|
As December settles in, it marks both the festive season and the close of my first year at Ross Rowing Club. It’s been a year of discovery, learning, and a deep appreciation for what makes this place so much more than a rowing club.
At its core, Ross is powered by its volunteers—people who show up day after day to keep everything running smoothly. From fixing boats and maintaining facilities to managing memberships and organising crews for competitions, it’s a team effort that often goes unseen, and it’s been an eye-opener in the best possible way, offering a deeper understanding of why it means so much to those who are part of it.
Looking ahead, 2025 brings something truly special: the 150th anniversary of Ross Rowing Club. This milestone carries with it not just history, but a sense of pride in how far we’ve come and a renewed energy for what’s ahead. Plans are already in motion to make it a celebration worthy of everything this club represents.
As the year winds down, there’s much to reflect on and even more to anticipate—a sentiment perfectly encapsulated in this month’s edition.
Inside, you’ll find the newsletter neatly divided into three sections: Club News, bringing you the latest updates and highlights; Club Events, where we’ve outlined key dates and upcoming activities you won’t want to miss; and Club Spotlight, a chance to celebrate what truly makes Ross Rowing Club special—its people, the heart of our community.
|
|
|
Stay up-to-date with all the latest developments at Ross Rowing Club
|
|
|
 |
Left: RRC members enjoying a well deserved break. Right: Filling sandbags for Storm Bert.
|
|
Another month, another flood. Storm Bert hit Ross-on-Wye in November, pushing the Wye River over its banks once again, and leaving the clubhouse just a few centimetres away from disaster.
Thankfully, with plenty of warning, the club had time to prepare. A strong club effort saw members come together to fill sandbags, move ergos, and shift any items from the ground floor to safer heights, anticipating the worst.
Once the waters had receded, the clean-up began. The car park and entrances were washed down to clear the mud, and the clubhouse was put back together. Members swapped their usual morning row for a few hours of tidying up, demonstrating the club’s resilience and the practical attitude that keeps things running smoothly when the worst hits.
|
|
|
On Friday, November 22nd, Ross Rowing Club turned into a glitter-filled haven for Cabaret Night, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The stage was graced by the fabulous Miss Tina Sparkle, a drag queen with over 25 years of experience performing internationally. From the UK to Australia and beyond, Tina’s been there, done that, and got the sparkly costume to prove it. Her live performances were a whirlwind of music, comedy, and energy that had the audience laughing, clapping, and cheering for an encore.
|
|
 |
Above: Miss Tina Sparkle gives a show stopping performance at Ross Rowing Club.
|
|
But the fun didn’t stop with Tina. Ross’ very own comedy queen, Emerald Green, took the reins for the evening, adding her own special brand of humour to keep the energy high. It wasn’t just the performers who stole the show—our guests were clearly ready to let their hair down. With 60 people in attendance, the club was buzzing with excitement and dancing all night long.
The night was an enormous success, raising a whopping £1336.45 in gross sales. And if the crowd’s reactions are anything to go by, it was an evening they won’t forget anytime soon. “One of the best ever evenings at the club,” said Nicky Wild. “It was brilliant to see people having fun down at the club,” agreed Phil Walder. Sarah Flint summed it up perfectly: “A great night, people will be talking about this for ages.” And Torsten Pope had the last word, “The room could not have taken more.”
With such rave reviews and a night that packed enough energy to light up the whole town, Cabaret Night has set the bar for future events at the club. It’s safe to say, the club will be sparkling for a long time to come.
|
|
|
 |
Above: Love Rowing acknowledges the success of the MARS STARS programme.
|
|
Fresh off their impressive wins in Turin, Italy, our very own MARS STARS have once again taken centre stage, this time in the latest Love Rowing newsletter and its Impact Report.
Love Rowing, which was launched in 2019, with Ross Rowing Club’s Sally Pettipher sitting as a Board Trustee, has made incredible strides in breaking down barriers in the sport. The charity works with 57 schools, clubs, and organisations across the country to ensure rowing is accessible to all, with a focus on inclusion and opportunity.
This year, their Impact Report highlighted some truly transformational projects, and we’re thrilled to announce that our MARS STARS programme has been singled out as their largest initiative.
MARS STARS, the Mixed Ability Rowing programme at Ross Rowing Club, has been an exceptional example of how sport can be made more inclusive. The programme has grown from strength to strength, offering individuals of all abilities the chance to experience the joy and challenge of rowing. With the support of Love Rowing, it has become a flagship project within the national initiative.
Within the report, RRC members Rowena Pollock and Sue Wheeler share their personal stories, highlighting the impact of the MARS programme on their lives.
|
|
|
 |
Above: Members of MARS and the Development Squad doing a capsize drill.
|
|
The waters we row on in the UK are notoriously cold, even during the summer months, and as winter sets in, temperatures can plummet to even more extreme levels. In these conditions, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected, and while capsizing is something no rower ever hopes to experience, knowing how to react when it does happen can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.
Last month, members of our Development and MARS squads were given the chance to practise these critical skills during a capsize drill at Monmouth School in single playboats.
Under the guidance of coaches, the squads worked through essential techniques for freeing their feet and righting their boats safely. The drill, held in a controlled pool environment, allowed the rowers to familiarise themselves with the process, building confidence and ensuring they’re better prepared for the unexpected.
|
|
|
Details on upcoming social events at Ross Rowing Club
|
|
|
 |
The first Friday of every month is always a highlight at Ross Rowing Club, as we host our Monthly Quiz Night—an evening filled with fun, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. This month, we're excited to have our very own Bryn Hughes as quiz master, ready to challenge your knowledge with a range of questions.
It’s the perfect opportunity to test your wits, so gather your team and join us for what promises to be another great night. And don’t forget, our Clubhouse Kitchen will be open, serving up a hearty curry night to keep you fuelled for the quiz (£6 per meal).
Our quiz nights continue to grow in popularity, with last month’s Halloween Quiz Night raising a fantastic £635.05 in gross sales. A huge thank you to Club President Jeremy Picton-Tubervill for his role as quiz master, and congratulations to Imogen Bell for winning Best Dressed with her outstanding costume.
Doors open at 6PM, with the quiz kicking off at 7PM. Entry is just £2 per person, with teams of up to 6. We look forward to seeing you there!
|
|
|
 |
Mark your calendars for Friday, 13th December—the return of the Club Awards Evening 2024. This special night will bring Juniors and Seniors together to celebrate and reflect on a fantastic year of rowing.
We’ll be recognising outstanding achievements with prizes and awards, including Rower of the Year and Most Improved for each of the squads. And, of course, who will take home the coveted Chairman’s Award?
Dress to impress, and join us for free canapés and a glass of prosecco upon arrival, as we toast the end of the year in style. It’s a night you won’t want to miss, and the final RRC event of the year!
|
|
|
 |
On Friday, 24th January 2025, we are thrilled to welcome the brilliant Robin Morgan for an exclusive, live performance at Ross Rowing Club!
Robin is a Welsh stand-up comedian, writer, presenter, and actor based in Cardiff. You may know him from BBC’s Mock The Week, The News Quiz, and The Now Show or his role in the acclaimed drama This England on Sky Atlantic, directed by Michael Winterbottom and starring Kenneth Branagh.
On stage, Robin is renowned for being “wonderfully cheeky and engaging” (Three Weeks) and “a phenomenal comic – utterly hilarious” (Broadway Baby). With four solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival, his debut in 2016 earned glowing ★★★★ reviews from The Sunday Times and was later adapted into the BBC Radio Wales special Robin Morgan: Proposes.
Robin’s talent extends behind the scenes as a comedy writer for popular TV and radio shows including Have I Got News For You, The Mash Report, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Too Hot to Handle (Netflix), and The Great Pottery Throw Down. He’s also worked as a warm-up artist for The Graham Norton Show on BBC One.
Now, in the midst of his biggest tour yet, The Spark, Robin will make a special stop in Ross-on-Wye for an unforgettable evening of sharp wit and laughter. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the UK’s finest comedians live in Ross-on-Wye. It’s going to be an incredible night!
|
|
|
Please note: Tickets are priced at £10 per person, and is exclusively open to RRC members, associates and their invited guests. This event is a fundraiser for Ross Rowing Club. All funds raised from this event will support the Club's activities towards its charitable objectives.
|
|
|
Shining a spotlight on what makes our club so special - its people
|
|
|
Ross Rowing Club’s Georgina ‘George’ Gilbert is no stranger to tough challenges. A full-time firefighter with 26 years of service, George has spent her life pushing boundaries—professionally, physically, and mentally.
For most people, the thought of skiing 1,230 kilometres across Antarctica might seem impossible. But for George, impossible is a word she’s learned to challenge. In November 2023, George and fellow firefighter Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe set out on an unassisted, unsupported expedition as part of the Antarctic Fire Angels. Their mission was not only to conquer the harshest environment on earth but also to inspire women and girls to break through stereotypes and embrace their full potential.
|
|
 |
Above: Ross’ Georgina ‘George’ Gilbert (left), with Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe (right).
|
|
“We wanted to show what women are capable of,” George explains. “Too often, people assume they can’t achieve something because of limits they’ve placed on themselves—or that others have placed on them. This journey was about proving those assumptions wrong.”
Their route, which began at Union Glacier, was a world first. Over the course of 53 gruelling days, the pair faced temperatures plummeting to -50°C and wind speeds exceeding 60mph, all while pulling 85kg sleds (known as pulks) loaded with supplies. Every kilometre was earned, with no external support or assistance.
“Antarctica doesn’t care about your plans,” George recalls. “There were days when the winds were so fierce we could barely make progress. We had to dig deep, mentally and physically, just to keep moving forward.”
The challenge wasn’t just physical; it was deeply psychological. The monotony of the vast white expanse and the isolation tested their mental fortitude daily. Yet, George and Bex persevered, achieving what no one had done before. They not only completed the route but also became the first emergency services team and the first all-LGBTQAI+ team to make it to the South Pole unsupported.
Their expedition, documented in the ITV Wales feature "Fire & Ice: The Antarctic Fire Angels", has inspired countless others. “The feedback we’ve had has been incredible,” George says. “It’s a reminder that you never know who’s watching or who might be inspired by your story.”
|
|
 |
Above: George (left) and Bex (right) at the South Pole having finished their challenge.
|
|
After returning from Antarctica, George could have taken a well-deserved break. But within weeks, she and Bex found themselves drawn to another extreme challenge: the 7 Marathons in 7 Days event, part of the Great World Race. The twist? This time, George and Bex would compete in separate locations, each completing their own version of the challenge.
Last week, just 12 months on from her last challenge, George took on the Seven Counties Challenge, running a marathon each day in Carmarthen, Porthcawl, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, and Southampton. Adding to the difficulty, she ran all 183.4 miles in full fire kit—an additional 10kg of gear.
“The fire kit was non-negotiable,” George says. “It was about staying true to the message of the Antarctic Fire Angels: showing people that we can overcome the limits we place on ourselves.”
Meanwhile, Bex tackled the global Seven Continents Challenge, starting in Antarctica before moving on to Cape Town, Perth, Istanbul, Cartagena, and Miami. Though separated, their shared mission remained the same: to raise funds for The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust), which empowers young people to realise their potential.
Each day brought new physical and mental challenges, from battling exhaustion, facing extreme weather conditions, to adapting to the restrictive fire kit. But George’s determination saw her through. “There were so many moments where stopping would have been the easier option,” she admits. “But I kept reminding myself why I was doing this.”
Her final marathon in Southampton was particularly poignant, ending at Hampshire’s Shirley Towers fire station, where two firefighters lost their lives in 2010. “They met me with sirens and a hot cup of tea,” George recalls. “Finishing there was incredibly emotional. It reminded me of the bravery and dedication of our firefighting community.”
|
|
 |
Above: George on one of her seven marathons in seven days, across seven counties.
|
|
For George, these challenges are about more than personal achievement—they’re about inspiring others. “There are so many women out there who think, ‘I couldn’t do that,’” she says. “My response is always, ‘Have you tried? How do you know you can’t?’”
Her commitment to empowering young people aligns closely with the values of The King’s Trust, as well as the Fire Angel Foundation, which she and Bex support. “It’s about giving people the opportunity to realise their potential,” George says. “Sometimes all it takes is a little belief and a leg-up.”
George’s entry into rowing came somewhat by chance. She moved to Ross-on-Wye in 2023 with her partner of 17 years, Bronia Bendall, who is now the Ladies Captain at Ross Rowing Club. The pair joined the Learn to Row course together, seeing it as a way to integrate into the local community and try something new.
From the outset, George displayed a natural talent for rowing. After completing Learn to Row, she quickly joined the club’s competitive ranks and began making waves on the regatta circuit. Her first major challenge came with the Great Ouse Marathon, a 22km upstream event. Alongside Bronia, Elisabeth ‘Buffy’ Angier, and Geraldine Calcraft, the crew not only won their category but also smashed the course record.
Returning the following year, the crew defended their title and broke their own record—a feat that solidified George’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Beyond the marathon, George has also enjoyed success at regattas in Hereford, Llandaff, and Stourport, rowing alongside skilled teammates like Nicky Wild and Ellen Phelps.
|
|
 |
Above: Bronia, George, Buffy & Geraldine at the Great Ouse Marathon, having broken their own record.
|
|
Her commitment to the club doesn’t stop on the water. In 2024, George took on the role of Facilities Director, stepping into a position held by the legendary Torsten Pope for 13 years. Her focus is on maintaining and improving the club’s facilities to ensure it continues to thrive for its members and the community.
Her next challenge? Competing in the Monmouth Head Race on December 1st, just mere weeks after completing her seventh marathon. “Rowing has become such a huge part of my life,” George says. “The support from everyone at Ross has been incredible. It’s like being part of another family.”
Her story is one of resilience and determination, whether breaking rowing records, conquering the Antarctic, or tackling marathons in full fire kit. As Ross Rowing Club’s newly appointed Facilities Director and a key figure on and off the water, George continues to inspire those around her.
If you’d like to support George’s fundraising efforts for The King’s Trust, click the ‘Donate’ button below.
|
|
|
|
Rowing isn’t something Tom Clatworthy picked up on a whim—it’s been part of his life for years. Growing up near Monmouth, Tom joined Ross Rowing Club’s Junior Easter Camp in 2017, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ben. “Ben had already started rowing, and I thought, why not give it a go?” he says. Now, with his younger brother Finn in the Ross Juniors, rowing has become something of a family tradition.
Tom didn’t take long to make an impact at Ross. Early successes in smaller boats led to back-to-back selections for the West Midlands team—first as part of a J14 quad in 2018 and then in a single in 2019, though the second event was called off due to high winds. “Those years taught me the fundamentals,” he says. “It wasn’t about big wins but learning how to work hard and stay consistent.”
|
|
 |
Above: Tom (second-left), with club members and friends Dom, Charlie and Ollie.
|
|
Now a second-year Mathematics student at Aberystwyth University, Tom has taken that same attitude to university rowing. He’s a member of Aberystwyth University Boat Club (AUBC), rowing out of Aberystwyth Harbour. As Treasurer, he manages the club’s finances while balancing training and competition. “It’s a small club, but that comes with its own sense of responsibility,” he explains. “We’re all involved in keeping it running, which I enjoy.”
Tom’s time with AUBC isn’t limited to the harbour. The team competes throughout the year, with key events including Varsity against Bangor University and the BUCS Rowing Regatta in Nottingham. Local regattas and heads like Worcester and Monmouth are also regular fixtures, often featuring crews from Ross. “Seeing the Ross teams at those events is always a reminder of where it all started for me,” he says.
When he’s home, rowing becomes more personal. Tom rows with his older brother Ben when they find the time. “There’s nothing formal about it,” he says. “We just go out on the water and row—it’s fun.”
|
|
 |
Above: Aberystwyth University Boat Club (AUBC) at Ross for their summer camp this year.
|
|
Despite the shift to university life, Tom remains connected to Ross Rowing Club. Over the years, he’s transitioned from junior rower to someone who contributes, helping at junior camps and MARS sessions, all made possible by the warm transition into the senior squad. “It’s not about obligation—it’s about being part of the club in a different way,” he explains. “Ross has always been about the people as much as the rowing.”
While he doesn’t dwell on results, his rowing history speaks for itself having competed at Gloucester, Stourport, and Bewdley regattas, and representing the West Midlands at inter-regional events. But for Tom, it’s the quieter moments that stand out—rowing alongside Charlie Pope at Blenheim Palace or the friendships he’s formed through rowing, with the likes of Oliver and Lucy Billington and Imogen Bell. “It’s those experiences that stick with you,” he says. “The ones that remind you why you love the sport.”
As Tom balances university life, rowing, and his responsibilities with AUBC, his connection to Ross remains strong. “It’s not about looking back or forward—it’s just knowing where you belong,” he says. For Tom, rowing has always been about more than medals or titles—it’s about the people, the places, and the lessons that come with it.
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew Anderson, an Emmy award-winning cameraman and long-standing member of Ross Rowing Club, has spent more than 40 years documenting the natural world. His career has taken him to some of the most remote corners of the globe, creating wildlife films for the BBC, ITV, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel. His work has even featured in a number of Sir David Attenborough’s celebrated series. But beyond the high-profile accolades, Andrew’s life is one of dedication, ingenuity, and a long-standing connection to rowing that has brought him back to the river time and time again.
Born in 1944 in Cheltenham, Andrew grew up surrounded by farmland and racing stables, where his fascination with wildlife began. “I’d collect bird wings, where I would nail them onto the bedroom wall,” he recalls. His childhood also included an early love of climbing trees and finding bird nests, a skill introduced by a farmhand he looked up to. “When he left for national service at 18, I was devastated,” Andrew admits. These early experiences would later inform his career behind the lens, where patience and a sharp eye became second nature.
Rowing entered Andrew’s life at Oundle School, a renowned rowing institution in Northamptonshire. Whilst a keen cricketer, he was never very good at it, so he joined the schools boat house at 13, drawn in by its rhythm and camaraderie. “The school had a strong rowing culture, though my crew never made it past the semi-finals at Henley,” he says. While he didn’t achieve Henley glory, rowing became a formative experience, one that stayed with him through the years.
|
|
 |
Above: Andrew on the banks of the River Thames, at Henley Royal Regatta.
|
|
After school, Andrew pursued photography at Regent Street Polytechnic in London (now the University of Westminster), where he honed his craft. Weekends involved early morning journeys to Quintin Boat Club in Chiswick, where he raced in winter heads while balancing the less disciplined aspects of student life. “There were plenty of nights out, but somehow I always managed to catch the train, then walk and be on the water at dawn,” he says.
Following his studies, Andrew set off on a three-month solo expedition to East Africa, photographing wildlife while camping in the bush. Selling the images from his trip helped fund the adventure and planted the seeds for a career in wildlife filmmaking. But first came a 14 year stint at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) in the Midlands, where he filmed crash tests and photographed machinery. Evenings and weekends, however, were spent developing wildlife projects, including a short film on owls that caught the attention of the BBC.
This break led to a commission for Wildlife on BBC One, and Andrew soon made the leap to freelancing. One of his most memorable projects involved filming great northern divers, or loons, for David Attenborough’s The Life of Birds. “The loons were shy, and it took weeks of careful acclimatisation to get close enough to film them underwater,” he explains.
|
|
 |
Above: Andrew has worked on projects for the BBC, ITV, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel.
|
|
Andrew’s career has been intertwined with some of the most iconic moments in wildlife filmmaking, particularly through his work on David Attenborough’s ground-breaking series such as The Living Planet and The Living Isles. These shows were a masterclass in blending science with storytelling, driven by the relentless pursuit of new discoveries. BBC producers would comb through the latest scientific journals, identifying new, often obscure animal behaviours that had yet to be documented.
Once a discovery was flagged, a crew—often Andrew and a junior producer—would be dispatched to remote locations, armed with the challenge of capturing these fleeting moments in nature. Then after these sequences were successfully filmed, the next step was to bring Sir David Attenborough and a full production crew to present the findings, often a year after the original footage had been captured.
In 1986, Andrew and his family moved to Ross-on-Wye, drawn by the area’s countryside and proximity to his parents in Cheltenham. A chance encounter at a party with Ross Rowing Club’s Robin Southan reignited his passion for rowing. “Robin insisted I come to the club the next morning,” Andrew says. “I hadn’t rowed in 20 years, but I’ve been here ever since.”
Rowing quickly became a regular part of Andrew’s life in Ross. While his unpredictable filming schedule often limited his participation in regattas, he found great satisfaction in competing in winter heads and enjoying the exercise and company that the club offered.
|
|
 |
Above: Ross Rowing Club’s Andrew Anderson, with his camera in Tanzania.
|
|
The Wye even became part of his filmmaking career. A territorial mute swan, nicknamed George by the club, featured prominently in a BBC production. “George had a reputation for fiercely defending his patch of water, and the footage of him became a highlight of the programme,” Andrew recalls. “He was a real character.”
Advances in technology have transformed Andrew’s field. “When I started, you wouldn’t see what you’d filmed until you got back, often months later,” he says. “Now, with digital cameras, you can review footage on location and capture behaviours that were once impossible to record.” While he acknowledges that the craft of traditional film is fading, he appreciates the opportunities that modern equipment provides.
Several years ago, Andrew faced a serious health scare. Severe abdominal pain led to emergency surgery for an intestinal adhesion. Recovery was slow, but a fellow club member Dr. Andrew Leeman, gave him clear advice: “Don’t give up the rowing.” That encouragement spurred Andrew to return to the water, and at 80 years old, he still rows two to three times a week with 83-year-old club member John Price. “My knees aren’t what they used to be, and my stroke is shorter, but rowing remains pain-free,” he says.
Behind the camera, every moment is about precision—waiting for just the right light, anticipating behaviour, capturing fleeting instances that may never come again. Rowing, by contrast, is not about creating something to share; it doesn’t need to be filmed or recorded—it’s simply lived. For Andrew, it’s this balance between observation and participation, between creating and experiencing, that has defined both his work and his life.
|
|
Ross Rowing Club - Founded 1875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|