The official magazine of British Rowing

Editorial #61

Eight reasons to be a British Rowing member...

Boat Race reports > Great River Race > Olympic Torch

Issue #61 May 2012 | £3.99

MARK HUNTERPROFILE

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BERT & DICKIE

SAM HOARE TALKS ROWING

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Hoseasons parks and lodges in Britain & Europe Find out more about these great benefits at www. britishrowing.org – log on to your online account and click on ‘My membership benefits’. 2012/13 membership fees Gold – £50, Student – £30 Junior – £23 13 and under – free for first year, £14 thereafter Silver – £25 Platinum – £1000

Editorial: Wendy Kewley (with thanks to Andrew Curry) Design: Claire Greeno at Legacy Sport Media claire@legacysportmedia.com Production: Duncan Slater at Legacy Sport Media duncan@legacysportmedia.com Advertising: George Miller at Cabbell T: 020 3603 7936 | george.miller@cabbell.co.uk Rowing & Regatta is the official magazine of British Rowing, 6 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ. T: 020 8237 6700 | F: 020 8237 6749 magazine@britishrowing.org | www.britishrowing.org Design & Production: Legacy Sport Media Ltd, Legacy House, 26 Harvey Crescent, Warsash, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 9TA. T: 01702 410599 | john@legacysportmedia.com Advertising: Cabbell Publishing, Wimbledon Studios, 1 Deer Park Road, London SW19 3TL T: 020 3603 7930 | F: 020 8544 0811

GotGotGotGotGotGot an idea? an idea? an idea? R&RwouldlovetoR&RwouldlovetoR&Rwouldloveto hearaboutit...Pleasehearaboutit...Pleasehearaboutit...Please sendsuggestionstosendsuggestionstosendsuggestionsto submissions@submissions@submissions@ britishrowing.orgbritishrowing.orgbritishrowing.orgbritishrowing.orgbritishrowing.orgbritishrowing.org

P H O T O:JAMES

Hexham’s Warrior Princess crew with Pamela Walton

ROWING FOR FUN?!? T

he words ‘rowing’ and ‘fun’ aren’t usually natural bedfellows – but the Northern Sunday League, launched last month, is likely to change perceptions. The brainchild of James Andrews, British Rowing’s Participation Development Team Leader, the Sunday League has been enthusiastically embraced by clubs in the Northern Region. The league gives less experienced rowers a chance to race in stable boats at different venues over the season. Pamela Walton and crews travelled from Hexham to the first league event at Durham ARC on 1 April. “The Sunday League has been absolutely inspirational,” she says. “We needed new and bespoke events.” Racing is open to all rowers with novice status and British Rowing silver members, with crews drawn from four to six rowers, who compete in up to five 200-300m races, winning a point for each victory. At the inaugural event, Hexham’s Warrior Princess crew swept the women’s races taking four points. Since becoming the club’s Explore Rowing Coordinator last September, Pamela has been encouraging women with families to row by holding coaching courses midweek. With work and family commitments, these rowers just don’t have time to spend all weekend at regattas. “Two of my crew were rowing at university and have now decided to return to the sport. They were a bit nervous about taking part in the Sunday League, but afterwards they said that they’ve never had so much fun on the water!” Pamela’s efforts have a serious pay-off too. Club membership has increased and diversified to include those involved in Explore Rowing. “I say to members that these new rowers have bought the new blades and the shiny single scull. It’s only possible because of the members interested in Explore Rowing.” The figures speak for themselves. In 2011, Hexham had 50 members with a 70% male, 30% female split. This year they have 100 with an 80% female, 20% male split. Now all they have to do is encourage more men to row! Meanwhile the Warrior Princess crew travel to Tyne United for the next Sunday League stage on 6 May. Tynemouth, Tyne and Hexham Rowing Clubs are hosting subsequent race days with September’s grand finale at Tees. “I’d like Hexham to dominate,” says Pamela. “It would be nice for our women’s squad to lead at something!”

A N D R E W S

WENDY KEWLEY

All feedback to Rowing & Regatta should be emailed to magazine@britishrowing.org, posted to British Rowing, 6 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ or faxed to 020 8237 6749

May 2012 | Rowing & Regatta | 01