Charity row triumphs against the clock

Last Saturday Sudbury Rowing Club raced against the clock for Red Nose Day.

On dry land outside Roys Variety Store ten doughty SRC volunteers rowed their hearts out on a Concept 2 Ergometer over 100kilometres continuously to raise £500 for charity and in doing so beat all their own targets.

Started at 9 am by Store Manager, Mr Martin Hayman, lead-off man, club Vice Captain Trevor Chambers powered straight to a Personal Best thereby setting the tone for the day. Bemused shoppers looked on while each hero rowed their own 10 kilometres. While the oarsmen struggled with their own challenge other club members organised a 500 Metre Challenge for passing children.

During the day, while the rowing machines were being powered along by crew members such as Chairman Aidan Dunn, Captain Matt Clayton and Vice Captain Tony Moule, members of the club squeaked red noses and buckets were filled by the generous customers of the Store to the tune of almost £300, which together with the sponsorship of Direct Meats and ABN Amro Bank meant that the sum raised totalled an amazing £500.

Finally, a little before 3:30, Karen Bassett organiser of the event, cheered home by fellow club members, supporters and puzzled (but impressed) passers-by crossed the Finishing Line for her own best score and a total time five and a half minutes inside the Clubs best hopes.

The whole club is proud to have contributed to this year’s Red Nose event and was also thrilled at the interest expressed, especially by the younger members of the audience. Hopefully some of them will find their way down to the foot of Quay Lane on a weekend morning so that they can experience the pleasure of The Real Thing - rowing on the river!