Author: Iain

We are back on the water. Unfortunately we are still quite restricted and we cannot restart club sessions.

All boats are allowed on the water, so long as British Rowing’s COVID-19 guidelines are followed.

We have several fun boats that members can use with their families:

• two punts
• Snuffy – gig with room for 2 scullers and 2 small coxes
• Jolly Roger – gig for two sweep oar rowers and a cox
• Water Vole – fixed seat family boat
• two Canadian canoes
• one manufactured single with floats
• two home-made singles with floats

Please keep the forecourt clear at all times as construction work access may be required.

Safety rules

• Do not visit the club if you or anyone in your house are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or whilst you should be self-isolating
• Wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser before touching any equipment
• Only 2 people in a bay at a time
• Keep the doorways clear
• Follow social distancing guidelines at all times
• Wash all boats and blades before and after use
• Disinfect blade handles and high-touch areas (gunnels, riggers, gates, footboard fastening nuts, seats, hatch covers) before & after use
• Store trestles in bay 3
• Write up your session on the outing board
• Carry a mobile phone when on the water
• Do pre-boating safety check
• Do not use the catering facilities
• Follow all normal Club safety procedures

We are sad to report that John Fawthrop passed away last Sunday.

John was always smiling and a pleasure to be around. He gave a lot to the club and the regatta over many years.

We were extremely fortunate to have John’s experience, composure and competence as treasurer for five years.

John rowed at Tiffin School and Kingston Rowing Club. After that he was one of the founders of Warwick University Boat Club. Later he rowed at London Rowing Club.

A true gentleman. He will be sorely missed.

We will pass on the details of the memorial service.

Yesterday British Rowing sent out advice saying:

British Rowing advises that all Affiliated Clubs should cease all club-based activity as soon as reasonably possible tonight and not reopen tomorrow until further notice. This advice will be reviewed, on an ongoing basis, in line with Government guidance.

Therefore we have decided to shutdown the boathouse completely until further notice.

Given the latest government advice about the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee have to announce a partial shut-down of rowing activities.

British Rowing has announced that it is cancelling or postponing all its supported events until at least the end of April. We have cancelled the Mad March Dash and the next Learn to Row course.

Until further notice we are running no club sessions, events or social gatherings

We are still allowing:

• Private boats
• Club singles
• Doubles and pairs of people in the same household
• Rowing machine sessions

We will review the situation constantly.

Please contact the club chair if you have questions.