|
|
|
|
Senior Racing
Despite being faced with the significant challenges of exceptionally low water levels and having to cope with the physical demands of four scorching heatwaves, July and August continued our fantastic summer of racing. We have adapted remarkably well, showing great resilience and this determination has paid off in a series of impressive performances.
Through July and August we represented at Henley Masters, Llandaff, BR Club Champs, Bewdley, and Stourport regattas, with a total of 38 crews participating. Demonstrating a high level of activity and competitive spirit across the club.
Henley Masters
On a scorching weekend in July, Bron and George competed on the prestigious course in their WMas 2x, reaching the final. The very classy Thames crew took the victory, but our crew took away a fantastic experience, learning some great lessons and feeling inspired for more racing and taking on the event again next year.
|
|
|
|
|
Llandaff
On the same weekend, we had a strong turnout that saw 9 crews racing on the Saturday and Sunday across various divisions. Wins were enjoyed by:
● WMasC 4+: Alison, Alice, Ellen, and Holly, coxed by Rachel
● Op Mas G 4-: Graham, Dave R, Dave S, and Clive, coxed by Sheron.
● Mx 2x: Annabel and Charlie.
● 1x: Mike Jones.
The junior section were also represented at Llandaff with wins in the WJ13 1x for Tilly Driver and J13 1x for Daryan Haines. Well done to both for winning events in their very first regatta! A fantastic achievement and the first of many successes I’m sure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bewdley
This event saw our biggest entry of the summer, creating a fantastic club atmosphere on the balcony overlooking the beautiful River Severn. We had an impressive 18 entries over the weekend with wins for:
● WMas E 4x-: Sarah, Yvette, Geraldine, and Pam.
● MxMas D 8+: Alison, Ellen, Holly, Buffy, George S, Gareth, Anthony, and Tim D. Cox Rachel.
● WMas D 2x: Bronia and George G.
● Op Mas D 1x: George S.
● Op Mas D 2x: George S and Gareth.
● W 2x: Fliss and Annabel.
● Mx 4x-: Annabel, Fliss, Charlie, and Ollie.
● George S also won events in his composite crew, meaning he came away with an impressive 6 medals over the weekend…our regular medal winning machine!! So inspiring.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stourport
The most recent competition saw Ross with a small but mighty showing of 6 entries representing the club across multiple boat classes. Wins were enjoyed in four events by:
● WMasD 2x: Bron and George
● Op 2-: George and Steve
● OpMasD 2-: George and Steve
● Op 2x: Chris and Andy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sad news that due to the low water levels we again had to cancel our own regatta. A fantastic amount of effort had gone into organising the event and thanks go to the regatta committee for their efforts. Fingers crossed for next year.
As we now near the end of the regatta season, we still have entries at Gloucester Regatta, World Champs in Bled, and Penarth Regatta to report, so stay tuned for an end of season round up next month.
|
|
|
|
|
Ross Rowing Club: Rowers’ Strategy for 2026–31
On Saturday 22nd August we held a senior rowers meeting to share our Rowing Strategy 2026–31 – our plan designed to strengthen rowing, support our members, and build a thriving membership.
The rowing strategy sits alongside the wider Club 5-year plan, which has four key areas: Participation, Facilities, Financial sustainability and Governance. The Rowing Strategy takes forward the participation element of the Club Plan.
The Rowing Strategy focuses on five priority areas: Participation & retention, Coaching & coxing, Community & culture, Balancing recreation and competition, and Developing junior rowing. Together, these set out how we help every member to enjoy rowing at the level they aspire to, whether recreational, competitive, coxing, coaching or volunteering.
Members also heard about our proposed seasonal coaching principles, which guide how we develop rowers in autumn, build crews through winter, and support achievement during the main racing season. A rowing development pathway was also shared, helping everyone understand where they are, what comes next, and how the club will support them.
We outlined immediate actions already underway, including publishing the progression pathway and seasonal coaching principles, reviewing coaching and coxing provision, and delivering the development rowing programme.
A key message from the meeting was simple: every member can contribute. The club thrives when everyone plays a part, whether that be on the water helping with coaching, coxing, mentoring, driving launches; or behind the scenes with events, maintenance, social activities, etc. Help and participation is needed across the club.
The majority of people at the meeting put their names down to volunteer in some shape or form and it would be great if those who were unable to attend, could also join in by offering their support. If you’d like to get involved, please add your name to the volunteer sheets at the club or speak to Dave, Bron and Graham. If we haven’t already, we will be in touch soon to move things on.
The success of this plan depends on all of us, so please get involved where you can.
We have put up a copy of the presentation on the notice board. If you have any questions please get in touch and we would be happy to chat further.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And that’s (almost) a wrap for Learn 2 Row 2026 – our final Summer cohort graduated at the end of July. There’s been racing, river capsizes, standing pirouettes on singles in the pool and many, many laughs. Most importantly though, the rowing progress has been extraordinary and everyone should feel proud of what they’ve achieved.
Credit too should be given to the “experienced” Spring cohort who have stepped up to take responsibility for boats and blades and sit in with the newer Summer crew. We’ve been so lucky with all our 2026 new rowers – not only are there some very tidy rowers coming through, but they’re also a thoroughly lovely bunch of people contributing to RRC on and off the water.
A massive thank-you to our experienced rowers who turn up to help. I appreciate it’s a bit of a roulette wheel – sometimes a great row, sometimes a terrifyingly rocky, wet outing, but with your help they always end better than they start. Your input is invaluable – the most common feedback from the new rowers is that they’ve learnt something new from sitting in with different people.
We’ve a few more people coming for taster sessions in September which will make it 30 people introduced to rowing this year. None of which would have happened without the tremendous leadership and effort from Tim and Buffy. Thank-you chaps 🤠
It’s been a great summer spent sharing our love of rowing and hopefully strengthening Ross Rowing Club for the future. Now just to get our newest rowers through the sheep wash and winter rowing…
….. and of course thanks go to Lisa for organising everyone, providing cake and writing this piece.
|
|
|
|
|
British Rowing Club Championships 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On 18th and 19th July, three RRC members took to the water at the British Rowing Club Championships, competing against some of the strongest crews from clubs across the country.
There was a fantastic performance from Will, who raced in a Ross/Hartpury composite crew in the OJ16 2x. The crew put together a strong series of races to progress through the competition and reach the semi-finals — an excellent achievement in a highly competitive field. 👏
Will was back on the water the following day, this time racing in another composite crew in the OJ16 4x-. With another challenging field to contend with, it was a great opportunity to gain valuable racing experience at national level and test themselves against some of the best junior crews in the country.
Annabel and Fliss also represented RRC in the Women’s Championship 2x, taking on a particularly strong field. Championship events always provide a tough test, with crews racing at a very high standard, and both rowers should be proud of their performance and the determination they showed throughout the weekend.
For all three, competing at the Club Championships was a fantastic opportunity to race at the highest level, gain experience and represent RRC on a national stage. It was also a great reflection of the commitment and hard work they have put into their training.
A huge well done to Will, Annabel and Fliss for their efforts and for representing the club so brilliantly. We’re very proud of you all and look forward to seeing what comes next! 🚣♀️👏
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join us on Friday 2nd October 6.30pm – 11pm at The Old Court for a fantastic evening of celebrations, including a three course meal, dancing and plenty of club spirit!
Tickets are £50 each with only 140 tickets available.
Tickets available via Webcollect.
If anyone is able to donate raffle prizes, please contact Poppy Gerhardt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oh Mower, it’s time to go
You’ve served us well, mow to mow
Blue smoke, sparks, occasional kicks
You’ve helped us trim, and clip and fix
the wayward grass and meadows high.
So its time to go and say goodbye.
You served us well, oh Mower!
Stay strong, stay steady, keep mowing o’er
Elysian Fields, and Paradise Lost
You’ve had your day, whate’er the cost.
Keep chugging on, keep whirring round
Time for new grass, and eternal ground.
The end of the trusty mower! Kindly donated and served the club well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ross Rowing Club – Founded 1875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
