Introduction

Spring is officially her although it seems well disguised as winter. We are though turning our thoughts from winter training towards warmer days and lighter evenings. This update looks ahead to the next few months and reflects on some of our achievements of the last few months.

Please read it as some will apply to you as a member of the club.

Easter Opening

This is a reminder that good Friday is traditionally when we mark the opening of the Rowing Season. The racing is open to all members with the traditional Easter Egg prize for the winning team. If you would like to row on the day can you please let your Vice Captain know before Wednesday 27 March to ease organisation. The plan is as follows:

• 8.00                             Arrive and ready to boat
• 08.15                           Team Selection
• 09:00 – 10:30              Racing
• 10:45                           Refreshments
• 11:30                           Opening Ceremony with the Mayor of Sudbury

Please invite relations and friends to join us. There will be the usual beer and hot cross buns as well as other refreshments and this year Sainsbury’s is sponsoring the refreshments and prizes. Please note that the Sudbury Fun Run will mean that roads through and around Sudbury will be closed between 9-10 am.

Learn to Row

Pippa has been working hard to introduce potential new members to the club with some taster sessions. These will now be followed by our next Learn to Row Course which will be starting on Saturday 6th April at 12.30 and will run for 6 weeks. These courses are a key means by which we can bring new members into the club and are also a source of income. For them to run smoothly requires at least 4 members to be present and volunteers are needed for each session. Don’t worry if you are not sure about your coaching skills – you know more than you think you do and your help is invaluable.

Can you please contact Pippa to let her know that you can assist her with your vital support – learn2row@sudbury.rowing.org.uk

Head of the River Races

This year we had the potential for five crews at the HORR and we started off well with our first ever entry into the Schools Head. Our juniors boated 10th in the event and were surrounded by other more experienced and mainly older crews and they did themselves and the club proud finishing 96th overall. Congratulations to Bob Howard for his coaching through the winter with support from Tim Baldwin and Rob Frost.

Our Ladies crew have been training hard since the autumn with Andrew Blit as coach and winning at Norwich Head. After a difficult start they came 207th overall and we have huge potential for success as we move towards the Regatta season.

Unfortunately the weather hit the HORR this weekend and our Men’s, U17 and Vets Crews have been disappointed not to be able to compete but can reflect that a solid winters training can now be carried into events in the coming season.

Dates for Your Diary

Here are some dates that you should put in your diary:

Social

• Quiz Night 18 May 2013 – further details soon
• Annual Dinner and Dance 5 October 2013 – more information nearer the time

Learn to Row

• 6th April – 11 May 12.30 – 14.30 – please confirm you are available to help with Pippa

Rowing Events

Note these are events we are currently planning to enter or are notable rowing events we should aspire to enter at least one crew. We may attend others as the season progresses. Speak to your Vice Captain to discuss entries.

• 14th April – Bedford 4’s and Small Boats Head – entries urgently needed to ensure a place
• 5 May Wallingford Regatta Dorney Lake
• 19 May British Masters – Nottingham
• 1-2 June Peterborough Spring
• 21-23 June Womens Henley
• 28 June Henley Qualifiers
• 3-7 July Royal Henley
• 12-13 July Henley Masters
• 14 July Bedford Quarts
• 20-21 July British Rowing Junior Champs
• 27-28 July St Neots
• 3 August Sudbury International Regatta
• 10-11 August Peterborough Summer
• 15-18 August ZeZere Rowing Tour Portugal
• 1 September Gt Ouse Marathon
• 8 September Cambridge Autumn
• 15 September Boston Marathon

Evening Rowing

With the evenings getting lighter and the clocks changing over Easter weekend we will start evening sessions from the week commencing 8th April.

We found last year that crews were training most nights of the week so we will no longer have an evening when there is a Duty person. This means we have to set a few rules.
If you are planning to row during an evening you must notify your VC and book a boat with times. If you are not at the club 15 minutes after your booked time then another crew can use the boat.

Respect other river users – during the summer we have to share evenings with Sea Scouts, canoeists and anglers. Development crews must arrange outings with their VC and there must be a senior member coxing or present. Juniors can only go on the water by arrangement with a VC or Coach and if a senior member is present. Exceptions are if the VC and Club Captain have formal notification from a parent authorising unsupervised boating. We will not be allocating specific evenings for squad priority however Wednesday is usually the evening most used by Juniors and the river is busy. Any incidents or damage must be reported – this is not about blame it’s so we can ensure any damage is dealt with and we learn from the incident.

Boat Handling and Safety

Our boats are both expensive and delicate and they are most likely to be damaged when handling them on and off the water; in and out of the boathouse and racks and on and off the trailer. Please think about the following to save unnecessary damage and injury
Make sure that the cox or a crew member gives clear instructions – and make sure each crew member is switched on and listening.

Ensure that the crew is capable of handling the boat – don’t be afraid to ask for help
Before lifting ensure that the way is clear and that trestles or racks are prepared
Put the boats on racks after outings even if they are going to be used in a later session
Take care when turning boats on land – check both bows and stern to ensure there is enough clearance.

Make sure that you have a plan when placing the boats on the trailer – particularly the top section and make sure they are properly strapped down. Always strap boats on outside racks.

That’s all for now.

Let’s look forward to a successful season ahead and some warmer weather

Keith
Captain

Dear All

Happy New Year to everyone and hope you have all had a lovely Christmas

Please see below details regarding the Quiz Night on Saturday 19th January. This was a very popular event last year and numbers are limited so please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to come.

Do not worry if you do not have a team of 6 as we can put people together to make a team if required.

There will be a prize for the best dressed or themed table such as James Bond, Floral, a certain colour or even a foreign country. The choice is yours.

Please bring your own alcohol but to help the club please purchase any soft drinks from us on the night.

Thanks and hope you’re all feeling super intelligent

Emma and Jeanette

Summary

• Saturday 19 January 2013, 1830
• Sudbury Scout Hut, Quay Lane
• Teams of 6
• Soft drinks available. Bring your own alcohol.
• £10 each, including dinner

For more details, contact Emma and Jeanette Adams on social@sudbury.rowing.org.uk.

Saturday 12 January 2013

Kick off the year with a Head to Head on the Stour. Racing over 2K with 1400m downstream a fast spin followed by 600m upstream. Three divisions at 8.30, 10.30, 12.30. Boating half an hour before the start of the division.

Bring the family to watch, refreshments will be available at the clubhouse.

Introduction

Another rowing year has ended with the recent AGM and a new one is now under way. This newsletter is to keep you up to date with what is happening at the club as well as our plans for the next few weeks.

Vice Captains

Firstly though a big thanks to Katherine Cass and Sam Hogsbjerg who were VCs last year and decided not to stand for re-election. They have both contributed a huge amount to the club and I am sure will continue to do so.

The new Vice Captains are:

• Tim Hysom – Mens Squad
• Tricia McGrillen – Ladies Squad
• Rob Frost – Junior Squad
• Pippa Kerry – LTR and Development Squad

It will make their task much easier if you can let them know your availability for training and events in good time. If you have any queries or issues about rowing matters please speak to your VC or anyone on the Rowing Committee

Rowing Committee

The Rowing Committee meets monthly and comprises the VCs plus:

• Mike Arnott – Coaches
• Ellie Adams – Coxes
• John Bowles – Boat Maintenance
• Ella Hysom, Molly Shaw – Juniors

We have the responsibility for all things rowing including boat purchases and maintenance, training planning and organisation and club attendance at events.

We have recently purchased a new heavyweight single which will mean that some of our taller members will find sculling a little easier. We are planning to purchase a heavyweight 4+ in the coming months and we have also applied for a British Rowing grant which will help to part fund some more singles and doubles aimed for use by LTR and novice members. Also on our list are some more sweep and sculling blades.

We are seeking for more members to attend coaching events. If you are interested in formalising your coaching skills please contact a VC. We are able to provide support to cover costs.

New Members

A very warm welcome to all of our new experienced and LTR members who have joined in recent weeks. I hope you all feel part of the club and know you can ask if you are not sure about anything.

We had very successful evening when 26 new members attended a recent capsize drill at Sudbury Kingfisher. Everyone who attended was successful. We are planning another session in February for those who have not yet completed the drill.

GB Trials

After success at the J18 Category of the Scullers Head which Katherine Insull won with her teammate from Lea Rowing Club Maddie Badcott she attended the National Junior Trials. Katherine came 9th in the selection and will be asked to go to further trials and is well placed for selection.

Sophie Brown also went for trials for the GB Adaptive Squad and will be asked back for the next one planned in April.

Well done Katherine and Sophie.

Recent Events

NORFOLK SCULLERS HEAD

We attended the head on a cold and windy day with Tom Bowles and Ellie Adams representing the Juniors in singles and Pippa Kerry and Jeremy Milbank and Hannah Lodge and Keith Paxman in Masters Doubles.

Tom performed really well and Ellie won her event. The doubles were the only entries in their category although Pippa and Jeremy were clear winners between the two SRC boats.

STAR HEAD

We came back from Star Head after a pleasant day in the autumn sun with 7 wins – a great day for the club.

Congratulations to:

• J15 1x – Ellie
• Mas 2x – Pippa Kerry and Jeremy Milbank
• J15 2x – Ellie Adams and Amy Bowles
• J16 2x – Molly Shaw and Amy Bland (Rob Roy)
• J17 4+ – Toby Stock, Tom Bowles, Alex Blackman, Will Kerry and Holly Adams (cox)
• MAS 4+ – Dave Bull, Tim Hysom, John Bowles, Austin Shaw and Ella Hysom (cox)
• Mas 8+ – Dave Bull, Tim Hysom, John Bowles, Austin Shaw, Paul Adams, Graham Morris, Simon Coll, Keith Paxman and Mike Arnott (cox)

Coming Events

ARDLEIGH HEAD

We have a number of crews going to the Ardleigh Head on 8 December. This is event is being organised by our colleagues at Essex University and I am pleased we are able to support them this year.

Pudding Races

Our annual Pudding Races will be on 22 December this year. It’s our traditional mix of scratch racing and pre Christmas social. Look out for more details soon.

Keith
Captain

Saturday 22 December (0830-1230)

Don Christmas hats and plenty of layers this December before bundling the in-laws up to the club for a morning of friendly (yet intensely competitive) racing in scratch crews. As usual, the winning team will be awarded with puddings and all are welcomed to the clubhouse for a feast of mince pies, mulled wine, jacket potatoes and cake, all washed down with a festive punch.

Let Emma or Jeanette know that you’ll be attending so that sufficient food can be prepared and then declare your availability on Squadlist so that approximately equal teams can be engineered.

… and, whatever you do, don’t forget the hats!

Message from the Secretary:

Please find attached draft minutes for this year’s AGM.

As many members did not attend, I propose to circulate these together with the development plan by email to all members. [...]

Regards, J

Minutes of AGM 2012

As tradition dictates, the club awards were awarded at the annual dinner last month. For the benefit of those who missed the evening, possess more mature powers of memory or would like to bask their success, the full list of nominations (with winners in each category marked) is provided below.

Junior Award

Katharine Insull (WINNER)

Katharine has worked tirelessly all season. She went to the GB trials, rowed at Henley and represented Wales. She has carried the club name forward at the highest level this season.

Ella Hysom

Ella first coxed an eight in atrocious conditions at Ardleigh. Since then she has made great strides as a cox and has had two big wins at Bedford and at Sudbury.

Amy Bowles

Throughout the year Amy has been dedicated to her training and has achieved a number of wins in the events she has entered.

Ellie Adams

Ellie has shown continued dedication to her training. She showed her competitive side when faced with fresh competition from within the junior squad. Se also coxed the mens 8 at the Head of the river and has shown improvement all year with her coxing.

Senior Award

Jeremy Milbank (WINNER)

For the incredible amount of training that he has committed to this year, and the strides forward he has made in technique. Jeremy regularly trains at 6.30 mid week and is happy to share the boat with any willing partner. He and David Wasse have regularly put themselves in winning positions through the season (and often managed to find unique ways to avoid winning!) although they were triumphant at Peterborough Summer. Jeremy and Pippa were the club’s sole representatives at Masters Henley.

Tim Hysom

Tim rowed in the men’s first 8 then went on to win his novice pot at Bedford Quarts Regatta. He could not have achieved those things if he didn’t listen and learn. His attitude, persistence and will to be better has made him technically better and also a pleasure to row with. He is no longer just a big ergo… but a big presence!

Paul Adams

Paul was perhaps the most dedicated adult trainer in the winter months; he moved from the Senior 8+ to the Vets 8+ for the HORR without complaint and is always happy to row at any time in any crew.

Stour Shield

Pippa Kerry

For another well organised successful regatta and for trying to introduce new ideas to the event. She has done a fantastic job. She went about the job with no fuss and produced a truly great and profitable regatta.

John Bowles (WINNER)

Apart from his commitment to developing his rowing skills, John is always willing to help with boat or club maintenance. He regularly identifies boat repairs that are required and just gets on with applying his practical skills. He is a tremendous asset to the club.

David Wasse

For his work on the land purchase and overall financial and strategic guidance and judgement.

Most Improved Rower

Tom Bowles

Tom has not yet been rowing a year but has shown what dedication, persistence and focus can achieve. He has absorbed information and guidance and applied it to progress and develop rapidly so that he is already racing at a high level .To go from L2R to racing at national level competitions in less than a year is proof of what hard work and commitment can achieve.

On behalf of the club I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to another hugely successful regatta.

I cannot name everyone who has helped because there are so many of you, but I would like to record our thanks to Pippa for all she has done over the past year. She has coped with all sorts of issues, problems and setbacks and numerous emails, texts and phonecalls calmly and without any fuss. Making the regatta a success is an enormous task, and Pippa has done it twice now. She and her family deserve all our thanks and congratulations.

I would also like, on your behalf, to thank Andrew for his meticulous organisation before and on the day, and for his marathon stint on the commentator’s microphone. Finally, Emma deserves a special mention for all her work persuading people to sponsor us and then making sure that we looked after them once they had.

Early indications are that the money we have raised for the club may not be far short of last year’s record, but to my mind that isn’t the point. For me the great thing about Sudbury Regatta is the spirit of cooperation and togetherness shown by everyone involved. Once again we have had many many expressions of thanks from competitors and spectators, who praise the organisation and the friendly atmosphere as well as the location. Without the hard work of all of you, and your families and friends we couldn’t have a regatta.

Thank you all, and well done!

Mike Arnott

Chairman