This has been a great year. It has been the first year that we were fully responsible for Staines Amateur Regatta. This in the past was the joint responsibility of Staines and Burway. I was very impressed with the way the regatta was run. Moving the finish to just beyond the bar and catering tent worked brilliantly. The regatta went really well helped a little by the good weather. The event had been losing money for a number years, you have turned this round in the first year, well done to all those who put in a lot of effort to making it so successful.

The Pubs and Clubs Regatta is becoming well established as regular event on the rowing calendar and last year provided many new members

We have achieved a considerable amount of success at all levels in the club. The men's eight had a very creditable row at Henley Royal Regatta going out to London the eventual winners, the Vet men won gold at Henley Vets. The Ladies have done really well and have produced a fantastic squad all raring to go and do battle with Winter Training ready for next season.
The Ladies created another first by holding a Ladies Dinner at Foxhills. Which I hope will become a regular annual event.
However the biggest accolades have to go to our juniors with 40 wins to their credit, there is just no stopping them. They have had tremendous support from the Parents and our two stalwarts Ted and Pete. Junior rowing is important to the ongoing prosperity of the club and ours is going very well indeed.

It's great to see so many people enjoying their rowing and the support we have from so many parents. I am really grateful for the enthusiasm of the parents who gained their Instructors Award this year and are now coaching.

Next year is going to be challenging, just to keep the momentum going. Whilst we have a stock of very good boats, most are heavily used and we need to keep replacing equipment as we go along. The club house needs a major make over. The building fund is growing slowly, but we have a long way to go. We have drawn up outline plans which are ready to show to potential sponsors, neighbours and local authority representatives and hopefully gain their support.

Well done everyone and thank you for all for your support

Don Moore

President Staines Boat Club