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With the clocks turning back, we find ourselves ushering in the colder days, shorter evenings, and the bittersweet end of evening rowing sessions—a sure sign that winter training is upon us. As many of our members like to say, “winter miles equal summer smiles,” embracing the shift from water to ergos with an eye on the next season’s gains.
Reflecting on October, it’s remarkable just how much our club has packed into one month. Our members have competed at regattas and head races across the country, ventured abroad, tackled floods, started university journeys, and even graced international TV screens—all while welcoming a new Ladies Captain, reminding us what makes this club truly unique.
Inside, you’ll find the newsletter neatly divided into three sections: Club News, bringing you the latest updates; Club Events, highlighting key dates and upcoming activities; and Club Spotlight, where we celebrate what truly makes Ross Rowing Club special—its people. Dive in and enjoy!
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Stay up-to-date with all the latest developments at Ross Rowing Club
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Left: The floodwater surrounding the Clubhouse. Right: A view of the swollen River Wye.
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The low water levels that forced this year’s Regatta cancellation feel like a distant memory, as October brought a rapid rise in the River Wye, flooding the grounds of Ross Rowing Club.
Fortunately, the waters didn’t reach the Clubhouse itself this time—a marked relief compared to 2020, when floodwaters required a full refurbishment. This year, the Club escaped with a muddy and debris-strewn car park, sparing the building from significant damage.
In true Ross Rowing Club spirit, members jumped into action, both preparing for the flood and helping restore the grounds once the waters receded. The community effort saw members rally together to clean up and return the Club to normal as quickly as possible.
The high river levels put rowing on hold for a week, and the club’s Oktoberfest social event was pushed back by a week—a minor setback in light of the challenges posed. Thanks to the collective hard work of members, the Club is back in action and ready to face the winter months.
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Turin, Italy. Known as Italy’s fourth-largest city and the birthplace of Fiat, and from October 4th to 6th, it played host to a prestigious international rowing event—the 18th Paralympic, Special Olympic, and International Mixed Ability Rowing Qualification Regatta. Across three thrilling days, athletes showcased their talents in competitions dedicated to Paralympic, Mixed Ability, and Special Olympics rowing.
Our very own MARS STARS once again proved why they are the crown jewels of British Rowing’s Mixed Ability Programme. Under the expert guidance of Sally Pettipher and Jackie Baynham, the team made a powerful impression, advancing from national acclaim to the international stage.
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Above: Some of Ross Rowing Club’s MARS STARS in Turin, Italy.
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The MARS STARS team journeyed to Turin with 14 members, including supporters and Ross Rowing Club members, marking their second consecutive year at the event. Their base for the competition was none other than the historic Armida Rowing Club, or Società Canottieri Armida. Founded in 1869, it is one of Italy's oldest rowing clubs, nestled along the River Po, Italy's longest river stretching from the Alps to the Adriatic.
The team was greeted with open arms by the Armida Rowing Club, reuniting with familiar faces from the previous year and sharing warm exchanges that underscored the deep friendships formed through rowing. And it wasn’t just all about the races—our rowers soaked up the rich local culture, enjoyed the October sunshine, and even indulged in a traditional Piedmontese meal, capped off with a spirited evening of singing and dancing.
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Above: A Ross crew enjoying the sights on the River Po.
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The regatta gave the MARS STARS a chance to test their presence on the international stage, and they delivered. Saturday’s 500-metre races brought early victories, with Dan Bailey and his brother Josh clinching gold in the Open Mixed Ability Double. In the Women’s Mixed Ability Double, Sue Wheeler and Rachel Wales fought their way to bronze, while Rowena Pollock and Nicky Wild secured silver, finishing just behind Armida’s home crew.
In the Mixed Ability Quad events, Rachel Wales, Jackie Baynham, and Sue Thompson, joined by Katie Ash-Wilson from Glasgow, earned silver. Another silver went to Sally Pettipher and Rowena Pollock from Ross, joined by former Paralympic World Champion Ellen Buttrick and American rower Arminda Phillips, whose combined experience brought an edge to the race. Rounding out the quads, Sue Wheeler, Nicky Wild, Dan Bailey, and Josh Bailey brought home bronze, holding their ground in a race marked by fierce competition. Coach Jackie Baynham won a further medal sitting in the Men’s Four.
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Above: Jackie (left) and Sally (right), the driving force behind MARS.
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Sunday’s 1km races brought a fresh challenge, as all of Saturday’s rowers took on a longer course in mixed boats, with some forming crews in fours and others in quads. The large, stable gig boats required stamina and skill to propel through the distance, but our rowers delivered once again, bringing home even more medals.
With the award for the best Women’s Crew and a new set of medals, the team returned to British waters with plenty to celebrate. With their victories and unforgettable experiences in Turin, the MARS STARS reaffirmed their standing—not only as the pride of British mixed ability rowing but as a rising force on the international stage.
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Above: Sue, Bianca, Harry, Rowena and Rachel (cox) compete at Gloucester Autumn Head.
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On Sunday, 27th October 2024, several crews from Ross Rowing Club made their way to Gloucester Rowing Club to compete in their annual Autumn Head. The event featured a challenging 1750m race along the picturesque Gloucester Canal, where clubs from all over the country represented.
In the Low CRI Open 4x+ race, our crew of Sue, Bianca, Harry, Rowena, and coxswain Rachel put in a commendable effort. Despite their best attempts, they faced tough competition and were beaten by the men's crew from Avon County Rowing Club.
Our Junior rowers also made a strong impression at the event, as Guy competed in the J15 1x, while Lily excelled in the W J15 1x, securing an impressive second place. The duo of Izzy and Matilda took on the W J15 2x, and Jacob and Xander showcased their skills in the Open J16 2x event, reflecting the depth of talent among our Juniors.
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Ross Rowing Club brought the Bavarian spirit to Ross-On-Wye, albeit a week later than planned due to recent floods, with its inaugural Oktoberfest celebration!
The Clubhouse was transformed into a lively Bavarian beer hall, replacing the usual setup with long, communal benches adorned in vibrant bunting, balloons, and authentic Oktoberfest décor. Many guests embraced the festive spirit, arriving in traditional fancy dress.
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Above: Several members of Ross Rowing Club dressed up enjoying the Oktoberfest celebrations.
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With a selection of imported German beers and an endless flow of schnapps, the celebration took off, with guests dancing on benches well into the early hours. Approximately 50 attendees filled the transformed Clubhouse, and the night raised an impressive £855.55 in gross sales from the bar.
Event organiser Harry Green was thrilled by the turnout, noting how wonderful it was to see the club community come together to support the event. Special thanks went to all who attended, and an extra shout-out to Torsten Pope and Deb Smith for serving up an authentic German feast from the kitchen.
With such a successful debut, Ross Rowing Club’s Oktoberfest is sure to become a staple in its blossoming social calendar!
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TV star Richard Hammond is a familiar face in Ross-on-Wye, best known for his antics on The Grand Tour and Top Gear. His most recent series, Richard Hammond's Workshop, recently aired on Discovery+, offering viewers an inside look at his classic car restoration and repair business, The Smallest Cog, located in nearby Hereford.
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Above: Charlie Pope and Ross Rowing Club appearing on TV’s ‘Richard Hammond’s Workshop’.
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In an exciting twist, our very own Charlie Pope and Ross Rowing Club made a special appearance on the show. This particular episode focused on Hammond’s mechanic and business partner, Neil Greenhouse, as he took his son, Anthony, to learn how to row. Initially filmed over the summer, this segment aired this month as part of Season 4.
Charlie, a Level 2 Qualified Coach, guided Anthony through the fundamentals of rowing, successfully getting him out on the water in a double boat. This feature has brought international eyes to the Ross Rowing Club, shining a spotlight on our beloved club and showcasing our charming town.
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Above: A British Rowing Umpire at National Championships.
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Being a British Rowing Umpire is about so much more than just standing by the river, waving a flag and giving instructions. Umpires are the heartbeat of rowing competitions, playing an essential role in ensuring that events are conducted safely and fairly. They make real-time decisions that uphold the integrity of each race, helping clubs and organisers create successful regattas and head races that everyone can enjoy.
Right now, the need for new umpires is greater than ever. With only around 300 active umpires—down from 400 before the Covid-19 pandemic—the demand for fresh faces is on the rise. This shortage means that existing umpires often find themselves attending numerous competitions each year, highlighting the importance of welcoming new individuals into this rewarding role. Your unique perspective and dedication could make a real difference in the rowing community!
Bryn Hughes is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals ready to take on the challenge of becoming British Rowing Umpires. If this sounds like you, mark your calendar for January 2025 and get ready to dive into the training sessions! No prior rowing experience is necessary—just a passion for the sport and a commitment to fairness. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bryn via the link below.
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Our monthly Quiz Nights, held on the first Friday of every month, have become the highlight of the calendar. At the start of October, nearly 50 people packed our Clubhouse for an evening filled with trivia and delicious food. The Clubhouse kitchen was in full swing, serving up a tasty chilli con carne, and we raked in an impressive £703.55 in gross sales.
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Above: Join us for our monthly Quiz Night’s, held every first Friday of the month.
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A big thank you to everyone who joined us, and to those who helped make it happen, including Torsten Pope, Deb Smith, Alice Simon, and our fantastic Quiz Master, Jeremy Picton-Tubervill, along with his wife, Sian.
Tonight marks our next Quiz Night, and this time, we’re embracing the Halloween spirit! Join us for a spooky evening of fun and brains (see details below). Don’t forget to come in your best costumes—we can’t wait to see what you’ll conjure up!
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Details on upcoming social events at Ross Rowing Club
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Gather your ghouls, don your scariest fancy dress, and join us for a night of frightful fun and fiendish trivia this evening, hosted by Ross’s evil genius, Jeremy Picton-Turbervill.
Our Clubhouse has been transformed into a haunted boathouse, where we’ll be serving up a devilish delight: Chicken and Chips with a house salad for just £6 per person. If you have any dietary requirements, please inform Deb Smith, and we’ll be more than happy to accommodate you.
Teams of up to 6, with £2 entry per-person, starting at 7PM. Join us tonight for an unforgettable night… If you dare!
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Mark your calendars for Friday, 22nd November, and prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, and mesmerising performances, as the sensational Miss Tina Sparkle hosts Cabaret Night at Ross Rowing Club.
Having captivated audiences around the globe, performing in countries such as Spain, Australia, England, and Wales, Miss Tina Sparkle is bringing her unique sense of humour to the River Wye. Rumour has it there will also be a surprise mystery act taking to the stage prior, so brace yourself for a night of unexpected delights!
With only 30 tickets left available, don’t miss your chance to be part of this spectacular event. Grab your tickets now for just £10 sold via WebCollect.
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Our dear friends from the Ross-On-Wye Lions Club will be hosting a spectacular Firework Display on Saturday, 2nd November 2024. Gates open at 6:00 pm, with the fireworks lighting up the sky at 7:30 pm. Please note that this is not a club event, and entry prices are £8 for adults, £4 for children, or £20 for families.
In addition, Ross Rowing Club will be operating an outside pop-up bar for visitors, and the Clubhouse will be open exclusively afterwards for RRC members, associates, and their guests. Click the link below for more information.
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Shining a spotlight on what makes our club so special - its people
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Ross Rowing Club is turning a new page with Bronia Bendall as its newly appointed Ladies Captain, who stepped into the role this month after a period without one.
Filling the shoes left by previous Ladies Captain, Pam Ball, is no small feat, but Bron’s journey at Ross has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining, she has quickly risen to become one of the club’s most valued members.
Bron moved to Ross-on-Wye from Cardiff in the summer of 2023 with her partner of 17 years, Georgina Gilbert, who, in another twist of fate, recently assumed the role of Facilities Director at the club. “Ross felt like a great halfway point between family and friends,” Bron explains.
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Above: Our new Facilities Director George (left), with our new Ladies Captain Bronia (right).
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She and George joined the club’s Learn to Row course last year, viewing it as a perfect opportunity to meet new people in their new town. “We thought rowing seemed like fun, so we thought we’d give it a bash,” says Bron, who had sampled the sport in the past but never had the time or location to fully commit.
With a full-time career in Corporate Strategy and Performance, Bron took to rowing with impressive commitment. After completing Learn to Row, she quickly honed her skills and it became clear she was headed for rowing success.
Not long after, she accepted an invitation to join a crew to tackle the Great Ouse Marathon, a 22km upstream event, alongside George, Commercial Director Elisabeth ‘Buffy’ Angier, and Geraldine Calcraft. To their delight, not only did they win their category—they smashed the course record! Proving it was no fluke, they returned this year to defend their title, beating their own course record and once again clinching victory. Bron has also enjoyed further victories at regattas in Hereford, Llandaff and Stourport.
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Above: Bronia, George, Geraldine and Elisabeth (L-R) at the Great Ouse 2024.
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So, what prompted her to take the reins as Ladies Captain? “I’ve always enjoyed being part of sports clubs and supporting others to get the most out of their sport,” says Bron, who also brings a collaborative approach to leadership. “I really believe in sharing the load, so I’ve already asked some of the squad to help me in a small group. If any of the ladies have ideas, I’m all ears—come and chat!”
Her vision for the Ladies Squad is clear, and with her energy, enthusiasm, and determination, Bronia Bendall is well-equipped to lead the Ladies Squad to new heights—and hopes to provide all members with an engaging experience along the way.
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For Imogen Bell, rowing has never been just about the sport. It’s a thread that weaves through her life, connecting her to the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her path. Starting in 2019 at Ross Rowing Club’s Junior Easter Camp, her introduction to the water was more than a brief encounter—it was the start of a five-year love affair with rowing and the close-knit community she found at the club.
“I fell in love with rowing almost instantly,” Imogen recalls. “It was the camaraderie, the challenge, and the sense of belonging that drew me in.”
Then came the pandemic. While lockdown sidelined many activities, Imogen didn’t let it halt her progress. Armed with an ergo at home, she pushed through, setting herself new challenges and focusing on staying fit for the day she could return to the water. Rowing became a personal anchor in a turbulent time, a way to stay connected to the sport she loved, even when it was impossible to be on the river.
Rowing also provided solace during a more personal challenge: the loss of her grandfather. She discovered that he, too, had rowed—competing at Stourport and sharing stories of races and gruelling training sessions. “Learning about his history in rowing gave me another connection to the sport,” Imogen says. After his passing, rowing helped her through her grief, becoming a way to stay close to his memory while finding her own path forward.
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Above: Imogen (bow) at Ross Regatta as part of the Junior Squad.
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Now a second-year student at the University of Gloucestershire, where she studies Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, Imogen’s rowing journey continues to evolve. Beyond the boathouse, she’s thriving as a creative and student leader.
As a Student Ambassador, she represents the university at events, while her role as Community Officer in the Arts Society sees her working with local charities and organisations to build connections within the creative community. “It’s been an incredible opportunity to merge my interests and meet so many inspiring people,” she says.
Her time at Ross Rowing Club has also played a pivotal role in her growth, both as a rower and a person. “The relationships I’ve formed at Ross have been invaluable,” she says. From training with the Junior Squad to transitioning into adult sessions and even coaching younger rowers, Imogen has found a second home at the club.
Support from families like the Popes, who’ve taken her to Henley in 2023 and 2024, and the Clatworthy’s, whose son Tom has become her closest friend, have further deepened her ties to the club. “Tom and I went to school together, but rowing really brought us closer,” Imogen notes. “He’s always been there for me, especially during the tougher times.”
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Above: Imogen (right) at Henley Royal Regatta with the Pope family in 2023.
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Now rowing at University of Gloucestershire Rowing Club, Imogen is excited about the competition ahead. "It’s great to be part of a new team, and I’m looking forward to seeing some Ross crews at races,” she says. “It’ll be fun to cheer them on when we're not competing.”
Looking ahead, Imogen’s ambitions are far from limited to the water. She’s working on her first photo book, due to be published in January, which will coincide with an exhibition at her university. She’s also collaborating with Ross Rowing Club’s MARS STARS on a documentary film that will explore the work of the team and its impact.
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Above: Imogen hopes to blend her two passions into a career.
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As for the future, Imogen hopes to blend her two passions—rowing and photography—into a career that captures the essence of the sport she’s grown to love. Eventually, she also sees herself teaching, passing on her skills and experiences to future generations.
Through it all, her gratitude to Ross Rowing Club remains unwavering. “I’ll always be thankful for the support I’ve received from the club,” Imogen says. “It’s been a constant in my life, and while I’m excited about what’s ahead, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ross.”
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In the world of rowing, the coxswain is often the overlooked linchpin—part strategist, part motivator, and the guiding force that keeps the boat on course.
As we highlighted in last month’s edition, members of Ross Rowing Club's Ladies Squad sought to uncover what elevates a coxswain from good to exceptional. To find out, they recently attended the WOX Coxing Conference at the iconic Leander Club—a venue buzzing with fresh accolades after its athletes secured an impressive 21 Olympic and Paralympic medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Held at the end of September, the conference was orchestrated by Morgan Baynham-Williams, a Team GB athlete and proud alumna of Ross Rowing Club. Recognising the need for specialised development opportunities for coxswains, she assembled a team of elite mentors, including Henry Fieldman—an Olympic and World Champion renowned for making history by winning medals in both men's and women's rowing events.
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Above: Team GB and Olympic cox Henry Fieldman.
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Fieldman shared his insights with aspiring coxes from Ross and beyond, outlining the core principles that distinguish a top coxswain.
While speed is the ultimate goal, he emphasised that achieving it goes far beyond simply urging the team to row harder. It requires exceptional communication, keen attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate obstacles before they arise. A great coxswain doesn't just direct—they inspire, leading the crew to perform at their best while maintaining composure under pressure.
Being at the helm, Fieldman pointed out, isn't about exerting control; it's about cultivating an environment where rowers trust their coxswain to make the right calls, even in high-stakes situations. This trust hinges on precise, direct communication—qualities that every cox must strive to master.
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Above: Henry coxed the Women’s eight to a bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Expanding on these themes, Fieldman offered his top advice on how coxes can elevate their game.
1. Leadership with Decisiveness and Integrity:
Rowing demands precision, and so does coxing. To guide their team, a cox must be assertive yet respectful, balancing empathy with a high bar for performance. They are the voice the crew hears above all, setting the tone and energy for the boat, both on and off the water.
2. Strategic Steering and Navigation:
On race day, every course comes with its own set of quirks and variables. An expert cox knows these inside out, anticipating how the river’s flow, the weather, and other boats will impact the team’s path. Steering isn’t just about going straight—it’s about setting up the crew for speed, efficiency, and winning moments.
3. Psychological Insight and Motivation:
A cox is the mental anchor for their crew, reading the rowers’ body language, energy levels, and morale. They need to know precisely when to calm the team, when to push them, and how to keep everyone focused through the fatigue and intensity of the race.
4. Continuous Self-Improvement:
A great cox never settles. They analyse past performances, review feedback, and constantly seek ways to enhance their skills. Self-reflection and adaptability are crucial, not only in refining their techniques but also in growing as a leader who can respond effectively under pressure.
5. Planning and Adaptability in Races:
Preparation is critical, but a good cox knows that on race day, anything can happen. They must be ready to change course—literally and figuratively—if the situation demands it. This could mean altering the race plan to respond to the competition or adjusting the crew’s rhythm to better suit the team’s strengths in the moment.
6. Equipment Knowledge and Maintenance:
The cox is not just a leader but a steward of the team’s equipment, ensuring that everything is in top condition. This commitment to detail can make a tangible difference on the water, keeping the boat in peak performance mode and minimising the risk of avoidable issues.
7. Self-Management and Balance:
Coxing at a high level is both mentally and physically demanding. Balancing the needs of the sport with personal life is key to maintaining long-term consistency and avoiding burnout. As with any high-performance role, the best coxes know when to seek support and how to structure their lives to bring their best self to the boat.
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Above: Maintaining the teams equipment is also an important role as a cox.
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Engaging with mentors like Fieldman and Baynham-Williams illuminated the profound impact a cox can have on a crew's success. In a sport where seconds matter, the cox’s contribution can be the difference between victory and disappointment.
Feeling inspired? If this resonates with you, consider stepping into the role of a coxswain and discovering the challenges and rewards it brings. It might just be the opportunity you've been looking for.
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Ross Rowing Club - Founded 1875
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