Presidents View from the Balcony - Winter 2012
As I write, the benign January weather seems to be replaced by an Arctic blast; how fitting as the Siberian landscape of the Fens provides the setting for Peterborough Head in a week’s time.
The 2012 Head season got underway in an unusual manner when the Club staged a highly successful event on our home waters on 22nd January. This was a result of the cancellation of our Annual Small Boat’s Head on 20th November 2011, due to a blanket of fog that descended on Bedford that day. This came as a financial blow. Not only did we incur unavoidable costs on the day, but also we had been looking forward to a very high entry. I am pleased to report that the rescheduled event attracted a good entry and that the Club was able to recover the costs of both days and make a profit. Indeed, days like that show Star Club in its best light. Chris Callow, Simon Clarke and Nicky Durrant planned and executed the day in exemplary fashion. Alan Johnson led a team of marshals drawn from all sections of the Club and planned the duties with military precision. The kitchen was led as usual by Lynette Parsons with a team of helpers and the bar served food, hot drinks and the occasional pint throughout the day. Best of all, the Senior Men’s eight were the fastest crew in a very respectable time of 5 minutes 48 seconds. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a happy and successful day.
All squads are training hard. In addition to another promising Senior Men’s Squad, the Senior Women’s Squad is growing in strength under the watchful eye of Brian Thompson. This is good to see and I look forward to watching this Squad develop over the coming months. If you are aware of any ladies who are considering rowing at a competitive level, please encourage them to join. The Masters’ Squad is healthy for both Men and Women with three eights boating on a regular basis. They have already competed in Round One of the Cambridge Winter League with encouraging results.
Mark Bavington has made a strong impression with the Junior Squad. He is settled into various local schools and looking after a strong squad of Junior Men and Women at the Club. The Men’s J18 Quad looks particularly quick.
There is good news on the funding front. I am delighted to report that the Club is in receipt of a £28,000 Sports Match Grant. Three new fours have been ordered. Money has been allocated to purchase a good second hand coxless pair and orders have also been placed for new sculling boats and equipment. My thanks to the Management Board and Simon White for securing this much needed injection of finance.
Looking to the future, the Head of the River Race will be on 17th March. Come along and support the Club in its quest to retain the Jackson Trophy. Women’s Henley Regatta will be on 15th – 17th June and Henley Royal Regatta is on 27th June – 1 July. Lets hope for a bumper entry from the Club for both of these events. On the weekend of 21st – 23rd September, we will be hosting Bamberg Rowing Club when they visit the town to compete in the Bedford/Bamberg Sports Festival.
Enjoy the Spring and Summer and your time at the Club.
David
