Club members were excited to be back on the water following the lifting of government restrictions allowing outdoor sports activities from 29th March. The bonus of flat water and sunshine for a few weeks has made it even more enjoyable, although it’s still unseasonably chilly in the mornings. With training in the gyms being able to start in April, the squads are busy getting ready for local matches, summer regattas and national competitions.
The National Schools regatta is on 29th and 30th May at Dorney. The Senior squad is preparing for the Metropolitan regatta on 5th and 6th June, also at Dorney. Henley Women’s Regatta has be rescheduled for 2nd, 3rd and 4th July and Henley Royal Regatta is being held in August, from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th. It’s hoped that other local regattas such as Reading Amateur regatta (12th-13th June) and Henley Masters regatta (9th-10th July) will go ahead as planned.
Our learn to row courses are going well and it’s lovely to see new faces, young and old, enjoying being out in boats.
The club held it’s AGM via zoom on 30th March. Richard Wheeler, one of our club coaches, was elected as trustee and will join the committee. The AGM included a report on the year and plans for the new season including operation of the club bar. Club volunteers have been busy painting and getting ready for opening up the bar, hopefully in May, in line with government guidelines. Please contact chairman@henleyrowingclub.org if you would like to help with any work around the club.
A new initiative this year is to reduce our waste and improve recycling with a pledge to achieve Rowers Against Rubbish bronze tier level by end of 2021.
The annual awards were presented virtually at the AGM as follows: Junior Woman – Sophie Underwood, Junior Man – Ed Roy, Master – Ian Giuliani, Fitzpatrick Award for outstanding volunteer – Phil Turnell.
