CLUB NEWS

Happy New Year to all Ross Rowing Club members and friends!

We’ve already experienced the first storm and flood warning of 2026 and as a result January has been a quiet month for rowing. Here is an update from the captains on what 2026 has install.

POTENTIAL HEADS AND REGATTAS 2026

Unbelievably, we are already nearing the end of January and 2026 is well underway.

For the senior squad, we have had some great numbers at Saturday and Sunday training and we have been asked by members which heads races and regattas we are likely to attend this year. 

The following is a list of potential events.  Some are National but most are local, offering senior squad rowers valuable experience at different levels. Whilst most offer racing for novice and low CRI crews, some of the events are considered more suitable than others, and these have been marked with an asterisk.

Each of these will be posted as ‘Events’ on Spond, so please confirm your attendance if you are interested. 

If you require further information or wish to discuss any of the events, please speak to either Bron, Graham or Dave Sykes.

FEBRUARY

7^thWycliffe Big head

14^th  Worcester Head of the Severn

28^th   Avon spring head *

MARCH

1^st    Spring head of the Taff *

22^nd  Gloucester Spring head

29^th   Vesta Masters head

MAY

2^nd& 3^rd Evesham Regatta & Sprint

9^th& 10^th Shrewsbury Regatta & Sprint

10^th  Nottingham Masters & Club Regatta

16^th  Worcester Spring Regatta

23^rd& 24^thMonmouth Regatta & Sprint

30^th  Hereford Regatta *

JUNE

13^th  Bridgenorth Regatta *

13^th& 14^th British Masters  –  2 days

27^th&  28^th Ironbridge & Sprint

JULY

10^th11^th & 12^thHenley Masters

11^th& 12^th  Llandaff Regatta & Sprint *

17th – 20th British Rowing Club Championships

25^th& 26^th  Bewdley Regatta & Sprint

AUGUST

15^th& 16^th  Stourport Regatta & Sprint

30^th  Ross Regatta & Sprint *

SEPTEMBER

6^th   The Great Ouse Marathon

12^th  Worcester Autumn Regatta

There are many more heads and regattas throughout the year, right across the country.  Follow the link below for a complete list:

https://www.britishrowing.org/competition-calendar/    If you would like to enter any of these competitions please talk to  your captain.

This year’s Easter Camp will take place Tuesday 7th April – Friday 10th April. If you are able to help with this event please look out of a post on Spond closer to the time or contact Junior Captain Karen Thorpe-Williams.

I am deeply saddened to share the news that our rowing friend Chris Ruck passed away on Saturday January 11th following a short illness, aged 61 years.

Chris was the former Bar Manager of Ross Rowing Club, along with his wife Nicky and a much loved part of club life. Chris will be remembered for the endless hours and years of dedication that he gave to the club.

A true gentleman, he was kind, funny, welcoming and always ready with a smile or a laugh. Chris gave so much to the club and will be fondly remembered  by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Chris and his family played a substantial role in the club over the year’s. He worked closely with Torsten and Harriet managing the bar and the President’s Enclosure at endless regattas,and of course many a B-W Bash! No matter when you popped down the club, Chris was always there dealing with whatever needed doing, a familiar, friendly face.

He was one of the kindest, most humble and vibrant souls to be part of the club and his wit, his personality and his laughter will be missed.

We have lost a key member of the Rowing Club family and our thoughts are with his wife Nicky and his two sons, Dan and Ollie at this very difficult time.

Dan was a member of the junior academy and coxed the seniors to many a win over the years.

Words from Harriet –

“  Chris, there’s a giant hole in all of our lives now and the echoes of your laughter and cheeky-chappy wit will ripple through the River Wye and the pipes of the Rowing Club bar for eternity “

As a part of respect the club flag is flying at half-mast .

Jackie Baynham

Chris’ wake will take place at the club on Thursday 29th January and club members who knew Chris are invited to join the family in celebrating his life from 3pm.

Ross Rowing Club – Founded 1875

CONTACT THE EDITOR

LEARN TO ROW  CAMPING  ENQUIRIES FIND US
Rope Walk, Ross On Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7BU