Lovely Ladies of Barnes Bridge – what a night we had of it at our Annual Christmas bash!
The venue, the food, the music were all perfect thanks to Michelle and Vicki’s organisation.
The on-screen entertainment was spectacular thanks to Sarah P’s IT creativity and some lovely club photos – see it again here
https://player.vimeo.com/video/148852165 and here https://player.vimeo.com/video/148852779 and sing along!
The company – oh the company! Thank you all for coming, for laughing and for dancing. If you weren’t there, please come next year.
Honorary Life Membership was awarded to Dave Gledhill for his contribution to the Club over some 20 years of membership, coxing, coaching and teaching, as well as looking after our equipment and boat stock, and fulfilling the role of Safety Officer. We have all benefitted from his expertise and help, and appreciated his cheerful and lighthearted manner. His command of Tideway Vocabulary is second to none, covering all eventualities that a rower might encounter while out on the water.
Club Memeber of the Year was awarded to Michelle Weiss for her great contribution to the smooth running of the Club, managing all our catered races, taking on Kit provision, Club Day and Social events – raising some £4000 for Club funds.
Most Improved was awarded to Sarah Thompson. Sarah has trained tirelessly to improve her fitness and technique this year, and has been in the top crews. She has also learnt to scull, and – always willing to help – has proved herself a very proficient cox.
Sculler of the Year was awarded to Sharon Leow who – already one of our most skilled sweep rowers – was in the pennant winning 4x at Weybridge Head in January, de-noviced in a 1x at BMI Regatta in the summer, raced in a mixed 2x with Simon Suthers at Oxford City and with Bec Stackhouse at Pairs Head.
Crew of the Year went to the 8 which de-noviced at Barnes and Mortlake Regatta, Vicki, Gillian, Kat, Amy, Jess, Sophia, Lorna and Ania, coxed by Anna. Well done ladies!
Last but by no means least – our favourite Cygnet this year is Simon Suthers, for his coxing, coaching, support and encouragement. He even came to training camp!
My thanks to the Coaching Team, the Committee, and of course Sian and Sarah P, without whom nothing would get done.
Before I leave 2015 – we have bought a new scull (to replace Digger and Spring Fever, both ahem ‘retired’ under my watch). A 70 to 85 kg Janousek, totally refurbed with all new parts. As yet s(he) has no name – appropriate suggestions to me please!
So Ladies, on to 2016 – quick catches and heels down.
New Year’s Day if the Tide and Weather permit, come down for a quick spin, and even if they don’t permit, come to the Clubhouse for Captain’s Open House. Timing to follow.
Our first Boathouse Workday is Sunday 3rd January, with a Club Time Trial at 07.15.
Our first race will be Weybridge Winter Head on 16th January.
In the meantime, have a very restful and Happy Christmas,
Jo