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Here we are with practically of
third of the Rowing year gone!
But what
an amazing first third it has been , we
have almost 200 people in training from Junior to Elite level , we now
have 2 professional coaches , Richard Ayling for the Juniors and Ian South for the senior group. We have secured a
£12,000 sponsorship deal with the help of Nigel Wilson-Dykes. We have built a
new relationship with Tiffin School Boat Club which will enable us to work
together to move forward with works required at the Boathouse and for the
opportunity to share equipment. We have
also just entered into a new agreement with Kingston University Boat Club,
which
means
we will take over the training and coaching of their crews, have access to
their Boats and launches and most importantly have the membership of about 30
students who will be able to race for KRC and Kingston University.
On Health and safety matters we have just completed a Fire alarm and emergency
lighting system and our water supply is not going to spread legionnaire's
disease!
Iames
Masters our treasurer confirms that we now have funds available to carry
out an up-grade to our fleet of boats across the board , I'm sure that you will agree we are moving
into our 150th year in very good shape indeed !
Apart
from all the work going on in the gym and on the river the clubhouse is also
looking a little less tired , the bar has just been redecorated and cleaned by
Richard Nelson and Matt Christie and is now open regularly selling good beer at
club prices and we are looking forward to a decent income stream from it . Much
work is still to be done particularly to the changing rooms, showers and
lavatories. Money has been set aside
towards these works but we are also applying for grants to help with the costs
and to this end I must thank Marcus Hoskin who relishes filling in large and
complicated grant application forms on our behalf. Until we know whether or not we are
successful we cannot start any work as the money we are applying for is not
available for anything carried out retrospectively.
Finally
if you have not yet sent off your application for tickets for the 150th
Dinner at Ravens Ait please do so now or you may well be disappointed, I
understand a whole group of the active members have organised a mass measure up
by our Blazer suppliers just after Christmas so that the new Blazers will be
ready for delivery before the 15th February.
I
hope you all have a splendid Christmas and New Year.
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