News
Rowing Tour September 2011 on the Lancaster Canal
70 rowers took to the Lancaster Canal over the weekend of 2nd to 4th September, taking part in the 18th annual British Rowing Tour.
Organised by Weyfarers Rowing Club, in association with Lancaster John O’Gaunt RC, the three-day tour covered the entire navigable length of the canal from Preston to Tewitfield.
Setting off from the University of Central Lancashire Sports Arena in Preston on Friday, 15 crews from 27 rowing clubs went on to traverse the 41-mile waterway, finishing in Tewitfield on Sunday. The majority of the boats were stable, coxed quads but there also were two Solent Galleys, a Dutch wherry and an Alden Double scull.
The Canal boasts more than 130 bridges and eight aqueducts, and is also England’s longest stretch of canal with no locks. The highlight is the 664 feet long Lune Aqueduct, whose graceful arches tower 60 feet over the river Lune. Further on there are stunning views over Morecambe Bay. ‘We were rowing while looking down into the valley below on our port side - a unique experience for most of us,’ said rower Steve Wragg. ‘We were told the Lancaster Canal was going to be special,’ he added, ‘and it didn't disappoint. The British Rowing Tour really shows the quality and variety of our waterways. We parted full of praise for the organisers, and happy memories of a really delightful canal.’
Various challenges awaited the rowers across the three-day tour. To shoot the narrow bridges the oars had to be shipped at exactly the right time, and some narrow sections of the route needed to be negotiated with canoe paddles. ‘Everyone coped very well,’ said tour organiser John Turnbull. ‘It’s an extremely scenic canal and we believe that this was the first time that anyone has rowed the entire length in this type of boat.’
Richard Trevitt, Chairman of the Lancaster Canal Trust, presented each crew with a brass commemorative plaque at the end the tour lunch.’ We were delighted to see so many people enjoying our beautiful canal,’ he said. The Trust is working towards reopening the remaining 14 miles of canal to Kendal which are currently unnavigable, and Mr Trevitt hoped the rowers would return to explore the Northern Reaches in the future.
The organisers are grateful to British Waterways, the Lancaster Canal Trust and Iain Taylor from Lancaster John O’Gaunt RC for their support and advice.
May 2010 - British Rowing launched the Explore Rowing programme:
Annual Touring Rowers' Dinner - March 2010
Our annual Recreational Rowing / Touring Rowers' Dinner was held as usual at the Leander Club, Henley on 6th March 2010. Details of the 2010 tour on the Trent were announced by John Turnbull, and Anne Richardson introduced British Rowing's new Explore Rowing programme.
Rowing Tour September 2009 in the Lake District
The tour in September over 3 days on Coniston & Windermere was a great success, and enjoyed by a record 70 people from 15 clubs. With many thanks to the organisers, and our hosts Lakeland Rowing Club.
Recreational Roadshow at Worcester Rowing Club - 5 April 2009
This was a great success with representives from many clubs trying the many boats collected together for the day.
For more information, see the short presentations made on the day by clicking on the links below:
Introduction - Peter Barker 1.6Mb PDF
ARA Stable Boat project - Stephen Wragg 5Mb PDF
Getting started - John Turnbull 130Kb PDF
Recruiting & Coaching Recreational Rowers - Caroline Turnbull 300Kb PDF
With grateful thanks to Peter Barker for arranging and Worcester RC for hosting.
Two boats looking for a new home - September 2008
The Pat Sherwin Rowing Trust has responsibility for the traditional rowing boats collected by the late Pat Sherwin, MBE. The Trust which is based in Southsea is wishing to relocate free of charge two of their 30ft fixed seat clinker built four oared Solent Galley rowing boats. The Trustees are looking for a club or organisation which would store, maintain, care for and use these traditional wooden boats. The two boats which are a matching pair are on the National Small Boat Register and were built by George Feltham in Old Portsmouth in 1961.
They have been used in the past in the Great River Race and various recreational rowing tours and events. Prospective recipients will have to demonstrate that they have a commitment and facilities to maintain the boats in good order. While it is desirable to keep the boats together a separate relocation would be considered. A double road trailer could also be available.
For further details contact Pip Lewendon on 023 92738334 or e-mail pipjune@waitrose.com
Rower's Dinner - March 2008
Our annual Recreational Rowing / Touring Rowers' Dinner was held at the Leander Club, Henley on 1st March 2008, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all! In the picture, Peter Barker (West Midlands) is announcing the details of the River Severn tour this year.
© British Rowing - Recreational Rowing Working Party - 2011