I'll be sculling so if anyone wants to join me your company will be appreciated.

Sunday 23rd - with who's available it's looking likely to be a four and double/pair, nothing is certain so I wont be putting a crew list out, the best option I'm sure is to meet at 9.30 and we'll boat what we can at 10.00.

Next week:

*If you want to arrange a paddle amongst yourselves then please do, just give me a call and let me know what day and what time so we can agree a boat can be used with your crew.

New Years week:

Have a great break.

Richard.

Captain's Table Two, 17/12

Hi all,

Just a quick note to say a big thanks to Kathryn & Pete for holding the fort for the past two weeks, although it feels like I've been away for months. I'm sorry to have missed the plum pudding races (for the fifth year in succession) but hey, there's always next year eh? You may not have won but I hope you had great time competing?

I may sound sad but I have tried to keep in touch by reading your emails whist out here. Trust me, I needed some entertainment to keep me going through endless hours of sunshine & 30 degrees of heat & you've certainly kept a smile on my face at times! In fact I've been little green with envy that I've not been on the water with you but I guess the grass may seems greener on the other side of the fence...the water is definitely bluer on this side but the grass is pretty brown!

Its just before 6PM here and were just leaving for the airport to come home & if I'm not feeling too knackered I'll be joining you for that erg tomorrow night.

See ya,

Rich.

Captain's Table One, 17/12

Thankfully my sojourn in this role is nearly at an end, the boss flies back tomorrow, I think so you may see him down the club on Wed or Thurs nights and can direct any complaints or criticisms his way then.

On Saturday we had a coxless four, a coxed four and a vet 8+ out as well as some singles a bit later on - it was rather cold and windy but I hear the vet 8+ had a lovely level boat and a very good outing enjoyed by the crew.

On Sunday unfortunately half of the novice four did not turn up but Jennifer happily left to complete her christmas shopping and Alan took Ricky for a turn in a double, he reported it was a lovely clear river between Chiswick and Hammersmith as everyone else was competing in one or other of the plum pudding races taking place. Our senior 8 enjoyed a row up to the pink house - despite being complete muppets who cant do pause rowing they did make it there in order to compete in MAA's plum pudding bash. Good fun, bit of a thrash the boys reported to have enjoyed themselves but just missed out on third I think. Good times had on a lovely clear crisp day.

If you want to row this weekend let me know and I'll see if we can manage to put together some outings.

Events & dates for your diaries:

Kathryn.

Captain's Table, 10/12

It was a cold and blustery winter's weekend but we did manage to get crews out both days. On Saturday a coxed and a coxless four braved the cold and wet. Both crews reported that they had good outings.

On Sunday I thrashed 8 lads with a session of power strokes but everyone seemed very pleased with the outing afterwards, good to see people enjoying the hard work, well done I was impressed. I am very sorry to those of you who were meant to be in a four but who missed out as a result of a shortage of numbers. The planned outings is meeting with favour from most people though and occasionally we will get illness or accident that cause some disruption but the feedback from most of you is you prefer to know the state of play in advance, and I certainly find it easier to plan the outings and look to the future knowing in advance who is going out. Anyway some of the boys who missed out on an on-water outing faithfully did one hour long ergs, well done Rob and Greg and I think Damien turned up for an erg too.

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE:

Please let me know your availability for this weekend if you haven't already done so and I will put some crews together. Just to re-emphasise for Matt that means let me know if you are available to row.

Also let me know if you are interested in and available to train for the Quintin Head on 26 January and I can start thinking about whether we can enter a crew.

EVENTS & DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES:

SAFETY:

Repeat of last week's message please come prepared for cold and wet weather, which means enough layers to wear on the water as well as warm dry stuff for after. It' gonna get very cold so pull up your leggings and put on the woolly hats. Wear many layers to stay warm and cover up with splash tops to keep as dry as possible.

Kathryn.

Captain's Table, 04/12

A full-on & non-stop weekend but with exception to our great scullers & The Scullers Head race on Saturday morning there wasn't much time for that actual rowing thing we do, and do so well. This year with both clubs combined we matched and in places exceeded in numbers the entries of fellow clubs along the tideway which I think is great show for such a small club. The results were very impressive too;

Pos Time    Cat     Name         Club 
82  22:37.9 MS3 LWT C Davidson   Cygnet RC 
158 23:14.0 MS3 LWT G Edelston   Cygnet RC 
209 23:35.7 MS4     N Pickford   Cygnet RC 
226 23:41.2 MS4     R Keyser     Cygnet RC 
255 23:59.7 WE      J Byrne      Barnes Bridge Ladies 
357 25:13.1 MVE     N Wylie      Cygnet RC 
365 25:23.6 MVC     C Shea       Cygnet RC 
381 25:44.4 WN      M Grekos     Barnes Bridge Ladies 
398 26:06.5 MVF     N Jackson    Cygnet RC 
408 26:26.2 WS4     K Lischynsky Barnes Bridge Ladies 
420 27:45.0 WN      M Israel     Cygnet RC

Great Photos to be seen at www.victorimages.co.uk

Saturday night - the BBLRC Christmas Ball at Cafe Rouge Strand on the Green, the boys 'n girls donned their party togs & frocks & put on the airs & graces only just to get completely twatted in exceptional style. The night kicked off with the traditional waddle which finally arrived at the venue as the starters were being served, fashionably late or just damn good timing, you decide? Like any great epic the night ended back at Boathouse bar and not too long before dawn. A big thanks ladies for such a successful evening.

Not sure entirely who did the big clean-up after but I'm pretty sure Kathryn had something, if not all to do with it and whilst many of us were still sleeping it off. Thanks Kathryn.

Sunday's Quiz - Congratulations go to the "4 Non Blondes" or was that three or five possibly even six in the team at times for winning the & Christmas quiz gaining a total of 135 points. They were very closely followed by the "Nickolators" who took the 2nd place with 134 points. Sunday lunch wouldn't be the same without roast spuds but only this time someone forgot the meat and two veg that go with! Never-the-less 'twas the day after the night before and with hangovers in full force and some great teamwork (in the kitchen and behind the bar, Peter Kathryn, Martha, Neil, Geordie etc.) no one went hungry nor thirsty.

A big thanks to Tammy for plotting the questions & whom also returned to be our compare, and of course not forgetting our very own Stu for organising such a great afternoon of entertainment.

This week's schedule;

I am now away until the 18th December and Pete is in charge in my absence. The crew plans / boating lists & training schedules will be sent out from Kathryn, so your availability questions or other emails should be sent directly to Kathryn ASAP.

Events & dates for your diaries:

Safety:

The scullers head is over and it's a long & cold trawl now through the winter to the Eights Head next March. It's gonna get very cold so pull up your leggings and put on the woolly hats.

Wear many layers to stay warm and cover up with splash top to keep as dry as possible. It doesn't take much in the way of equipment failure for you to be sitting the boat all the way back from your outing, you'll be glad of any extra warmth you can hold onto. A warm shower and warm cuppa after outings is highly recommended too.

Have fun & see you in all two weeks.

Richard.

Captain's Table, 29/11

A very satisfying feel good week this week starting with a great turn-out for ergs on Tuesday, tough session circuits on Thursday and a weekend boat plan which didn't need any tweaking as the week progressed!

The R G Benrath & Cygnets are both back from repair & just need rigging - volunteers required please?

This week's schedule;

Scullers Head, Draw & numbers:

89  Chris Davidson  MS3 - L
121 Neil Pickford   MS4
219 Greg Edelston   MS3 - L
283 Rich Keyser     MS4
388 Chris Shea      MVC
461 Marjorie Israel WN
484 Nick Wylie      MVE
493 Neil Jackson    MVF

Because of the head and our intentions for drunken debauchery this weekend the weekend crew outing plan will cater only for those only who want to row. This week I won't be taking it for granted that you'll be here, instead you'll have to tell me your intentions and by Wednesday lunchtime at the latest please. See below - Saturday's outing will be earlier than usual, and Sunday's, (with coaching) naturally a little later!!

Events & dates for your diary;

Safety.

I am sorry to say that again boats have been damaged and are without reports logged or self repairs undertaken! The two incidents I refer to are the White Hart where the bow ball has become split from the bow, and the Alan Cox which now has a nasty graze to the underside of her shell.

PLEASE, PLEASE you must log and report all accidents regardless of size as they happen and make notes on the whiteboard if necessary. If you don't tell us we can't plan for its repair!

Check your boat before and after each outing, report defects to the Cox, if coxless, to the bow steers who will then make the log entry and pass the news on to the captaincy.

Make sure you look at and check:

Don't take your safety or that of your fellow members for granted.

Rich.

Captain's Table, 20/11

5k ergs - 17 out of 22, keep them coming...

A good weekend this week me thinks, a full house both days & with very little faffing meaning that we all got away in good time & rowing didn't dominate over other weekend plans..? thanks guys. All-in-all we boated 2 eights, 3 fours, 1 pair, 4 singles & not forgetting the pod.

10AM outings on Sundays, a good compromise and a half decent lie-in too.

No that's neither Captain Mannering nor a 70's porn star stooped over the corner of the bar, it is in fact our very own Geordie raising cash for prostate cancer. Please sponsor his handlebars at http://www.movember.com/uk/donate.

This week's schedule;

Events & Dates for the diary;

Safety.

Seeing double, surely not! Dukes Meadows Green inshore zone buoy has been joined by its fellow tradesmen's Buoy which when last seen should be positioned just off Tradesmen's Boathouse & upstream of Barnes Bridge. I have been asked to relay that the buoys will be separated sometime early this week and furthermore a review of the strength of the moorings is being planned!!

Enjoy the cold, we only have it for nine months of the year!

Richard.

Captain's Table, 13/11

5k ergs, a healthy turnout last week so thank you. Results will be posted on the website in just a few days. For anyone holding back or for those who want to try for a better score there is another chance tomorrow night at 7PM, and for the others there's a swim.

Last weekend was the first for structured pre-planned crews & I believe it all went quite well. Saturday, the two coxless fours crews were slightly off piste, yet the schedule for Sunday pushed off the eight and coxed four as planned without much of a hitch. Thanks everyone & thanks Marj for holding the fort whilst Pete & I were away. Pre-planned crews seem to have been on the whole a welcomed move by most and will only succeed with your commitment and involvement. Please stick with the plan and hopefully we can build on some solid consistent crews for the 2008 season.

If you're not to be included this coming weekend PLEASE drop me a line by tomorrow lunchtime (Tuesday) at the latest, & don't forget about the sheets on the notice board for those dates that you know in advance.

Good Luck to Mike Collier, standing, err, sitting in Cygnet colours at the Indoor Rowing Championships next Sunday.

This week's schedule;

Events & Dates for the diary;

I've had little interest for the Kingston Small boats Head & Henley Sculls therefore there are no club entries. Tideway Small Boats is coming up shortly and entries if any need to me made soon as, please tell me if you're up for it.

Safety.

Cold weather & wet clothes are not a good combination for your health, muscles and ability on the water. Please consider the likelihood of rain, possible 2nd outings & cycling to and from the club, and make sure you bring adequate dry kit to change into. Bring a towel too as a shower is a good way to get warmed up!

You're no good to yourself or your crew if sick and/or injured!

Richard.

Captain's Table, 06/11

Short 'n sweet.

Fours Head Results (Saturday):

No.    Category               Time        Place
214    S2 4- (B Thomas)       21:50.23    230
183    S2 4- (N Pickford)     21:59.37    254
52     S2 4x- (P Humphries)   22:51.04    344
377    S3 4+ (J Davies)       23:37.04    391

Vets Fours (Sunday):

No.    Category               Time        Place
42     Vet D 4- (T Davidson)  23:55.88    85
125    Vet F 4- (AK/CYG comp) 24:28.16    98

The weeks plan:

Events & Dates for the diary:

Richard.

Fore, 04/11

A fantastic day for the Fours Head saw work around the boathouse start early as visiting trailers began arriving from 7am. Chris and his team did a great job of getting 70-odd crews afloat before the race, Wylie and his team got them all to the start line, Barnes Bridge fed them when they got back and the Exec plied them with drink. Well done and many thanks to all.

Three Cygnet & one composite crew raced this year. Two at S24- one at S34+ and a mixed Cygnet/BBLRC crew racing open S22x. With not many practise sessions between them none of the crews were expecting fantastic results and so it proved, with all but one crew being beaten by a Barnes Bridge WS24- which went on to win their division. A pennent in the Fours Head is a great achievement, so well done to them.

Full results can be found on the Fours Head website.

Captain's Table, 30/10

Early outings were pretty much the theme again last weekend with two non-racing crews out as well, 8AM seems to be here to stay!? Also on Saturday the Cygnet Henley lunch at Leander, a great day with great food & great company, it's open to all so next year don't miss out.

This Saturday, Fours Head, 8AM AT THE BOATHOUSE FOR EVERYONE PLEASE AS VOLUTEERS ARE REQUIRED for all jobs which include: organising parking, distributing numbers and coordinating. For More info contact Mike Collier ASAP. The boathouse will be packed with visiting clubs so please remember to lock up all valuables.

The weeks plan;

Monday
18.30 - Weights in the shed, Legs w/Pete.

Tuesday
18.30 & 19.30 - Ergs.  8k (4K @ 20, then at 1k intervals increase rating
                2 pips to 22, 24, 26, & 28).

Wednesday
6.45 (S2 4- Dad's) morning paddle.
7.00 Morning sculls.
18.30 Weights in the shed, upper body w/Pete.

Thursday
19.00 Circuits. Don't forget to bring a towel & some water to drink. 

Saturday
No organized outings or beginners due to the Fours Head.  The river will
be closed from 9.30 until 12.30, and hopefully the bar packed from lunchtime onwards.

Boating times for Cygnet
No 52, (S2 4x) 9:18
No 214, (S2 4- ) 9:41
No 183, (S2 4- ) 9:45
No 377 (S3 4+) 10:18

Sunday
Vets Fours, River closed from 10.30 until 13.00.  Afternoon outings at 13.30,
crews list will be advised

Events & Dates for the diary;

Safety

Not much comes to mind this week other than with clocks going back the evenings are darker earlier, those of you cycling down please take good care on the road, check your lights are on and working well.

Barnes Bridge and the nearby dark footpaths have in past years been commonly known as a hot spot for mugging and attacks so if walking over leave the club in groups and avoid walking alone.

As for boating, the loss of an hour in the evening means an extra one in the morning, so happy sculling, scullers but watch out for fog.

Richard.

Captain's Table, 22/10

Silver Sculls & bungalow maintenance. The race got raced, the bungalow got painted & the garden got groomed. The sun went down, the sausages sizzled, & the rugby got lost! The beer got drunk, the drunk got drunker, the fire got bigger (much bigger) and the porn got burned.

Thanks guys and gals for your hard work and for a great weekend away. Those of you who stayed at home missed a great and unique weekend. Maybe next time eh?

The race results:

Davo (Chris D)     16:12          Fast smartass Aussies!
Neil P.            16:47          Nearly, just nearly, next time maybe.
Chris J.           17:13 & 17:15  Twice?!
Rich K             18:55!         Must try harder!
Martha G.          19:20          2nd in class.
Si & Stu           Abandon ship
Derek & Chris D.   Did not race   What, no riggers?

Also now up is the Fours Head start list at http://www.hor4s.org.uk/docs/2007-draw-alpha.pdf:

The weeks outline plan;

Monday
    * 18.30 - Weights in the shed, Legs w/Pete.

Tuesday
    * 18.30 & 19.30 - Ergs.  10k (5k @ 20, then
      1k @ 21, 22, 23, 24, & 25 etc).
    * 18:30 / 19:00 - S2 4x outing.

Wednesday
    * 07.00 - Morning sculls.
    * 18.30 - Weights in the shed, upper body w/Pete.

Thursday
    * 6.30 - (S2 4- Dad.s) morning paddle...
    * 19.00 - Circuits. Don't forget to bring a towel
      & some water to drink.
    * No cooks this week, so volunteers please otherwise
      Pizza or fish & chips instead?

Saturday
    * Beginners, be ready for times as set and agreed with Alan each week.
    * 8.00 - Fours Head outings.
    * 8.00 / 8.30 - Show & row for non-fours head.
    * PM - Vets Henley Lunch, Transport TBC.

Sunday
    * 8.00 - Fours Head training. (S3 4+ confirmed).
    * 10.00 - Fours Head double outings (S3 4+ confirmed).

Events & Dates for the diary;

Entries for upcoming events:

Scullers Head (1st December):

Safety:

All incidents must be logged into the club accident book as soon as possible after they happen; the responsibility for doing this lies with whichever Cox or the steers person is in the boat. If you don't know where the incident book is kept then ask to be shown...

Occasionally the cox/crew may be unaware of damage caused during the outing & therefore it's important to check for defects each time whilst washing the boat. As we try, in most instances to repair boats as accidents happen it makes it highly likely that any damage found will have been sustained during your paddle. Please don't assume it's old and already logged, but instead;

   1. Check the incident book for any previous reports,
   2. If nothing is logged please make an entry,
   3. Also write details of any damage on the sign-out whiteboard,
   4. If considered dangerous please de-rig so the boat cannot be rowed,
   5. & please tell the captaincy.

A damaged and un-repaired boat has an increased likelihood to put its crew at unnecessary risk!

Richard.

Captain's Table, 15/10

Saturdays good weather and favourable tides brought all & sundry back out onto the water. From 8am onwards the Cygnet flotilla included a pair, two fours (three if you count a double outing), a double, nine singles, a tub & yes, one swimmer!

Sunday was kicked started by the mixed quad at 7am! and shortly followed by two fours, two doubles & Neil in his single.

Who said we take it easy at Cygnet!

Big thanks to those who stayed on after outings to do your bit around the boathouse (we know who you are), those who didn't, we know who you are too, should remember that Cygnet is fully run by its members & many hands make light work.

A number of new shoes have been put into various boats so please remember to wear socks, not only for personal hygiene but also to prolong the life of the shoes!!!

The weeks outline plan;

Monday
    * 18.30 onwards - Weights in the shed, Legs w/Pete.

Tuesday
    * 18.30 & 19.30 - Ergs.  40 minutes (UT2).
    * 18.30 - Quad outing (Pete, Rich, Margaret, & Kathryn).  Weather & Risk
      assessment allowing.

Wednesday
    * 07.00 - Early sculls.
    * 18.30 onwards - Weights in the shed, upper body w/Pete.

Thursday
    * 18.00 - Trailer loading for weighbridge silver sculls.
    * 19.00 - Circuits. Don.t forget to bring a towel & some water to drink.
    * 20.30 - Dinner, cooked by Anna.

Friday
    * 10.30 - Trailer to Weybridge (Rich & Martha).
    * PM only - Bungalow maintenance, Please come over and help wood-stain
      the outside timbers.

Saturday
    * 8.00 - Fours Head training.
    * 9.00 - Beginners out in the tub with Alan (double outing, w/Andrei & Chris,
      and again w/ Andrei & Sulesh).
    * 10.00 - Show & Row (TBC. Please, volunteers are needed to stay-on after
      8am training).
    * 14.00 - Weybridge Silver Sculls Div 3, (2x - Stu G + Si D & Chris D
      + Derek VDB)
    * 15.30 - Weybridge Silver Sculls, Div 4, (1x - Davo, Neil P, Rich K
      & Martha BBLRC)
    * All day - Bungalow maintenance, feel free to pop over and help.

Sunday
    * 8.00 - Fours Head training.
    * 10.00 - Show & Row (TBC. Please, volunteers are needed to stay-on after
      8am training).
    * After outings - Changing room still needs a good clean.
    * AM until noon - Bungalow maintenance.  Please come and help.

Events & Dates for the diary;

The Vets Lunch at Leander Club is now less than two weeks away so if you haven't already bought your tickets then this week may well be your last chance. Contact Phil Becket ASAP; Philip[dot]beckett[at]berr[dot]gsi[dot]gov[dot]uk for details.

Entries for upcoming events:

[Removed - Ed]

Safety:

The new buoys which mark the Middlesex in-shore zone & crossing points have now been laid, some may not be in entirely the correct position so please be vigilant & expect some final adjustments in weeks to come.

The crossing points have been the subject of concern this week, so to clear-up any confusion please see the attached diagrams which illustrate both the best and the acceptable lines you should take. [Removed - Ed]

N.B. Don't forget to buy your tickets for the Vets lunch...

Richard.

What Will You Lend On An Old Golden Rule, 13/10

A first shot of our latest Cygnet Barnes Bridger, Alfie Newton Thomas, born 04/10/07 at 2.30am and weighing in at a hefty (his father's choice of words) 9lb 7oz.

Congratulations to Bex & Barry from all at the blog.

Morpeth Man, 08/10

It would appear that Geordie's coxless four for the upcoming fours head is going to be crewed by superheroes. Morpeth Man will be joined by sidekick Jugette Boy, with Mac Man and Pretty Boy forming the other half of this fantastic four. Shazam!

The Captain's Table, 08/10

As for Saturday's Rugby, the blog says it all...

Pairs Head, albeit a BBLRC event t'was very refreshing to see everyone working together, thanks boys for the helping hands & thanks girls for a great day's racing.

Cygnet & Cygnet mixed boat results were:

Crew                        Cat        Time   Position
Farley/Stephenson           S2 2-      14.33  155
Gibbons/Dawes               S4 2x      14.40  171
Stackhouse/Keyser           Mxd S3 2x  14.52  197
Davidson/Grekos             Mxd S4 2x  14.52  199
De Groot/Humphries          S3 2-      15.18  258
Aubugeau-Williams/Jillings  Mxd S3 2x  15.31  276

Over the pond at the same time the Cygnet/BBLRC mixed inrigger completed the 42k Rhine Marathon in just over 2 hours 41 minutes, being only one minute thirteen seconds behind the quad.

Well done to all.

Despite scheduled events the outing plan held up considerably well too. Saturday saw the S3 4+, and Sunday, two 4- the 4x and 2 singles, so in reality a pretty busy weekend throughout.

Congratulation to Barry & Bec for the birth of their baby boy who was born weighing in at 9lb 7oz during the small hours of Wednesday morning. Welcome also to our new blood, Matt Denmark, Andrei Kiselev & Peter Twyman, Most of you have met our new guys, but if you haven't I'm sure you will pretty soon this week.

The weeks plan:

*Kathryn will be coaching ergs from 7/7.30, and Pete will be available for training in the tank.

PLEASE - Next Saturday after outings we need to have a good tidy & clean-up in both changing room & shower area, 15 minutes hard graft from each of us will get the job done quick as I'm sure... otherwise tidy your bits, clean you area of the bench or risk your stiff being chucked away!

Dates for your diary:

Entries for upcoming events include:

Weybridge Silver Sculls (20th October)  Scullers Head (1st December)
C Davidson 1x                           R Keyser  1x
R Keyser  1x                            C Davidson 1x
N Pickford 1x                           N Pickford 1x
D VD Brink / C Dunhill 2x               M Israel 1x
S Gibbons / S Dawes 2x                  N Wylie 1x
                                        G Edelston 1x

Safety;

Hypothermia occurs when the whole of the body has been chilled and can no longer maintain its own heat. It is a potential risk to anyone who is subjected to cold weather conditions and anyone who may fall into the water. The risks are greater from this time of year onwards so please be aware of the symptoms and know what you should do to prevent unnecessary danger.

See you on Tuesday for ergs.

Richard.

Fontastic, 07/10

We at the blog believe in freedom of choice so we don't impose a mandatory font or use excessive formatting on this website. Instead we pick up and use your browser's settings. If you don't want serifs then change your default font. Don't come moaning to us.

Internet Explorer: Tools...Internet Options...Fonts (button).

Firefox: Tools...Options...Default Font.

Pairs, 07/10

A good, perhaps slightly blowy, day for the Pairs Head yesterday saw lots of activity in and around the boathouse for the first Tideway event of the season.

Cygnet crews flirted convincingly with "coming last", eventually settling for "not coming last", but only just. BBLRC enjoyed a very close battle in WS2 pairs with their 2 boats being separated by only 1.5 seconds. These 2 crews are coming together for the Fours and we'll look forward to seeng what they can do.

On land, BBLRC & Cygnet operated in "perfect" "harmony", getting all those things done that needed to be done. The numbers, boating and catering were once again a triumph and it made the blog proud to see so our clubs operating so well in front of so many visiting crews. We love you Ali.

Full results can be found here.

Our boathouse acted as the base for PhotoShop and you can take a look at their Pairs Head 2007 Gallery here.

What A Shame, 07/10

We at Cygnet are blessed with several enthusiastic and talented members from those proud nations Australia & New Zealand. To all those members we'd just like to say a heartfelt:

Oh dear! Bad luck!

Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We've golden soil and wealth for toil; But World Champions we won't be.

...or how about...

God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, By the Frechies we were beat.

Barry Babby, 05/10

Congratulations to Barry & Bex who are the proud parent of a 9.7 lb baby boy. He was born at 2:30am on Wednesday morning.

A Pair of Clubs, 03/10

A reminder that it's the Pairs Head this weekend and there'll be lots going on in and around our boathouse.

The race itself kicks-off at 13:30 but anyone who is free for a couple of hours before the start can always be found an interesting job or two. Just present yourself to Mike, Dave, Theresa or Ali.

At A Club Like Cygnet, 03/10

An ergo related email from our shiny-new captain made us smile today. Apparently the current ergo sessions have been described as "pedestrian" by a member of the squad.

Could this be right? Can it be true? Are Cygnet oarsmen now complaining that the ergo sessions aren't hard enough?

We at the blog have now heard everything!

Lurking, 03/10

Well done to Uncle Neil who correctly spotted Balders (Nn Nn Nnnnnnn) lurking at 5 in a Kingston RC eight on page 64 of Regatta (see below).

You can tell it's Balders because he's out of time and not pulling very hard.

The Captain's Table, 01/10

A great week. Winter training commenced with a good turnout for both ergs & circuits, lets keep it up. Fours Head training kicked off with the S3 4+ hitting the water yesterday, anyone seen or heard from them since?

Rowathlon at Dorney Lake - All that effort and for no sodin T-shirt! The results are:

[Removed, well suffice to say ex-international decathlete Barry "Bad-Boy" Thomas was beaten by a girl & Pretty Boy was beaten by 2 - Ed]

A pizza back in Barnes finished the day quite nicely!

Thanks Nick (Wyatt) for your organization here & of course for your winning result too. A note to anyone who hasn't yet done a Rowathlon yet - you should, it's bloody hard work, great fun and very rewarding!

[Just for clarification, that's bo**ocks - Ed]

Fours Head & Vets Head have been made and include:

[Removed - Ed]

If you're not racing at weekend and you should be supporting both clubs in the head race. There are plenty jobs that need tending so please drop Ali a line and volunteer. C'mon boys. Partners welcome too & no doubt we'll all end up in the bar after!

This weeks plan: Monday - Weights, legs w/Pete

Dates for your diary:

Safety:

The river will be closed this Saturday between 12:45 to 15:00 for the Pairs Head Race, please be off the river by 11.30 at the latest.

Take note - generally at this time of year there are increased numbers of coxless 2s 4s & singles on the water in training for the forthcoming heads, three simple steps to consider to avoid collision & accident, are:

1. know where you are supposed to be on the water and be there.

2. be clearly visible, wear light colour clothes and place white lights on the boat,

3. keep a good look out at all times, take a look ahead (behind) at least every six stokes.

The river has been particularly dirty this week so please wash boats, blades & boots thoroughly and take a shower after each outing.

'till next week...

Richard.

Nn Nn Nnnnnnn, 26/09

There's a small prize for anyone who can spot a lurking Cygnet in this month's Regatta magazine ("Chinese Whispers"). Answers to the usual place.

Captain's Weekly, 25/09

FINAL CALL - Fours Head, your availability & wish to race must be with me or Peter by Tuesday night at the latest please.

The squad meeting on Tuesday marked the official end of the holidays and the beginning of winter training & the head season. For those unable to attend here's a brief overview of what was on the agenda.

Ergs start this Tuesday (25th) kicking off with a 30 min steady state (18/20 SPM), unless doing the triathlon in which case train as you have been (erg & run). A 5k test is not due until after the Fours Head, however feel free to post a score earlier if you wish.

Circuits start next Thursday (27th) 6.50 at the boathouse or 7pm at the school. Greg is away for the first week but will give us a routine to start off with.

Also:

Thanks to Emma Jones (Thames RC) for coming along and giving us the Tideway briefing.

Friday night's end of season night out involved 14 Cygnets, a 3 pub waddle (with beer) followed by dinner (with beer) and entertainment (with beer) at the Tiroler Hut (with beer). I quote from their website: "A lively evening of entertainment including Yodeling, Accordion and the highly original Tirolean Cow Bell Show". Judging by the number of sore-heads and the quality of post-eve banter that followed it seems fair to say good night was probably had by all!

Can anyone remember the cow bells?

Moving on, sore heads & oversleeping meant that Saturday morning outings were cancelled. The first of Uncle Neil's sculling pods took to the water at a more civilized hour of the day. Watch out on the website for details of more planned pods.

This Week:

Dates for your Diary:

Safety Notice:

On Sunday 30th September a kayaking event is to be held on Barn Elms Reach, between the upstream end of Putney Pier and the Mile Post buoy. A rectangular course will be laid between 7 and 10AM on the day, marking with three temporary buoys on the Middlesex side of the river outside of the navigation channel. It's expected that at least 90 kayaks will take part in the event which is planned to ne held between 1 and 5PM. I appreciate we don't often venture this far and its probably for best we avoid the area this coming Sunday!

Rich.

Captain's Weekly, 17/09

Sculling Camp weekend at the bungalow triumphed once more, as per usual the clouds parted & the sun was relentless from start to finish. Jennifer, Rob & Sue took to the single for the first time and before long were confidently waterborne & managed to keep relatively dry (Jennifer, totally)! Our gratitude goes to Katy & Kelly for taking good care of our dietary needs and knocking up some bloody marvellous grub!

Pairs Head - crews & boats are now confirmed & entries will made after the squad meeting tomorrow. For those racing please make sure you've enough money in the entries account (otherwise known as the bank of Israel) & for those who haven't, check your balance and pay up anyway!

Combo's and boats are as follows:

Fours Head & Vets Fours - not long now...can I have interest and availability (by email) ASAP.

This Week:

Dates for your diary:

Safety:

The PLA are laying more new buoys in the next couple of weeks which will include some green to mark the inshore zone on the Middlesex bank. One of these will affect ourselves as it is to be positioned just downstream to our landing area and will direct oncoming traffic close towards us when boating on the ebb tide. They will also be re-adjusting some of the existing buoys which may have drifted out of position. A chart for buoy location (red and green dots on the chart) can be found on our Safety page (soon).

Rich.

Of A Certain Age, 12/09

Golda-man has volunteered to organise a more structured Vets schedule this year. Details below. Contact him for details via email.

Veteran rowing for 2007-2008

The idea is to have regular organised vet outings:

What we're aiming for during the winter season:

In the regatta season our aim should be Vets Henley.

That means fitness too:

So, if you're interested, drop me a mail and we can get it all started!

Captain's Weekly Write-Off, 11/09

A date for your diaries, squad meeting for all active oarsmen & scullers is planned for Tuesday 18th September, prompt start at 7.30 PM. Everyone is welcome.

Surely the holiday season must be coming to an end soon? Whilst many of you have been away, I hope enjoying a break from the everyday routine, there's still been quite a bit happening at the boathouse. Mostly it's small boats what with the Pairs Head looming and a number of singles, probably doing a last minute brush-up in an attempt to avoid an embarrassing splash this forthcoming weekend at sculling camp.

Congratulations to Tim Moloney (& Mrs. Tim) on the birth of baby Max who arrived this week, two weeks late! Tim, you could have stayed on for the Sunday sprints at Peterborough after all!

This Week,

A slight change of plan, boat loading for sculling camp will now be on Thursday at 7 pm.

It's that time of year where evening outings now must draw to a close. For reasons of safety our policy outlines clear instructions which include restrictions on using the club's boats & equipment after sunset. Details of our winter training plan will be unveiled at the squad meeting next week on the 18th.

Pairs Head boats, any weekday evening outings please make sure you're back before sunset.

Coming up...

Take care, the trenches at the rear of the building still remain open, so please tread carefully in the dark!

Rich.

Grrrrrrr, 05/09

Just a reminder that the Great River Race is this Saturday (8th). It starts at 1255 so with any luck will not clash with normal outing times, but if you are out in the afternoon on Saturday please keep a good look-out!

Captain's Weekly Write-Off, 03/09

Dear all,

Last week & stuff:

Quiet again this week with breaks & holidays being taken so not much to comment on. If you're not on Hols. its a great opportunity to slump back 'n enjoy the comfort of an armchair and watch others do the hard work at the world champs instead!

For those who may not be in the know, Stu has arranged an end of season night out at the Tiroler Hut in Notting Hill on Friday 21st September. If you wanna be in our gang let Stu know ASAP (a 5GBP deposit will be required).

Sculling camp - 14th & 15th September. Please, who's coming, confirm to me ASAP.

Anyone lost any keys? A blue Puma neck holder containing a bunch of keys were found at Old Blades after Henley Friday, if you think these may be yours please drop me a line.

Attention all Vets. Iain Golder has kindly volunteered to coordinate the vets rowing on my behalf, his plan is attached [removed - Ed]. Interest & comments to Iain direct please.

Just a reminder to all, some boats are kept for best. Please check out the Club Equipment policy on the notice board before going for a paddle.

Next Week

Coming up...

Safety.

The electricity is back on in the boathouse but please watch out as the trench to the rear of the building hasn't yet been filled-in!

Until next week.

Rich.

Doing It Indoors, 02/09

Entries are now open for this year's British Indoor Rowing Champs. Go on, you know you want to be the 2nd Cygnet to enter!

TV Times, 01/09

Saturday's World Championship finals are on BBC1 today at 2:45pm - it's always worth erm watching Sir erm Steve for erm his erm insights erm into erm erm row erm ing. The truly adventurous can press their red button from 9:10am apparently. We don't think this is a euphomism!

Sunday's finals are on erm Sunday [balls, we're doing it now too - Ed] from 3:30pm. Details here.

We at Blog HQ will definitely be setting the Humax!

P.S. we've added a link to the Beeb's rowing homepage over on the left under Friends. Enjoy.

Bull Update, 29/08

For those that don't know, we recently sold what had become our 3rd eight, the Bull, to a Slovenian rowing club [does anyone know their name? - Ed]. Pasted below is an email from Gregor, with an update on the boat's progress so far and plans for the future. Although those of us who learned to row in the Bull were sorry to see her go it's nice to see her winning again already.

To: "Marjorie"
Date: August 27, 2007 10:21:13 AM BST
Subject: First regata for the 'new' eight...

Dear Marjorie,

Just to let you know that the eight is continuing its career very
successfully, I'm sending you a couple of pictures from our first
regatta...I'm on 7...

We had a short 'sprint' competition between the veterans of the two local
clubs in Izola, and even if we didn't manage to fine tune the boat yet we
were able to be victorious at the end...;)...Our next objective (and the
main reason for the purchase of the eight) is a 'marathon' race of 36 Km in
Vukovar (Croatia) at the end of September...;)

BTW...Is there any story behind the boat's name 'Frank Bull'? Actual
person/figure?

One last question...in England I guess you have much more suppliers of spare
parts and also the boat is British made...do you have any good contacts for
a supplier of spare parts for the Janousek boats?

Thanks and brgds,

Gregor

Captain's Weekly Write-Off, 29/08

Last week;

At last. the summer seems to have arrived, ....just in time for Autumn!

A quiet weekend on the water. On Saturday Davo and Martha were out early followed by a 4+ and two singles, on Sunday I was the early bird, jennifer coxed a 4+ and Adam sculled. Bank Holiday Monday saw five singles making a round trip up to the pink house.

Outings & training.

Evenings are now much shorter and anyone looking for outings during the week will need to be at the boathouse & ready to be on the water by 6.45 / 7pm at the latest. Make the most of the next two weeks as by my reckoning they may be your last chance in 2007. Bring on the ergs!

Pairs head. The competition for boats is tough & those putting in the time & effort will get the advantage. Please touch base with me before taking any boats out just in case they've been allocated to someone else.

This Week...

Coming up...

Safety.

Be seen in the dim light, put white lights on your boat and wear white or light clothing. Cyclists, now would be a good time to check your bike lights too.

Richard

Pitch Black, 24/08

We hear that Mr. Leffler may have had a slight accident last week. It's been a while since he was at the boathouse and apparently he didn't know that the bar has been moved. That, in conjunction with the ongoing 'leccy saga, made for a dark bar, a small bump and some broken glass. We have recreated the scene below.

If anyone goes in the bar please be careful of any broken glass as it was too dark to clear up at the time.

Moving Oxford, 22/08

A couple of videos of our S34+ racing at Oxford can be found here (vs Falcon) and here (vs Bristol). You'll have to be patient as our boys don't appear in either one for about 2 minutes.

Captain's Weekly Write-Off, 22/08

Firstly, whilst I have your attention... The next main event will be the Pairs Head (Saturday 6th October) & I now need to know (ASAP please), who else wishes to enter. Return emails from those interested would be greatly appreciated.

So far on the list are:

Last week;

Well done to the S3 4+ (Barry, Bart, Nick B, Stu & Jennifer) also to Chris Jillings (vet C singles) who raced and won their categories at Oxford last Saturday. A great close for 'Cygnet' and the end of the regatta season in 2007.

Meanwhile back at the ranch... It's been very sloooow with only a few familiar faces showing up to jump into some very scratch boats. Indicative of the time of year & rowing calendar I guess (I'm hoping)! Or is it a vote by foot for an end of season break 'till the end of September?

There is still no electricity (or gas) in the boathouse, & we're expecting an update early to mid week this week. In the meantime to make life as pleasant as possible can we all;

If anyone has any spare candles at home could they please bring one or two over to the boathouse?

Outings & training this week.

Planned outings and training will concentrate on the Pairs Head Boats.

Coming up...

Safety

Despite catching Weil's disease being incredibly rare there has been a confirmed case reported by a canoeist who regularly uses Hurley weir (Henley). As river users we are all susceptible and at risk. More general information here, also please see the EA note attached [removed - Ed].

Richard.

Oxon Schmoxon, 17/08

Good luck to our boys racing at Oxford City Royal tomorrow. We have an S34+ who's first race is at 14:22 and Chris J. races a straight final of C/D 1x at 17:05. Barnes bridge are racing in eights, fours & doubles. Good luck to them too.

Power Update, 17/08

From 50% of the boathouse captaincy:

Hi All,

Friday update on power = we are making good progress.

* The digger has started work and a channel has been made around the back of the gym
* A channel will have to be cut in the old steps at the back of the gym
* A channel is currently being dug down the emmanual side of the gym
* There electrical cable has been located at the corner of the gym
* A gas pipe has also been found and breached. the GAS IS CURRENTLY OFF
* An engineer to fix the gas is due at 14:30 today so we should have gas for the weekend.
* Monday / Tueday next a further channel will be dig down between the 2 boathouses
* Expect digging work to be completed by Tuesday
* Trying to arrange time for laying of new cable around Tuesday next week.

Next update Monday / Tuesday looking to give time for when electricians will re-lay the cable.

Surely Not, 16/08

Received by our esteemed captain earlier today, sent by a young lady at Putney Town RC:

Please excuse this email out of the blue but the ladies squad at Putney Town were wondering if some of your chaps might like to meet up for drinks one evening? Suggested dates from the girls are either Saturday 31st August or Saturday 14th September. Venue tbc. Please let me know if this sounds fun. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Can this be right? Is it a wind up?

Admittedly the blog hasn't been to the club for a while, but last time we looked none of the men looked "that" attractive. We'll keep 'em peeled!

Captain's Weekly Write-Off, 13/08

Peterborough Summer Regatta was a great weekend of racing, entertainment and as per usual naked pole climbing (by others) in abundance later on the Saturday night. A big thank you to Annelise for towing the trailer.

Well done to Ricky & David C who entered their first race in the novice 4. Despite good efforts & tough competition both the N4+ and S4 4+ got rowed out in the heats on both days. Commiserations go to Davo who came 2nd in the S3 singles heat but unfortunately was then rowed out in the repecharge. Wins for the weekend...Greg and I (despite being injured when the pontoon collapsed under me) took 1st place in the 1000m novice doubles, a pot at bloody last! Well done to the ladies who clinched a staggering 21 pots over the weekend!

Congratulations also to Nick Wyatt for achieving 76th Place in last weeks London Triathlon.

It seems the boathouse was pretty quiet this weekend with only a coxless four taking a late outing on Sunday. Where have the rest of you gone?

This week:

Coming up:

Safety:

The dark evenings are drawing in and it's time to start checking sunset times before going out. If you're to be out close to or after sunset please have the correct white lights securely fasten fore and aft on your boat.

Regards, Rich.

Tri Before You Bi, 11/08

Congratulations to Wyatt Minor for his 76th place in the male sub 2:30 group in last weekend's London Triathlon. See the photos below which Nick would like to include in his application portfolio for the Cygnet Cool Boys Gang. What do you think?

Vids, 31/07

With the Autumn sculling camp getting closer and closer here's a little something to whet your appetites. Remember, rowing's for the forwards, sculling's for the backs!

Captain's Weekly Write-Off, 31/07

Dear all,

Thursday brought the bad news that St Neot's had been cancelled because of rising water and muddy floodplains. Everyone was disappointed, however a good weekend was had by all in the end and a healthy fleet of Cygnet boats hit the water on both Saturday & Sunday: a combo of eights, doubles and singles. Thanks goes to Pete for coaching from the launch on both days.

Saturday afternoon saw a dozen or so Cygnets catching up with the gardening and keeping on top of those odd jobs before sitting down to a BBQ and a few beers later in the afternoon!

This week,

For August...

Boathouse & Housekeeping...

It's a team effort...Please look after the boathouse & clear up after yourselves, place empty bottles, wrappers & rubbish in the bins & put cups & plates you have used into the dishwasher. If the bins are full then please empty them!

A nasty scratch to the Benrath's underside hasn't been logged and hence not repaired. Please tell me of incidents or damage to boats & write the details in the incident log as and when they happen.

Marj is taking care of St Neots refunds, please be patient. The "Bank of Israel" needs some deposits so if your in the red and want to race please pay up ASAP.

Safety...

Excessive water levels continue to make the stream especially strong, please practice extra caution at all times. N.B to steerspersons & scullers to please ensure to keep to the Navigation code when on the water.

Extra's...

Greg is again offering half price Physio & Sports Massage sessions next Saturday (4th August) from 11am at the boathouse. Prices of GBP10 for Half hour or GBP20 for an hour and GBP2.50 from each booking will be donated back to the club. Bookings to be made directly with Greg.

Regards,

Rich.

Clubs Day, 30/07

Just a quick reminder that this Saturday sees the now-annual Clubs Day, a chance to show off your rowing & baking skills to members of both clubs who may not have seen quite how bad you are before. The note below came from Soc. Sec. Stu. late last week:

Dear all,

As mentioned below, Club Day takes place on Saturday 4 August from 2pm and will involve some rowing in 4+, 4x and 8+ with honour going to the crews that pull the hardest. It'll be followed by a BBQ, beers and the annual bake off (if the bake off trophy can be located - does anybody know where it is and who is the current holder?).

Cost of the day is GBP10 per person which includes participation in the training piece and BBQ food. For the 'fits' just turning up for the training pieces only or the 'fats' just turning up for food only then the cost is GBP5 each.

Grateful if you can let me know if you will be taking part.

Stu.

P.S. A launch driver will be required to help encourage the crews taking part in the training pieces. Any volunteers, please let me know. Note that you must actually be able to drive a launch to volunteer.

No Neots, 26/07

Sadly St. Neots Regatta, scheduled for this coming Sat/Sun has been cancelled due to flooding. This from their website...

Unfortunately we are continuing to experience very high flow conditions on the river and large areas of the regatta field are still under water forcing us to cancel this years regatta. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2008.

With 8 wins in the last two years along with a cheese-tastic, "Baldwinesque" Saturday night disco, St. Neots has been a happy hunting ground for Cygnet, so it's a real shame to see it cancelled.

Rich's First Captain's Log, 25/07

Dear all,

I guess that's that then! Not only did I wake with a sore head today, but as I lifted it from the pillow the events of the evening prior started to sink in!

At this moment in time I'd like to give my thanks, not only for a great turn-out at the OGM last night, but also for your support (realising of course that I and the team were up against some tough competition. NOT!) I'd also like to extend thanks to Neil, Marj and Stu for handing over a great club, and for it being in good form too.

Pete, Marj & I do have a few ideas & goals for the next 12 months all of which are based upon why we're all members of a rowing club in the first instance. Before we set about trying to achieve these I'd like to understand what you guys want from rowing this year, and how much time & energy you can commit to training for it. Please rate yourself as per the list below and reply to me as soon as you can...

Forthcoming events in the planning are...

St Neots - This weekend - 28th 29th July - No news is good news. Marj is in contact with St Neots RC and will advise us on floods if and as they develop.

Club Day - Saturday 4th August - If you haven't done so already, please make sure you tell our social sec (Stu G) of your availability.

Peterborough Summer - 11th & 12th August - Entries now need to me made ASAP. Please tell me your availability no later than this weekend.

Bungle row - 18th August - Neil is coordinating, so please tell him if you're planning to come along.

[This Thursday's outing plan removed - Ed]

Please take note: Due to the recent heavy rainfall & floods in the Thames Valley the stream may be dangerously fast, especially on the outgoing tide. Please don't take any unnecessary risks and if at all unsure please don't go out.

Regards,

Rich.

King Hell, 23/07

Not too many shots of last weekend's Kingston Regatta have been forthcoming, but here's one of our S3 crew in action.

Neil's Final Captain's Log, 23/07

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the last you'll have to 'listen' to me rambling-on of a Monday. I hope that I've managed to keep you informed and up-to-date (and possibly even a little amused) over the last couple of years. If nothing else it's been a damn fine weekly weather report.

No regattas this weekend, just training for St. Neots. With only a few unavailable, most of the squad will be racing most of the fleet at St. Neots this coming weekend: I believe that the only size of boat that we're not taking is a single scull and I'm not entirely sure how we're going to fit them all on the trailer! Good luck to all the crews.

I'm sure that most of you are already aware, but it is my great pleasure to the announce the arrival of yet another Cygnet - Barnes Bridge daliance. Former captains, Mike and Theresa had a healthy 8.1 lbs baby boy last week, called Daniel, Francis. Many congratulations to them.

THIS WEEK:

Hard to do an outing plan with such sporadic availability so the beast course appears to be to turn-up as usual and we will endeavor to get as many racing crews together as possible once we're sure of which bodies we have. Outings will be short and sharp this week because of the OGM on Tuesday and boat loading on Thursday so please be on time, or even better, early so as to maximise outing times.

COMING UP:

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Ah, what the hell...

"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."

It's been a pleasure, Neil.

OGM Reminder, 22/07

A quick reminder of Tuesday night's Ordinary General Meeting that, amongst other things, includes the election of the new captaincy. An important meeting for the club so make every effort to attend.

So far only Mr. Keyser has thrown his hat into the ring, and his 9 goals can be found here.

We at the blog wish him all the best, particularly with the (ahem) set crews all summer. We can almost smell Excel being bootstrapped!

Waaaaaah, 19/07

Congratulations to Theresa Salter (BBLRC) & Mike Collier who are the proud parents of a baby boy born at 10:07 on 11th July in St. Thomas' Hospital. Daniel Francis weighed in at 8.1 lbs.

Bungalow BBQ, 19/07

Click here for all the information you need on this year's bungalow BBQ. In summary:

Captain's Log, 16/07

No joy at Kingston this weekend alas: The S2 eight didn't have a particularly good race but were comfortably beaten by the eventual winners, a Curlew/Reading composite. The S2 4+ had a much better row (despite some absolutely shocking water) but were simply out-classed by Hansa-Dortmund who won the straight final, with Walton in third. Hot swapping for both crews as the boats turned straight around for the S3 4+ final, Cygnet changing the whole crew and Dortmund half the crew. The Germans again proved too strong and Cygnet picked-up another second place. Hansa-Dortmund also went onto win the S4 4+ as well - Oh well now, hang on, I know that this club hold the course record for the Grand at HRR but ringers is a bit strong...

No luck for the ladies either until late in the day when the S4 8 won a very close final to take the big pots. Many congrats to them.

At Vets Henley the headwind was vicious by all accounts. It wasn't just the wind that was too strong for our boys in the composite Vet B 4- as some rather handy Belgiums put pay to the dream. The ladies 4 had much more luck: having won their heat, the other heat was a row-over in which the crew somehow capsized! As that second heat was not rowed-out, the umpire declared the first heat the final and BB ladies the winners. Hurrah!

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Start swatting-up on your navigation, there is a small test on the way very soon which you'll need to pass in order to steer a boat with CYG on the side.

NOTE:

I am not in the office Tuesday to Friday inclusive and will only be able to access my email in the evenings. Therefore, anything urgent should be directed to either Marj or Stuart. Anything business beyond next Tuesday should be directed to Richard.

Come in Mr Pickford, your time is up.

Neil.

Captain's Log, 09/07

One of the best things about Henley Royal is that we've been able to enjoy at marvelously quiet Tideway all week; doubtless it will be back to it's usual chaotic state soon enough. Despite reports of ankle deep mud, the underfoot conditions were remarkably good at Henley and the sun even decided to put in an appearance for us. Not the biggest turnout this year but all the best people were there and many thanks to Pat and Peter for their kind hospitality once again on Friday: the most exclusive enclosure at Henley Royal and we do appreciate how lucky we are to be invited. No doubt that some pictures of men in ladies hats will appear on the website in due course.

Our last minute injury curse has struck again, this time for the Henley Vets boat! The crew have however, secured the services of a suitable sub from MMA, so the very best of luck to our now composite Henley Vets crew on Friday. Also several crews at Kingston this weekend including the eight back in action. Good luck to all of them as well.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

MONEY:

Please check the up-to-date list of monies owed for racing and settle up with Marj accordingly.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

As mentioned above, the Tideway has been very quiet and despite the strong stream conditions aren't too bad. So how did a (Tideway) sculler manage to hit one of The Barges buoys on Saturday and bend the bows of his Filippi? Just goes to show that whatever the conditions keeping a good look out is always essential.

More Pimms anyone?

Neil.

Face Up To It, 07/07

"Cygnet RC" now exists as a group on facebook. Feel free to join in all the "fun" via the link over on the left (under Blog)!

Note that there was a rogue "Cygnet Rowing Club" group for a while. This isn't the official one.

Captain's Log, 02/07

Where have all the rowers gone? Perhaps it's just the nasty weather keeping them away but a very quiet weekend on the rowing front nevertheless. We also seem to be have a jinx on stroke-men getting ill just before a race; this time there were no suitable last-minute replacements available so the S4 4+ unfortunately, had to scratch from racing on Saturday. The Chairman and Treasurer were there with club ties and umpiring flags but it was left to the Captain and the Water Safety Adviser to represent the club on the water at Richmond Regatta. S4 1x wasn't offered so S3 it had to be, and with no schoolboys to beat at this level, we both went out in the quarters. On the plus side, at least we didn't have to spend the rest of the afternoon standing around in the pouring rain.

Hardly tropical conditions for the Karaoke and Cocktail party on Saturday evening either but a decent turnout of brave souls were treated to a great curry (courtesy of Richard), some tasty cocktails (courtesy of what we had in the caboose) and some "special" singing. Quiet, unassuming Kelly was crowned Karaoke Queen, which just goes to show that you can take the American out of America...

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

HENLEY ROYAL:

MONEY:

Please check the up-to-date list of monies owed for racing and settle up with Marj accordingly.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Due to all the rain there are now yellow boards out up-river and more water is being allowed through the locks to help control water levels. Obviously the knock-on effect is an increasingly strong stream on the Tideway. Not only will it affect your steering and outing times but it will also cause the tide to turn at times different to those predicted - up to an hour at the moment - later for the flood and earlier for the ebb. Remember that you should navigate according to the stream rather than the tide. One tip to help with that decision is to square-up and see in which direction you are taken then navigated accordingly.

Water, water everywhere.

Neil.

Captain's Log, 26/06

First and foremost, many congratulations to BBLRC's intermediate eight who made it through to the quarter finals at Henley Women's regatta on Saturday, going out to would-be finalist Osiris (there were shenanigans!). An excellent result for the ladies and with half of the Tideway rowing population decamped in the mud at Henley, we were free to enjoy a relatively quiet weekend on the river!

Our S3 4+ had a less conventional but none-the-less successful Sunday at Marlow. As followers of the blog will doubtless realise, the stroke man was forced to pull out in the week and a last-minute replacement had to be dusted off. Despite it's 'top class' status, Marlow only managed to attract one other crew in this event, so a two boat straight final it was: or would have been had the opposition showed up. Well what can you do but row over and go to collect your medals? Marj was so overcome with excitement that she fell in, which saved the crew a job. So there you go; Cygnet are the inaugural Marlow International S3 4+ 1000m sprint champions and current record holders!

We have an S4 4+ and 2 S3 1x at Richmond this weekend. Good luck to all.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

HENLEY ROYAL:

Club members have once again been invited to join the President and Mrs Sly in their pond, formally their lawn at Old Blades on Friday 6th July. Club ties of course and perhaps a pair of wellies? Once again Marjorie is coordinating the picnic.

MONEY:

Please check the up-to-date list of monies owed for racing and settle up with Marj accordingly. Marj pays the entries out of her own pocket so please get it sorted out pronto and if you intend to race again this season, get ahead.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Don't forget that the Middlesex Arch of Barnes Bridge is due to close today for about a week. We think that going up-river against the ebb is the better of two evils as long as you are very careful navigating the center arch; staying close to the Middlesex buttress. However if the tide is flooding please do not go up-river as getting back through the bridge against the tide could be very dodgy; go downstream instead please. We will also have no choice but to spin close to the bridge so please be very, very careful out there.

Heel restraints for coxswains anyone?

Neil.

The Albatross Squawks, 26/06

Albie getting a bit too defensive? You decide:

I'm presuming you mean Albatross in the sense of the seabird, in that it's the largest and arguably most graceful of all the seabirds, able to travel over great distances at speed with apparently no effort at all and the legendary protector of seafarers.

I don't think you meant Albatross in the golfing sense (a 3-under-par hole), although as an exceptionally good performance that would also make sense.

However, you can't possibly have meant Albatross in the sense of a metaphorical encumbrance. Because if you did, imagine having less rowing points and pots than an Albatross. Just imagine!

Bladework, 25/06

Quite an eventful weekend. Firstly Barnes Bridge had a great run in intermediate eights at HWR from which their "special" member seems to have calculated that they actually won. We at the blog have always wondered if "she" is on the same page as us, now we're concerned about the flamin' book "she's" reading!

Elsewhere, further evidence appeared to support our fledgling "French Dickie David Must Not Be Allowed To Row Any More" campaign. In separate incidents in the last couple of weeks he has (a) let go of his blade when he should have hung on, and (b) hung on to his blade when he should have let go. He's an albatross around our necks and we at the blog say "No More".

Congratulations to our boys for their storming Marlow win. It couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch. The guys had done all they could to make sure that their oppo would turn up, when they didn't the guys rowed over. Marj takes over at this point...

Once we had crossed the finish line, quite embarrassingly, we had to warm down to 250m, cross to the 'spectator' side of the lake, and park our boat on a pontoon. There we had to get out, collect our medals from a very official-looking gentleman, and pose for official pictures... do bear in mind that this is the first time Marlow offered 1000m racing - so we are now official record holders for men Senior 3 coxed fours! Once the picture taking was done, the chaps got into the boat, and as I stepped in, I did the usual push off with my other foot. The boat moved sideways as planned, but only for a little bit, then Dave's blade got stuck on the OTHER side of the pontoon, so the boat stopped moving..... I did not. Plop into the water I went. Thank goodness the lake is not very deep (about 3 feet, I reckon) so even my short person could hoik herself back into the boat although that was not as easy as it would have been because I was laughing so hard. As Dr French said: at least it made the race-day definitely more memorable. Now, if only I could remember what made me decide to leave all my dry kit at the club...

We reiterate: AN ALBATROSS!

Even More Wimmin, 23/06

Sadly the Ladies lost to Osiris A at 11:50 so their impressive run at HWR has come to a close. Well done to them all.

Attention now turns to our S34+ who race that event's final at Marlow tomorrow at 16:25. It's all go at the moment!

More Wimmin, 23/06

BBLRC's intermediate eight are through the 2nd round, beating Loughborough Students by a couple of lengths. They next face Osiris A at 11:50. Good luck to them all.

Wimmin, 22/06

The Ladies are having a good day at HWR with a win over Cardiff University in the first round of the Intermediate Eights. They race Loughborough Students in the next round at 09:10 tomorrow. Best of luck to them.

In other news we hear that illness has necessitated a late substitution in our S34+ racing at Marlow on Sunday. Out goes ex-Commonwealth Decathlete Barry, in comes future Commonwealth Bureaucrat French David. Lets hope he keeps a firm hold on his oar this time.

Peter Perfect, 21/06

A nice bit of work on YouTube from Wing Commander Baldwin. Chocks away!

Captain's Log, 18/06

It was damn dangerous out there on the Tideway on Saturday at Barnes & Mortlake regatta: there was a good chance of being struck by lightning, getting sunstroke and even drowning in the rain. Don't you just love the British Summer? The novice 4+ were forced to scratch after their stoke man injured himself on the [association] football field, so it was up to the other three crews to carry the Cygnet banner at this highly prestigious event [sic]. French David had talked Medium Mike into racing a novice 2x but the surprise of being in with a chance of actually winning their heat, caused them to not do so. Myself and Technically Perfect Chris fared no better in S3 2x being comfortably beaten by a crew that had obviously been practicing! So could the S2 4- save the day? But of course they could. Twice as it happened: first time round the opposition lost a seat in the start and our boys cruised to victory. They were asked if they wouldn't mind re-rowing the race and being the sporting chaps that they are, they agreed and proceeded to thrash them a second time. Congratulations to Balders, Geordie, Andy and Pete. Congratulations also to the BBLRC 8 who cruised home in their final to take a qualifying win.

The S3 4+ are going to have a crack at Marlow this weekend and BBLRC have an 8 off to Women's Henley on Friday (and beyond we hope). Good luck to both crews at these quality regattas. I'm sure that any support would be very welcome.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

HENLEY ROYAL:

Club members have once again been invited to join the President and Mrs Sly on their lawn at Old Blades on Friday 6th July. Club ties of course. Once again Marjorie will be coordinating the picnic and she will send out a separate email.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

It's getting mighty shallow out there at low tide so even on an empty river a good lookout is still required, just to avoid the bank. Remember that when proceeding upstream against the ebb, if there isn't space to get between the bank and any of the red navigation buoys then you are supposed to spin and come back downstream.

I love the smell of pewter in the afternoon. Smells like...victory.

Neil.

Captain's Log, 11/06

Another glorious weekend, this time in Peterborough for the spring regatta: warm and sunny with just a light breeze providing ideal conditions for racing as well as camping and barbequing. Mixed fortunes over the weekend for both clubs on the four lane course...

Chris managed a respectable third in his Nv 1x but it wasn't enough to take him through to the next round. Much the same for the Elite 2- who were disappointed to miss out on a place in the final despite posting the third fastest time from both semis. The S3 4+ and S2 4- faired better, getting to their respective finals but ultimately failing to pick-up any silverware. It was much the same story for the BB ladies on Saturday.

Sunday began cloudier with Matt first off in his Nv 1x and going well in second place before the reeds ended his hopes for the next round just short of the finish line. CJ missed out in his Vet C 1x and the S2 4- also lost their two boat straight final. However, every cloud has it pewter lining (haven't I used that pun before?). Firstly the S2 8+ romped home in a two boat straight final to take the win over Nereus from Holland - 500m wins in (almost) scratch 8s appear to be our speciality. The S3 4+ who made up half of that victorious 8 went onto claim further glory in the S3 event with over a length to spare. Congratulations to Balders, Pete, Nick W and err, me with double congratulations to Barry, Nick B, Chris D and Stuart. So two more pots for Marj's collection as well as a debut victory in her namesake. The BB Ladies had another very frustrating day, seemingly coming second in every event they entered - by just half a second in one case! There was some consolation pewter for the ladies however, their S2 4+ claiming victory in a straight final. Hurrah!

Thanks to everyone for all their support both on an off the water making for a good weekend away. Many photos to follow and full results will be posted here in due course http://www.peterboroughcityrowing.co.uk/managed/results.html.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

HENLEY ROYAL:

Vic Reeves still has a spare Stewards ticket for Thursday and is offering it FOC. If any (respectable!) club member is interested in taking up this generous offer please contact Vic directly or via me.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

As the summer gathers pace there will be more motor cruisers about on the river. Not that many of them seem to know the navigation rules themselves but remember that you should always be passing these boat to port to port (stroke side). Also pay particular attention to your positioning on the river as you go under bridges with the tide - Starboard side please.

Gas or charcoal - the debate continues to rage.

Neil.

Captain's Log, 04/06

Well, the weather certainly did improve - a glorious weekend both on the Tideway and at Dorney Lake for the Met. Alas, our S1 pair were unable to make hay while the sun shone, going out in their heat. The ladies did rather better with a convincing win in their heat of S3 8 but were nudged into 4th in the final. They had better luck on Sunday coming 3rd overall at S2 so many congratulations to that crew.

The S1 pairs were however, just a warm up for Nick who competed in a half-triathlon on Sunday where he came a more than respectable 38th from 2000 entries in the mens event. Well done to Nick who I think might be having another little wager with us over the Rowers Revenge Triathlon results this year.

Good luck to all the crews racing at Peterborough Spring with entries in singles, pairs, fours and eights over the weekend. The draw is still not out so that's assuming that our entries have been accepted!

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP: http://ical.mac.com/neilpickford/Cygnet_Rowing_2006

HENLEY ROYAL:

Vic Reeves has a spare Stewards ticket for Thursday and is offering it FOC. If any club member is interested in taking up this generous offer please contact Vic directly or via me.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Back to Barnes Bridge again! "On about 11 June 2007, for a period of about 15 weeks, structural surveys will be carried out on Cannon Street, Hungerford, Battersea and Barnes Railway Bridges from a barge moored alongside either a pier or abutment. Arches in which the barge is operating will be closed to navigation." For more information the NTM is posted in the changing room.

Faster than a speeding bullet.

Neil.

Captain's Log, 29/05

If I had know that there was going to be a re-enactment of Dunkirk on the Tideway on Saturday I'd have notified everybody. As it happened most crews simply gave up as wave upon wave of gin palaces went sweeping up and down the river in gangs of about half a dozen. Coupled with an incoming tide it made for some particularly unpleasant, lumpy conditions and after an hour struggling through it we came in and did an erg instead. A gold star for Alan who soldiered on with the new chaps in the tub despite the horrible water.

The gangs of cruisers can't have helped the timetable at Twickenham Regatta either where our Novice 4+ was flying the flag on behalf of the club. A convincing 5 length win over HSBC in the first round made for a promising start but they couldn't stay with Twickenham A in the quarters, eventually going down by a couple of lengths - imagine how quick they'd be if they managed to string together a few training outings!

Due to availability issues just an S1 pair at the Met this weekend along with some BB ladies. Fingers crossed that the weather improves.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

Tideway Ball - 8th Sept - Please contact me or Stu this week if you are interested in this event. Details in last week's log.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Another big clean up at Hammersmith bridge, please be aware. 1st June - Hammersmith Bridge with 150 people. 3 BASKETS and Blobbies for tyres. This event will be on both sides of the river, 2 baskets upstream of the Bridge on the south side and 1 basket and blobbies downstream on the north side. A diagram is up in the changing room.

"Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it in for me''"

Neil.

Captain's Log, 21/05

Unlike Borne last weekend, which all happened on the flood, there were three tide changes during Putney Town Regatta on Saturday. With half a gale blowing it made for some 'interesting' conditions getting to and from the event during the afternoon but fortunately the racing course remained in fairly good nick. The S2 4- and novice 4+ both went out in their heats despite reporting reasonable rows and the S3 4+ won through two rounds but were well beaten by AK in the final. So it was left to the captain to ensure that Cygnet didn't go home empty handed: he also went through two rounds in his single scull before cruising home in the final (Yes alright they were schoolboys but they were big schoolboys with much faster starts than me. And yes the final was a row-over but it''s not my fault that the oppo had to get home in time for his bed time story is it? At my age you'll take all the luck you can get).

Congrats to the BBLRC S3 4+ who also got their hands on some pewter. A particularly impressive effort as they had been bumped-up from S4 and three of the crew were novices at the beginning of the month.

Just the novice four at Twickenham on Saturday as the seniors concentrate on training for The Met. All the best to that crew on a lucky course for (a club like) Cygnet.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

Tideway Ball - 8th Sept:

There are plans afoot to start an annual, Tideway Ball open to all Tideway club and the organisers are keen to know if there would be any interest in such an event:

We are currently looking at venues and costs and estimate that at least 500 people will be interested in attending the event. We are looking at venues that can host this number but are able to hold many more should interest be strong.

It will be a black-tie garden party with a sit down meal in a marquee followed by a disco and possibly a band, if it doesn't add too much to the cost. The gentlemen will wear their club bowties and blazers (for those that have them) and the ladies will wear ball gowns. We will arrange for everyone to be taken to and from the event in coaches, with help from their nominated club representatives. We hope that both active and house members, from 18 to 80, from each club will attend the event.

To give you an idea of where it might be held we are looking at places like the Royal Berkshire Polo Club, the Hurlingham Club, Hampton Court Palace and Phyllis Club. It will be run as a not-for-profit event and should any profits be made they will be donated to charity. We are getting different cost options from various venues at the moment, trying to get the best value for money while keeping a high standard. It currently looks like the ball will cost £75-£100 per head. We are also hoping to get sponsorship and have already had some interest.

Please let either Stu or myself know in the next couple of weeks if you might be interested in this event which is open to all club members.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Hospital bumps racing all over the bank holiday weekend so take extra care between The Barges and UL where there will most likely be some pretty awful steering through one of the most dangerous sections of the tideway around the bridges at Kew.

"You gotta ask yourself one question 'Do ya feel lucky......Well do ya punk?''"

Neil.

Lucky Bar Steward, 19/05

With his oppo in the final so scared that he didn't show up we at the blog would like to be the first to congratulate Neil on winning through three rounds and popping his novice single scull cherry at Putney Town Regatta today.

Also well done to Barnes Bridge, with Mr. Gledhill's S3 coxed four winning at the same regatta.

Full results can be found here.

Captain's Log, 14/05

I have a theory: It is that May happened last month and what we're now experiencing is in fact, April. Either way the less than ideal rowing conditions didn't stop our S3 four taking the silverware at Borne Regatta on Saturday - the best type of silverware too, as it was a non-qualifier. Congratulations to Marj, Barry, Nick, Bart and Stuart. Elsewhere the novice four also made it to the final but were pipped by MAA in the final push whilst all the singles went out in the semis.

Much the same this coming weekend with three fours and and a single entered into Putney Town (although no room for the S1 pair). Good luck to all the crews and fingers crossed for some more pewter. The draw can be found on the Putney Town website (see Links).

Congratulations also to Nick and Marj who both completed the Richmond Half Marathon on Sunday morning. Nick put in another excellent time of 1.20 and Marj exceeded her expectations with a very impressive 2.09.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

MONEY:

Please make sure that you're up-to-date with Marj as you won't be entered for any more races otherwise.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Still no work on Barnes Bridge yet so I'll change the subject. The lightning storm yesterday reminds me to remind you that the last place you want to be with lightning about is floating around in the middle of the river. The best course of action is to head for the shore/nearest boathouse and sit it out. ARA guidelines recommend that you don't boat within 30 minutes of the last lightning flash.

"You're gonna need a bigger boat" (a beverage of choice for the first person to tell me the film and the character that that quote is from).

Neil.

Putney Toon Spectacular, 13/05

The PT draw is up on their website (we do love that line drawing). Lots of Cygnet action at S2, S3 and novice.

On a completely unrelated note, a message from the Bungalow Secretary:

Mr and Mrs Jillings (Senior) have been at the bungalow this week. When sweeping under the beds Mrs Jillings found a spectacles lens under one of the beds in the up river bedroom. Please let all Sculling Camp persons know. I have it at home.

This, of course, just proves the virtue of sweeping under beds.

Please contact the webmaster if the lens is yours.

Winning Ways, 12/05

We hear rumours of a close-fought S34+ win for Cygnet at today's Borne Regatta. Details from the Captain on Monday.

Chris And Kate, 12/05

Congratulations to Water Safety Advisor Chris & Chris Safety Advisor Kate who were married last Saturday (5th) at Horsted Place in East Sussex. A small Cygnet elite force was in attendance to make sure Chris didn't become too enthusiastic.

[We're not sure why she's marrying him either! - Ed]

Captain's Log, 08/05

I was away this weekend but I am assured that the eight had a much better race at Chiswick than they did at Hammersmith and lost their heat by just 1/3 of a length (to Sons). With all our regular also coxswains away, many thanks to Dave for jumping into the smallest seat.

So where were all the coxes? Well most of them were with me at the wedding of our WSA and former vice-captain, Chris Davidson. An outstanding day and many congratulations to Chris and his lovely bride Kate.

The eight is going to race as two fours at Borne this Saturday, splitting into an S3 and a Novice boat. We also have two singles entered and the draw is out. Good luck to all of those crews. The S2 boys plan to make their glorious entrance next weekend at Putney Town.

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

MONEY:

A new squad list is up so please make sure that you're up-to-date with Marj - you won't be entered for races if you're not.

Also a reminder that if you want any kit, we have a group order with Godfrey open so that the best prices can be got. The deadline for orders is this Friday (11th).

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK:

Remember that work is due to start on Barnes Bride this week and the Middlesex arch will be closing. It has been recommended that rowers from downstream don't venture upstream of, or spin close to, Barnes Bridge. Of course this leaves us in a particularly tricky situation as even if we do go downstream on the ebb, we will have to spin very close to the bridge. So on an ebb tide, it has been generally agreed that the better of two evils is to go upstream as usual. Please exercise extreme caution when boating and when navigating the centre arch of the Barnes Bridge stick very strictly to the STARBOARD STATION and KEEP A GOOD LOOKOUT. This will be even more essential than usual as all water traffic will be forced to pass through the same arch. Please do not go upstream on the flood, as returning through Barnes Bridge against the flood (whilst working the slacks) will put you on a direct collision course with all oncoming boats. Confused, you should be. Do please ask if you are unsure.

No, that wasn't an AK tie I was wearing.

Neil.

Captain's Log, 30/04

The regatta season kicked-off with an inauspicious start for our S4 eight at Hammersmith where, batting well above their average at S3, they went out to Canford School (never mind boys at least you can legally buy a beer afterwards). Still, a first ever race under their belts for a couple of the crew in less than ideal conditions. Better luck to that crew at Chiswick on Saturday. Elsewhere a variety of boats afloat this weekend including, fours, pairs, doubles singles and a first training outing for the newly named Marjorie Israel.

The squad has been broken down into three [what have rapidly become know as] squad-ettes, each one having it own 'captain' and some autonomy with regards to training and racing based on availability within that group. The current racing eight is made up from the Novice and S4 squad-ette whilst I hope to see a bit of action very soon from the S2 boys (they're old, it takes them a bit of time to get going).

I've been asked to pass on thanks to the boys for their support for BB Ladies during and after the racing at Hammersmith on Saturday - where one BB crew beat another BB crew in a straight final of S2 coxless fours, to take the first silverware of the season. Richard's inaugural Sunday lunch was also a great success with a big turnout for some top notch catering (He will be doing the same again on the 13th May and it's throughly recommended). Indeed between the racing on Saturday and lunch on Sunday the boathouse was abuzz most of the weekend, which was great to see. Indeed with so many people about we were able to get loads of work done around the place particularly in the bar, caboose and garden. Thanks to everyone for their help and support this weekend. See you all in a fortnight for more of the same - just ask and we can find something useful for you to do before you settle down with a beer on the lawn, in the sun.

THIS WEEK:

Both Marj and myself as well as several of the senior squad are away for Davo's wedding at the weekend so Stu is in charge.

COMING UP:

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK: Barnes Bridge Closures

I would be grateful if you would make sure that everyone at your respective clubs is made aware of this, if you are not expecting the arch closure signs they can be somewhat above the eyeline of someone in a coxless boat. These barges will of course be especially hazardous at night!

On or around the 8th of May for a period of about two weeks structural surveys will be carried out from a barge moored alongside the inside of the two outside arches of Barnes Railway Bridge. Arches in which the barge is operating will be closed to navigation. This will be indicated in the usual fashion in accordance with the Port of London Authority River Byelaws 1978 (as amended) namely:

By day, three red discs 0.6 metres in diameter at the points of an equilateral triangle with the apex downwards and the base horizontal.

By night, three red lights in similar positions to the discs displayed by day.

The closure of the middlesex arch will make transiting the center arch of the bridge extremely hazardous, as craft unable to use the inshore zone would be forced to use the center arch - which would mean pulling out into the navigation lane in front of motor vessels proceeding upriver, who will not be expecting any rowing traffic there. It is very strongly recommended that rowing craft avoid going through Barnes Bridge if at all possible, spinning and proceeding away from the bridge before the restricted zone both upstream and downstream - especially on the flood where rowing craft coming upstream will be on a collision course with anyone pulling out and around the abutment. If there is no alternative to going through the bridge, then craft must proceed at light pressure in single file keeping an extremely good lookout at all times.

This advice has the full support of the TRRC, and any club which causes an incident as a result of not following this advice will likely be heavily penalised.

For further information please see the full NTM.

Attention. Go!

Neil.

A Uniformally Attired Crew, 27/04

Ladies and Chaps,

Regatta season has crept upon us, and with the comes the requirement to race in club kit. The minimum you have to possess is the all-in-one (not for coxswains, whose main aim it is to stay warm and dry - or cool and unburnt - as the weather dictates). To make things easy, and to ensure you get the best price possible, we have set up a deadline with Godfrey again so that everything ordered before that date will be taken as one order. Bearing in mind that most of the kit is cheaper if you order more than one, a definite advantage.

Go on, you know you want more kit...and this time wash the all-in-one (in cool water) before using it for the first time!

Marj.

Captain's Log, 25/04

Saturday saw two fours and a double out for a paddle on a wonderfully flat river whilst an eight, a four and a pair went out in similar conditions with a coach on Sunday. There was a squad meeting on Sunday at which I outlined the plan for the coming season and a separate email will go out to the squad with those details on it. So after a short post-HoRR break training begins in earnest this week and our first race is this weekend at Hammersmith Amateur Regatta in which we have an S3 eight entered. Good luck to the boys in that boat who are basically the S4 crew that was due to race in the HoRR. I've also had some very encouraging 2k scores from (almost) the entire squad, including a very impressive 10 man turnout last Thursday after outings. Scores will be posted in the usual place.

Obviously the main event of the weekend was the naming of our new eight on Sunday for which we had lovely weather, a healthy turnout and a 'bit of a do' afterwards. Raising the money and arranging the logistics for such a significant purchase are one thing but deciding on a name, well that's quite another. However on this occasion the debate about the name was fairly short, much like the recipient of that particular honour as the decision to call it Marjorie Israel was unanimous and unchallenged. Now Marj has questioned whether she was really an old, grumpy or long-standing enough member for such a significant honour. I won't go into her Cygnet CV here but suffice to say that during the discussions one committee member described the amount of work that Marj has done for the club during her tenure as "heroic". So a well-deserved honour and many congratulations to Marjorie. Ironically the biggest boat in the club is now named after the smallest member! Photos will be posted on the website soon

THIS WEEK:

COMING UP:

THE WAY TO A MANS HEART - Two food based innovations being cooked-up:

BOATHOUSE:

You will notice that the bar has been moved again. Don't panic,