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As you’ll soon discover (if you read far enough), my role at Ross Rowing Club involves wearing a few different hats. But, honestly, writing and editing this newsletter is my favourite part. It’s given me the chance to connect with so many of you in ways I hadn’t before.
I’ve reached out to a number of members, asking for contributions—whether from former Juniors for our Beyond the Boathouse series, RRC old boys (and girls), or anyone in between. And unsurprisingly, I’ve encountered some natural hesitation. The responses I get often revolve around the same feeling: “It’s a bit awkward to talk about myself. Who would want to read about me?”
But in my view, every single person here has a story. It doesn’t matter how big or small it might seem. In my day job as a running my own recruitment agency, one of the first questions I ask candidates is why they’re interested in a particular role. The answers I get are often rehearsed or what they think I want to hear, but what I’m really looking for is authenticity—the deeper, real reasons behind their choices.
And that’s exactly what I want to find for this newsletter. Since joining the club last year, the support and warmth I’ve felt from all of you have been incredible. There’s something truly special about it, and it’s the people that make it so.
So, why do people join Ross Rowing Club? And more importantly, why do they stay? Sure, the usual answers might be “to stay fit” or “to make friends,” but if we scratch a little deeper, there’s always more to the story.
That’s the heart of what I want to share. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary year, I’m looking for those meaningful stories. If you’d like to be part of it, or even if you’re just curious, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear from you, past or present.
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Stay up-to-date with all the latest developments at Ross Rowing Club
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Ross Rowing Club is delighted to congratulate club member Tom Willis and his wife, Rebecca, on the arrival of their baby boy. Jude Jonathan Willis was born in the early hours of Friday, 27th December 2024, at 3:01 AM, weighing a healthy 7lbs 2oz. Both mum and baby are doing well.
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Above: RRC member Tom Willis with his wife Rebecca, and their son Jude.
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Tom has been a valued part of the club since joining through the Learn 2 Row programme in 2019. A welcoming and dedicated member of the Men’s Squad, he has represented Ross Rowing Club at various regattas, including Ironbridge, Hereford and Stourport.
Despite the sleepless nights, Tom is already looking forward to getting back on the water, saying, "Hopefully within a couple of weeks, I’ll be back at the club, trying to fit in more sessions and bring some structure back into my life again.”
We send our warmest wishes to Tom, Rebecca, and their growing family!
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Above: Down on one knee, Alex Harnham asks the big question to Harriet Baynham-Williams.
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Ross Rowing Club would like to extend our congratulations to club member Alex Harnham on his recent engagement to Harriet Baynham-Williams.
On Christmas Eve, Alex proposed to Harriet, and we’re pleased to share that she said “yes”! The couple first met through the club’s Learn 2 Row course in 2020, and their shared connection to rowing has grown into something even more meaningful over the years.
Harriet is well known within the club, being the sister of Team GB’s Morgan Baynham-Williams and former Ross Ladies Captain Olivia, and the daughter of our Mixed Ability Rowing coach, Jackie Baynham.
The Baynham-Williams family has been a key part of the club, and we’re excited to celebrate this new chapter with them. We wish Alex and Harriet all the best for their future together.
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Ross Rowing Club made a splash on Friday 24th January 2025 by hosting its inaugural Comedy Night, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The atmosphere was buzzing as 82 eager members packed into the Clubhouse, ready for an evening of laughs, banter, and, of course, a bit of friendly teasing.
Headlining the event was the ever-popular Robin Morgan, who took to the stage fresh off his nationwide tour, The Spark. Known for his razor-sharp wit and quick-fire humour, Robin wasted no time in delivering a custom set that had the crowd in stitches from start to finish.
For those familiar with Robin from his appearances on BBC’s Mock the Week, it was clear why he has built such a solid reputation in the comedy world. His observational comedy hit the mark, with jabs at club members – particularly Dave Sykes, who found himself on the receiving end of a few cheeky jokes, thanks to his wife Sarah.
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Above: Comedian Robin Morgan on stage at Ross Rowing Club’s first ever Comedy Night.
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The evening’s success wasn’t just about the laughs, though. Thanks to the fantastic turnout and the generosity of all involved, the event raised an impressive £1,774.20 in gross sales, from ticket sales, bar takings, and food. The funds will go towards supporting the club’s ongoing activities and initiatives, making the night not only a memorable one but also a hugely successful fundraiser.
With the resounding success of this first-ever Comedy Night, rumblings about future events are already circulating. Whispers of a comedy spectacular this summer have been heard, so it wouldn't be a surprise if another night of top-tier stand-up comedy is on the cards in the not-so-distant future.
In the meantime, Robin Morgan isn’t slowing down. He’s set to perform the final show of his The Spark tour at The Glee Club in Cardiff, Wales, on Sunday 9th February 2025. But be quick – there are just a few tickets remaining, so grab them while you can!
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Ross Rowing Club is looking for a dedicated Camping Warden to help manage our beautiful 12-acre site. With secure camping areas that welcome RVs, mobile homes, campervans, and caravans, this is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves the great outdoors and enjoys working with people.
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Above: We’re hiring! Ross Rowing Club is looking for a new Camping Warden.
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We’re seeking a candidate with a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and strong administrative abilities. Responsibilities will include overseeing campsite operations, ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors, and maintaining high standards of organisation and safety.
If this sounds like you, visit our website to read the full job description and complete your application. Click the link below to learn more and apply today!
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Details on upcoming social events at Ross Rowing Club
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Our wildly popular Quiz Night is back after the Christmas break! Held on the first Friday of every month, our next quiz takes place on Friday, 7th February 2025, at the Clubhouse. This month, we’re thrilled to have the one and only Andy Bateman as our quizmaster!
Gather your team of up to six people and put your knowledge to the test. Entry is £2 per person, or just £1 for Junior members. Plus, our Clubhouse kitchen will be serving up delicious Pie and Chips for £6 per person, available to order on the night.
Doors open at 6 PM, with a start time of 7 PM, so come along for a great evening of trivia, good food, and friendly competition. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Get your dabbers ready—Bingo Night returns to Ross Rowing Club on Friday, 21st February 2025, and you won’t want to miss it! Our very own Harry Green will once again take the mic, bringing his signature energy for another fantastic evening of games, prizes, and plenty of laughs.
With 10 exciting rounds, there are prizes up for grabs for both a line and a full house, so bring your best bingo skills and a little bit of luck! Doors open at 6 PM, giving you plenty of time to grab a seat, collect your bingo books, and soak in the pre-game excitement. The first numbers will be called at 7 PM sharp, so make sure you're ready to play.
Bingo books are £2 each for Adults and £1 each for Juniors, and the more you buy, the better your chances of shouting “BINGO!” and claiming a prize. Our Clubhouse Kitchen will also be serving up delicious fresh food on the night, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while keeping an eye on those all-important numbers.
If the last Bingo Night was anything to go by, you’re in for an evening of brilliant entertainment, great company, and plenty of near-miss groans and victory cheers. Come join us for what promises to be another fantastic night at the club.
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For the first time ever, Ross Rowing Club is bringing a live entertainment spectacular to the clubhouse with a illusionist show! Get ready for an evening of mind-blowing tricks, mesmerising illusions, and psychological stunts, as renowned mentalist Mark Huntley takes the stage.
Mark has dazzled audiences across the county and even made it to the finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent with his incredible feats of mind-reading and illusion. Now, he’s bringing his jaw-dropping act to Ross Rowing Club for one unforgettable night.
The show takes place on Friday, 21st March 2025, with doors opening at 6 PM and the performance beginning at 7 PM. Tickets are £10 per adult and £5 per junior, offering fantastic value for a night of top-tier entertainment.
To make the evening even better, our Clubhouse Kitchen will be open, serving freshly made food throughout the night—so you can enjoy a delicious meal alongside the magic. Don’t miss this incredible event—Grab your tickets and prepare to witness the impossible.
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Please note: Tickets are priced at £10 (Adults) or £5 (Juniors), and is exclusively open to RRC members, associates and their invited guests. All Junior members must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. 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.
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Shining a spotlight on what makes our club so special - its people
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Beth Morris never planned for rowing to take over her life—it just refused to let her go. From her early days battling rival clubs to rebuilding a university squad from scratch, her journey has been shaped as much by setbacks as by victories. But for Beth, it was never just about winning. It was about pushing boundaries, and creating opportunities, for her and for others.
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Above: Beth Morris (centre) as a Junior at Ross Rowing Club with Lydia and Ella.
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Beth’s first introduction to rowing came at the age of 10 at Worcester Rowing Club, where she quickly found herself in fierce competition with neighbouring Ross Rowing Club. From the start, Ross was the team to beat, an early rivalry that pushed her to sharpen her skills. By the time she turned 14, she made the bold move to Ross, commuting from Worcester to train. Her first race with Ross was a defining moment—going head-to-head with her old Worcester crew and winning. It was proof that the extra effort had been worth it.
Under the guidance of Dave Sykes, Beth’s potential flourished. As a J16, she raced in an 8+ with a composite crew from Ross, Worcester, Royal Grammar School, and Birmingham, qualifying for the Junior Inter-Regionals—one of her first major milestones in the sport.
However, the road wasn’t always smooth. Transitioning from junior to senior squads at Ross came with its challenges, particularly as she balanced the demands of rowing with her GCSEs and A-Levels. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a string of injuries, forced her to take a year away from the sport. Yet, a single conversation with the late Annie Williams during a daytime session at Ross changed everything. Annie’s reminder to always find enjoyment in rowing resonated deeply, giving Beth the push she needed to return.
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Above: Beth Morris, with her Salford University Boat Club crew, celebrating a victory.
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Determined to make her mark again, Beth brought her renewed passion to Salford University, where she studied Physiotherapy. At the time, the rowing club had only five members due to the pandemic. But Beth saw potential. By the end of her first year as Women’s Captain, the club had grown to 16 members and had entered eight crews into the Trafford Head. Though victory eluded them, the exposure was invaluable in re-establishing the club.
Taking on the role of President in her second year, Beth continued to push the club forward. Over three years, she helped grow the club to 40 members, ensuring their presence at BUCS Regatta annually and securing a major victory over Chester University at the 2024 varsity event. But her proudest achievement? Watching the novice rowers she recruited step onto the BUCS Regatta stage for the first time. It wasn’t about medals—it was about giving them a chance to experience the sport at its highest level.
Beth’s passion for the sport extended beyond her own performance. In December 2021, she joined Trafford Rowing Club’s women’s squad, competing at WEHORR in London, where her crew placed 170th. But it was in coaching that she truly found her next calling. By September 2022, she was coaching Trafford’s development squad, guiding them to second place in both the open and women’s categories at the North West Explorer Series. The real reward, she says, was seeing her rowers transition to senior and masters levels. “The best part of coaching is seeing those rowers take what you’ve taught them and continue to improve. It’s like passing the torch.”
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Above: Trafford Rowing Club Woman’s 8 competing in the WEHORR in London.
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Since graduating from university and returning home, Beth has had to make difficult decisions about balancing her career and rowing. She recently left Ross Rowing Club to join Stourport Boat Club while beginning her career as a physiotherapist within the NHS. Managing both commitments meant sacrifices, but Beth remains determined to keep rowing an integral part of her life. “It was a difficult choice, but ultimately, I had to find a way to balance my career and my love for rowing,” she explains.
There’s no final stroke, no perfect ending to Beth’s story—just the next challenge. Whether she’s coaching or competing, she’s still in the thick of it, shaping the sport in ways that go far beyond the finish line.
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Backstage, Harry Green paced up and down, nervously going over his lines again and again.
The clubhouse was packed, every seat filled, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. The club had never hosted a night like this before, and the pressure was on.
The first-ever Comedy Night at Ross Rowing Club had arrived, headlined by comedian Robin Morgan, fresh from his nationwide tour and well-known from BBC’s Mock the Week. But before he took to the stage, Harry had the job of setting the tone and opening the night with a short set of his own.
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Above: Comedian Robin Morgan appeared live at Ross Rowing Club.
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Since stepping into the role of Social Coordinator last June, Harry had worked to revitalise the club’s social calendar. Just a year ago, he wasn’t even a club member. Having joined the Learn 2 Row course in April, he quickly became a regular fixture—behind the bar, organising social events, managing the clubs marketing and social media, and even writing this very newsletter.
“I moved to Ross not knowing anyone, and the club quickly became a place where I felt at home,” Harry said. “But I could see potential to build a stronger social side.”
It started with the summer party—an event he helped organise and promote with Torsten Pope. Then came screenings of Euro 2024 matches at the clubhouse. But Harry wanted something new, something bigger.
Months of research, planning, bookings and emails followed. The result? A refreshed social calendar, including Oktoberfest, monthly Quiz Nights, Cabaret Night, and, of course, Comedy Night. This was the first event he had booked all those months ago, and it carried the highest risk.
When he first pitched the idea of hiring a professional comedian, doubts were naturally raised. Would members buy tickets? Was there demand for live comedy? Would we make a profit?
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Above: Our Clubhouse gym and ergo room transformed into a comedy club.
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At first, ticket sales were slow, and Harry started to wonder if they had a point. But as word spread, demand grew. By the night of the event, it was a sell-out.
Transforming the club’s gym into a comedy venue was no small task. The stage, lighting, seating, and decorations all required a team effort. As ever, club members stepped up to help make it happen.
Then came the main event—Robin Morgan. Watching a professional at work was an education. Before the show, Robin had studied the club’s website, old newsletters, social media, and observed club interactions, taking notes and tailoring his set to the audience.
Ross crowds have a reputation for being reserved. At November’s Cabaret Night, drag queen Miss Tina Sparkle noted that the audience took time to warm up. Would the same happen tonight?
Not this time. From his opening line, Robin had the room. His sharp observations, local references, and quick improvisation had the audience laughing throughout. Jokes about rowing rivalries and club in-jokes landed perfectly, making the night feel personal and unique.
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Above: Harry Green and comedian Robin Morgan pose for a photo after the show.
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Backstage before the show, Harry—clearly nervous—asked Robin if he still got stage fright.
“Of course,” Robin said. “It’s natural. It shows you care.” Then he added some advice that stuck with Harry: “Everyone in that room is here because of you. They’re on your side.”
Then came the moment Harry had been dreading.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, the 2024 Most Improved Rower—Harry Green…”
Laughter and cheering, thankfully. No turning back now.
The night was a success—financially, socially, and in proving that members were ready for something different. It showed that Ross Rowing Club’s community is open to fresh ideas, and that with the right vision and support, anything is possible.
As the last drinks were poured and conversations lingered, one thing was clear—Comedy Night wasn’t a one-off. It was just the beginning.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Writing about oneself in the third person is a strange mix of self-indulgence and detachment—you’ll have to excuse the ego trip. With several planned articles still awaiting contributions and deadlines looming, the choice was either a half-empty newsletter or a reluctantly self-focused piece. I chose the latter. Future editions will thankfully return to celebrating the club’s many voices. In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this issue—however self-referential as it may be.
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Ross Rowing Club - Founded 1875
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