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XCI Deneb Captain's Log

21st December 2020

Dear Cygnets,

I hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe, or recovering if you have been sick.

Good training sessions these last weeks, with weights, ergs and on the water. Now that we have moved to Tier 4: There will be no group training indoors and crew outings until further notice. We are back to the same status quo as in May, singles or crew boats made up of a single household or Support bubble, only 2 people on the hard with social distance, 20 min slots, minimum use of the facilities. (Last BR- guidelines). "Homework for Christmas" is Charlie's excel spreadsheet lockdown program.

Safety:

Water outings, please be extra careful since Covid numbers are increasing, follow the procedures.(Book your slot, fill in the post-outing log, wash hands & equipment, cover face, space)
Keep in mind it is cold and can be very foggy in the morning. Please use lights if required and do not go afloat if the fog means that you can't clearly see the other side of the river (p.17 of the Rowing Code)

2020 Awards

Looking back, it has been an unusual and challenging year for all of us. We had to cancel many events including our Henley Lunch and our End Season Dinner, where usually we take the chance to reflect on the highs and lows of the season, including the coveted Wally Wheldal (Club member of the year) and G.P. Jeffries (Rower of the year)award ceremony.

I wish we could have done this in better conditions (pub or at the club) but we cannot and it would be unfair to miss this year's awards due Covid-19.

First of all a Big Thank You and Congratulations to all of those involved in putting together the Club and Executive Guidelines (you know who you are), adapting them when it was required I know there was a lot of work behind the scenes.

Also Big Thank You to Beth and Charlie for coaching and training us on the water, on the ergs and the Strength & Conditions sessions, and being flexible adapting themselves to the situation.

Wally Wheldal Cup for Club Member of the year

This award is to reward the sportsmanship and ceaseless club spirit during the year, it goes to the person who helps others, and promotes what the club stands for. There were a number of people who this easily could have gone to, but this year the Wally Wheldal Cup goes to ... Chris Jageurs for his incredible enormous effort and hard work in the refurbishment of the changing rooms. (claps, claps, claps standing ovations) Well done!

G.P. Jeffries Cup for Rower of the year

This award goes to the best rower or most improved novice of the year. Unfortunately we haven't raced too much at all in 2020 but if we take into consideration the whole 2019-20 season, there is someone who was in the fastest Cygnet crew in Pairs Head and was the fastest sculler of the club in scullers head so the G.P. Jeffries Cup goes to ... Sam Sears- (claps, claps, claps standing ovations) Well done!

Lockdown Special Award

This award is to recognise the enthusiasm and optimistic spirit in such complicated year, here again there were a number of people who this easily could have gone to but this recognition goes to Rupert Bailey, for being actively involved in the Lockdown regatta, the Virtual 4s Run, special BBL/CYG quiz night, Club day. (claps, claps, claps standing ovations ) Thank you very much and Well done!!

Finally Thanks to all of you for being part of the Cygnet Family , helping to move us forward, , in one way or another, working in the different committees or working for the club behind the scenes, coxing, training, suggesting initiatives e.g. (Tom and Marj and whole Exec, Neil with the Webpage, Iain G keeping the " young generation" rolling, James D with the security camera, ... ) I could extend this list forever. Thank you all.

Don't forget that hope is also contagious, keep safe and positive, I wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and looking towards a better and successful 2021.

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