New Men’s Captain

Ross Rowing Club is delighted to announce that the new Men’s Captain will be Graham Watling.

Graham was formerly Vice-Chair and Chair of the club. He is a rowing coach, safety boat driver and instructor, a competitive rower, frequent winner at local and national levels, a trailer tower, a barbecue chef, husband to Wendy our former welfare officer, dad to Georgina and Fran former Ross juniors, and a very proud Grandad too!

Now retired, he has kindly stepped back into a formal role to lead the men’s squad, be they beginners, improvers or competitors.

Thank you Graham and we wish you all the best.

In his own words,

“Prior to joining RRC in 2005 I was focused on training and competing at Indoor rowing competitions both locally and nationally. I was encouraged to take part in the RRC Pub and Club event and within a few months, as a novice rower, I had entered my first competitive event, The Head of the River Race on the River Thames. I thought it sounded like an adventure and it certainly was!

I have enjoyed a fair amount of success in crews since those times. Most notably the years when eight of us were coached by Malcolm Pobjoy. We dominated most of the provincial regattas in Fours and an Eight and between us won several National titles.

In the past I have held the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman of the club. I have a level 2 coaching qualification and have previously helped to coach the juniors to successes in both indoor rowing competitions and regional and national regattas.

As Men’s Captain it is my intention to aid and encourage anyone who wants to row, whether it be sweep oar, sculling or both and at whatever level they choose.

Dave Russell, as Men’s Vice Captain will be helping me to develop the Men’s squad and will also continue with the splendid work that he’s been doing organising the weekend Eights crews.

Whilst I appreciate that not everyone wants to row competitively, I would like to inspire and encourage more members to have a go. I am willing to help anyone who’s interested to form squads and crews and train together with a level of commitment and a view to competing at regattas.”

Forever smiling, forever driving us somewhere !

Camping

Welcome Campers , Caravaners and Canoeists ????

Easter brings visitors from near and far to enjoy the River Wye!

This is a valuable income source for the club but also a way to welcome new people who, like us, love the river and the countryside.

We hope you enjoy your time with us!

Progress on ablution block

The ablution block is being refurbished and reconfigured to provide two additional ladies toilets for campers and a store cupboard.

The shower block will have 4 wet room showers making them easier to keep clean.

Darren and Torsten are working hard to get it back up and running – thank you both for all you are doing.

Henley Royal Regatta ‍♀️

Love Rowing Mentions Ross

Love Rowing is British Rowing’s Charitable Foundation. Ross Rowing Club has been a supporter of this charity since its inception in 2019.

RRC members have raised money to help disadvantaged and disabled people benefit from the sport we love and now, we are grateful to receive support for our new Mixed Ability Rowing programme which will welcome people with a range of abilities, including physical and mental health issues, to row or enjoy the river and club in other ways.

We even get a mention in their latest impact report !!

Life Jackets for Mixed Ability

Most rowers don’t wear life jackets while they row, but for new people wanting to row in the Mixed Ability sessions who are not confident without one, we need jackets that will be be suitable, for different sizes and weights.

No-one will be allowed to row without one if they have not completed a capsize drill, or if it is agreed with them through their personalised risk assessment, that they should always wear one.

The Mixed Ability programme had not originally budgeted for capsize drills or life jackets (apologies from the team) so they still need to find a little more funding, around £400 for the life jackets and possibly up to £1,000 depending on the number of capsize drills (getting costings at the moment).

Junior Easter Camp ‍♀️

As junior camp starts, we want to welcome our new juniors.

We hope they have a fantastic week of rowing and racing.

Please make everyone feel welcome if you see them at the club, juniors and parents.

A massive thank you to those who have volunteered to help out!

Rowing Events

Evesham Regatta – 29th April

Shrewsbury Regatta – Sunday 7th May

Worcester Spring Regatta – 20th May

See Spond for details.

Socials – Hold the Date!!!

WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT – Friday 21st April 7:00pm.

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BEERFEST – Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April 2023. RRC raises funds by providing a BBQ, cafe food and soft drinks. More info HERE

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MAYOR’S CHARITY CORONATION BALL – Saturday 6th May 2023. RRC providing bar. Details and bookings HERE

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July 8th – Roaring Megs Choir at Ross Rowing Club for the Summer Concert

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RRC DRAGON BOAT RACING – Saturday 26th August

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ROSS REGATTA – Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August – our fantastic and much-loved regatta

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AWARDS EVENING – Date TBC – Awards evening is coming back and will take place in a few months time with various awards up for grabs. SPORTSWOMAN & SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR ???????? – You do not necessarily need to be the person who wins loads of races or has been rowing for years. The award is given to people who have shown commitment and improvement in their rowing skills.

NOTICES

• EASY FUNDRAISING – this system allows you to buy things from Amazon and many others at exactly the same price as normal, but they send a small portion of their profits to Ross Rowing Club – it all adds up over the course of a year. The link is here: EASYFUNDRAISING

And finally …

???? Greg Powell

Thanks for this stunning photo taken at sunset over a flooded River Wye

For the live Webcam showing current river levels – hit the button below.

Ross Rowing Club welcomes new rowers, young and old, beginners, experienced or returners.
We welcome campers and visitors, and have occasional opportunities to hire our clubhouse and grounds.
Key contacts:

EDITOR

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