Great News - we are raising funds for a second rowing boat

Published 08:15 on 7 Oct 2025

The General Committee have agreed to purchase a second rowing boat. With thanks to Pam Palmer, this is on the back of a successful application for a Sport England grant.

As I am sure you will know in October 2023, the club invested in its first rowing boat, a Celtic Longboat - a class that was becoming established in other clubs locally. At the beginning, with only four members having done any rowing, the Club now has a flourishing rowing section, enthusiastically supported by over 100 members. The boat is used almost every day of the year and has greatly increased participation on the water. Many of the rowers are partners of active sailors or social members and have not previously been involved in water sports.

Rowing at the club has been so successful that there are frequently insufficient spaces for all the rowers to go on the water and so after much consideration and discussion, we are purchasing a second Celtic Longboat to help this section of the club continue to flourish.

We are delighted that Sport England have offered us a grant of £7,500 towards the purchase price, which is £23,000 including a launching trolley and VAT. However, this is on the condition that we crowdfund a further £7,500 in match funding. Whilst the club is able to contribute to the match fund, we are required to demonstrate, through crowdfunding, that there is sufficient support from members and the community and that they are prepared to make a donation.

The purchase of a second boat will enable more rowing to take place, encourage more members to have a go and experience the benefits of rowing, at any level they choose. Once purchased, rowers will contribute to the annual maintenance, storage and replacement fund through a small participation fee.

We are hoping that members of the club will feel that they would like to contribute to the match fund being arranged through Sport England's crowdfunding site:

Click here to make a donation, it all helps

Last updated 16:02 on 7 October 2025