boat sitting and imparting wisdom – I’m delighted to see the results of your expertise!
Next up is Fours Head on Saturday 7th November at 12.45, and Vets Fours Head on Sunday 8th November at 13.45.
If you could help with marshalling or launch driving on the Sunday (Briefing at Pier House at 12.00) please let me know, and please respond to requests for help with boating and catering on both days. We have 5 crews entered over the weekend at the moment – fingers crossed they all get to race!
We continue to be very busy, with 4 or 5 intermediate crews out regularly four times a week and a Novice Squad of about 30 training enthusiastically on land and on the water thanks to our dedicated coaching team. Mark has galvanised us into action, and as well as training hard we are reviewing our equipment, sorting boat rigging, mending leaks (!) and overhauling blades.
Marvellous!
Jo