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The clocks have changed, and so has the club. Evenings are lighter, sessions stretch a little longer, and the river feels different—not quite spring, not quite summer, but something in between.
Change is happening everywhere—not just on the water. The squad system is adapting, with new crew combinations being tested, reshuffled, and fine-tuned as we see what clicks. Our camping setup continues to evolve, refining what has become a vital part of the club’s success. Nothing stands still for long.
This issue reflects that momentum—the adjustments, the unpredictability, the moments where things start to fall into place. We’re in that in-between phase where nothing is quite settled, but you can feel something new is taking shape.
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Stay up-to-date with all the latest developments at Ross Rowing Club
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We’ve been making waves on the racing circuit last month, with crews competing at some of the biggest and most competitive events in the country. From the Thames to the Avon, our rowers have been putting in some seriously impressive performances.
Ross Rowing Club was out in full force at the prestigious Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race, taking on the iconic Championship Course on the River Thames between Mortlake and Putney. Our Mixed Master’s D 8+ crew put in a stellar performance, finishing the race in an impressive time of 22:03 This earned them a well-deserved third place in the Master’s DEF category, just behind Upper Thames Rowing Club and Kingston Rowing Club. They also ranked 112th overall – a fantastic result in such a competitive field.
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Above: Our Mixed Master’s Vesta Crew, coxed by Team GB’s Morgan Baynham-Williams.
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The crew, made up of George Smith, Tim Ball, Lenny Colling, Tim Davies, Elizabeth Angier, Bronia Bendall, Georgina Gilbert, and Kirsty Watkins, were expertly steered by none other than our very own Morgan Baynham Williams, who’s part of Team GB. Morgan, who won a silver medal in the women’s eight at the 2022 European Rowing Championships, is widely regarded as one of the country’s top coxes.
For Kirsty Watkins, this race marked a significant personal achievement. Having joined Ross Rowing Club’s Learn 2 Row programme just a year ago, Kirsty had come a long way from being a complete novice to racing in one of the UK’s top rowing events. “I was so nervous joining the L2R course as I had never rowed before, but everyone is so friendly and inclusive, for me there’s no looking back,” she said. “It was nerve-racking, but it was such an amazing experience and something I will never forget.”
Ross Rowing Club university alumni also competed in the Head of the River race, with Charlie Pope representing Bath University and Jessie Punn coxing the University of Manchester's Senior Men’s 8+.
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Above: Ross Rowing Club racing on the Championship Course at the Vesta Head of the River.
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It was another busy weekend for Ross Rowing Club at the Gloucester Spring Head, one of the largest and most competitive rowing events in the region. This event is a challenge, with crews rowing 7km just to get to the start line of the long course before racing 5km and then paddling 2km back to the boathouse.
Our Mixed Master’s D 8+ crew, in preparation for their Vesta race, raced a time-only event at Gloucester, finishing with a solid 22:37 over 5km. Georgina Gilbert then pulled double duty, racing with Mike Jones in the Mixed Master’s E/F 2x. They placed third with a time of 25:23.
Our Director of Rowing, Dave Sykes, also had a particularly long day. He teamed up with Men’s Captain Graham Watling in the Men’s Master’s F 2-, posting a time of 26:57 after a two-hour delay at the start. After that, he raced with development squad member Harry Green in the Low CRI Open 2x short course, where they finished 4th out of 6th with a time of 08:26.
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Above: Cheers! Coach Clive Killick and Cox Brian Roe celebrate with the Woman’s 8 at Gloucester.
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The Women’s 8 also delivered a strong performance, racing in the Women’s Master’s B/C 8+ as Brian Roe, coxing his first ever race, steered Nicky Wild, Lisa Robbins, Amy Stephens, Sheron Dean-Lucas, Sarah Sykes, Holly Campbell, Alice Simons and Ellen Phelps, across the finish with a time of 23:52.
Ross Junior rowers were well represented too, as Lily K raced in the Women’s J15 1x, securing 3rd place in Band 1 with a time of 08:56. A brilliant result for one of our young stars.
Our Juniors were also busy at the West Midlands Junior Inter-Regional Trials, which were moved to Hereford Rowing Club due to a last-minute change in venue. Trystan and Rufus raced in the J14 2x, while Lily K and Leah raced in the Women’s J15 1x and Women’s J16 1x. Both Lily and Leah impressed, earning places at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta 2025, where they’ll represent the West Midlands at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham on April 26th.
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Above: Our very own Mike Jones celebrating his win at the Avon Spring Head.
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Mike Jones, one of our Masters scullers, also had a great result at the Avon Spring Head on the River Avon near Bath. Racing in the Masters H category (for competitors aged 70-75), Mike finished in 15:27—almost two minutes ahead of second place. “I’m truly grateful for the support our club has already given me when I compete,” he said. “It’s worth noting that if you keep trying long enough, then the results will come.” A simple but powerful reminder that persistence pays off.
It’ was another busy month for Ross Rowing Club, with fantastic results across the board. Well done to all of our rowers, coaches, and support volunteers for making it all happen. We're excited to keep building on these achievements and see where the next race takes us!
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Brace yourselves, Ross Rowing Club – something hot is on its way. And no, we’re not talking about the weather (though that’s not half bad, is it?). We’ve partnered with Black Box Sauna to bring you a unique pop-up sauna and cold plunge experience, running for 10 days only. From April 4th to 14th, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation, no matter what the British weather throws your way.
The concept is simple but effective: start by stepping into the wood-fired sauna and let the heat work its magic on your body. Once you’re feeling fully toasty, cool off and take the plunge into the cold tank – if you’re feeling brave, of course! It’s a powerful combination of heat and cold therapy that helps boost circulation, aid recovery, and leave you feeling incredibly refreshed.
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Above: How the Black Box Sauna experience will look like when it arrives at Ross Rowing Club.
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As a member of Ross Rowing Club, you’re in for a treat: we’re offering you an exclusive 25% discount on bookings. Whether you prefer a shared session with fellow club members or want to go for the full experience and book the sauna just for yourself, the choice is yours. The discount code will be sent directly to you, so keep an eye on your inbox!
The sauna will be set up over the coming days at the club, with sessions starting on April 4th. To book your spot, check out the full details and timings on the Black Box Sauna website via the button below. Don’t miss out – these sessions are sure to fill up fast!
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Ross Rowing Club is thrilled to launch its Learn 2 Row course this April – the perfect way to dip your toe into the world of rowing. Whether you're after a new challenge or just need an excuse to spend more time by the river, this course has everything you need to get started.
Taking place over weekends, our expert instructors will introduce you to both sculling and sweep rowing, all against the picturesque backdrop of our own river. Designed with complete beginners in mind, this course will have you rowing like a pro in no time, with lessons on boat handling, water safety, and everything else you need to feel confident on the water.
Rowing is more than just a way to enjoy the outdoors – it’s a fantastic full-body workout that engages 85% of your muscles, boosts your fitness, and is easy on the joints. Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply want a low-impact workout, rowing fits the bill. And don’t worry about age – more than half of beginners are over 35, so there’s no better time to give it a go.
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Above: Do you want to Learn 2 Row? Email our Coordinator Lucy Preece today.
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We’ve also got some exciting news: Ross Rowing Club has secured a British Rowing grant to purchase a shiny new coxed quad. This will make it easier for beginners to get on the water safely and comfortably, with added stability – so no need to worry about wobbling!
Tim Ball, Club Treasurer and Head Coach of the L2R programme, expressed his enthusiasm:
"This grant is a fantastic boost for the club. It will help us continue to provide a supportive environment for newcomers while growing our already sizeable fleet."
So, what are you waiting for? Spaces for the Learn 2 Row course are limited, and you don’t want to miss out. Contact our Learn 2 Row Coordinator, Lucy Preece, by clicking the button below to secure your spot today!
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ILLUSIONIST NIGHT SUCCESS
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Above: Sheron Dean-Lucas about to chop Bryn Hughes arm off all in the name of magic!
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Our recent Illusionist Night at the Ross Rowing Club was a fantastic success, bringing together 43 guests for an evening of wonder and entertainment. The event raised £915.80, which will go towards supporting the club’s activities, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the man himself, Mark Huntley who brought his act all the way from Yorkshire.
A massive thank you to everyone who came along to support the event and helped make it such a success. And of course, no event would run quite as smoothly as it did without the behind-the-scenes efforts of our amazing volunteers. Jan Rosser, Dave Rosser, and Annabel Pope kept the drinks flowing all evening, and Torsten Pope who worked his pizza magic in the kitchen.
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The camping operation on Stock Meadows field has grown tremendously over the years, providing much-needed funds to help maintain our club’s facilities and boat fleet. These funds have been vital in supporting the club’s development, and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
For many years, Debbie Smith has been the heart of our camping operation, supported by Torsten and the Pope family. Their dedication and tireless effort have ensured the success of the campsite. However, in response to the success, the board has implemented a number of changes to streamline the process and ensure the campsite continues to run smoothly and effectively.
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Above: Ross Rowing Club and it’s Stock Meadow camp site from above.
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One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a new camping booking system. After careful consideration, the club has partnered with Outdore, a booking platform used by many campsites across the UK. Outdore will be linked to well-known booking sites like Campsites.co.uk and Pitchup.com, allowing campers to easily book online and ensuring the process is more efficient for both guests and the club.
In addition to the new system, the club has appointed a Camping Warden to oversee the campsite’s operations during the busy summer months. The Warden’s role will be key in ensuring the day-to-day management of the site runs smoothly. The final selection of the Camping Warden is currently underway, with an announcement expected soon.
With these new changes in place, Sarah Flint has been appointed as the club’s new Camping Coordinator. Sarah will act as the primary point of contact between the Camping Warden, the club’s Board of Directors, and the commercial and facilities teams. This new role is designed to improve communication and coordination, ensuring the camping operation aligns with the club’s overall goals.
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Above: Sarah Flint has been appointed as the new Camping Coordinator.
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The camping season officially kicks off this weekend and will run through until the end of September. As we welcome campers, we remind everyone to keep the gates closed and locked at all times to prevent unauthorised access. Those with bookings will receive the gate code in advance. If you encounter anyone looking to book camping, parking, or canoe launching, please direct them to the club’s website and online booking portal, where they can secure their reservation and obtain the necessary access codes for the gate and ablution block.
Please refrain from opening the gate, sharing the codes, or accepting payments for camping behind the bar. These measures are in place to ensure a safe, organised, and seamless experience for everyone.
With these updates, the club is well-positioned for another successful camping season. You can learn more about the evolution of camping under the Club Spotlight section of this month’s newsletter below.
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Details on upcoming social events at Ross Rowing Club
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Since launching our monthly Quiz Nights last September, we’ve had an incredible run, pulling in over £4,000 in sales and seeing some great faces each month. But all good things must come to an end – at least for a little while. This month, we’re hosting our final quiz before the summer break, after which we’ll be switching things up with our Friday Night BBQs. So, it’s your last chance to join us for a night of trivia before the summer vibes take over!
We’re excited to welcome Bryn Hughes as this month’s quizmaster. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or this is your first time, Bryn’s ready to bring the energy and keep the questions coming. It’s a fun and relaxed evening, and whether you’re in it to win it or just for a good time, there’s no shortage of excitement.
Grab your team of up to six people and get ready to test your knowledge. Entry is just £2 for adults and £1 for juniors, so it’s an affordable night out for everyone. Plus, you won’t go hungry – our Clubhouse Kitchen will be serving up classic Fish, Chips & Peas for £6 per person. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before diving into the trivia action.
Doors open at 6PM, and the quiz kicks off at 7PM sharp. So, don’t be late – we’ve got a night of great questions, good food, and a bit of friendly competition waiting for you.
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We’re ending the season with a bang, and it’s exactly what you’ve been asking for. On Friday, 25th April 2025, join us for a night of fun, music, and memories as we wrap up this season’s social events.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, and things officially kick off at 7:00 PM. We’ll start the night with some karaoke—yes, it’s time to grab that mic and show us what you’ve got! Whether you’ve got a hidden talent or you’re just there for the laughs, we want to hear you sing your heart out. After the karaoke wraps up, we’ll be turning up the music and hitting the dance floor, so get ready to dance the night away.
And of course, we’re keeping the party going with free shots to keep the energy up. It’s the perfect chance to party hard before the BBQ madness kicks off. Come for the karaoke, stay for the dancing, and let’s make this night one to remember! See you there!
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Shining a spotlight on what makes our club so special - its people
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Camping has been a longstanding tradition at Ross Rowing Club, with campers pitching their tents during Ross Regatta and at various other times throughout the year. Initially, this took place on the club lawns and the regatta field. However, a pivotal moment in the club’s history came in 1995 when Stock Meadow, two fields behind the clubhouse owned by the Little family, was put up for sale.
Recognising the potential of this land, Club President Gerry Smith and Chairman Jerry Whitehouse saw an opportunity that could greatly benefit the club’s future. Previously, the fields had been ploughed for potatoes, creating access issues to the regatta field. Jerry Whitehouse worked tirelessly to raise the £44,500 needed to purchase the land. This was achieved through a combination of grants from Herefordshire Council, The Sports and Arts Foundation, fundraising efforts, and a loan from Marston’s Brewery, which would be repaid based on the club’s beer consumption.
The purchase of Stock Meadow proved to be a turning point for the club, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability. Pete Alker’s contribution was crucial, as he acquired steel beams to construct a road bridge over Rudhall Brook, giving the club direct access to the new fields.
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Above: An aerial view of Ross Rowing Club and it’s campsite.
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At first, Stock Meadow served as a sports field for Ross United Services, the local football team, who installed floodlights and a spectator handrail around the pitch. The team paid rent and regularly enjoyed a post-match drink at the club bar. But after several years, the football team moved their games to the sports centre, leaving the field unused.
As the popularity of canoe touring grew, the club saw a shift in the field’s use. In 2013, Club Chairman Jim Pettipher and a small team began serving “campers breakfasts” on weekends throughout the summer. This initiative quickly gained traction, and by 2017, Men’s Captain Ryan Stanley took over the camping operations. He introduced an online booking and payment system, streamlining the process, although some felt it lacked the personal touch that the earlier years had offered.
By this time, camping had become a major revenue stream for the club, generating between £21,000 and £28,000 in gross sales. As demand grew, the field began to accommodate larger groups and motorhomes. In response to an incident where local youths dismantled tents during a school group’s stay, the club took action by fencing in the camping area. Junior parent Steve Aubrey used a large tractor to reposition the football spectator rails, while club members planted hedges around the perimeter to ensure security and safeguarding.
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Above: The new enclosed toilet and shower ablution block completed last Summer.
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While campers initially had access to the club’s toilets and showers, concerns about security and safeguarding soon arose. In 2019, Debbie Smith took over as the camping coordinator. She quickly realised that campers wanted a more personal approach when booking. Debbie became the face of the operation, building relationships with groups and Duke of Edinburgh organisers.
The club faced some significant challenges that year. In October 2019, the clubhouse was flooded, and by March 2020, the country was plunged into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that camping could still operate, the club bought an ablution block and shower trailer. Torsten Pope and his son Charlie made a 12-hour round trip to Kent to collect the trailer, ensuring the facility was ready for when COVID restrictions lifted.
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Above: The River Wye flooding the Clubhouse which caused a massive renovation.
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Despite the challenges, the camping season began in July 2020. That short three-month period saw £24,000 in sales, capitalising on the rising popularity of domestic holidays, also known as "staycations." The club also opened its Beer Garden and introduced Friday night BBQs, which saw a dramatic increase in bar sales as members, guests, and campers enjoyed socialising outdoors while adhering to social distancing.
The 2021 camping season saw even greater success, with gross sales reaching £49,500. This was largely driven by the return of loyal campers who loved the friendly atmosphere fostered by Debbie Smith. The club had also received prior approval to build a hardstanding car park and install access roads to the camping areas. However, the pandemic delayed the start of these improvements, and the first contractor left the project unfinished. By July 2023, the work was finally completed.
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Above: The installation of the hardstanding camping car park.
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The club also received a generous gift from Sam Boom—a large four-wheel drive ride-on mower, which has been used to maintain both the club lawns and camping areas. The mower’s grass collector ensures that clippings don’t get carried into campers’ tents and vans, enhancing the overall experience.
The ablution block and shower trailer have since been fully refurbished, using marine ply supplied by Walford Timber, and relocated to a raised, fenced-off area in the camping field. The upgraded facilities are connected to the club’s new sewage system, installed by MPC, a subsidiary of Haigh Group, with a proper Elsan waste disposal tank to ensure sanitary conditions for campers.
As part of the boating steps rebuild, the club also installed a canoe launch ramp to allow canoeists easier access to the river, separate from rowers. Debbie Smith successfully applied for a £5,000 grant from The Canoe Foundation to help cover the installation costs.
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Above: Our new club steps and canoe ramp on the River Wye.
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Today, camping at Ross Rowing Club is the largest income stream for the club. The continued development of the camping facilities has been instrumental in the club’s financial stability, especially given the recent cancellation of regattas due to the pandemic. This income has enabled the club to maintain and improve its boats and facilities.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of a small group of volunteers over the years. Credit must also go to Gerry Smith and Jerry Whitehouse for their vision and foresight in purchasing the land all those years ago that has allowed the club to thrive.
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Fran Watling didn’t exactly “choose” rowing. It’s just one of those things that happens when you grow up in a family like hers. With her dad, Graham, current Men’s Captain, and her sister, Georgina, already in the sport, it was less about whether she’d row and more about when. For Fran, that moment came at the age of 10, at Ross’s Easter Camp.
Fran’s junior years at Ross were defined by volume—of boats, races, and noise. The junior squad was one of the biggest, and every training session had a bit of organised chaos about it. Easter and summer camps were a blur of long sessions, sore muscles, and those slightly mad canoe trips to Backney. The kind of fun that only happens when you’re young and everything feels like an adventure.
She started racing at regattas early on, with the occasional victory mixed in with the long days of travel. The first race? A double at Stratford Regatta. Not a win, but it set a pattern that would stick. In time, the medals started to come in: Gold at the Junior National Championships in 2013, silver at the Inter-Regional Trials in 2014. There were trips to the Coronation Jubilee Regatta in Windsor, and coxing a women’s four at Henley Women’s Regatta in 2016. By the time she left for university, Fran had already accomplished more than most.
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Above: Fran Watling coxing the Four at Henley Women’s Regatta in 2016.
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In 2017, Fran headed to Aberystwyth University to study Physical Geography, and with that came a shift in her rowing. River rowing wasn’t an option, so she started rowing in sea boats. The difference was striking. No stream to navigate, just the challenge of the tide and the unfamiliar mechanics of fixed-seat rowing. It was a change, but not one she could fully embrace.
That itch to row properly never really went away. So, in 2018, Fran and a few others decided to rebuild Aberystwyth University Boat Club from the ground up. They started with nothing—no boats, no venue—but with some donated equipment from Sheffield and a gift from Ross’s John Price (Goosander, a boat that would become the club’s cornerstone), they made it happen.
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Above: Goosander in Aberystwyth Marina and Harbour, part of the Aberystwyth University Boat Club.
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They got a race in before everything shut down with the pandemic. Their first was Northwich Head in 2020. After that, like everyone else, everything paused. Fran finished her master’s degree, but the pandemic meant there was little time to train or race. Yet, the club had gained enough ground that it survived long after she moved on.
After a year back in Ross, Fran took a job with the National Trust near Derby. This meant a move to Sheffield, and she joined City of Sheffield Rowing Club. It was a beautiful setting on Damflask Reservoir, but rowing on still water, with no current, felt...odd. It didn’t quite fill the gap, but she raced once, then moved on again.
Next stop? Hinckley, where she’s now settled and works as a Collections Assistant at Calke Abbey for the National Trust, preserving historical collections. The job’s great, but it also meant another move, and so, naturally, another rowing club—Warwick Boat Club. Two years in, she’s racing regularly, picking up wins at Ironbridge and Bewdley, coxing at Quinton Head, and taking on the WMas.D8+ at VIMHORR on the Tideway.
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Above: With Warwick Boat Club at Ironbridge, heading onto the water before their win.
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No matter how many miles Fran has put between herself and Ross, or how many different clubs she's joined, the Wye still holds an irreplaceable place in her heart. Recently, Fran returned to the river for a double with Harry, and it was clear that both the river and the club will always be a part of her. That foundation, built over years of training and racing, remains—just below the surface, always there.
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Ross Rowing Club - Founded 1875
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