News Archive 2006
AGM - a superb attendance showed just how much interest the club has generated over the past year. A good evening with nothing too controversial......

For those who couldn't make it here are the highlights:
  • Chairman's - report
     
  • Captain of Rowing's - report
     
  • Treasurer's report - we're keeping our heads above water, email Tim for more details.
     
  • Rule changes - full details to be posted on the website soon. All will get a hard copy in next year's Members Handbook.

Another very successful year -well done everyone for making the club what it is today.

 Elections - hotly contested, it just shows how many people want to get involved.

  Officers
                Chairman ....................Tim Gill
                Secretary ....................Stuart Hunt
                Treasurer ....................Fen Harbridge
                Captain of Rowing.........Richard Bowsher
                Captain of Boats ..........Peter Greaves
                Membership Secretary ..Tim Greaves
                Regatta Chairman .........Ian Smith
                Social Secretary ...........Bex Butcher

  Committee Members (positions allocated by committee)

                Welfare ........................Neil Derbyshire
                Non-sliding seat boats ....Michael Collinson
                Safety Advisor ...............Peter West
              
                Members .......................Anita Hunt
                                                     Susan Allen
The Final Learn2Row session - our ever keen participants were somewhat disappointed at the final L2R session......the keenly anticipated 'Round the Island 'race had to be abandoned due to gales force winds, a strong stream and even thunder and lightning! However not all was lost - a quick ergo session, some inspirational video footage and then the highlight of the day, a visit by Sarah Birch ARA community and development officer, and gold medal winner at the World Championships! ...Yep, we had a star in our midst. Sarah joined us to present the much converted Learn2Row mugs, and to chat to participants and volunteers about the work of the ARA. Many thanks Sarah, you certainly inspired us to greater things.

A big thank you to all for their help in making the course a great success and in particular the ever enthusiastic participants. We hope to see you all down at the club as soon as the rain subsides.

Learn2Row - It may have been cold, but we had excellent conditions on Saturday for the penultimate L2R outing. The crews took full advantage and really performed well. With an eight, four and gig on the water we had our work cut out, but the results were well worth the effort.  Nuala even tried out sculling.......and as can be seen below thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

12 people started the GGBC L2R in October and all 12 are still enjoying the course.....so we must be doing something right!


Participants enjoying the eight.....well, until the eyes closed feet out exercises!


Nuala enjoying a superb outing in the double gig...


....and leaving other boats in their wake!

Learn2Row - the first Eight outing... The participants in the L2R course have progressed from the restricted fours up to our much loved eight - David Combes - and done so with great style. Excellent balance and timing from the whole crew.....we were all very impressed particularly in the rather windy conditions. All they now need is a light weight cox!
Treasurer Tim Triumphs - The BUPA Great South run saw top GGBC rower Tim Gill cross the line in a very creditable 1023rd position.....which doesn't sound that impressive until you realise that there were 12000 in the race! Tim crossed the line in 74.46mins... and raised a superb £800 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. See Tim in action

AGM

Wednesday 22nd November @ 7:30pm
Goring Social Club, Goring High Street

Fancy an early morning row?.....It's fantastic! When the duvet seems just too warm to leave on a cold a frosty morning please  remember what you're missing - a ribbon of mist rising from a flat calm river...... the sun just breaking over the horizon and perfect conditions for a top class outing......all this and you're back home in time for breakfast!
 

Intrepid GGBC crews ready to take to the water
- so there is life before 10am!
Learn2Row - the ergometer session - An excellent evening was had by all at the recent L2R rowing machine session held at Oratory school. Fitness and skill levels are really going well..... a 1min 32s 500m sprit!

The participants are working hard and the results speak for themselves.....we just need a few more weeks on the water to get the makings of a top class crew. 		AGM - it's important that the club reflects the wishes and aspirations of it's membership. Have you ideas for the club's future? May be you'd like to get involved in next year's Goring and Streatley regatta? So why not stand for a position on the committee and get involved in the running of this fantastic club.

Don't be shy or wait for someone to ask you...

If you want to know more about what's involved please feel free to contact any of the current committee - they'll be pleased to help. It's really not that onerous, and actually quite good fun.

Wednesday 22nd November @ 7:30pm
Goring Social Club, Goring High Street
Goring Gap compete at Henley! - okay not Henley Royal Regatta but the UTRC head. 2 miles of gruelling rowing against the very best crews in the country.....yep we were up against Leander!

A composite crew of GGBC and Wallingford members (all GGBC now!) took Bob for a spin at Senior 3....and managed a credible time of 12min 5 sec. It was hard work but as we passed Temple Island onto the golden mile of rowing a sense of pride welled in our chests......GGBC on the hallowed reach at Henley - we were making club history.

Okay we didn't win.....but we weren't far off the pace and went home happy with our performance. Roll on the next head race....we can smell victory!

Just in - The GGBC crew in action!  Rowphoto & Justrowingphotos

GGBC / Wallingford crew boating from Leander
Membership rises to 120 - All the hard work behind the scenes has really paid off this year with one of the largest membership counts for many seasons - up from last year by a staggering 40 members! 

GGBC is a club going places....but it's dependent solely on   volunteers to ensure it's continued success. Don't forget the AGM, 22nd November....your chance to get more involved with the running of the club.		 Learn2Row - the weather may not have been kind recently but that didn't hamper the L2R participants......they rowed indoors at the rowing tank in Oxford.

It's the first time GGBC has used this facility ..... and it proved to be a great success.
Winter Training - we're busy organising crews for the eight to train throughout the winter - if you'd like to join men's and women's squads please drop me a line - Captain of Rowing

We've been offered the services on a top coach....so if you want to get fit and improve your technique this could be the answer...		 Head Races - over the winter months there are lots of local head races (2-5km timed race) which are great fun to enter. GGBC compete to enjoy the event rather than to win....but that doesn't mean we don't try hard! The heads are run by local rowing clubs. You'll need to be a racing ARA member to enter them (including the cox) and wear club kit.  Join the winter training squad....you'll soon be racing against the big boys....
Learn2Row - after just two intensive sessions of the Learn2Row course the standard is already very high. The 12 participants have been working hard on technique and fine tuning their fitness on the ergometers. Tutorials have already covered safety and are now focused on the British Rowing Technique. With a trip to the rowing tank at OUBC planned in the near future we should have the group raring to get onto the water next Saturday. Lots of potential rowing talent among the group......watch out at next year's G&S regatta!

Many thanks to all the club members who have come down on Saturday mornings to help out. It's been an excellent team effort.		 Thursday Rowing Sessions - with the fading light and the rising river it's time to call an end to boating on Thursday evening club sessions until spring. Those who want to stay in shape can always come down to the boathouse on Thursdays for an intensive floodlit erging session.....to ensure peak fitness for the Angers head in March 2007. Group erging is much more fun....

Drop me a line if you want to take part - Captain of Rowing
AGM date announced -

Wednesday 22nd November @ 7:30pm
Goring Social Club, Goring High Street

 

 Should be another fun filled evening....

If you'd like to get more involved with the running of the club this is the place to be....

For full details download the Chairman's letter
Reading Small Boats Head - after our  international success a couple of GGBC crews decided (at the last minute!) to enter the Reading SBH.....4km of highly competitive rowing on the Thames between the Roe Buck pub and Caversham bridge. With 189 craft GGBC were taking on some stiff opposition....

We had a great time....with a women's four competing in Graham and the guys in Bob. We had no elusions ..... we were prepared to be overtaken at regular intervals along the course....but we'd give it our best shot.

The guys boat finished the course is a very impressive 14min 28s.....only being overtaken by one crew (the fastest crew of the day!) despite being the 7th crew to start! We finished a very credible 16th overall and third in the 4+ S4 division....beating Surrey Uni, Reading RC, and St Pauls school! GGBC certainly caused a bit of a stir.....who were these guys?

The guys looking good as they push for the finish

 The girls also had an excellent outing....despite a rather large weight handicap - 14st Nev coxing! (that's the same as two members of the crew!). A finishing time of just 18mins put them ahead of Westover and Bournemouth RC.
 

The girls giving 100% as they near the finish

 

For the full results see RSBH results
and more photos of the GGBC crews in action.

 

 

The girls really need a lightweight cox - if you fancy the challenge of controlling a top crew please get in touch.

GGBC really look after their coxes....pampering them to ensure they are warm and comfortable throughout the race.... hence the cushions and floral back rest that greeted Nev!

Basse Seine Head - Both GGBC crews were outstanding ....the girls coming a very credible 2nd in the women's eights with a time of just 20:22.77 - a great effort from a crew of strangers! The X-Press / GGBC crew combination worked like magic....a superb row even though they'd only just met!

 

The girls in action.....

 

Our friends from X-Press BC


And the guys.....out of 31 top French crews the GGBC crew crossed the line in 20th place.....which is pretty impressive! Considering lots of the crews were rowing the much faster sculling boats our lads did our club and country proud. Their time - 17:52.63....slower than last year but there was a very strong current.

 

Full results now on line - click here


The GGBC crews
 + Jacques (top French coach) & George (top English SNBS cox...with a blind spot for 6 foot high yellow marker buoys!)

 

Wondered what your committee get up to on their nights off? Why have the guys been hanging around the cosmetics counters in Boots?

 

The pre-party photo.....
just before the 500m walk through the
streets of Paris to get to the boathouse.
Yep - we did attract quite a lot of attention!

 

Needless to say we were the stars of the post race party... every one a real stunner!

Basse Seine Chairman Pascal Peron receives a gift from the GGBC crews

Jacques - Top French coach who helped the guys with some last minute training.
Pete sets new record - Pete West proved why he's secured the stroke seat for the forthcoming Paris trip.....he's just set a new record time for a single scull on the round island head. A superb 9min 18 sec.....beating the previous official record by over 1min 40 s!!!  Nice one Pete.

Iain....you'd better get training this winter!		 Paris trip.....almost there! GGBC is fielding two exceptional crews for the 3.7km head on the Seine. Crew members have been recruited from across the country - everyone wants a seat in a GGBC international boat! 4 girls from X-Press in Cambridge + a couple of high performance rowers from Wallingford have been recruited.....we're looking to collect lots of silverware!

Full story next week.....including photos of the party.
Basse Seine Head - Our crews for the trip to Paris are almost complete....thanks to a group of girls from the X-Press club in Cambridge. It's a long story but GGBC has attracted the cream of the Cambridge rowing fraternity to it's top girls crew. Yep, our international reputation has caused quite a stir in the rowing world. Fortunately X-Press also have a navy kit so the girls should look co-ordinated both on and off the water. I'm sure a record GGBC time is on the cards along with some more silverware for the boathouse.

Still a couple of places left in the guys crew.....get in touch quickly!
Basse Seine Head - Yep it's time to start training in earnest for the fabulous 4km head race on the outskirts of Paris. This years race is on Saturday 7th October.....and is sure to be as popular as ever. GGBC have added an international flavour to this annual event.....and we've done our country proud. This year we are keen to improve on last year's time.....and with our new eight, blades and coaching launch we have all the ingredients for a record time.

Of course a trip to Paris is not just about rowing.....our friends at Société Nautique de la Basse-Seine were also very impressed with our post race partying. Details of this years cerebration theme haven't been finalised but no doubt we'll be the life and soul.

Interested? We'll be racing in both the mens and girls eights....drop us an email if you fancy joining the strenuous training regime.

Click here for the full story of last year's event!



Victorious GGBC crew at the 2005 Basse Seine head
Dinner Dance - This years 'not to be missed' social highlight will be held on Friday 20th October. The venue - Streatley Golf club. As always it's important to book early to beat the rush......last year was such a great success.

To help make the evening go with a swing all are encouraged to wear masks.....		 Download a Booking Form & Poster  NOW.... 

You won't want your friends to miss out on this fantastic annual event......so get in touch with all your mates and ask them along.

Autumn 'Round the Island Head' - can you beat the record times set earlier in the year?

Scratch crews drawn from the hat compete on a timed row from the boathouse, around the island, and back to see just who can post the fastest time....10min 36s was the fastest four time earlier this year.		 Of course it's not just all hard work.....there's sure to be a BBQ and social gathering. And lots of tactical talk - especially for the 'nearest to 25min' event.....a special race for those whose skills lie in expert timing rather than speed!

A few members are training hard for the sculling too....will they beat the 11min barrier this time?

The date for this fantastic event - Sunday 24th September.

Click here for more details or contact social@goringgapbc.org.uk
Learn2Row - As predicted the GGBC learn2Row course places have been snapped up very quickly......only reserve places left.
 		 We hope to run some more L2Rs in 2007....so to avoid further disappointment please email your contact details to L2R@goringgapbc.org.uk to keep fully informed of future courses.
Dolphin Centre / GGBC exchange - GGBC members took the plunge (literally) and decided to reduce their skill levels by paddling in the same direction as they were travelling....in a canoe.....no surprise - most got wet in the process!

Our friends from the Dolphin Centre then braved the quad and single sculling.....with great results. All followed by a hearty BBQ.....So much fun we'll have another go in the spring.....

 Interesting contrast in styles....a top Dolphin centre canoeist looks at ease in the single scull - and stays dry.....

....mean while  a typical GGBC rower is captured using the 'walking along side the canoe' propulsion technique.....not quite as elegant.

For details of courses at the Adventure Dolphin Centre - click here
Sculling capsize - under the influence of K1 canoeing techniques Andy decided that anything a canoeist could do he could do better...... in a scull.

A directors 'rough cut' of Andy's first major starring role (or should that be roll!) can be seen here.   A large 1.5Mb file....		 Note Andy's technique for staying with the boat, getting his body out of the water (really import in cold conditions) and paddling to the river bank.....it could save your life.

For more details on what to do if you capsize see the ARA capsize drill - click here
Learn2Row Poster - interest in the learn2Row course has been very encouraging. Already places are being snapped up....so be quick before we reach our limit of just 12.

If you fancy joining the course please take a look on the L2R webpage.

There is a Learn2Row poster available .... please feel free to download a copy and display it at work, sports centre or gym, pub etc....

A3 pdf         A4 pdf

 New Pair acquired  - GGBC is now the proud owner of a second-hand Aylings pair. This superb carbon craft will be ideal for perfecting sweep oar technique. It's name 'Make It Happen' should inspire a few of our members to strive for greater things.

The boat was purchased from Reading Rowing Club at a very reasonable price.....a much loved craft it's having to make space for a brand new pair.

Many may worry that a pair (two rowers, two sweep blades) may be a little daunting.....don't worry, we believe we may have suitable riggers to convert it to a double scull....the perfect craft for learning sculling.

Ideal crew weight - 75kg each....so if there is a 50kg 6'2" bow rower who fancies an outing drop me a line!!
How not to Scull! - when learning to scull it's important to learn a few basics such as NEVER let go of the blades!!

Unfortunately this is sometimes forgotten....even on the very first stroke!
The consequences are rather amusing....

 Both girls were sculling well by the end of the session .... and

 surprisingly both were still dry!

Steering was a little erratic....a sailing boat would have been proud of the course.....but fun was had by all......

Want to learn to scull?....come along to a club session - see the membership page for full details.
Photo Gallery - one of the best ways to correct your bad rowing habits is to see yourself in action......hence the additions to the gallery page.  Look for the basics.....leaning way from the rigger, outside arm not through the legs, outside hand feathering, poor posture - sit up!, timing and squaring together, hand heights, going up the side together etc.....we all do 'em.

Please use these images to spot your own errors.....not to blame others for the boat not going too well! The more you assess the technique the better you'll understand where things are going wrong. Often we either don't realise we're doing something incorrectly or just have never been told to do anything different.

Dolphin centre / GGBC fun day  - a rowing / canoeing exchange on Saturday 26th Aug. Your chance to meet our friends at the Dolphin centre, try out paddling (won't be the same seeing where you're going!) and get a few new people hooked

 on rowing. Be sure to bring a spare set of cloths.....all followed by a BBQ at the boathouse......

Contact social@goringgapbc.org.uk for more details
Regatta Poster Download - want to tell all your friends and relatives about this year's International regatta?

Will a few extra supporters make all the difference to your crew's performance?

How about getting you work colleagues to see what you've been up to for the past month or so.....

Or may be you'd like to promote the regatta at your local school or gym....

Download a poster, print a few copies, and distribute them widely.....just click on the image....		 Crews fine tune their technique....and attract top photographer..

More Regatta training photos.....from our roving sculling photographer Nev.

 
Regatta Tee Shirts - This year's stunning regatta tee shirt design has just been released ......

This 'must be seen in' accessory has become a collectors item in previous years.....and this year shouldn't prove an exception.

In stunning Blue and White with a fantastic artwork from Bexy it's sure to sell out in record time.....make sure you buy one early on regatta day to avoid disappointment!

Bargain prices too.....

Adult - S, M, L, XL & XXL  - £6.99

Children ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13 - £5.99

On Sale NOW at the Catherine Wheel, Goring
Top German Crew enters Regatta - Despite their flag not being displayed (hence the extra large one on the right), an elite crew of German rowers have signed up for our International regatta.
The crew, who all work for Porsche (cars with a handy picnic table at the rear), have been training hard over the past few months.

Best of luck at the regatta......		 Regatta training continues....2012 - the future's bright....
Regatta Training sessions contact - Definitely let us know if you can't make it. No contact phone number now.......the mobile went missing!! Outside sessions you can leave voice mail messages, but you should also email race@goringgapbc.org.uk or phone Andy McKenzie on 01491 692295
Regatta Training - crews are making great progress.....with some showing a real talent for rowing. It's amazing ..... complete beginners to accomplished rowers in only a couple of outings. Of course there are a few people who take a little longer....but that's all part of the joy of rowing - Lots of technical stuff to keep the mind occupied plus an excellent way to exercise. If you want a few tips on how to become a world class rower take a look at the techniques section of the rowing page.

Looks as if this years international regatta will be one of the most hotly contested..... expect some record winning times.		 Coxing - with just three weeks of regatta training left we move up a gear with three sessions per boat every evening....that's 12 crews every day Monday - Friday + Saturday morning. Lots of crews mean we need lots of coxes. We know that within our membership are some highly experienced rowers who are keen to pass on their knowledge to the beginner crews.....but are too shy or modest to come forward. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please email if you can assist and we'll send you the e-allocator login details.

Need help polishing up on the coxing / coaching terms...take a look at the GGBC Coxing Handbook.
Regatta Volunteers - the G&S Regatta is the premier local event.... it doesn't happen without a lot of very hard work! The club needs volunteers to help set-up the site, run it smoothly on the big day, and clear up afterwards. More hands make lighter work......even if you can only spare a couple of hours in the evening it's always appreciated.

Contact - volunteer@goringgapbc.org.uk		 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12-14th July - laying out the site, erecting signs etc and rowing the boats to Goring. Lots of small jobs that add the finishing touches.

Saturday 15th - running the event - BBQ, bar, general site activities and help with the 'wetside' - coxing, boat enclosure etc.

Sunday 16th - the big clear up.....after a fantastic regatta it's great to have a larger gang to quickly clear the site.
Tee Shirts - there's an array of great rowing gear on the kit page.....but some items have a minimum order quantity. If anyone is interested in getting a top quality GGBC emblazoned tee shirt (just £12 + p&p) ....then let me know. Once we have 6+ people interested I'll place an order. What better way to bond a crew together than by wearing matching kit.....and at least that way something will be co-ordinated! Contact Richard at the club rowing sessions or send an email Regatta Tickets & Gazebos Plots - Entrance tickets may be purchased in advance at the special price of £5 for adults and £2 for children/seniors. These can be ordered online or purchased from 'Inspirations' and local pubs.

Tickets for the gazebo plots are SOLD OUT - However there are non-river side spaces available on the day...first come first served -  Click here for more details .......

Regatta Training - the top crews have starting an intensive coaching course .....peak fitness, complete focus, and a total belief that this year the trophies are theirs for the taking. The standard of rowing even in the beginner division is awesome.... But with over four weeks of dedicated training to go it's anyone's guess who will be victors.

 
....no prizes for guessing which species of
wildlife has been visiting the pontoon!
The 'Desperate Hosepipes' in action...
Tipped by many for gold at the G&S regatta.
Training Launch arrives.....yep, the brand new and very shiny coaching / safety launch has arrived just in time for the regatta. Look out for the yellow clad catamaran surging along side you as you paddle down the reach.... 

Sculling blades too.... four sets of brand new blades are now available.... 		Cox Box for the eight - after struggling to make herself heard Fen will now have the ultimate high volume extra when she next steers the eight......so be warned, no more excuses such as "I didn't hear you called for firm"

....Strange how "easy" is always loud and clear!
Birds Flock to GGBC - it's not only the Canadian Geese that have made their presence felt at the boathouse.....our boats have also played host to some more feathered friends.....see right...

Yep, top ornithologist Iain spotted the nest complete with a lively brood during the week......We're not sure exactly which species but a pair of Pied wagtails are ever present on site catching flies!

As the photo left shows the wagtails are quite keen on the coaching launch too....

Iain asked me to point out that the nest was already there and contrary to the rumours the birds didn't build it while he was actually rowing!

Other species also seen this week - greater spotted woodpecker - a nest next to the boathouse, a family of kingfishers and a barn owl hunting over the river side meadows and a great crested grebe with chicks on board.....

Coxing course - Imagine being at the controls of a top rowing crew - you call for a big effort as your craft approaches the finish line and instantly the crew responds with a spurt of Porsche like acceleration that pins you to the back of your seat. The excitement, the glory, the fun......all this could be yours, and for very like physical effort (apart from shouting!).

Top crews like the those on the left provide awesome power - only someone with Schumacher or Dettori talents can focus this raw energy into victory. Our boats are like formula one cars, our rowers highly strung race horses.....a lethal combination in the wrong hands. Do you have the tactical, physical and mental strength to take on this ultimate adrenalin rush? ...I'm sure you can manage it.

Before you're unleashed on Goring Gaps elite crews you need to know a few basics....which string to pull to turn left and right, a few technical phrases to keep your crew in order. Hence the coxing course....open to all members of GGBC.

Coxing is a serious business but great fun and very rewarding. Be it for the occasional club session, regatta training, or racing at this year's international event. We need your help and commitment.

Coxing Course
Sunday 4th June, 11:30am - 1pm
Oratory School Boathouse

Come along next Sunday for some in-depth training - contact Captainofrowing@goringgapbc.org.uk for more details.

NOW Online - GGBC Coxing Handbook
Download a standard copy or the reformatted A5 booklet version  - Full of coxing and coaching tips. Also available the invaluable- Coxing Checklist
Water Safety - Two of our members have just completed the RYA level II powerboat driving course. Richard and Pete passed with flying colours. The course, partially funded by the Thames RRC, is part of the safety initiative of the ARA to encourage all launch drivers to be fully qualified. ARA Membership - GGBC is fully affiliated to the ARA. However if you want to compete in an ARA regatta or would like to enjoy the benefits of full individual membership then take a look on the membership page.

Regatta Training Booking Now On-line - This year we will be running slightly longer sessions during the first two weeks, to give a better opportunity for beginners to get a thorough grounding.....enter and book your sessions now to avoid disappointment.

 Thames Challenge - Club member James Lombardo is currently rowing his way along the length of the Thames .....starting from the Isle of Sheppy and finishing somewhere around Oxford.

He should be at the boathouse Wed /Thursday this week so come down and give him some encouragement.

.....photos of the blisters will be posted soon!
Regatta Training Sessions - the online booking system for the post race day training is coming very soon.....but first you've got to enter. With so many foreign crews eager to compete you'll need to be quick! Barnes Bridge Ladies say goodbye to David Coombes (our new wooden eight)...it's definitely the start of a new era at GGBC. See the BBLRC diary page
Rowing Technique & Coxing - a new section on the rowing page with lots of superb information. See how your stroke matches up! Kit page updated - new items now available - sweatshirts, tee-shirts, caps, fleeces and pogies.....something for all shapes and sizes! Click here for more details
GGBC gets Awards for All Grant - The club has been very fortunate to receive a fantastic £5k grant towards a brand new coaching / safety launch. This will allow the club to provide a rescue service for any member unlucky enough to take a dip...ideal for safety cover during regatta training and club sessions.

It will also provide a platform from which to coach our crews and improve the rowing standards within the club. This exciting new addition should be at the club mid June....

GGBCs friendly atmosphere has already tempted a top coach to offer their services in the near future......Henley regatta here we come...

 Awards for All Rowing Solutions
New Officers -

The club now has an official Welfare Officer - Neil Derbyshire (yep...he's the Chairman), who will be carrying out the duties outlined in the ARA guidelines.

"Everyone that takes part in rowing is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. To ensure this, the ARA has developed principles that all its personnel and member clubs should follow. The principles apply to everyone involved in rowing, but young people and vulnerable adults in particular are entitled to a higher duty of care and to be protected from poor practice or abuse."

- if you have any concerns then please contact Neil - welfare@goringgapbc.org.uk

 Safety Advisor - Richard Merrills-Brown has taken over the safety advisors role from Neville. Nev is very involved with coaching a novice squad at Wallingford....not quite enough time left to give the safety position his full attention. However Nev will still be on hand to help out when required.

Richard MB is well known within the club and has a good working knowledge of safety through his association with a local sailing club. His role is to uphold the ARA's Water Safety Code and the club's safety policy detailed in the members booklet.

We've purchased a new safety box - first aid kit, throw line etc, and in the very near future you'll see a new safety notice board with comprehensive safety details and updates.

To contact Richard email - safety@goringgapbc.org.uk

Eight Arrives

 GGBC is now the proud owner of a superb wooden eight (David Coombes). This craftsman built lightweight wooden shell is in great order and rows like a dream. It was purchased from Barnes Bridge Ladies Rowing Club who very kindly delivered it earlier this week. Some clubs are excited by a brand new £20k racing shell....GGBC have the same excitement but for a more modest expenditure!

The Barnes members who delivered the eight were suitably impressed with our stretch of the Thames....so much so that we may well invite them for a row later in the summer and along with a return trip to their stretch of the Tideway.

Opposite are a couple of shots of the GGBC members first outing in the eight.....all were suitably impressed.

We have also contributed towards 3 sets of slings, expertly made by Oratory school.....so there's no excuse now for not washing down the boats after use!

We now have a great fleet of boats - Tub pair for learning the basics, and restricted fours and quads for beginners crews. With Bob and Graham our two fine racing fours and now a fine eight we have the boats to develop crews at the intermediate level too.....
The Round Island Head what a great success - glorious weather, a top notch BBQ, and some fine rowing......what more could we ask for?

The winning crew in the restricted fours (rowing Ratty) were Peter, James, Dee and Bexy, expertly coxed by featherweight Jo. They had a fantastic time of just 10min 36sec....nearly 40 seconds faster than the runners up. Much closer for second (11min 18sec) and third....only a second between them!

There was also a new record (first time it's been rowed so no big deal...) for a self selected crew in club's fine four, Bob Bushnell. Nev, James, Richard & Tim, coxed by Dee had an impressive 9min 11sec. Now that's something to aim to beat during the summer months.

The headline race was the highly competitive and seriously untrained for 25min round the island paddle.....for those with injuries, no technique and general lack of energy. The crew nearest 25min for the trip wins.....and it was a close run thing. Allegations of cheating and a call for a stewards inquiry were dismissed and the final result stood - Roger, Thomas, Jo & Trish coxed expertly bank to bank by Bexy managed 25min 33sec...with second place a close 23min 24sec.

    

Members take the punt out for quick trip..

Nev managed an impressive 11min 11sec in his scull.....but only just managed to beat Andy by 3sec.

James and Richard posted the second fastest time of the day, 10min 3sec in the pair...

And Bexy expertly cooked a burger in just a shade over 10mins....complete with sesame seed bun and salad.

Many thanks to all that attended, we had a great time...
Club Kit - a brand new range of rowing kit is now available from Powerhouse.....You can now proudly row with the Goring Gap logo  embroidered on your chest. From a stunning one-piece guaranteed to show off your every contour to the more modest shorts and technical tops.....and for those occasional rainy days what better than a splash top?

See the Kit page for more details.



Crest now ready to order......wear your kingfisher with pride.
The famous 'Round the Island' Head is currently being organised. Make a note in your diaries Sunday 7th May at 10am. This scratch race is a great way to start the season.

Click here for more details...
or contact social@goringgapbc.org.uk 		Maintance Day - Sunday 30th April. What a great turn out last Sunday.....lots of boats rigged and ready to row (even if a few have odd seats!).  Just a couple more boats to finish off this coming Sunday - the quads + Badger need some TLC.....but it's rowing first this time :O)

Contact CaptainofBoats@goringgapbc.org.uk for more details...
Membership Booklet now online - all members of GGBC will soon be getting there very own printed copy of the membership booklet - full of useful information about the club, it's history, the regatta, rules and regulations, the club's safety policy and contacts.

If you can't wait or you're just interested in the club then please download a copy.		 ARA Recreational Rowing Tour - Monday 24th - Wednesday 26th July 2006. Fancy a trip along the Great Ouse from Bedford to Ely? Want to meet fellow recreational rowers from around the UK?

The ARA recreational group are having their annual tour....just 56 miles over three days......a mere stroll! Interested....then download a form.

 

Superb effort by GGBC crew......a new club record of 1hr 5min 40s (just 7min behind the winning crew) for the Coupe des Supporters race and a very creditable 12th position overall beating 6 top crews from the very best clubs in France. Even more astounding GGBC were one of only 8 crews rowing in eights, the other 10 were in the much faster octuples

 

Among the competing crews were a former silver Olympic champion, and one of the top junior crews (international level)

 in France (Angers star crew)...we knew it would be tough , but luck was on our side - the weather turned typically British!

We had an excellent weekend, our performance only eclipsed by the superb hospitality of our hosts at Angers Nautiques and the friendship of our fellow competitors from France.

More details coming soon......plus photos - hopefully the press managed to captured our stunning start!


GGBC crew.....still looking good after just finishing a record breaking 15Km sprint...
Celine (super cox) - Pete - Nev - Rich - Iain - Stu - Nick - Tim - Andy
GGBC crew heightens training - In anticipation of a record time at the Angers Nautique 'Coupe des Supporters' head race the Goring guys have been tweaking their technique and working on extended stamina exercises. Switching to the Wallingford reach (10m round trip) the eight has been put through it's paces. The boat has been reported to be going extremely well - "as if on rails" according to a top Wallingford coach. Only a couple of weeks before the 15Km race....and the crew can't wait to get on the water.
Regatta Update - Planning for the 2006 regatta is well underway. If you want to know the latest details on the great attractions at this year's "International" event then please visit the Regatta page Stall holder wishing to book a pitch (be quick they're going fast!) will also find contact details and FAQs.

Winter training - despite the cold weather we've had some exceptionally good water to hone our technique and get in some useful stamina training. Our aim is to take a men's eight to Angers, France for the 'Supporters Cup' in March......so we need to be in peak fitness - 15Km (1 hour hard rowing) is quite a challenge!