| Cygnet Rowing Club |
| The Cygnet Blog 2010 |
| Bernie Thompson Race Notification |
TSS will be holding its annual Bernie Thompson race, in single sculls, from Chiswick Bridge to Beverley Brook and back on Sunday 3rd Oct. The race will start at 11am, competitors will generally be wearing the yellow T shirts we sold in aid of Prostate cancer research so should be obvious to all! Scullers will be started in batches of 10 or 15 with a long gap between each batch. We hope this will ensure there are no significant obstructions to other river users.
Regards
Chris Williams
Tideway Scullers
| Goodbye, 20/09 |
After 9 years as webmaster, the arrival of a scull (courtesy of Stampfli), a wife (courtesy of BBLRC), two small boys (ditto) and a lot of happy memories (courtesy of Fuller's) it's time for the old webmaster to make way for the new.
See you on the river...
Mike
| Captain's Update, 15/09 |
Afternoon all,
Eights and fours out with new coxons these past two weeks, not to mention the Pairs Head crews continuing their training in preparation for the main event on 16 Oct. The holiday season concludes this weekend with sculling camp at the Cygnets bungalow so please let Laurent know asap if you haven't yet told him you're coming along and also make yourself available to help load boats onto the trailer this evening at 7pm. Sculling camp starts at 10am on Sat and with many of you making your way to Shepperton, there will be no organised outings on the Tideway this weekend.
The season kicks off with a squad meeting on Monday at 7pm in the bar where we will outline our plans for the season. From that point we will be monitoring the level of training done by each squad member so remember to keep filling in the training and availability spreadsheet, which will inform crew selection decisions.
Vet Fours Head/Fours Head - 13/14 November
A reminder that the next big racing event will be the fours head and we'll be looking to set crews by the end Sept/early Oct. If you haven't already, can you please let me know by Friday 24 Sept if you want to train and race for this event. Likewise if you want to participate in the vet fours head let me know by the same date.
Evening outings
All evening outings must now have boat lights. With sunset now at 19:15, this will be the final week where boats can go out in the evening unaccompanied. After this weekend, night rowing can only take place if a crew is a) a set racing crew and b) accompanied by a launch or steered by an oarsman approved by the Captaincy, in consultation with the Water Safety Adviser, for night time steering.
Boat cleaning/changing room cleaning
A lot of us have noticed how filthy the inside of our boats can get if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. We all want to be rowing in boats that look good inside and out so we will now be cleaning the inside of our boats once a weekend to ensure that remains the case. I'm sure you'll agree that an extra few minutes each weekend to avoid gummed up slides and rowing in your crewmates body hair is worth the effort. Also remember that the changing room clean up is this weekend so all personal items should be removed or suitably bagged on a peg to avoid falling victim to the cleaners.
Rowers revenge! - Sun 3rd Oct
Every year, one of Cygnet's (or possibly one of the UK's) most dedicated fitness enthusiasts Nick Wyatt encourages the rest of us to head out to Marlow and get beaten by him at the rowers revenge triathlon (4k erg, 23.5k bike and 7.5k run). However, Nick fears he may be beaten this year and now's your chance to topple him. See: http://www.f3events.co.uk/race_view.php?i=92 for more information and how to enter this year's event. Seriously though, it's an ideal opportunity to test your fitness at this time of the season and a fair few Cygnets usually take part as a quick glance at previous events on the Cygnet website will reveal.
That's it from me for now. See you down the club, at sculling camp or on Monday for the squad meeting.
Stu
| Captain's Update, 16/08 |
All,
The holiday season is now upon us with various crews out taking advantage of the summer evenings. Nick Rowett continues to coach the squads at weekends and we've been encouraged by the number of you training in shed which can only bode well for the new season. A few of the senior squad also made their way northwards to race at Peterborough regatta.
Peterborough Summer Regatta
The regatta weekend got off to an unfortunate start with the news that Gav had injured himself during a squatting exercise on Friday. A few last minute calls didn't yield a sub so sadly the Novice 4+ had to scratch. Of the handful of seniors remaining, the IM2 2- (Bart/Stu) made the 1000m final on Sat finishing 3rd and followed that up with a 2nd place finish in the 500m final on Sunday. Matteo was beaten by a canvas in the final of the IM2 1x on Sunday whilst the Novice 2x (Lee/Stu) followed up their 2nd place at Neots with a 2nd place in the final at P'boro. A weary bunch returned last night, largely satisfied with the weekend's racing despite the lack of pewter.
And that concludes the summer regatta programme. It's been a rewarding season for some but for others it's been one of frustrating close-calls and we'll want to rectify that next year. The pewter will return, I have no doubt.
Race fees
Now that the regatta season is at an end can everyone please clear their racing debts by the end of August at the latest. As I mentioned a couple of weeks back, regatta fees and coaching come out of the same pot. We're looking to employ a new coach in September and we'll need the funds to pay them. Some of you owe over GBP50 with a few of you owing close to GBP100 and that's a fair amount of coaching time lost if you don't pay up.
The Bank of Byrne circulated the latest monies owed list last week so please settle up in time for the new season.
New season
A brand new 2010/11 training and availability spreadsheet for the senior squad, with input from our previous coach Kirsty Simpson, will be circulated in the next week so you can get filling in your availability from September (a new novice spreadsheet will follow a bit later). A number of you will be moving up from the novice to senior squad so you'll have a new training programme. That includes earlier outings at weekends with the new novice squad for 2011 beginning outings at 10/10:30am in Sept.
I will also be circulating a questionnaire in the next couple of weeks giving each of you the opportunity to state what you want out of the coming season and in particular whether you are available to train and be considered for selection for the Fours Head on Sunday 15 November. Responses will remain confidential and amongst other things will help us know where to pitch the level of training over the course of the year.
Pairs Head - Saturday 16th October
Many thanks to those of you who got back to me about the Pairs Head. Pairs Head crews will be as follows:
IM1 2- Dave French and Nick Bates in the Benrath.
IM2 2x Matteo Perucchini and Luke Gannon in the 1890.
IM2 2- Barry Thomas and Andy Naylor in Ye White Hart.
Masters 2x Chris Shea and Andy Rawkins in the Hamhaugh Island
Masters 2x Mike Condron (AKRC) and Neil Jackson in Neil's own 2x
Mixed IM2 2x Rob Henderson and Becky Rangecroft (BBLRC) - boat to be sourced by crew
From this point on, the club pairs and doubles will be set up to accommodate the above crews and should not be re-rigged or have the steering changed. If anyone wants to take out any of the above club boats it must be with the prior approval of the Captaincy and Pairs Head crew concerned.
Boat lights for evening rowing
You would have all seen Neil Pickford's email a few weeks back advising on boat lights. Sunset is now before 20:30 so all crews boating from 18:30 must have lights. Crews boating before then should still perform the usual risk assessment and take lights if the evening is particularly overcast. In September, all evening outings must have boat lights. Unaccompanied evening outings will conclude towards the end of that month.
Fleet
The Alan Cox 4- is now de-rigged to be sent away for a full hull refurbishment. That leaves the Paul Rawkins as the main 4- for the next few weeks so if you are planning on taking it out, check with me to avoid a clash with other crews.
Dates for the Diary
See you in the week.
Stuart
| Bungalow Dinghy Update, 02/08 |
You will remember that the Foley family have renovated the wooden boat at the bungalow to an almost brand new condition. This was done in memory of a young family member, who loved visiting the bungalow and had died tragically last year. It was agreed in committee that as a thank you the young woman who organised and oversaw the renovation should be allowed the use of the dingy for a charity row next month. We also said that we would mention the charity on our website.
The charity is "Music for Youth" and the web address is www.justgiving.com/oxfordtoshepperton.
Please give generously (particularly if you've ever been ferried across the river in search of a Costa).
| Bungalow BBQ, 02/08 |
This year's Bungalow BBQ is on the 21st August. Here's the flyer (PDF).
| Stu's First Captain's Update, 02/08 |
Dear All,
Well, we've emerged from the captaincy handover week relatively unscathed and thoughts are starting to turn to the new rowing season. Those at the OGM last Tuesday will have heard me speak briefly about what the new captaincy wants to do over the next year. In a nutshell, we want to achieve the following objectives:
Before all that though, we have another 6 weeks or so of summer rowing (let's hope this weather holds), which started with a trip to back to Henley yesterday.
Henley Town and Visitors Regatta (31 July)
An IM1 4-, IM2 4+, and an IM2 1x made the trip to HT&V but sadly no pottage was to be had. The 4- lost out in the IM1 final to Thames Tradesmen whilst the IM2 4+ were pipped in their semi by a few feet. Neil Pickford competed in his IM2 scull and put in a great effort against Henley Royal Regatta-standard opposition from Marlow but was sadly edged out at the death. No tug-of-war this year so no bonus event for Cygnet to clean up in sadly.
Coaching in August
Nick Rowett has agreed to coach both the senior and (ex)novice squads this month starting this coming Saturday. For those of you who don't know Nick, he's a professional rowing/sculling coach who coached at Tideway Scullers School for many years and Cygnet on occasion before taking his expertise abroad. He'll be heading back out to resume coaching in South Africa in September and we are lucky to have him for the next few weekends. For those of you who want coaching this month, just make sure you've added your availability to the August spreadsheet or you'll miss out.
We'll be emailing crews for this weekend on Tuesday. The aim will be to get as many of you out for coaching as possible so if we have the numbers, it'll be in eights. I'll email out the senior crews for next weekend (8am (Sat)/8:30am Sun). The (ex)novice squad will continue with later 10/10:30 outings until they join the senior squad for the new season in September - Laurent will select the crew as per usual.
Peterborough Summer Regatta (14/15 August)
With Nick Rowett coaching at the club during August, there will only be a small contingent heading up to P'boro Summer this year. A senior four, some doubles and singles plus a novice four will be entered. I'll be emailing out to the P'boro Summer crews in the next couple of days.
Bank of Byrne
The Bank of Byrne will remain open next year but we need more of you to pay your regatta fees as soon as possible. Ultimately, the regatta entry fees and coaching monies are paid out of the same pot of cash so the more of you in debt, the less we are able to pay for coaching. For the new season, we will want you to stay in credit so the Bank of Byrne will calculate what an average rower is likely to pay over the course of the Head and Regatta seasons to help you.
The New Season
We will be issuing a new training and availability spreadsheet for the new season in a few weeks time. This will be followed by squad meetings with both the senior and new novice squad later in September. The spreadsheet will continue to be the main record of your land training and water sessions so it's essential that you fill it in if you want to be selected for outings and racing crews in the coming year. We don't intend chasing everyone for availability so if you don't fill it in or let us know your plans then you won't get out on the river.
We are currently working to recruit a new head coach for the new season. More on that as details emerge.
The Boat Fleet
We have been looking at the state of the boat fleet over the last few days and have now coloured coded each boat so you know what seats and riggers go where. We'd like to keep it that way so if any equipment fails, report it to me, Bart or Laurent rather than taking equipment straight off other boats. You will also need to speak to me first if you want to take out any of the clubs main racing boats - this club rule applies to the Pickford 4+, Israel 8+, Roche 4+, Cox 4-, Benrath 2- and Hamhaugh Island 2x.
Note that the club single Cygnet Friends Reunited is currently missing its hatch so should not be taken out on the river at this time.
Dates for the Diary
Bungalow BBQ (Sat 21 Aug) - if you want to go please let Ronnie (email removed) know.
Club Day (Sun 29 Aug) - more from our new Social Secretary Matt Clarke very soon.
Sculling Camp (18/19 Sept) - it's back and you know you want to. More from Laurent in the next few weeks.
Pairs Head (Sat 16 Oct) - club boats are at a premium so let me know by this Friday 6th Aug if you want to train and race in the Pairs Head. So far I have declared interest from the Dave/Nick B and Barry/Andy N combos.
Fours Head (Sun 14 Nov) - our priority target for the next few months so get it in the diaries now if you want to train and race.
That's enough from me. See you in the week.
Stu
| Rob's Last Captain's Update, 28/07 |
Dear all,
Right, well I guess this is it from me - thank you to those of you who were there last night to see out/in the old/new captaincy:
New Captaincy
Captain - Stu Gibbons
Deputy - Bart de Groot
Vice - Laurent Couacaud / M. Le Cox / Le Cox Sportif / M. Coco
Good luck to you all gents - you'll do a fantastic job and I hope you have a whale of a time!
JoMo
A certain shy and retiring member of the New Zealand community will be making her way back from whence she came in a suitably shy and retiring manner. Basically, she's planning a huge knees-up and you're all invited - even Novice Gav. Here is the plan in her own words (say it in the kiwi accent, go on...)
In order to say goodbye to as many people as possible at one venue I'll be having leaving BBQ and drinks at the club on Saturday august 7th from 2pm. BBQ will be a couple of quid each and the boys can fight over who gets to cook the meat!
I really hope as many people as possible can make it, activities will include drinking, eating, kareoke, dancing, astronaut training, welly wanging, kilt and knitwear modelling by stu and trouser removal by laurent and if that isn't enough to entice you then me being thrown in the Thames should probably do it.
If people could send me a quick email confirming their attendance and whether you'll have a partner, child or random with you that would be most helpful for catering purposes.
Email removed@gmail.com
Neots
A very nice weekend was had by all (I hope!) Silverware unfortunately only came via the mixed racing on both days, including a rather exciting CYG/BBL vs CYG/BBL final. The losing crew capitulated gallantly allowed the other boat to win, as it was a certain Kiwi's final race.
Most notably out of the racing were finals for the IM2 4+, IM3 8+, IM2 2x, Nov 2x - unfortunately always the bridesmaid though. Thank you to all for the hard work, organisation, racing and lash.
And here's a report from Saturday from our roving eye:
The stats alone for St Neots Saturday were impressive: 27 Cygnets, in 10 crews, racing in 7 categories.
We could potentially have gathered a total of 18 points between us - enough for an IM1 4 on its own - so a number of cunning plans were brought into play to ensure we didn't win too many points. In decreasing order of subtlety:
Stu's 4+ battled through two rounds, only to lose narrowly to MAA in the final.
Rob's 4+ got a bye to the semi in the same event, but were beaten by the same crew.
Baz & Andy's 2- were going good guns by the corner - too good - so Baz beautifully caught a crab on the perfectly flat water, ensuring that they couldn't quite catch their oppo before the line.
The authorities didn't suspect a thing.
No such subtleties required in the mixed boats however, where the Boys' finesse and the Girls' slabs of raw power took the "Kiwi-Leave-To-Remain-Is-Expired" 8+ to glory.
Burway
Pottage was most certainly achieved at Burway Regatta last weekend, with the Shea/Rawkins double defeating all comers in the Masters 2x. Shea doubled his haul with a win in the Masters 1x too. Congratulations to both for a very successful conversion rate!
Henley T&V
We have 3 crews entered for T&V this weekend. Good luck to all:
IM1 4-, IM2 4+, IM2 1x
Spreadsheet
Finally, a plea from me as outgoing Captain, to help the new one: please please please fill in the spreadsheet for the coming months. I can't begin to tell you how much time it saves when trying to plan ahead if everyone is on there and up to date. I must have wasted hours over the past 12 months emailing / texting / calling. For the good of Stu's sanity, please fill it in!
Right, that's it from me; it's been a blast, thank you to everyone for the support over the past year, but especially to Matt and Laurent for the excellent work on the Captaincy. Good luck Stu, Bart and Laurent (encore) - you'll have a great time.
See you in the shed / on the water / in the bar,
Rob
| Rowing At Night, 20/07 |
From the PLA via our WSA:
I know it is mid-July, but the days are getting shorter. The PLA have produced a new guide on being seen at times of low visibility.
Link to the complete lighting guide
I would like to point out one major change and that is the use of a flashing bow light.
| Captain's Update, 20/07 |
Morning all,
120th
What a fantastic night! Drinks, food, top-notch speeches, killepitsch, union jack boxer shorts - it had it all. The night was held at an uncharacteristically steady state of enjoyment which allowed the merriment and polite conversation to carry on to the wee hours back in the club bar; it certainly still seemed to be going strong at 3am anyway!
A big thank you to Stu and Paul Rawkins for organising it all, as well as our President and Chairman for their speeches, and the chairman again for getting Matt C to take his hands out of his pockets for the toasting of the Queen - the young ruffian.
St Neots
The draw is out: http://www.stneotsrc.co.uk/eventdraw.asp
I'll expect our crack team of Spreadsheet Goons to work out every possible permutation of boat allocation over the weekend right away. Here's to a successful (and sunny) weekend!
The trailer will be heading up on Friday evening, so all boats will need to be on by Thursday please.
We have 2 offers of 'rides' up to the bad lands of Cambridgeshire: Jason in his Hillbilly Chevy truck (leaving Hammersmith or the club anytime after 7pm) or Fabio in his p1mp mobile early on Sat morning - it may have to be very early though! Let them know if you fancy a ride.
OGM - 27th
The Ordinary General Meeting will take place next week on Tuesday 27th July, 7pm in the bar. It's main item will be the election of the new Captaincy, so please come along to support / cheer / throw eggs at the new Captain and his team.
Security
Finally, a missive from the ladies Captain:
I turned up at boathouse at 6.45am this morning [Thursday]. everything was locked up but I heard a noise form bar unlocked bar to find the TV had been left on and was on some kind of dodgy p0rn chat channel, plus the fire door in the bar was open. Not too sure what to make of it. I was a bit bleary eyed but seeing a women in a skimpy pink bikini touching herself certainly helped to wake me up.
And the Boathouse Captain:
this is the second time I know about the club being left unlocked in the last 2 weeks - if people can't lock the club up properly after hours we'll have to restrict use
It goes without saying that this is very serious - it's totally unacceptable to leave the place unlocked; even with everything securely shut there may well be people casing the place. If people can't lock the place up properly, give me a call and I'll talk you through it, otherwise we will have to restrict opening times. You have been warned.
Right, moan over, let's enjoy the weekend and bring on the St Neots pewter!
Rob
| Captain's Update, 08/07 |
Morning all,
HRR
Unfortunately neither crews made it through Qualifiers for Henley Royal Regatta. Both crews reported they were happy with their rows, but on the day it wasn't quite enough. The coxed 4 were especially close, being the fastest non-qualifiers in the Britannia. I know both crews have been training hard over the past few months, so well done for all the hard work, and let's hope we can bring back a few pots over the rest of the summer!
The other Henley event - Henley Friday at Old Blades - was a success, good weather, good food, good drink and I think there was some good racing as well, but who knows!
Kingston
Kingston Regatta is this Saturday; the draw is now out and we have the following crews racing, good luck to all:
IM2 8+
IM2 4-
IM3 4+
Nov 4+
Mas 2x (Sunday)
Sculling
It has been proposed that we will run a few sculling weekends over the summer, probably over 3 weekends in August / September, starting with beginners on week 1 and building everyone up over the 3 weekends. Details TBC, but if you are interested, I would suggest emailing me for the time being for more info.
Dates
10 July - Kingston
17 July - 120th
24/25 July - St Neots
31 July - Henley T&V
14/15 - Peterborough Summer
Cheers!
Rob
| Aston Martin Cygnet, 29/06 |
The latest offering from Aston Martin, the Cygnet.
Initial reviews describe it as slow-to-start, under-powered, cheap, sluggish and unreliable. We are unsure why they have called it Cygnet.
| Club Ties, 29/06 |
A number of you have enquired about club ties in advance of the club's annual trip out to Henley on Friday.
Club ties are available from any TM Lewin outlet priced between L18 and L27 depending on what deal they have on at the time. [Link to specific tie on kit page (see left) - Ed]
Price for an individual tie is currently L27 but the latest TM Lewin deal is 4 of these ties for L90 (i.e. L22.50 each). With Henley a few days away, best bet will be for you to get togeLher with a few tie-less club mates and send one of them off to TM Lewin to take advantage of the latest discount.
Stu.
| Are You Ready, 26/06 |
"Fully" "updated" for 2010 it's the Cygnet Guide to Henley Royal Regatta. Read. It.
| HRR Qualification Results, 25/06 |
This afternoon's/evening HRR Qualifier results are up on the HRR website (latest news).
Sadly none of our crews qualified, with the added frustration of both our Brittania 4+ and BBLRC's Remenham 8+ being the fastest non-qualifiers in their events.
Gutting...
| Captain's Update, 24/06 |
Morning all,
Huge best wishes to our Henley Royal hopefuls:
Good luck to our 2 hopeful crews who are at Qualifiers today for Henley:
Wyfolds (4-) (41 crews going for 14 places). Qualifier is at 16:20:
Str: Bart de Groot
3: Matt Clarke
2: Neil Pickford
Bow: Stu Gibbons
Britannia (4+) (18 crews going for 6 places). Qualifier is at 18:35:
Cox: Marj Israel
Str: Barry Thomas
3: Nick Bates
2: Dave French
Bow: Andy Naylor
As always, the odds are tough to qualify, with around 3 crews per remaining place in each event. However, our boys have been training hard over the past few months, so here's to an excellent row (and hopefully an excellent result) for both! Good luck!
Richmond
Not that HRR is the only event taking place this week: Cygnet have 3 crews entered for Richmond, with a Vet Masters 2x (Shea / Rawkins), IM2 4+ (Israel, de Groot, Clarke, Pickford, Gibbons) and N4+ (Couacaud, Fedden, Hunter, Watson, Lyle) all racing on Saturday. Good luck guys!
Henley Friday
Moving back to the subject of Henley, it is of course Henley Friday next week: I hope you have all managed to get time off work! Any questions about the day can come to Marj or myself. Here's to a beautiful, sunny day.
Yoga - 7pm Wednesday
The ladies have organised a free yoga session next Wednesday (30th June) at 7pm in the shed. I mention this so:
1) if you want some free yoga action, you know where to go
2) if you want some erg action, you'll have to be done before 7pm (or take the erg outside if it's nice weather)
Boat Racks
From our Sue Grob (wearing her Boathouse Captain sombrero):
There is currently a spare rack space within the boatshed for a single scull. I have been approached by someone outside of the club for racking of their single scull, and whilst this may lead to them joining the club, I thought I ought to offer it to existing members first. Therefore, if you are interested in having your single scull housed inside the boat shed please contact me Sue Grobler on xxx.xxx@gmail.com and I will send you details of fees etc.
If I have not received any interest by Sunday 4th July I will release the racking to the interested party.
Bike Found
A men's black, Globe, bike was found by the Shed last night. If it belongs to anyone, give me a shout and I can reunite you with it.
Dates
30th June - HRR 1st day of competition
2nd July - Henley Friday
10th July - Kingston
17th July - Cygnet 120th (@ Ye White Hart - tickets from Stu)
24/25th July - St Neots
31st July - Henley Town and Visitors
14/15th August - Peterborough
Rob
| Qualifiers, 24/06 |
Best of luck to the 2 fours and BBLRC eight racing at the HRR Qualifiers tomorrow. Race details can be found here.
| BBLRC HWR Win, 24/06 |
Belated congratulations to the BBLRC quad that beat all-comers in the Senior 4x (The Chairman's Cup) event at the recent Henley Women's Regatta. Outstanding!
| Exec Calendar, 13/06 |
With a new boathouse captain comes a new Exec calendar. The link above has been changed accordingly. Give it a try...
| Captain's Report, 09/06 |
Morning all,
I have a couple of reports, hot off the press from our roving eyes in Peterborough and the Met this weekend:
Peterborough
A great weekend was had by all who attended Peterborough Spring Regatta. We had the novices representing the club in the N8+, N4+ & some in the IM3 8+ events on Saturday and again in the N8+ 500m sprint on Sunday. There were a few intermediates as well racing in the IM3 8+ & IM3 4+ on Saturday and in mixed crews with the ladies on Sunday.
Unfortunately no pots were collected on any of these days, possibly due to a fact that some of the crews were at their very first outing together, especially the mixed ones, but it gave a good idea of where we stand at the moment. For most of the novices it was their first taste of proper lake racing and I believe most enjoyed it, except that the weeds made it somewhat miserable at times to even get to the start line, with blades being dragged down the surface and boats veering right into the bank (oops!). A glorious weather was enjoyed on Saturday (including a delightful N8+ paddle through Peterborough 'City'), but that soon turned into grey & wet skies on the Sunday, making it hard for some to wake up especially after a night of enjoyment & turmoil (yes, turmoil) at the mobile disco!!
The ladies on their side were more successful in Sunday's N4+ sprint, where they won the final by about, errmmm a bow ball of a bow ball. A very good & very exciting race especially seeing as they were coxed by a Cygnet!! So not entirely potless!
Met
Despite untimely illness and late substitutions, the Met proved a useful experience for Cygnet's IM2 coxless four crew. They came 5th in their heat on both days but the boat was well within the racing pack for much of the race and will need to find an extra 10 seconds over 2K to be up amongst the faster crews come Henley. The boys are now working to a tailored coaching programme to help them bridge that gap. As ever the Met's fruit smoothies, ice creams and dirty fried food came up to scratch.
BMI/Reading
Which brings us to BMI - no draw as yet, however, there will hopefully be an AK/Cyg 2x, N8+, N4+ and IM3 4+ doing the old petrol pumps to MAA route. Sir Geoffrey will be watching; please feel free to come along and give those racing a cheer/jeer. I'm sure there may be a little gathering after the racing too…
We do have a draw for the IM1 4- at Reading though - a first round against Putney Town: good luck lads!!
Bike
I have been asked to pass the following message on from the Boathouse Captain (with her getting-rid-of-stuff fez on):
Anyone want a bike? Sue G has a mens Kona 18" mountain bike and size 10 cycling shoes and they could be yours for free / gratis / libre / libero / frei ??? All you need to do is email Sue on grobler.sue@goolgmail.com and arrange to pick them up or she is happy to bring them down to the club - if it makes a difference is the bike is red and it has "normal" and cleat pedals (hence the shoes).
Dates
This weekend: BMI/Reading/World Cup baby!
19/20 June - Marlow
26 June - Richmond
2 July - Henley Friday
10 July - Kingston
17 July - 120th
24/25 July - St Neots
31 July - Henley Town and Visitors
14/15 August - Peterborough: The Return
See you around,
Rob
| Foley Family Dingy Renovation, 02/06 |
A note and some pictures from Ronnie detailing the recent refurbishment of the bungalow dingy:
To all
Some of you will have heard of the Foley family. Mrs Foley and her sister have both been paying users of the bungalow since the 1950/60s. Their father was a coxing member of Cygnet before the Second World Wqr (WW2). His name of course wasn't Foley.
The Foley's as a family are devoted to the bungalow and to its welfare. Sadly a young man a member of the Foley family died last year under tragic circumstances and he had also loved the Bungalow. In memory of him his sister asked if she could renovate the wooden dinghy which had originally had been donated to the bungalow by our President Peter Sly. Being a wooden craft this boat had got into some disrepair and it had been decoded to destroy it. Permission was given for the renovation to be carried out
The work has now been completed and the dinghy was re-launched yesterday. The work was mainly carried out by the young woman sister to the sad young man. And you can see from the attached pictures that the work has been done to a remarkably high standard. The boat looks as if it has come straight from the hands of the original maker. New parts were made and for example the back to the seat was made and the in filling made by hand as were the two blades that came with the boat plus all other fittings and parts. I am sure that you will be impressed.
The young woman who has carried out the major part of the renovation has asked it she and two others may use the boat during part of august for a charity row. They are all experienced dingy oarsmen. I feel quite sure that members of the Bungalow Management Committee will agree to me granting this request.
Ronnie.
| PLA Leisure, 31/05 |
A link to the new PLA leisure users website. You'll also find it on our links page.
"Just a quick email to let you know, the PLA, have launched a new website dedicated to leisure users. The site has a rowing section where you can download guidance documents."
| United Hospitals Warning This Weekend, 21/05 |
From the UH captains:
Dear All,
This is just to let you know that this weekend, the 22nd and 23rd of May, United Hospitals Boat Club will be holding its annual Bumps races between Syon Reach and Chiswick Bridge. On Saturday, there will be three divisions starting at 12:45, 14:45 and 16:45, and on Sunday there will be three divisions starting at 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. Boats will be getting on the water up to 1.5 hours before the start of their division, and will be boating from TSS and UL. All boats should be off the water within 1 hour of the 3rd division.
If there are any complaints or concerns before, during or after racing, please don't hesitate to get in touch with any of the marshals on the water, or call Fiona Leaf (UH Captain) on Thanks very much,
Sophie Cowen, Chris Anthony and Fiona Leaf, UH Captains 09-10
Dear All,
Those of you around the boathouse this weekend will have noticed we took delivery of a brand new coxed four. The four will be used by both senior and novice squads for racing this season but before it can start racking up the pots it will need to be named. Therefore, as is tradition, the Chairman of Cygnet Rowing Club would like to cordially invite you to the boat naming ceremony at 7pm on Wednesday 26th May at the boathouse. Bubbly and snacks will be provided. As ever, bar patronage is also encouraged.
So we can get an idea of numbers, please let me know if you will be attending by 23 May.
Hope to see you all there.
Stuart
Social Secretary
Dateline 11am yesterday - you may have seen some...
Within the next hour, Mogden Sewage Treatment Works will be discharging heavily diluted storm water into the River Thames.
Storm water is screened, settled in tanks and mixed with fully treated wastewater before it reaches the river.
We regret the necessity to discharge partly treated effluent in this way. Improvements are already under way at Mogden to reduce the chance of this happening in the future.
Until this essential work is done, London's sewer network - which is Victorian - and other facilities will remain overstretched. This means that after heavy rain there is simply nowhere else for excess storm sewage to go, which is why these discharges, though regrettable, are legal and consented.
Thames Water
Dear all,
Link below for details of the Cygnet 120th birthday celebration on Saturday 17th July at Ye White Hart pub in Barnes. Also a link to a potted history of Cygnet Rowing Club to whet your appetite for the big occasion.
Tickets will be available later this week priced GBP28 each.
If you would like to come please email Stu or Paul Rawkins. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis and issued on payment.
Paying for tickets - preferred method of payment is by cheque (payable to 'Cygnet RC'). You can either hand those cheques to me or Paul or leave the cheque in the Treasurers pigeon hole at the boathouse stating clearly on the back of the cheque what its for. You can also make payment by bank transfer - let me or Paul know if you wish to do so and we can issue the relevant bank details. If you make a bank transfer you will also have to ensure the club Treasurer is copied in so he is aware of the payment.
Let me or Paul know if you have any further questions.
Hope to see you there.
Stuart Gibbons, Social Secretary, Cygnet Rowing Club.
Cygnet at 120 - A Potted History
From Thames Water via our WSA:
As of 1540:hrs Mogden Sewage Treatment Works will be discharging heavily diluted storm water into the River Thames due to process issues.
Such water is screened, settled in tanks and mixed with fully treated wastewater before it reaches the river.
We regret the necessity to discharge partly treated effluent in this way. Improvements are already under way at Mogden to reduce the chance of this happening in the future.
Until this essential work is done, London's sewer network - which is Victorian - and other facilities will remain overstretched. This means that after heavy rain there is simply nowhere else for excess storm sewage to go, which is why these discharges, though regrettable, are legal and consented.
Thames Water
0845 9200 800
www.thameswater.co.uk
Here's the official poster (big PDF format). It tells you all you need to know.
Morning,
Weekly bike ride
As mentioned last week, Fabio is organising a weekly bike ride around Kew/Richmond, perhaps with a cheeky pub pit stop. The first meet up is tonight, 7pm outside Cafe Rouge (Strand on the Green). Anyone is welcome to come along - it's looking like there will be a few coming already.
Bank holiday sculling pod
As it's the bank holiday, I propose a sculling pod on the Monday (weather permitting of course!). I'll be coming down to the club for 10am to go out in the single in the 'playpen' (between Chiswick Eyot and UL), so if anyone wants to join me then please feel free!
Borne - Sat 8 May
Entries close for Borne this week. We will be putting in a few small boats, however, there is potential for some mixed racing with BBLRC. Please let me know by Thursday if you are up for some mixed racing action. The ladies are only putting seniors forward, so I'd suggest only senior rowers from our side put their names forward. We'll be looking to race in coxed 4s. Remember - it's a pointless pot!!
Hatches
A quick plea from those in the know - please open the hatches after every outing. This is particularly important for the singles racked outside as the boats need venting. If the hatches are left closed, then this can adversely affect the structure of the boat over time. You have been warned!
Dates
1 May - Chiswick (N 2x - Henderson/Byrne [uh-oh!] first race at 1230 vs some schoolboys / IM2 1x Pickford [that's more like it] final at 1820 vs CORC and Poplar)
8 May - Borne (let me know if you want some mixed racing)
15 May - Putney Town
29 May - Twickenham
5/6 June - Met
12 June - BMI/Reading
19/20 June - Marlow
26 June - Richmond
See you around,
Rob
From the PLA via our WSA:
Notice to Mariners
U9 of 2010 Borehole Drilling - Putney Bridge Barn Elms Reach Lower
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.U9 of 2010 BOREHOLE DRILLING ? PUTNEY PIER BARN ELMS REACH LOWER
In addition to the information promulgated already at Notice to Mariner M8 of 2010:-
On or about the 12th April to 25th April 2010, the jack up barge Skate 2D will be positioned at borehole 2083 some 80 metres above the centre of Number 4 Arch of Putney Bridge and almost 60 metres offshore, roughly midway between the centre of Number 4 Arch and Putney Pier.
Persons in charge of vessels proceeding to and from the pier, and those on passage past the pier should proceed with caution, with particular reference to the close proximity of the jack up barge and the direction of the tidal stream. Rowers coming down with the ebb tide intending to continue downstream should take particular care.
SKATE 2D which is fitted with Thames AIS, shall display the lights and shapes as prescribed in Rule 27 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 namely:
Further details will be broadcast by London VTS on VHF Channel 14.
Persons in charge of vessels are also to navigate with extra caution and proceed at slow speed when passing the work.
Date Published: 22-Mar-10
From Thames Water via our WSA:
As of 12:00hrs Mogden Sewage Treatment Works discharged heavily diluted storm water into the River Thames due to process issues.
Such water is screened, settled in tanks and mixed with fully treated wastewater before it reaches the river.
We regret the necessity to discharge partly treated effluent in this way. Improvements are already under way at Mogden to reduce the chance of this happening in the future.
Until this essential work is done, London's sewer network - which is Victorian - and other facilities will remain overstretched. This means that after heavy rain there is simply nowhere else for excess storm sewage to go, which is why these discharges, though regrettable, are legal and consented.
Thames Water
There's shit on the end of your blade; no the OTHER end...
From the regional WSA via our WSA...
To the CWSA
I have been in conversation with the PLA. Over the winter crews and coaches going out at night have, in general, been observant with regards the use of lights on boats and launches. However standards seem to be slipping and the PLA are not happy with the number of crews and launches going for outings and not showing the correct lights.
Sunset is just after 20:00 hrs. If you are on the water within half an hour of sunset you need to have the correct lights on your boat.
Rowing boats must have a bow and stern white light
Coaching Launches must have a white all round light on a mast along with port and starboard lights.
Remember these lights are a requirement.
On another note the RNLI have been busy rescuing scullers. For some of these rescues I have not had an incident report. I hope these will be forthcoming and the people concerned have made a suitable contribution to the RNLI.
Finally , a message from the RNLI. If you are going for an outing on your own. The one thing all crews are advised to carry is a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
Tony Reynolds.
Morning all,
No preamble here, apart from to say that summer = awesome:
Sculling Camp
A big thank you to Laurent for organising this and to everyone else who helped out, be that rigging, trailering, cooking, coaching, buddying, or entertaining (ie falling in). I won't go into too much detail (I'm sure Laurent is preparing some War and Peace-esque report on the weekend) but suffice to say it was a fantastic weekend.
Hammersmith
Hammersmith Regatta is this Saturday, and the first of the summer. We did have a 2- entered, but due to lack of competition in that class (they're all obviously scared) there is unfortunately no event for the crew. Which effectively means they won (at least in a Cygnet sense). So a big congratulations to Bates and Dave for winning the first pots of the season!!! (sort of)
Cycling
Fabio had approached me with the excellent idea of starting up a regular cycling session, probably on a weekly basis. The inaugural session will take place tomorrow, meet outside Café Rouge (Strand on the Green) at 7pm.
The route (25km) is a circuit, going over Kew Bridge, along the Thames to Ham, Richmond Park, Over Richmond Hill (possible pub pit-stop) and back to Kew. Should take just over an hour. Any questions to Fabio please (cc'd to this).
Surf Rowing
This has been passed on to me. Looks interesting…let me know if you'd potentially be up for it. I know that other clubs have had a good time doing it. If you need more info, let me know, but also talk to Matt C (copied to this, and one of our newest members) who has competed at this recently:
We are looking for crew interested in entering surf rowing competitions this summer. Entry is GBP10 per person plus trailerage for each event. We have a mens and womens team and need 4 rowers and one steersperson for each race. You can compete in as many or as few races as you like and no previous experience of surf rowing is required, although some rowing experience is necessary. Dates and locations are:
10km time trial - Sunday April 25th, Truro, Cornwall
Saturday 5th June Porthcawl, Wales Rd 1
Saturday 19th June Saunton Sands Rd 2
Saturday 10th July Watergate Bay Rd 3
Saturday 11th September Newquay Rd 4
Saturday 25th September ...Bournemouth Rd 5
UK Open Surfboat Championships - Saturday 24th July, Saunton Sands
European Surf Rowing Championships - 26th August, Holland
We are based in Bristol and London and can help coordinate transport from either location for each event.
Security
A few dodgy characters (aside from the usual members) have been seen around the boathouse recently. With summer and long evenings, there may well be many more people visiting our part of the river to enjoy the sun and scenery, however, there may also be a minority checking out the club for weaknesses/ways of getting in.
Just be aware, and feel free to challenge, any strangers around the club as we do know that neighbouring clubs have been recently targeted. Also, please do remember to lock up the club properly and turn off lights etc. when you leave.
Dates
25th April - Boathouse Exec AGM (12 noon in the bar)
1 May - Chiswick
8 May - Borne
15 May - Putney Town
29 May - Twickenham (and Eurovision)
5/6 Jun - Met
12 Jun - Reading/BMI
19/20 Jun - Marlow
26 Jun - Richmond
2 July Henley Friday
See you all around,
Rob.
From the latest C2 newsletter...
Phil Turnham Breaks Sir Matthew Pinsent's British Record!
After 11 years Sir Matthew Pinsent's 2,000m British Record for the 19-29 category has finally been broken. BIRC medallist and friend of Concept2 Phil Turnham has shaved 0.1s off the great man's record. Phil, who is a man mountain himself and also rows at Leander Club, said
"Going through the actual race I set off with just one goal in mind to try and keep the split right on the redline the whole way through, my coach said to hold 1:27s from the off, but I had a feeling deep down that I could go a lot faster than that, it was just a matter of getting my head round seeing the faster splits and not panicking.
So I went off holding 1:25/26's and seemed to just get stuck on those numbers for the next 5:42.5 of my life. It was a fairly surreal feeling knowing that I was going as fast as one of the greatest Olympians in history after only being in the sport for what feels like the blink of an eye. I was expecting to suffer quite badly going through the 1250m marker, but it didnt happen, if anything I got a bit carried away, with my fastest 500 split coming in that third 500m.
In hindsight this third 500 along with a number of other points have left me wanting another crack at it, as it was far from perfect, I didnt hold my technique too well coming into the last 300, the pacing could have been slightly better - there's always room for improvement!
Beating Pinsent's record was a great feeling, but to put it in perspective the time is only 0.1 faster than Matt was at my age and 0.2 slower than his official British Record, so there's still a long long way to go. The time also equals Graham Benton's winning time from the British Indoor Rowing Championship in 2008, so I'm sure he will have another shot at the overall record at some point in the not too distant future and could possibly break that 5:40 barrier which would be great."
Phil will now set his sights on Henley Royal Regatta in July.
From Soc. Sec. Stu...
Dear all,
Please mark in your diaries that the Cygnet 120th birthday party will take place at the club's spiritual home - Ye White Hart, Barnes on the evening of Saturday 17th July. The evening will include a buffet dinner and dress code will be club blazers/ties or smart alternatives. More details to follow next month when tickets will go on sale - exact ticket price still to be finalised but likely to be somewhere between £25 and £30 each.
Best Regards,
Stuart.
Afternoon all,
It's been a while since my last email out and quite a lot has happened (including a pretty close Boat Race by all accounts) since I've been away. My thanks go to all those who have kept things ticking over and now let's bring on the regattas!
Locking up
A quick reminder about locking up the boatshop: if you open the it up, please ensure that you put the key back inside (in the normal place). This will mean that if anyone else turns up while you are on the water, they will be able to have access to the boatshop as well.
Boathouse Exec AGM
The Boathouse Exec will be holding its AGM next Sunday, 25th April at 12 noon (in the bar!). Please do come along if you can make it. The Exec looks after the boathouse and is made up of Cygnet/BBLRC members, so it has a very big say in a lot of how things are run.
Nominations for the election of new officers are invited - there will be a notice put up in the clubroom from this evening. If anyone is thinking of standing and would like to know more about any of the posts and their responsibilities, they can ask any of the present incumbents (I know that a fair number would welcome someone taking over!). Let me know if you need their contact details:
Chair - Marj
Secretary - Lesley Baguley
Treasurer - Matt B
Asst Sec - Annelise Sanders
Asst Treasurer - Ali Elliott
Bar Steward - Coyle
Asst (to the) Bar Steward (not technically an official post) - Me
If anyone is interested in getting more involved in the club I'd really recommend getting on this.
Scamp
Sculling Camp is this weekend. Laurent has done a sterling job in organising this. I know from personal experience how stressful it can be! If any of you haven't got in touch with him and are interested in coming, please let me know from now on as he may be out and about tomorrow.
Special thanks also go to Matt B, Tom W and Bart for helping out with trailering for this. The rest of you, I'll expect you to lend a hand either with trailering on the way back and/or re-rigging back at the club on Sunday. If everyone lends a hand it'll be very quick work.
And a final special thanks to Sue G who will be driving the trailer to and from Shepperton.
Dates for the diary
24th April - Hammersmith Regatta
25th April - Boathouse Exec AGM
1st May - Chiswick Regatta
2nd May - Wallingford Regatta
8th May - Borne Regatta
15th May - Putney Town Regatta
29th May - Twickenham Regatta (and Eurovision!!)
See you all soon,
Rob.
From Laurent:
Bonjour!
Here we go, as mentioned last week, Sculling Camp is back on the agenda! Great, it means these long awaited sunny summer days are slowly creeping back upon us. Let's not hold our breath though!!
For those who have recently joined the clubs, we have a bungalow on Hamhaugh island in Shepperton, and it is a tradition to organise sculling camps there twice a year. More info about the bungalow is available on Cygnet RC website.
The days of justice will be Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th of April, but there will be some activities going on from Friday 16th, i.e carrying boats & equipment down to base camp and some potential sculling/ socialising, let me know if you are planning on coming over from the Friday afternoon. This will be at your own cost, i.e. we won't be catering for the troops on the Friday. It will be a trip to the local.
The Formal Plan:
We'll get everyone to come down for 10:00a.m on the Saturday morning for the safety briefing. For the newcomers, the idea is to get you do all sorts of sculling related manoeuvres in order to gain confidence and stability before letting all loose on the river!
This will be followed by lunch, more sculling and sunbathing for the rest of the day. We'll then get a "braai" going outside and start the descent into a night of drinking and conversations, which hopefully will be kept to a moderate tone this time round!!
Everyone is more than welcome to stay overnight, although there is a very limited number of beds, so if you do have a tent, it is strongly advisable to bring it.
The Sunday will be more sculling, some brunch and then a general tidy up; aiming to leave in the mid afternoon.
Fees:
This does totally depend on numbers - the more we have the cheaper it will be - but the rough estimate of the cost is below.
Sat sculling only: GBP5
Sat sculling + lunch: GBP10
Sat sculling + lunch + BBQ: GBP15
All of Sat + Sun sculling and brunch: GBP25
Quite a bargain! Booze not included though - usually done by all chipping in a fiver! Any profits goes back to the bungalow and the clubs. We will be collecting the money on the Saturday morning, no cheques or bank transfers please.
Your Duty:
If you're coming over, please email me as soon as possible to let me know, as well as when you're planning on coming and how many people you're bringing. It's to get an idea of numbers for food/ costs/ boats etc. As always, friends, WAGs and HABs are more than welcome too. The closing date for registration is Thursday 15th April 10.00p.m.
Also any specific dietary requirements and any other moans & groans to be addressed to me only!
We will need help from both clubs to load the boats onto the trailer on the Thursday 15th.
That's it for now, let me know your plans, ask me any questions, directions if need be and I'll hopefully see you all at some point during that weekend.
Bye for now,
Laurent.
From the Richmond Harbour Master (via our WSA):
The mooring buoys at Mortlake are as usual spread through the Ship Crossing point - please urge your members to take care in this area and to cross in the safest way that is possible.
The buoys will be in place until sometime next week.
Afternoon all,
Head of the River
Well done to both crews who raced the course on Saturday:
Cygnet I, 226th, 19:28.6
Cygnet II, 254th, 19:38.5
It seems the level of competition was very high this year. According to Dr. French's stats, Cygnet I's time of 112.2% of the winners would have been 175th or better in the past 10 years, with Cygnet II's getting in the top 200. Now those are some stats I can work with! Any requests for The Spreadsheet should be addressed to Dave.
A big thank you to all that came to help out / cheer / drink on Saturday - it really made all the difference.
Vets Head of the River
Well done to the Cygnet boat out on Sunday, coming 101st in a time of 15:14 (17th out of 34 in their category), just coming ahead of our Benrath visitors who were 7 seconds later. Well done gents and thank you to the supporters / drivers / litter pickers / boating gurus / tea makers / barmen who came along.
A big well done to our neighbours as well, with the BBLRC 1st boat being the fastest women's crew and 6th (I think) overall. Obviously, with our guys going earlier, they didn't have as much stream, otherwise they'd have probably won the whole event...
Well done to all, not just for this weekend, but the hard work through the winter season. Now all I can say is bring on the summer racing!!
Training will follow the same pattern, at least for the time being:
Tue: Cygnet erg priority
Wed: Novice erg priority
Sat: Seniors at 7:30am, novices at 10am
Sun: Seniors at 8am, novices at 10:20am
I'll be on holiday from Thursday, so any Senior questions to Kirsty and/or Matt, Novice queries to Laurent please.
Sculling Camp - 17/18th April
Spring Sculling Camp is the next event on the horizon. It'll be taking place on 17/18th April. M. Laurent is organising this one, so any queries to him please.
Dates for the diary
17/18 April - Sculling Camp
24 April - Hammersmith Regatta / Oxford Bumps
1 May - Chiswick Regatta
2 May - Metropolitan Regatta
8 May - Borne Regatta
15 May - Putney Town Regatta
29 May - Twickenham Regatta (and Eurovision!!)
See you around,
Rob.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This will be a quick one. It's just to let you all know that the spring sculling camp is back on the agenda. Yep it's that time of the year already, and it gives us hope that these splendid summer days are fast approaching!
So sculling camp weekend will be held on Sat 17th & Sun 18th of April 2010, with some potential socialising/ boozing from the Friday afternoon..!
More details will follow soon so watch that space, for the time being just pencil in these dates in your diaries, and let's make it another successful one..!
Laurent.
Full results are up here.
Here are those of interest to us:
226th overall (started 178) 19:28.55 In2 Cygnet I
254th overall (started 265) 19:38.45 In2 Cygnet II
305th overall (started 211) 19:57.81 OS Benrath RG (Germany)
Think you've been at the club a while. Think again.
Vic Reeves & Ronnie Lambe recall past times:
In June 2009, Vic & Ronnie reminicsed on their times at the Club in the Boathouse Bar, the occasion being recorded and professional produced by Tim Koch (AK ex Captain & BBC film/video editor). To enable those interested to view, the excellent DVD has been downloaded onto the Club website. We are confident those who do will enjoy the recording.
Paul L Rawkins Some belated results from the Henley Head held back on 13th Feb. Full results on the Henley Head website.
Division 1, 10:30am IM1.4- Cygnet (Thomas) 3rd in division 12:04
Division 1, 10:30am IM1.4- Cygnet (de Groot) 4th in division 12:37
Division 3, 14:30am IM2.8+ Cygnet 7th in division 11:49
Morning all,
Right, there's a fair amount to get through this time I'm afraid - we've got a busy few weeks ahead:
Hammersmith Head (3:15pm start):
Cygnet have 2 crews entered for this Sunday, including the first 100% novice boat of the season - good luck to both crews:
25 - Cygnet A (IM2)
73 - Cygnet B (Nov)
Women's Head of the River Race:
WeHoRR is this Saturday (afternoon) - please come on down to:
A) support the BBLRC crews
B) help out with boating (it's a lot more fun than you'd think!) - contact Mike Collier (mcollier@btinternet.com)
C) get an idea of how it'll be in 2 weeks time (for you novices!)
We will have visiting crews, both on the day as well as staying overnight. Neil (wearing his Boathouse Captain Stetson) has asked for the following to be passed on:
Please note that with WeHoRR and Hammersmith Head this weekend the boathouse will be full of visiting crews, so it would be a good idea to remove or tidy away your kit this week and lock up any valuables.
We have 3 crews staying with us this weekend; Potsdamer in the bar, Bonn Uni in the changing rooms and Bangor in the shed, with Potsdamer arriving on Thursday.
As usual, the BB Ladies will be using the Cygnet changing room on race day, allowing their changing room to be used by all visiting crews.
Once the heads are over on the 28th March, we will be changing the key code on the door to maintain security.
Neil
Veteran's Head of the River Race:
Vets head is the day after HoRR (Sunday 28th). The intention is to enter the novice crew and at least one (if not 2) other crews for this. The closing cate for entries is very close, so for those of you talking about having a go this year, please let me know ASAP. I won't chase you up on this, so if you don't contact me I'll assume you're not interested!
Circuits - 3 sessions to go:
It's that time of year - circuits are coming to an end ahead of the summer season. Here is a message from Greg, our esteemed circuits ringmaster/French speaker:
1. Only 3 circuits left.
2. Next weeks circuits will be specifically tailored so that the girls that do come don't have to train too hard because of women's head.
3. In terms of men's training it will be hard for the next two sessions and then ease off on the last because of 8's Head. This is specific to lactate, muscular O2 deprivation and glycogen deprivation thresholds.
4. I will be cooking Israeli Couscous for the final session on Thurs 25th March which will also serve as an informal get together to celebrate or commiserate my 40th which is on the 22nd March).
5. Circuits next year - they will resume in Sept or Oct or being well. Obviously I would like an informal chat with the new Captains as their support is essential to the success of the circuits. I am presume le Madame de écart et Couacaud will be the next Capitaine le club.
6. After my June exams I will be interested in running a summer sculling course over three consecutive weekends which is my gesture of gratitude to the club for being so good to me.
Love and kisses
Gregorio
Walton Small Boats Head - 10th April:
WSBH was cancelled earlier in the season due to bad conditions. We have had news that they will be re-running it on 10th April. Please let me know if you are interested in going for it.
Subs:
I've been out of the office recently, but am sure to catch up on emails regarding subs very soon. If you haven't paid your 2010 subs yet, please let me know, otherwise I'll be sending 'the boyz' (Stu) round in the near future…
Kit:
The club bulk order has come through, next time you're down, grab me and I'll get your kit for you.
I think that's me for now - see you soon,
Rob
From the PLA via our WSA:
With most of the River Thames red boarded at the moment and the main London heads approaching fast, I expect a number of crews will be visiting the tideway over the next few weekends. This coming weekend, 6th and 7th March, the PLA will have a launch patrolling the Tideway from Putney up to Richmond. On board will be members of the TRRC. If any crew is seen to be navigating badly they will be asked to stop and explain their actions.
It is extremely important that any crews navigating the Tideway do so correctly. With the amount of land water coming down, steering through the bridges and by the piers can be difficult. Do not rely on the tide tables to determine if the tide has turned. Again with the amount of land water in the river system the flood tide will be later than predicted.
The PLA will also be patrolling on the following dates.
20th, 21st and 26th March.
Hang on to your hats - it's the new committee.
Our Treasurer writes:
Please see the approved 2009 account which will be presented at the Club AGM on Sunday. Please print your own copy - alas I can't make paper go straight through my ancient printer, so there won't be a dead tree handed out at the meeting.
You may see that the Club has had a very good year, partly from very kind donations, and partly because of a heartwarming increase in active membership.
We hear that Soc. Sec. Stu has a new job at DEFRA working for the Environment and Rural Group - Atmosphere and Local Environment.
Yes, that really is ERG-ALE. Talk about a busman's holiday.
Henley
A big well done to the two 4- and one VIII who braved the snowy conditions and raced the Henley Head course on Saturday. Both 4-s beat Reading in a very tough division (with London and Marlow) with the VIII finishing at the back of another strong group (including London and Molesey) - a mere 2 seconds behind Reading and Walbrook.
Well done to all who raced, especially to Marj for surviving in the cox's seat.
Wednesday - novices
As you will have seen, Kat is heading back to the province of Canadia for a couple of weeks on Saturday, but is looking to squeeze in one final bit of training for the novices. So, she will be at the club at 7pm tomorrow (Wednesday) for some cheeky tank/erg action with you before she heads off and you're landed with graced with my presence in the launch again. See you there!
Thursday - circuits
Becky and I are cooking this week. She will be preparing a lovely tuna pasta bake. I will be turning on the oven to re heat it, while simultaneously washing some lettuce leaves. Obviously, the pay-off to such fantastic gourmet cuisine is circuits at 7pm. Last week was a humdinger, including some boxing glove high-kicking action, as well as an exhilarating 'bunny hop-off' between Nick Wyatt and Peter Lyall. See you all there. PS - if anyone has some good workout tunes on their iPod/MP3 please bring it along!
AGM
The Annual General Meeting will take place at midday this Sunday in the bar - please come along as it is important to get as many people down to hear what's going on within the club.
Also, if you are interested in running for any of the committee positions, please put your name down on the sheet of paper in the gents changing room. We can also use this meeting as an opportunity to elect new members into the club, so if you are one of our newbies and want to officially become a Cygnet, please complete the membership form in the changing room asap.
Bungalow
Please see the message below from Ronnie on summer renting for the bungalow and contact him if you (or any friends or family) are interested in spending some time in the sun by the river this year:
Bungalow Availability as at 15 February
To all Cygnet and BBLRC members
"Cygnets" is currently available for the following weeks or part weeks. The bookings are normally .from 2.00pm on the Sunday until 1.00pm the following Sunday unless otherwise agreed.
Sundays Week Commencing:-
23 May, 6 June, 13 June, 20 June, 27 June, 4 July, 5 September,
26 September, 3 October, 10 October, 17 October, 24 October, 31 October,
7 November, 14 November and 21 November
The premises are well equipped, with two bedrooms each for three and room for two more to bed down in the sitting room.
The rent for June, July and August is GBP340 a week and other dates GBP295 a week. Short rents are charged at £50 a day or part of a day.
Ronnie Lambe - Bungalow Secretary
Most of you will have spent some time at the bungalow and I'm sure will have some very fond (or maybe hazy?) memories of the place. If you do have any questions about any of the above, please don't hesitate to contact either myself or Ronnie.
Dates for the diary
See you all during the week, at the weekend (seniors 7:30 Sat / 8:00 Sun, novices 10:00 Sat / 10:20 Sun) or at the AGM (12:00 Sun),
Rob.
[From the PLA by way of our WSA - Ed]
Following discussion with the Council, the PLA will be undertaking the following works to the Towpath between Hammersmith and Barnes over the next month:
Revetment work
Various works (in accordance with the PLA's adopted Towpath Tree Management Plan) on the revetment wall from Small Profits Drawdock downstream to the second set of stairs (about 300 metres). Two contractors will commence work on 15 February and the work is expected to continue for approximately two weeks. There may be some minor and temporary closures of the towpath whilst these works are in progress, although these will be kept to a minimum.
Completion of the urgent works
Works on trees identified in the PLA's adopted Towpath Tree Management Plan as requiring urgent attention but which could not be undertaken last year due to environmental constraints (primarily nesting birds). Subject to the results of an ecological survey, pollarding works will be undertaken to trees in front of St Paul's School, and a tree will be felled near Leg O' Mutton reservoir.
Planting
Tree replanting works as identified within the report undertaken last year for the PLA by Bartlett Tree Consultants. The areas designated for planting will commence being prepared over the next few weeks with replanting taking a further two weeks. Again, there may be some disruption to the towpath during these works, but we will endeavour to keep these to a minimum.
Regards,
Alexander Brown, Assistant Harbour Master (Upper) Richmond.
This Friday, Cygnet Rowing Club officially turns 120 and to mark the occasion, a number of Cygnet's finest will be heading to the Dukes Head in Putney where Cygnet was founded all those years ago. All you need do is pitch up from 7pm and I'm sure you'll find someone in Cygnet colours at the bar who you can sidle up to and exchange a knowing handshake.
That's not all. In July, we are planning to celebrate the club's 120th birthday year in style with a far bigger event that'll be held, hopefully, at Cygnet's home from home - Ye White Hart in Barnes. More details will follow nearer the time.
Stu (Cygnet Social Sec).
Hammersmith Bridge is closed at weekends until late March. Full details here.
Boat Naming, 17/05 Delayed Pooh Alert, 17/05 Cygnet 120th Birthday More Details, 06/05 Bank Holiday Pooh Alert, 03/05 Cygnet 120th Birthday Details, 29/04 
Captain's Update, 27/04 Putney Platform, 23/04 
The Water Is Shit, 23/04 The Lights Are On, 21/04 Captain's Update, 21/04 There It Goes, 20/04 Cygnet 120 Early Warning, 20/04 Captain's Update, 15/04 Sculling Camp Confirmed, 01/04 Boat Race Buoys Warning, 30/03 
Captain's Update, 29/03 Sculling Camp Flash, 27/03 HoRR Results, 27/03 History Project, 17/03
Club Archivist & Historian
Henley Head, 17/03 Captain's Update, 09/03 You Have Been Warned, 03/03 Spot The Difference, 01/03 Accounts For AGM, 19/02 All Work And No Play, 16/02 Captain's Update, 16/02 Lopping, 10/02 Happy Birthday, 10/02 Hammersmith Bridge Closures, 24/01