The heatwave continued, and members of all ages headed to the club for a summer party at the end of June. As well as a barbecue and live music, the junior squad showcased their skills in a single scull spinning competition.

Joining the celebrations was Fiona Davidson from Surrey County Council, who came to reveal the new coxed quad, which had been purchased following a successful application for funding via the ‘Your Fund Small Communities Projects fund’, and reveal its name, ‘On Your Marks’.

Club Chariwomen, Tori Lumb, said: “We were very grateful to Fiona for supporting our application for funding this new lightweight quad. She kindly attended the party and helped us christen the boat, which has already proved invaluable to the club for the junior novice crews and also for adaptive rowers.”

As per tradition, the season’s awards were handed out at the party. Starting off with the Club Captain Award, which went to Emily Ruston for her overall contibution to the Club, her time as social secretary, leading the Learn to Row course and coordinating the development squad.

The Men’s Cup for his heroics at the Bewl training camp, surviving a session in a single scull, and for his help around the club, was Andrew Mailer. The Women’s Cup went to Jackie Johnson.

Hester Salton won the Adaptive Vice-Captain’s Cup. Head of the adaptive squad, Ian Pilgrim, said: “Hester received this award mainly for being such a willing and able helper. Over recent months she has significantly improved her rowing stroke, much to the benefit of those steering for her.

Hester excels in supporting others on the landing stage, especially helping someone into or out of a boat. If a wheelchair user is involved, then Hester is up to the challenge, including car transits. Thank you to her for being such a jolly and observant helper and participant.”

Another special guest to appear at the club and enjoy a beautiful evening by the Wey, was Paddy Ryan. The Cambridge University Boat Club Chief Coach previously coached our very own Women’s Captain, Jess Lion, during his time at Thames RC.

Under Paddy’s leadership, the Cambridge Women’s boat has extended its winning streak to eight consecutive Boat Race wins.

In a Q&A style evening, Paddy revealed some of his coaching philosophy, the culture in the Cambridge Boat Club, and how he’s enabled the athletes to be a part of the proves of each year’s culture creation.

A book that Paddy referenced was ‘How to Win’ by sports physiologist Dr Kate Hays, who explains how confidence manifests differently in men. How negative self-talk can dominate. The Cambridge described this as an “eye opener”.

Our Learn To Row course continues to flourish, with 18 new rowers being welcomed to the sport and 16 being offered places in our Development squad upon completion. Eight of our new members took part at Kingston Regatta after just 12 weeks of rowing. The final was one not to miss, with a straight fight between Guildford crews in the Novice Mixed Coxed Quad Final. Our Learn to Row Graduates are looking forward to gaining more experience and winning more races over the coming months.

The club had junior crews competing both at Molesey Regatta and at the British Junior Championships. Rory and Flick picked up golds in the Open and Women’s J15s catergories, whilst the Open J14 quad, Women’s J13 quad, and Open J13s double all came away with golds at Molesey Regatta.

The adaptive crews have also been enjoying racing, although limited. Chris Boyes took part in the Marlow Spring PR3 Single Sculls and won against Marlow. Both the adult and junior adaptive squads are slowly growing. The new quad has been used with floats with great success, allowing more rowers to be supervised on the water at any one time. 

We have a wonderful band of regular helpers (rowers and non-rowers) who perform an essential role, but need more – it’s an enjoyable and educational experience. If you’re interested in joining, please email Ian Pigrim at pigrami@googlemail.com.

At Henley Town & Visitors’ Regatta, Rob Hall and Jeff Watling won gold in the Masters’ G/I Doubles final.

Coming up over the next few months, we have various crews heading to compete at Maidenhead Regatta and Gloucester Regatta in August, whilst the focus in September starts to turn to the head season, with ISIS Sculls and a few crews entered into the Great Ouse marathon.