News & Events
Len Hoskins
31st August 2024
Len Hoskins 1931 – 2024
It is with sadness that we report the death of Len Hoskins on the 28th July.
Born on 18th November 1931, Len was a post office engineer when he joined Cygnet RC on 13th September 1953, the same day as Peter Roche. Both Len and Peter had previous rowing experience and they were part of a significant influx of new members. Indeed, the club would enter four crews for that year’s HoRR.
In retrospect, 1953 would prove to be a turning point in Cygnet’s post-war fortunes on the water and Len Hoskins would be an important part of that story. Len rowed at seven in a Junior/Junior Senior Vlll that made its debut in 1954 winning at Richmond & Twickenham, Horseferry, Willesden and Kingston regattas. By all accounts, they were a very fast crew, putting in times comparable to some Thames Cup crews that had competed at Henley Regatta a few weeks previously, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the Daily Telegraph’s rowing correspondent. Hoskins was to enjoy one more Vllls win at Maidenhead in 1955. Thereafter, his name disappears from the regatta roll call. Nonetheless, he was one of a number of highly proficient oarsmen who put Cygnet back on the map in the post-war era.
An amusing tale is told of the crew’s win at Richmond and Twickenham in 1954. As winners, the club took possession of the Twickenham Cup, a magnificent piece of silverware housed in a wooden crate of some dimensions. During the course of the evening’s celebrations, John Bull, the coach of the successful crew, thought it prudent to remove the cup to a member’s house overnight for safekeeping. Another members’ ancient Riley was called into service and three of them staggered up several flights of stairs to a flat in Fulham with the crate, blissfully unaware that the pot was still doing the rounds at closing time in a pub at Richmond.It was at Cygnet that Len also met his wife-to-be, Eve Bailey, who was then a member of St Georges Ladies RC. They recalled very happy memories of their time rowing to their children, who remember accompanying their parents to Henley regatta. Eve passed away in 2021
Len's family have requested that, rather than flowers, donations should be made to Cygnet Rowing Club in his memory. Donations can be made online here or please contact the Treasurer for details of donations by cheque or Bank Transfer.
Len: top row, third from left
Len: front row, far right
Captain's Update 18 August
19th August 2024
Afternoon all,
Hope you are all having a good summer so far. I’m currently on my way back from the alps, albeit with a bit of a limp after learning the hard way that I’m probably too old for downhill mountain biking!Anyway, few things from me:
Start of season meeting.
I’ll post on the WhatsApp group but I’m keen to get as many of us down at the boathouse in early September for a short meeting about the year ahead. This will be followed by an erg test so that we can get an idea of where everyone is. Possible dates are Saturday 7th September or the 14th at 0800.S’camp.
Tom has been hard at work organising September’s camp at the bungalow (28-29 September). All the details on the website, including sign up details- please see herehttps://www.cygnet-rc.org.uk/sspage-news__amp__events-rowing_stuff-sculling_camp52.htmlLogging sessions.
It’s been great that we’ve maintained a good regular training pattern through the summer but if you are taking a boat out- either in an organised session or independently- please make sure the steer signs the boat out in the book in the changing rooms as well as on the board in boathouse. This is importance for us to log usage, and if there are any issues with boats. Speaking of which, please make sure boats are washed down after sessions. Important for maintenance but also a courtesy for the next users!LTR.
Got a friend who would be interested in learning to row, or inspired from the Olympics? Then please send them a link to the LTR page on our website! Bonus points if they are at least 6ft4, can squat over 100kg and have less than 10% body fat!Thanks all,
DomCaptain's Log 4th August
4th August 2024
Afternoon team,
Short update this week so I won’t keep you from watching the Olympics for too long…End of season dinner
Charles has sent out a final call. Please do respond by tonight - I’m sure it will be a great evening.Steering
I’m keen to get more people signed off as steers. Going out in small boats is going to be a big part of the programme in the autumn, and so once we restart the coache sessions in a few weeks, I’ll be making sure as many as possible get practice. Here is a helpful short video https://youtu.be/j9ENJdm4emU?feature=shared And here is a helpful long video….https://youtu.be/GHeJ0M3L4ok?si=oI_LKjGRiJ9XzA00Training
Some really good sessions from the novices this weekend, making the most of the water and weather to get lots of drills done. Well done to all. I’ll be around this week but will miss the next couple of weekends as I’ll be doing some pre season training in the alps…Others in the captaincy will set the crews for these sessions.Club blazers
There is an option of getting a club blazer (pictures of which can be seen on the website). Cost is £175. Please get in touch with Charles if interested.And speaking of the Olympics, there has been some absolutely fantastic rowing. If you can watch the highlights of the men’s 8, I’d highly recommend it – the way the GB broke away in the third 500 was amazing, particularly whilst still looking so damn relaxed. That’s the aim!
Thanks,
Dom
