Staines Boat Club's Latest News
Archive 01/07/03-31/10/03
31st October 2003 Please note that our new Captain, Steve Smith has changed his mobile phone number to 07958 508 564
30th October 2003 Robin Dunlop reports ----- Last Wednesday over 20 senior men took their first ergo shout of the season. We had some reasonable results highlighting the squads competitiveness and overall enthusiasm - well done to everyone who took part. To those who haven't, there is always next time !!! Alex F - Came in with the fastest 2k time this season of 6m30secs Tom G - Flew the junior flag with a time of 7m 07.8secs Nick H - Put in a credible score for the novice men of 7m 08secs Squad average 2k score is 7m 07secs Keep it up everyone lets get the scores lower!!
30th October 2003 A few belated photos just in from Martin Sturgess taken at Henley Royal Regatta. The are at the bottom of page 3 of the Henley 2003 photos page. See Photographs Page.
29th October 2003 Safety Advisor, Mark Rolt comments ----- Now that the winter has arrived and the evenings are dark - lights on boats are a must. Graham's point of the 28th October that white lights must be visible 360 degrees is compulsory. Already a number of near miss incidents have occurred, 360 degrees means front and back light. Also if you mount your light on a rigger please ensure that it is above the line of the hull ie. it can be seen from both sides of the boat, otherwise you are invisible to the crew coming up on you if they are not directly behind you. The issue of lights will be raised at the committee next week, but until then on safety grounds - no lights = no row (or scull) in a Staines Boat after dark.
29th October 2003 Peter Smith advises that the club has received sponsorship in the sum of £100 from British Airports Authority. This is the second year BAA have contributed and thanks must go to junior sculler Charlotte Morrison's father John who works for BAA and has kindly organised the sponsorship.
28th October 2003 Leanne Johns emails with a request ----- I took a call the other day at the club from Ian Jennar, he would like Sue Jones to please call him. The number if 07951 960164
28th October 2003 The draw for the Veterans Fours Head that takes place on Sunday 2nd November has been published here. Due to the postal strike the organisers are intending to accept entries on the day of the race. Crews to watch out for are -- 22 STAINES BC A. Douglas MVB4- , 58 STAINES BC R. Wood MVC4+ , 59 STAINES BC G. Carey MVC4+ , 65 Composite of SBC/BA T. Gray MVD 4+. The race starts at 10.30am and spectators are welcome as always.
28th October 2003 Crews training during the evenings must ensure that their boats display a continuous white light visible over an arc of 360 degrees (an all-round white light). This means that in practice two lights, one forward and one aft, will be required to ensure visibility throughout 360 degrees.
25th October 2003 Bar Officer, Terry Moore would like to remind all members that the bar is now open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.00pm.
24th October 2003 Steve Tassell submits this short video clip from The Head of the Charles Regatta. It is 3.3Mb so will take some time to download if you have a dial up connection.
23rd October 2003 A quick note from
your new social secretary, Caroline Gill ----- The plan for this year is to
have as much fun as possible with a variety of events to cater to the tastes
of all our members. We are still very much in the planning stages at the moment
so if you have ideas for things you would like to see on this year's social
calendar, please do send me an email.
In the meantime, here are a few dates for the diary. -- See
Social Calendar Page.
23rd October 2003 Duncan Speight has submitted 4 proof rowing photos from the Head of the Charles that are available to buy from www.sportgraphics.com. See Photographs Page.
23rd October 2003 After some problems with their computer systems the organisers of The Fours Head have now got their web site back online. You can view it here.
23rd October 2003 British Airways member, Peter Lipscomb has just announced that the Veterans Fours Head on November 2nd will be his last competitive event. Peter has competed very successfully at Vet F status with Weybridge Rowing Club for the last few years and has now decided to become a social rower. He competed in the 2002 Staines crew at the World Masters Regatta in Prague and having just attained Vet G status he intends to come back to row at Staines permanently.
23rd October 2003 A message from Clive Walker at Magna Carta School advises that there will be no training on Wednesday 29th October due to a prior booking in the gym.
22nd October 2003 Duncan Speight emails ----- We (the Head of the Charles Crew) agreed that Cals punishment for forgetting the coxbox on race days was to be the new face of the goo game.... we thought this was an extremely attractive one! See Games Page. Stop Press -- Cal replies --- I feel I need to exhonorate myself here.....!!! Due to a bag full of nerves on race day I did indeed forget the coxbox mind as Steve T says himself it is the hardest course to steer in the world! I hadn't counted on how REALLY nervous I'd feel after the race however when we were waiting for the results to see if I'd hampered the crews chances by picking up penalty points with the coxing - I've never been so quiet!!!! Happy to say I didn't - borrowed coxbox and all - hooray!!! I hope you all have hours of fun on the Goo Game! Coxy
22nd October 2003 Due to temporary web server problems, many of the photographs on this site are unavailable. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
22nd October 2003 Duncan Speight has submitted some non rowing photos taken at last Saturday's Head of the Charles regatta in Boston. See Photographs Page.
21st October 2003 The draw for the Fours Head which takes place on Saturday 1st November has now been published in Excel format. Crews to watch out for are --- ( 198 Staines II S1+ ) ( 207 Staines III S2- ) ( 221 Staines I S1+ ) ( 320 Staines IV W4- ) ( 426 Staines V S3+C ) Spectators are very welcome.
18th October 2003 The Head of the Charles (USA) results are now officially confirmed with the Staines eight coming a creditable 22nd out of 53 crews in the club eights event in a time of 16 mins 20.305 secs. The Molesey Boat Club crew came 13th in a time of 16 mins 2.886 secs and the category winners, Melbourne University Boat Club, finished in a time of 15 mins 13.175 secs. Full details of can be found on the official web site. (Out of interest, due to the efficiency of the Head's timing system, I posted the official results on this web site at 5.54 pm BST which was only 54 minutes after the start of the race!)
18th October 2003 Caroline Gill emails with news from the Head of the Charles ----- Text message just in from Steve Tassell and the crew in Boston "preparations for our race are going well although Cal has managed to forget the cox box for our race today! She has become a passenger in our attempt at one of the hardest courses to steer in the world! Needless to say punishments are being dreamt up as we speak...."
17th October 2003 Steve Brett submits some photos of Weybridge Silver Sculls that took place last Saturday 11th October including, Steve adds, "an interesting picture of a Hampton boat breaking their scull'! See Photographs Page.
17th October 2003 Robin Dunlop writes requesting members to fill this disclaimer form out if they wish to part take in the Monday/Wednesday evening circuits at Magna Carta School. This needs to be signed and handed back to me before they can proceed with any circuit session.
17th October 2003 Bar Officer, Terry Moore writes ----- The bar is now open on a Wednesday Eve from 8.00 pm. Please come down and have a drink. I also have soft drinks for the drivers among you. See you there. Terry
17th October 2003 In anticipation of high river levels that seem to have become the norm in recent years, why don't you print a set of Tide tables for reference? No doubt Staines rowers will be visiting the Tideway on several occasions this winter as rowing will become impossible on our stretch of water. The Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club have Tideway tide table predictions for the next 12 months and they can be viewed and printed as PDF files.
17th October 2003 A racing eight comprising senior oarsmen from Staines flew out to the USA yesterday to compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta which takes place this weekend October 18-19th. They will be competing in the 'club eights' category. Full details of the event can be found on the official web site.
16th October 2003 Paul Hopkins emails ----- Last Winter we ran a series of ergo challenges against Auriol Kensington - these were fun and helped to break the monotony of the winter ergo training. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in taking part in another series of ergo challenges this winter. I was thinking of perhaps holding the first one around the end of November and then possibly monthly thereafter. The challenges before Christmas could be over 2k and perhaps in the New Year you could lengthen the distance. Last year we had problems in agreeing dates with AK so I thought that this year that we would just keep it within the Club - perhaps throw down a challenge to the Men's squad, the juniors and the women, with some form of handicapping system. Please let me know if you would be interested.
16th October 2003 Now that a few days have passed since the AGM and those of you newly elected committee members have had a chance to think about your plans, why not let us know what they are. Please email your submissions to me.
13th October 2003 Robin Dunlop has submitted some photographs of the Pairs Head taken earlier this month by Jet Photographic and BigBlade. See Photographs Page.
13th October 2003 THE FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE NEW YEAR ----- Would all those elected yesterday please note that the next meeting takes place on Tuesday 4th November at 8pm. If there are any apologies please send them to me at sbcsecretary@otterproperty.co.uk. Thanks, Murray
13th October 2003 Murray Litvak reports on the AGM ----- For those 150 who didn't attend the AGM, here is a brief resume of the event. The meeting kicked off promptly at 12 noon, with one eye on the clock for the 1pm ko of England v Georgia World Cup Rugby match. Don Moore, President, delivered a brief summary on the years events which he felt had been extremely successful, his views were later echoed by Duncan Speight, Captain. John Walton, Treasurer, reported a successful financial year, and issued a challenge to Terry Moore, Bar Officer to increase bar profits still further, Terry immediately suggested that prices be increased to aid this !!!! The election of officers took place, with votes needed for some roles, with people "fighting" to get on the Committee. The results can be seen on the Contact Us Page of the web site. The meeting ended at 12.55pm, just in time for all concerned to get on with the matter of the rugby.
13th October 2003 Following yesterday's AGM I am currently collating information for the Contact Us Page. I would be grateful if all committee members would double check their details including their email addresses and let me have any missing ones including telephone numbers and photographs without delay.
11th October 2003 Weybridge Silver Sculls took place today in beautiful sunny conditions. Staines results on the Results Page and full results available here.
10th October 2003 Robin Dunlop has just released an updated circuit training programme for use at the gym at Magna Carta School. This replaces the original issue. View and print it here.
10th October 2003 Bigblade has moved to a new URL at http://www.bigblade.net/ Pictures from Wallingford Long Distance Sculls, the Pairs Head and Reading Small Boats Head have just been posted.
9th October 2003 Our Captain, Duncan Speight writes ----- We have started our first week of circuits at Magna Carta School and as I understand the new circuit has been a great success. There is a slight problem though and that is regarding payment. Last year SBC subsidised the circuit training, wasting money that we could have put towards new equipment. The circuit is only £2 for Adults and £1 for Juniors so please make sure that you have the money with you. The decision has been made that due to the complexity of chasing for everyone's money, from now on NO MONEY NO CIRCUIT. If you have forgotten your money there is a cash machine at Sainsburys so that'll make a nice warm up run for you! Thanks for your help and cooperation, Duncan
9th October 2003 The Weybridge Silver Sculls takes place on Saturday 11th October and has several Staines and Sir William Perkins's School scullers competing. Division 1 starts at 11.00am. Full details and times here.
8th October 2003 Members are reminded that the Staines Boat Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 12th October at 12.00 noon. All members are expected to attend. Apologies for absence for those of you that cannot make it should be sent to Murray Litvak
6th October 2003 Alison Bond writes ----- I would just like to remind everyone they will need to turn up with some money if they intend doing the circuit training at Magna Carta School!!! £2 for adults, £1 for juniors. It starts this evening for the senior men and women. --- So little money, for so much pain!
5th October 2003 The results for the 4 Staines crews competing in yesterday's Pairs Head are as follows ---
Start 23 Finish 87 - Men's Junior 2x (Weybridge RC/Staines) T Goldswain/D Murdoch 13 mins 22 secs (13th of 22)
Start 81 Finish 119 - Men's SI 2- D Speight/R Dunlop 13 mins 36 secs (13th of 17)
Start 158 Finish 188 - Men's SII 2- A Gill/S Conner 14 mins 10 secs (24th of 28)
Start 143 Finish 211 - Men's SII 2- F Ozer/S Smith 14 mins 21 secs (27th of 28) Full results here
3rd October 2003 Steve Ballantine asks ----- If you wish to enter either the 4's Head on 1/11/2003 or theVet 4's Head on 2/11/2003 please let me know by no later than 12/10/2003 I will be at the AGM and you can give me details then or indeed my successor who ever that will be? I will not be doing any running around for people after that date and will be away the following week therefore this is the deadline! PS - An entry is a full set of ARA numbers on an ARA form with a valid cheque attached SteveB Mobile 07881 534898 Work 01753 224245
3rd October 2003 Last night saw the wetting of our Secretary, Murray Litvak. As a coxswain Murray is keen to ensure the boat is kept balanced and level at all times so his crew gave him the chance to balance it on his own when waiting at the landing stage. This he failed to do and he was last seen dripping and cursing as he staggered across the car park. He will have to be more careful in the future! STOP PRESS - Murray Litvak emails a response ---- I think a true spin should be put to the facts so maliciously reported in "Latest News". The crew without instructions deserted the boat, took their blades and old me was left wobbling away until the inevitable happened. I can however report that the water is relatively warm and clean. The entire crew will be publicly reprimanded and suffer a particularly hard row on Saturday morning.
2nd October 2003 Robin Dunlop writes ----- I would like to remind Senior Men & Women rowers that circuits starts on Monday 6th at 7pm. For the initial circuit could people make sure they are at the gym for 6.45pm to run through the 'new' circuit. I have attached the circuit if people wish to view and print the exercises.
1st October 2003 The Pairs Head takes place on Saturday 4th October at Midday from University Stone (Mortlake) to Hammersmith Bridge - 2.5 miles. Staines crews to watch out for are - 81 - D Speight/R Dunlop, 143 - F Ozer/T Moore, 158 - A Gill/S Conner and the Staines/Weybridge composite of 23 - T Goldswain/D Murdoch.
30th September 2003 Those missing the controversial rowing article by Matthew Syed in The Times yesterday can read it here. An extract reads 'The fact is that virtually nobody rows beyond a handful of upper middle class chaps in the western world who have the means to pay for boats and the expensive waterside property needed to house them.'
28th September 2003 Terry Moore advises ----- Here are the results from Sunday's sculling ladder: 1) 2- 12:34, 2) Alex/ Steve B 12:52, 4) Mark S 12:55, 5) Helge 13:08, 6) Steve T 13:34, 7) Fikert 13:54 8) Adrian F 15:35 9) Alison R 15:39 10) WN4x 16:07 Conditions: Flat with slight tail wind. Well done, next one in 4/5 Weeks.
27th September 2003 Adrian Tollett emails ----- Two SBC members were in winning crews in this morning's Cambridge University Alumni Regatta. Adrian Tollett in the '2' seat of a Billygoats vet eight and Julie Palmer at 3 in Caius women's eight. Cheers, Adrian
27th September 2003 The photograph of the junior section that was taken last weekend has now been added to the bottom of the Splash and Dash Regatta pfor the club.
26th September 2003 Jodi Davis reminds all PUBS & CLUBS PARTICIPANTS that your continuation training will take place this weekend on Saturday at 10.00am. She looks forward to seeing you all there.
26th September 2003 Can you help Louise Kelly who writes from Glasgow University ----- Wanted - I'm looking to buy a LWT1X 55-65kg. All makes considered. please phone on 0141 5500247 or e-mail lk43m@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
25th September 2003 Please can anyone who has a coxbox that belongs to the club, return it immediately. The club is in desperate need of working units and crews are suffering as a result.
24th September 2003 John Walton advises that the Magna Carta gym dates have been confirmed as: Mondays and Wednesdays from 6th October 2003 (Mon) to 17th December 2003 (Wed) inclusive and Mondays and Wednesdays from 5th January 2004 (Mon) to 31st March 2004 (Wed) inclusive. Start time is 7.00pm. See the day allocated to your squads on the Training Page.
22nd September 2003 Our Catain, Duncan Speight emails ----- CALLING ALL PUBS & CLUBS PARTICIPANTS. Jodi has had a complete nightmare with her PC, the hard drive has died and with it all your contact details!! If you could get in contact with Jodi by phone 07775 552654 or email duncan.speight@gxs.com we will make sure that we can get you all out this weekend. Hopefully we can take all your details down again so that we have your details for future sessions. Apologies for the inconvenience... we'll make it up to you with a really nice training session on Saturday :-)
22nd September 2003 Due to the recent influx of juniors from Sir William Perkins's School we are now seeing combined numbers of 30+ wanting to row and this is expected to increase this coming year. All of these juniors require sculling blades and the club hasn't enough to go round. Some members who have private blades have kindly let them be used when there are no Staines blades available. We have introduced a marking system so the blades that can be used are clearly identified. If you have blades and would be prepared to help the junior section please let our Captain, Duncan Speight know as soon as possible.
21st September 2003 VIRUS WARNING ----- Someone who views this website has a virus on their computer. The virus is identified as W32.Mimail.A@mm and it has been mailing itself out to several boat club members over the last couple of weeks. This virus is about seven weeks old and you can read all about it on the Symantec website. Please update your antivus program as soon as possible and run a full system scan. The victim is likely to be someone with a home computer as emails are being received weekdays and weekends including today.
21st September 2003 The second SBC Quiz Night took place last evening and was a close run competition. The winners were 'Zoe's Boys'. Thanks to Steve Smith for acting as quiz master and Terry Moore for maintaining the supply of drinks and snacks.
19th September 2003 Adrian Tollett emails ----- SITUATION VACANT - Small person with large gob required to pull strings and shout at four superannuated Cambridge students answering to the name of 'Billy'. Short term contract for Saturday morning, 27th September. Travelling expenses to Cambridge and lunch paid. Benefits for a successful applicant include a fifth share in a bottle of champagne. For further information, contact : Adrian Tollett at adrian_tollett@hotmail.com or 01932 845673.
19th September 2003 Ted Dyos has now released the date for Roy Dauncey's rowing retirement celebration. It will take place on the evening of Saturday 8th November 2003. All members are asked to keep this a SECRET from Roy who has no computer to view this web site and has no idea that a party will be held.
19th September 2003 Congratulations for birthdays go this week to Coxy Cal Bowman who celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday and Tom Goldswain who is now 18 years old.
18th September 2003 John Walton has submitted a few photos taken at the World Masters Regatta in Vichy earlier this month. See Photographs Page.
18th September 2003 Steve Smith emails ----- Don't forget, THIS SATURDAY is jammed full of stuff! NOVICE TASTER SESSION 12NOON all those pubs and clubs veterans, as well as anyone you can think of that wants to get into rowing, come on down! No experience is necessary, but it's open to anyone with experience too! Then, END OF SUMMER BBQ 3PM! come and enjoy one of the last barbie's of the year FOR EVERYONE AND ANYONE! and finally, the vets won it last time, but who's going to show them what we're made of? QUIZ NIGHT 6PM loads of fun, heaps of prizes, £5 covers BBQ and quiz entry. SEE YOU THERE! Plus On the 4th October, I'm having a birthday party at the boat club! We're having a barbie to start with, then partying on from there, everybody welcome?
17th September 2003 There will be a General Meeting of the Thames Rowing Council at Kingston Rowing Club today 17th September 2003 at 8.00pm to agree the new Constitution for the Thames Rowing Council. Representatives of all Clubs, Schools, Universities and Events in the region are invited to attend. See official website
17th September 2003 Michelle O'Riordan has emailed, just to make us envious, another 7 photos of her trip to Australia. See Michelle's Travels.
15th September 2003 Steve Ballantine writes regarding the Pairs Head that takes place on the 4th October ----- It's £20 per crew I will need all your detail and money this 16th Tuesday if you want me to-do your entries Also tell me how you plan to get your boats there and which boats you are using? I can book a van if needed SteveB. Mobile 07881 534898 Work 01753 224245 See official site.
15th September 2003 Loisa Pickworth emails ----- For Sale - Salani 1x racing boat, used in womens GB junior trials, excellent for training and Racing. aprox. 70kg. roughly 4 years old. £1200, or nearest offer. Based in Henley Rowing Club, weekends good for viewing. Louisa@ipickworth.fsnet.co.uk
15th September 2003 Ted Dyos announces that there will be a surprise party for retiring rowing coach Roy Dauncey at the beginning of November at the club. The exact date will be revealed shortly. All members are asked to keep this a SECRET from Roy who has done so much over the years to bring on the novice men to senior status.
15th September 2003 Paul Goldswain has submitted some more photos taken at last Saturday's Splash and Dash Regatta. See Photographs Page.
14th September 2003 Great fun was had by all today at the Pubs and Clubs Regatta. Some great organising by Jodi Davis and Steve Smith ensured that the day ran smoothly in the fantastic September sunshine. There was some very exciting racing in all of the events including the scratch eights. All competitors and friends are reminded that if they wish to continue rowing then please come down next Saturday at 12 noon to see our Captain, Duncan Speight who will look after you. Winners and photos on the Photographs Page.
13th September 2003 The Splash and Dash Regatta at Coate Water Park near Swindon took place today with some successful racing. The Goldswain family won 3 medals, Tom Goldswain in the J18 sculls, Jenny Goldswain in the J12 sculls and Paul Goldswain along with Paul Hopkins, John Lusty, Graham Carey and coxswain Murray Litvak beat last year's winners, Maidenhead RC in the Vet C Fours final. This is the last regatta in the C category for this crew as from January 2004 they will achieve D status. Amongst other notable races were Nick Pollen reaching the J14 final and Louise Incidon competing in her first ever event, the J16 sculls. Charlotte Morrison teamed up with Jenny Goldswain in the J13 double sculls event and after reaching the final lost by less than a length to the Maidenhead crew who, this year, have won 30 pots and a total 51 in their rowing careers! Michael Lusty at only 10 years old and continuing his family's rowing tradition, competed in his first regatta in the J12 sculls and came a worthy second. Sir William Perkins's School which has only started rowing since May this year, narrowly missed their first ever win in the J14 double sculls losing to a very experienced Maidenhead crew in the final by 1 foot. Teacher Liz Bernard won a medal, not for her school but with her Molesey Boat Club partner in the Womens Vets Novice Double Sculls. Full results will be available in due course from the official web site. See Photographs Page.
12th September 2003 Final reminder from Steve Smith ----- Don't forget it's the Pubs and Clubs party tomorrow evening (Saturday), 6.30pm - bring anyone and everyone. See you there. Plus CLUB PHOTO ON SUNDAY AT 2.00 pm. Bring rowing kit and this seasons pots (write your name on a piece of paper inside) and bring the family as there is barbeque food available. Also, could anyone who's available on Sunday, please come down to give us a hand running Pubs and Clubs Regatta? if everyone pitches in, we'll all make the day a huge success. thanks heaps, OZ.
12th September 2003 This from Rowing Newsgroups re. The Head of the River Fours ----- The entry form can now be completed for this year's race, (on 1 November,) at www.hor4s.org.uk . Please do read the rules and entry regulations before attempting to complete the form. You should not attempt to complete an entry for an ARA, SARA or WARA crew unless you have registration numbers for the whole crew. The form will not accept ARA registration numbers expiring before October 2003. We intend to check the registration numbers expiring in October to ensure they have been renewed before the race. Rowing with an expired number will disqualify the whole crew. We accept entries in order of receipt. We are oversubscribed every year. Entries close Saturday 18 October 2003 or after 550 complete entries accepted which ever is the earlier. In past years we have been fully subscribed three or four days before the last date for entries. This year entries are closing a week later than normal and we do not know the affect this will have. Christopher Francis Shea, Honorary Secretary, Head of the River Fours
11th September 2003 Alex Fitzgerald has released the timing details for the Staines winter training season. See Training Page
11th September 2003 The draw for the Splash and Dash Regatta on Saturday 13th September at Coate Water Park near Swindon has now been released along with accompanying documentation. See DRAW - MAP - CREW INSTRUCTIONS - ENTRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
11th September 2003 Michelle O'Riordan has just emailed a photo of her surfing in Australia. See Michelle's Travels.
10th September 2003 Jodis Davis writes with details of the Pubs and Clubs Draw - First six races MUST be ready for boating by 8:45AM. (All other crews at the club by 9:30AM for Roger's famous breakfast). Any crew going up-stream of the Island will be liable to either disqualification or penalty of 3 second lagging start! Safety will be a key factor and we have to ensure all coxes behave on the day, e.g. crews not to close together or trying to get that extra foot. Club members who are helping please be there by 8.30am - hangovers and all! Don't forget the Pubs and Clubs Party (see poster here)
10th September 2003 Duncan Speight has requested that a short committee meeting takes place on Saturday 13th at 10.00 am. This is to agree the purchase of new equipment and all committee members are urged to attend.
9th September 2003 Clare Wood sends this report from last weekend's World Masters Regatta in Vichy ----- We're back!!! A great time was had by all at Vichy over the weekend. John found us a great campsite along the river, just up from the course. The racing was as usual of a very high calibre with some fantastic international crews, some of which we watched training from the bars on the edge of the river!!! The setting for the Regatta was great on a wide expanse of river on the edge of Vichy. We had mixed feelings on the results, some crews went faster than expected some did not perform to their usual standard, but everyone enjoyed it and we are keen to improve the results next year. On the Saturday I was hired out to a Vet E 4+ from Tideway Scullers, and they had a great row to win Gold. So between us we brought one gold medal home to Staines!
9th September 2003 Michelle O'Riordan still enjoying life in Australia, emails today with her fifth news bulletin and a promise that more photos will follow. See Michelle's Travels.
8th September 2003 Thanks to Carol Goldswain for this report on the Cambridge Autumn regatta that took place yesterday ----- The Staines juniors were a credit to the club with all competitors performing well and displaying good sportsmanship throughout. There was a really good camaraderie with everyone helping and supporting each other. Special thanks to coaches Ted Dyos, Peter Smith and Mr Pollen for producing such a strong junior field and thanks to all the parents for their support. Results were: WJ15 2X -- Rebecca and Louise lost in first round after difficulties with a seat, WJ13 2x -- Charlotte and Jenny lost in final against an accomplished Tideway scullers crew. WJ13 1X -- Charlotte unfortunately hit the bank in her first round WJ13 1X -- Jenny lost in first round steered a very good course but lost to a much larger and older opponent who was just to strong. MJ18 1X -- Tom won two heats to reach the final but lost to Kephales from Lea by half a length. MS3 1X -- Tom won first heat and lost by 2ft in semi final to Baker from Marlow. MJ16 1X -- Jason Beaumont was racing for the first time and steered a good course but lost to a more experienced sculler. MJ16 1X -- Steve Brett lost in first round after colliding with the bank which we understand was his first defeat in a single. MJ14 1X -- Rob Oades won first heat but lost in next round MJ14 1x -- Nick Pollen winning first ever heat went on to win the next round but lost in the final with a brave effort against his Tideway Scullers opponent. Full results will be on the Cambridge 99 website in due course. See photographs here.
8th September 2003 Steve Tassell writes regarding the Women's Squad ----- I’d like to reconvene the squad at the club on Monday 15th September at 6.30 pm to discuss next season (training starts properly again Monday 22nd September). As before, this meeting is meant for anyone interested in rowing competitively next year regardless of ability/experience. If you can’t make the meeting let me know, steventa@microsoft.com or 07802 881857 and I will make sure I include you in the discussions. I have attached a contacts sheet, please add your details (tel no., email, ARA no. etc) and send to me. I don’t have an exhaustive list of email address so please let anyone know that you think will be interested.
7th September 2003 Cambridge Autumn Regatta took place today with several Staines members competing. No reports have been submitted yet. Full results will be on the Cambridge 99 website in due course.
6th September 2003 Richard Packer writes ----- I've set up a Yahoo "group" for the FISA Tour, and have dumped the edited highlights of my photos into it. I'll add some captions as well in a day or two. Well, I might if I get a round tuit. Anyone can see the site, which includes areas where you can add links etc (I have put in links to Weyfarers and to the pics already on Staines' website - Graham, super-efficient as always!). Anyone wanting to get access to the fisatour2003 Yahoo group *will* need to have set up a Yahoo ID, and will then need to join the group. It's straightforward and free (instructions are on the Yahoo website). So feel free to pass this group's details on to anyone who wants them, and encourage them to stick their photos there as well - this should save people's email inboxes overflowing with stuff over the next few weeks. One slight problem is the 30MB maximum limit; if (when) the group reaches that limit, then its straightforward to set up another group - say fisatour2003part2 - and so on for as many as we want / need. The link is - http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/fisatour2003/. Congratulations again on a superb event! Richard
6th September 2003 Today saw the final days racing for the Staines crews competing in the the World Masters Regatta in Vichy, France. Please see our Vichy Results Page for Staines crews and the official website for full details of the other events.
5th September 2003 The first results are in for the Staines crews competing in the the World Masters Regatta in Vichy, France. Unfortunately no wins today in the three races in which the C4+, C2- and B1x ( Alan Douglas) rowed. See the official website for times and placings.
5th September 2003 I have posted a few photographs taken yesterday afternoon of the FISA Tour. They can be found from the link on the Photographs Page.
4th September 2003 The FISA Tour 2003 representing 15 nations and rowing from Oxford to London will arrive at Staines this afternoon about 3.30pm and will be welcomed by Roy Dauncey, Ted Dyos, Don Moore and Graham Carey. There are a total of 90 rowers and 18 boats which will be left on the club's lawn overnight. To quote from the official website. 'The whole object of this tour is for the participants to make lots of new friends and row with people from other countries. We are only using coxed quad touring boats on the tour and will draw up crew lists so that everyone rows with different people each day. We will try to make sure that each crew has a mixture of nationalities, ages and men and women. We don't ask how much rowing experience everyone has, so you might have a crew containing former world champions and people who only learned to row recently. It's all part of the fun!
4th September 2003 Another date for your diaries. The Staines Boat Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 12th October at 12.00 noon. All members are expected to attend. Apologies for absence for those of you that cannot make it should be sent to Murray Litvak
3rd September 2003 Steve Smith advises that the club photograph will be taken on the day of the Pubs and Clubs Regatta, the 14th September 2003 at 2.00 pm. The presence of all current members is requested.
3rd September 2003 Murray Litvak writes ----- £5,000 reward-SOME OF OUR COX BOXES, LIFE JACKETS AND TIES ARE MISSING!!! Ok so that got you to read it. The Committee were advised at their last meeting of the appalling manner in which the above equipment is being abused by club members, either hoarding them, stealing them- sad people, or simply not giving a monkeys about them. No questions are going to be asked for the next two weeks if these items are returned, but after that the witch hunt starts and people will be thrashed within an inch of their lives before being thrown out of the club. On a serious note - it has gone on long enough and its becoming a joke not to have a cox box in an 8 or front loaded 4. You have been warned. Usual T & C apply, we need to equipment, your birth certificate, both sets of great grandparents, the ability to speak fluent Swahili, and never to have set foot in a boat, then we pay up.
3rd September 2003 The draw for Cambridge Autumn Regatta that takes place on Sunday 7th September has been published and can be viewed here.
3rd September 2003 Staines will be competing in the Splash and Dash Regatta at Coate Water Park near Swindon on Saturday 13th September. We will be entering several junior events and a Vet C Four while Sir William Perkins's School will be entering a quad scull, 2 double sculls and one or two single sculls.
1st September 2003 Jo Hawkes writes ----- Kingsmill, one of the countries top brand leaders, launches it's Kit for clubs initiative today September 1st. The scheme is all to do with providing sports clubs with badly needed kit. For the next year all of the Kingsmill branded Bread, Rolls and Snacks will have tokens on them for clubs to collect to go towards new kit or equipment. I have had a look through the brochure and some of the items that Staines Boat Members could collect for are: * Concept II indoor rower * Various weights and dumbbells * Polar heart rate monitors (for club use , no one individual!) * Stop watches. Admittedly some of these items are going to need rather a lot of tokens. I would like to set the boat club the challenge of collecting enough tokens to be able to ideally get another ergo. This is where we all come in, start collecting today, get your family and friends involved. I will be registering the club and there will be a collection box set up down the club, along with posters etc. see the website for more details: www.kingsmillkitforclubs.com Lets get everyone involved!
1st September 2003 Yvette Cox, Marketing Account Co-ordinator at Winterthur Life has now kindly supplied us with some of the photographs that were taken during the photoshoot weekend at the beginning of August. Some of the photos are simply stunning but cannot be published on this site as Winterthur are using them for their commercial literature. The ones we can use are excellent nonetheless and Leanne Johns has selected a few which can be viewed here. Our thanks go to Yvette and the team for allowing us to use them.
31st August 2003 A rare sight on the river yesterday was long time member John Lusty who was out in a double scull. John is not used to sculling and was complaining as he left the landing stage that his right hand scull wouldn't square properly and would need to be changed. Unfortunately he did this in front of the senior mens squad who were also just boating. They gently reminded John that he had his gate reversed and asked him "How long have you been rowing here?" John won't be doing that again for a while!!!
28th August 2003 Social Secretary, Steve Smith writes ----- G'day Everyone! Just a few reminders: THIS SUNDAY 31st AUGUST AT 11AM. ROW TO PUB! We've had loads of interest in this but make sure you let me know if you're coming. We'll be eating at the Kingfisher in Chertsey and landing the boats by the field just under the bridge. Any questions, just find me at the club! Secondly, the PUBS & CLUBS PRE RACE PARTY!!! starts 6:30pm - Saturday 13th September, BAR'S OPEN, DJ, LOADS OF FUN, COME ON DOWN! And finally, the END OF SUMMER BBQ, AND QUIZ NIGHT on Saturday 20th September!!! This is for EVERYONE! so make sure you can come. I'll be taking lists for tables soon so see me to get your winning team together! BBQ Starts at 3pm, Quiz night at 6pm
27th August 2003 There are 7 Staines veteran members travelling to Vichy in France to compete in various events in the 30th FISA World Masters Regatta on the 4-7th September. The website for the World Masters Regatta is now up and running with race schedules and programmes of racing etc. Their statistics show a record 7866 seat entries this year.
26th August 2003 Steve Ballantine emails ----- Please let me know if you want to do either Worcester Autumn Regatta on Saturday 6th September or Cambridge Autumn Regatta on Sunday 7th September. I need entries by Wednesday 27th August. (An entry includes a completed entry form & cheque)
23rd August 2003 ALL MEMBERS INVITED TO POSE FOR A CLUB PHOTOGRAPH ---- Steve Smith is arranging for a photograph to be taken of all current club members on the day of the Pubs and Clubs Regatta, the 14th September 2003. No time has been fixed yet but all members are asked to ensure their diaries are free for this day. All rowers are requested to wear racing vests and winners to bring their medals and pots with them. It is hoped that as many members as possible will come and enjoy the day where food will be available. If you can spare a few hours then please help with a job or two as the Regatta is a major fund raiser for the club and also attracts many future rowers who will become members in their own right. See details here
23rd August 2003 Fisa Tour Comes to Staines ----- The Fisa Tour 2003 from Oxford to Putney comes to Staines on Thursday 4th September. 90 rowers representing 15 nations will be taking part and they will be leaving their boats overnight on the grass. They will tucked out of the way to cause the minimum of disruption. One of the English organisers was a originally coached by Roy Dauncey in the mists of time. So Roy can fill you in on details? Members may be interested to know that you are also invited to join the tourers on a River boat cruise from Maidenhead to Windsor, with food and entertainment. Price £25. Please contact John Turnball for further details on 01932 340108 For more information please go to the web site www.weyfarers.rowing.org.uk
21st August 2003 Membership Secretary, Hayley Vrublevskis emails ----- I am cleaning up the membership database & ask everyone to update me if they have moved home in the last year, changed contact details, got married (changed their name), had their home repossessed (or burnt down!), etc, or simply can't remember the last time they completed a membership form! Either drop me a note with the update or complete a new membership form. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thxs.
21st August 2003 Steve (theres no stopping him now) Smith writes again ----- How many of you would love to combine two of your favourite pastimes? Rowing and EATING!!! Sunday the 31st August, come down and jump in a boat, to take a lesiurely cruise down to one a mystery pub only a lock gate away! this is NOT A TRAINING SESSION!! the idea is to eat and be merry, all whilst doing what we know best! Put your name down NOW on the list at the bar at the club! See poster
21st August 2003 And yet more from Steve Smith ----- DON'T FORGET, the PUBS & CLUBS PRE RACE PARTY is on SAT 13th SEPT. which crews are 'ard enough to party hard and race harder? Come and show us what you're made of! It's what Staines is all about! See poster
21st August 2003 Steve Smith writes again ----- Ladies and Gentlemen!!! Pubs & Clubs is just 3 weeks away! make sure you're putting in that training, but now is also the time to think about lending hand on the day too! Don't forget, the whole idea of the day is to raise money for YOU! So please have a look at the job description sheet, and put your name down on the list provided over the bar at the club. The more help we get, the more YOU benefit! See details here
21st August 2003 Social Secretary, Steve Smith writes ----- HOW is your MIND?? If an electric train is going from east to west, but the wind is blowing from north to south, what direction is the smoke going in? If a Scottish plane crashes on the border between England and Wales but is registered in Ireland, where are the survivers buried? It's time for all of you know it alls (and not so know it alls) to pick your brain and have a good feed at the STAINES BOAT CLUB END OF SUMMER BBQ AND QUIZ NIGHT!!! This is for everyone, including those of you fresh from Pubs and Clubs, juniors, vets, and mens and womens squads! SAT 20TH SEPTEMBER, come and show us that some rowers can actually think too!
20th August 2003 Steve Smith asks that any new coxswains that are taking out crews for Pubs and Clubs training are fully aware of the rules of the river and the practices of Staines Boat Club on the water. If anyone is not sure then please ask someone who knows before you go afloat again.
19th August 2003 Clare Wood writes ----- A bit more information regarding the new boats. We were lucky enough to receive sponsorship for a new four from Blaze Construction, a groundworks company. Eugene Broderick the Managing Director of Blaze, agreed the full sponsorship of a four in the hope we would be granted sponsorship from Sportsmatch, who, as the name states, will match corporate sponsorship gained to assist minority groups. We have now taken ownership of a Simms coxed four - weight 85 - 90Kg (empacher hull) and a Simms coxless four weight 85 - 90Kg (veb hull with wing riggers). The sponsorship and grants were achieved on the understanding that we adhere to certain conditions, two of which are, they are for the use, firstly, of the Staines Veteran Squad and secondly we are to encourage more 'older' rowers back to rowing and we are to increase our numbers. So if anyone is aware of anyone that has been thinking of coming back to rowing, after a break (however long!!) please get them to contact us and come down and have a go!! These boats are also available for other members of the club to use with the agreement of the Veteran Squad Co-ordinator, currently Clare Wood. Names will be agreed by the committee and posted at a later date. Thanks Clare
18th August 2003 Paul Goldswain and Claire Merrett have submitted photos from Oxford City Regatta. See them on the Photographs Page
18th August 2003 Leanne Johns and Paul Goldswain report on the weekend's racing at Oxford City Regatta - Leanne first ----- Only one pot this weekend but some fantastic, (or awesome as Cal would say) racing took place all weekend (and what a long weekend it was too!). Saturday ran very late all day and by 7.00pm the S38+ first round had not yet taken place and some of the crews wanted the division scratched however Exeter had come along way so Staines took them on in a straight final. Unfortunately we lost but it was a good strong row from a virtually scratch crew including 4 members of the senior squad and 4 of the novices who did themselves and the club proud. The N4+ did well all weekend getting through their first two heats but were knocked out in the semi final and the S34x were knocked out in their first heat to a very strong crew from Marlow. The Men's S28+ final took place at 8.30pm where we lost to Henley, (again!) the only consolation being we had knocked out London in the previous round. The last race of the day took place at 8.45pm! With the boys still racing the hungry girl supporters went off to Sainsburys to organise dinnner. The girls then decided take on the "barbie challenge" and yes burnt most of the food to charcoal in the process but we were all so hungry nobody seemed to care! After a VERY late night at the regatta party we moved onto Sunday....firstly congratulations to Helge Neumeister who won his Novice Single Sculls race. Also....Tom Goldswain got through to the final of the S3x but lost to a much larger opponent. Ross made his Staines Sculling debut but unfortunately got disqualified after taking out someone in the navigation channel and the S24+ got through to the final but lost to Henley. The WS4+ lost in their heat against Sons of the Thames and rowed extremely well deserving to go through into the next round after being up on the opposition the whole way until some dodgy steering by the cox (i'm allowed to say that i was the cox!). The S34x first heat finally took place at 5.30pm with London being disqualified for bad steering...straight back up to the start for the final against Marlow where this race was also stopped and re-started for bad steering with Marlow being the eventual winners. The official results will be available in due course here.
And the second report, this time from Paul Goldswain ----- I did not get to Oxford on the Saturday but there was some good racing with plenty of Staines crews in the finals however their were no wins. One highlight was the Staines Sen 2 Eight first round win over London rowing club. This was a great achievement for the boys over a very good London crew. Sen 3 eight lost to Marlow in the final. Helge reached the final in Novice sculls On Sunday Helge again reached the final in Novice sculls this time he won convincingly by some 2 and a half lengths over his opposition Filby from Reading. Tom also reached the final in Sen 3 sculls and lost to Hogarth from Reading by 1 length. The most entertaining racing for supporters came at the end of the day in the form of the Sen 3 quadruple sculls. The semi final and final was delayed to the end of the day with the first round Staines against London. After some swift corrective steering by Luke in the Staines boat the London crew decided to ram the Staines crew. This stopped the boys and upon restarting found themselves 3 lengths down at the finish. Luke appealed to the umpire and the London crew were subsequently disqualified. This meant that Staines had to return to the start immediately to race against the Marlow crew who were waiting for them at the start. The race again was underway and the Staines crew established a slight lead, however it was soon clear that a collision was inevitable. Following a boat stopping prang the crews were ordered to return to the start to try again. This resulted in the Staines crew again slightly ahead but again another clash this time the Staines crew guilty of steering into there opposition. The crews disentangled themselves and the Marlow crew suggested a restart from their current position. The umpire was bellowing but the crews continued their race towards the finish. Finally the umpire made himself heard and disqualified the Staines crew. He then threatened the Marlow crew for restarting the race without his endorsement. Marlow won by being the only crew not actually disqualified.
18th August 2003 Caroline Bowman submits the following from Mark Rolt ----- Congratulations to everyone for their performance at the Weekend in Oxford. Staines put on a good show as always. Special mentions are due: Helge - for finally winning his Novice pot and bringing home at least one piece of silver for the club - well done S4 Girlies - for allowing a cox to play at rowing and putting up a fantastic competitive row! Novice Men- for putting in a number of blinding rows as a novice 4 and still hanging around to row like seniors in the 8. Giving a well drilled Exeter crew a scare. Senior Men - pis*ing on London's bonfire in the 8 - fantastic feeling and one of the best rows we have put together. Coughing up lungs etc afterwards but still awesome (to quote Cal). Tom- for a brilliant set of sculls only to be pipped in the final by a much bigger competitor. Special Awards: Steering like the Blind Award: Goes to Ross - closely fought award, almos pipped by disqualification Luke. But putting a Veteran in the drink pipped it! Drinking like a 14 year old girl Award: Goes to Adam McCarty for a classic 14 year old performance - bragging about how strong his alcohol was, running around giggling, and then blowing chunks over the campsite - classy performance....... And Finally the quote of the weekend goes to Adam Gill: quote to a perplexed tea girl while standing next to the aforementioned Mr McCarty "dont serve him because he kept me up all night!!" Well done everyone...till next season Mark
17th August 2003 Oxford City Regatta took place over 2 days this weekend with several crews racing from Staines on each day. We are still awaiting the results as no reports have been filed yet. The official results will be available in due course here.
17th August 2003 Steven Brett has submitted some photographs of Egham, Burway V&J and Maidenhead Regattas. See them on their respective pages from the links on the Photographs Page
17th August 2003 We are pleased to announce that the two new boats that were ordered some time ago have finally arrived at the club this weekend, a mens coxless four and a mens coxed four. As with all new boats please ask the permission of the Captain, Duncan Speight, before using them.
14th August 2003 The draw for Oxford City Regatta which takes place this weekend and in which several Staines crews are competing, has now been published and can be viewed here.
12th August 2003 Our Social Secretary, Steve Smith emails ----- G'day Graham, I've been trying to describe what sort of rowing I used to be involved in for a very short time at home! Any chance you might be able to put these on the web site as some sort of alternative to winter training?!!? I'd like to point out the distinct lack of seats, thus the need to utilise other means of sliding! and the fact that these are believe it or not, typically smallish waves! They're not tiny, but you should see the big surf! cheers! oz --- pic1 --- pic2 --- pic3
12th August 2003 Roger Pailes has renewed and repaired the padlock system for the club gates. Would all members please be aware of the system of locking up by asking Roger as soon as possible. If you are the last to leave the club then it is your responsibility to close and lock the gates. Let's keep the unwanted intruders at bay!
12th August 2003 Alex Fitzgerald writes ----- The mens squad are going to put an entry in for the Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston US. It takes place over 18th and 19th October. Having just got a full club eight, one of the crew has had to withdraw (his work takes him there about ten days later and he doesn't want to do both!!!) Would anyone like to join Cal, me, Duncan, Steve B, Adam, James, Gideon & the newly married Steve T for the race. Would any other squads like to put an entry in - I have the form, have registered the club and the deadline is 1st September. Does anybody have any contacts in Boston who we could approach to borrow a boat and blades (and possibly accommodation.) Many thanks Alex
12th August 2003 Terry Moore emails ----- During Pubs and Clubs the bar will be open every evening except Friday's, from 20.00. Please bring your crews into the club.
9th August 2003 There was some good racing for Staines crews at Maidenhead Regatta which took place today. There was a win in a straight final against Maidenhead RC for the S28+ comprising Fikret Ozer, Luke Wilson, Max Somper, Mark Rolt, Steve Smith, Steve Ballantine, Adam Gill, Steve Conner and coxswain Caroline Bowman. Four of this crew ( Steve Conner, Mark Rolt, Steve Smith, Fikret Ozer & cox Caroline Bowman) also won in the S24+ event beating Marlow in the first round then Maidenhead in the final. The J15 Sculls was won by Steven Brett convincingly who also won at Burway Vet and Junior Regatta a couple of weeks ago. Helge Neumeister lost in the semi-final of the Novice Sculls against Paul Addy from Eton Excelsior following the result of a dead heat, Addy won by an advantage of one-third of a length in the re-row. The WN4+ lost to the eventual winners, Barnes Bridge and the WS48+ lost to Maidenhead in a straight final. The WJ132x of Jenny Goldswain and Charlotte Morrison reached the final despite Jenny being only J11 status. Hayley Vrublevskis adds --- A Staines BC Novice Mens 4+ also raced at Maidenhead today. Crew consisted of Adam McCarty, David Dimes, Jonny Wake, James Monk & me (Hayley) coxing. Racing against Sons of Thames, Staines were taken at the start & down almost a length all the way. They responded well to the call to go for home but, alas, Sons of Thames held them off & won by a canvas!!! Full results will be available in due course on the Maidenhead website. Also see Photographs Page
8th August 2003 Steve Smith (Oz), our Social Secretary is looking for suggestions for exciting events to organise for the future. If you have any ideas that might interest the whole club then why not email him and let him know.
6th August 2003 Roger Pailes reports that a Riverside Drive neighbour saw two men in a white van enter the club car park at approximately 6.00 am this morning. They spent some time walking around the club grounds and payed particular attention to the clubhouse and coaching launch. Would all members and friends please keep your eyes open for any suspicious people or vehicles and report to the police if you think appropriate.
6th August 2003 Rodney Janes has just released the amended results for Staines Regatta. These results now show the winning times and distances so you can see how far you won (or lost) by.
6th August 2003 Duncan Speight writes ----- This months committee meeting has been moved to Tuesday 12th August as there was not enough members to hold the meeting last night. Please could you make every effort to turn up.
6th August 2003 The draw for Maidenhead Regatta that takes place on Saturday has been published and can be viewed here.
5th August 2003 Confirmation has been received today of the 'retirement' of Roy Dauncey from coaching at Staines. Roy, now in his seventies, has decided to take a break from coaching the novice men after at least 25 years service. He will be sorely missed as his efforts have contributed to the success of the club and many oarsmen owe him thanks for his help in starting their successful rowing careers. He will no doubt be seen at the club from time to time and we all wish him well for the future.
4th August 2003 Yvette Cox, Marketing Account Co-ordinator at Winterthur Life kindly emails with some photos ----- I noticed that you already had a write up on the events at the weekend with some piccies so I thought that you may find a few of these useful. They were only taken by us on a digital camera but you may want to add some of them to your website in the meantime until the professional photographs are made available. Hope you find them useful! Thanks again. See Photographs Page
4th August 2003 Steve Ballantine emails ----- Oxford regatta entries need to be handed to me on Wednesday (6th August) night. Complete! (That means all ARA numbers and cheques) We will also need a towing volunteer. Do feel obliged as this is aimed at you. We have nobody organised for towing at Maidenhead yet - volunteer please. (The van is booked for both Oxford city and Maidenhead so feel free to do your share) thanks SteveB Mobile 07881 534898 Work 01753 224245
3rd August 2003 PUBS and CLUBS URGENT - You are reminded that the entries close on Monday 4th August. Boat booking forms are at the club. See entry form and a info poster. See photos of the last 2 years fun on the Photographs Page. Any questions give Jodi Davis a call on 07775 552654
2nd August 2003 The Winterthur photoshoot started today with both video footage and still images being taken of our senior mens crew. Although filming started with the crew rowing in an eight they were then told to split into fours so that the 'Winterthur' crew could 'race' a Staines crew and win. I hope they realise that this will be implausible to the viewers as Staines crews never lose in reality!!!! Filming continues tomorrow. We are promised professional photos in due course but in the meantime you can get a gist of the stars in action on the Photographs Page
31st July 2003 All members are reminded that the modelling photoshoot on behalf of Winterthur Financial Services will be taking place this Saturday and Sunday. Organiser, Leanne Johns hopes that this does not cause any inconvieniece to members and asks that you are considerate and do your best not to walk/row in front of the cameras when filming takes place. Any queries please do not hesitate to contact Leanne.
30th July 2003 The August edition of Regatta magazine has a photograph on page 6 of the Staines lightweight girls stopped after their National Championships race. Unfortunately I cannot reproduce the photograph without the permission of the photographer, John Shore. The caption however reads ' Waiting all weekend to race in a three crew straight final in women's lightweight coxless fours, Staines BC approached the 1500 metre mark with a comfortable three length lead and a gold medal looking inevitable, when Jo Hawkes at 2 dramatically collapsed with a back injury.'
29th July 2003 PUBS and CLUBS - Jodi Davis emails ----- Its that time of year when we get the chance to remember what it was like to be a complete beginner! I have attached entry form and a info poster so please spread the word and bring down your work colleagues so they can see what you are always talking about!!! Boat booking forms will be at the club as of tonight so get signing up. Any questions give me a call 07775 552654 Thanks Jodi
29th July 2003 Rodney Janes has just released the official results for Staines Regatta 2003. Distances and times may follow later.
29th July 2003 Paul Goldswain has just submitted some photos of Burway V&J Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta (added to page 3) and Staines Regatta (added to page 4). See Photographs Page
29th July 2003 Steve Tassell writes regarding the Women's Squad ----- Morning All, I’m putting a date in the diary way in advance as I’m off for the whole of August and won’t be around to organise meeting up. I’d like to reconvene the squad on Monday 15th September to discuss next season (training starts properly again Monday 22nd September). As before, this meeting is meant for anyone interested in rowing competitively next year regardless of ability/experience. If you can’t make the meeting let me know, steventa@microsoft.com or 07802 881857 and I will make sure I include you in the discussions. I have attached a contacts sheet, please add your details (tel no., email, ARA no. etc) and send to me. I don’t have an exhaustive list of email address so please let anyone know that you think will be interested.
29th July 2003 Our Captain, Duncan Speight emails ----- I'd just like to add my personal thanks to everyone that helped out at the regatta. I would especially like to thank those that aren't even members of the club but were willing to give up their spare time to make sure the regatta ran smoothly. We should all be extremely proud of our achievements. Staines Boat Club only took over the running of the regatta at the beginning of the year and already we have achieved so much (150 entries, new pots, Victor Ludorum, more umpires and officials than you could shake a stick at and probably the busiest BBQ in history!) I spoke to a few boat club representatives including people from London, Eton Excelsior and Maidenhead and they were all very complimentary about the regatta, So lets make sure that we don't rest on our laurels, we can still make it better and we can encourage more clubs to the event. I have already started conversation with Remenham Club about an official Sprint series that could be the equivalent of the Remenham Challenge. I will let you know more about this as it unfolds. If you have any comments about the regatta either positive or negative please let me know and I will bring up your points at the wash up meeting we have in a few weeks time. Again many thanks to all involved... you all did a fantastic job.
29th July 2003 Good news just in from Martin Sturgess ---- Bill Bainbridge, ex captain of Staines, is opening a brewery in Bishops Castle, Shropshire. This is from the Bishops Castle website ----- August 22, 23 & 24, 2003 A celebration over the August Bank Holiday weekend to mark the re-opening of The Three Tuns Brewery under new ownership. Four beers will be available from the re-furbished brewery - a new one called Remergence, Castle Steamer, Sextons and the traditional Three XXX. Bands at the Three Tuns Inn and yard and the Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Camp site available. Inquiries: Bill Bainbridge 01588 638392 --- We are sure that anyone going from Staines to support Bill in his new venture will be made very welcome indeed!
29th July 2003 Just a reminder that Milind Puri made some effort earlier this year to successfully persuade Friends Reunited to add Staines Boat Club to their database. You will find it under Teams/Clubs then Watersports section. Why not log in and leave your details for posterity?
28th July 2003 This Staines Regatta report just received ----- Staines Regatta took place on Saturday with 5 wins from Staines Crews plus many other finalists. This was the first time the regatta was hosted by our club and proved to be extremely successful with the most entries its seen for a long time! Thanks to everyone who gave up their time to help organise and gave up their time on the day to make it run so smoothly. Staines also won the Victor Ludorum prize of a set of sculling blades as the most successful club of the day. Luke Wilson won the Novice Single Sculls, Tom Goldswain won S3 Sculls, The Vet C Coxed Four and Vet E BA/Staines Coxed Fours Won (first pot for Adrian Tollet). Fikret and Stuart won in a straight final S2 Coxless Pairs competition against Poplar & Blackwall District RC. The Mens Novice Eight won in a straight final against Thames, it was the first regatta many of them had competed in. The novice girls competed in their first race winning their first round but went out to Thames in the second round. Jules Reichel and Raff del Pero also entered into Novice Double Sculls but lost in the final to Putney Town. The WS4+ crew, coxed by Leanne Johns lost to Eton Excelsior in the final by a length. This was a scratch crew who should be very pleased with their performance even though they didn't win. Simon Biddle, Captain of Burway won the Invitation 300m Single Scull race beating Duncan Speight, Captain of Staines, by a length. London Rowing Club won the lunchtime sprint eight competition beating Staines by one length in the final. See Photographs Page
28th July 2003 A few photos have been submitted today. Firstly from Claire Merrett of Sally Eames and Ben's wedding that took place last Thursday. Secondly, again from Claire, a few from the Staines Regatta party (on page 4 of the Staines Regatta photos) and lastly four from Hayley Vrublevskis taken at Henley Regatta (on page 3). See Photographs Page
28th July 2003 Roger Moulding emails ----- While we are waiting for the official report and results to be published, I would be grateful if you would publish my congratulations to SBC on the way they organised what was, in effect, their first Staines Regatta. Everywhere I looked, Duncan seemed to pop up. His sheer energy left me breathless. All the other departments ran smoothly; the sprint racing at lunchtime was good and interesting; the catering and Bar ran smoothly with remarkably few helpers and little of the fuss we have had in the past. The clean up was remarkable; I wandered down at about 11 a. m on Sunday with a bag to finish the clean up and was not needed. Neighbours said there was little to indicate a Regatta had been there the day before. The Tent erectors were very effective; Rodney turned his back and his check in tent was gone! In Summary, Congratulations all round! Roger Moulding, President SAR
27th July 2003 Paul Goldswain reports that there were two trophies today for Staines scullers in the Burway Junior and Veterans Regatta. Firstly a win for Steve Brett in the J15 event and secondly Tom Goldswain in the J18 event. Tom also won at yesterday's Staines Regatta in the Senior 3 Sculls. The Vet C four had a good race but unfortunately lost to Walton by 3/4 length. There were several other good Staines races during the day. See Photographs Page
26th July 2003 Staines Regatta took place today with some fine wins for Staines crews. Full details later. See Photographs Page
26th July 2003 Michelle O'Riordan, now in Australia, emails today with her fourth news bulletin. See Michelle's Travels.
24th July 2003 Leanne Johns advises ----- I am pleased to confirm that we have secured a "modelling" contract with Winterthur Financial Services. On 2/3 August from 9am-5pm, 9 members of the Mens Senior Squad including Alex Fitzgerald, Duncan Speight, Max Somper, Mark Rolt, Steve Conner, Steve Smith, Fikret Ozer, Terry Moore and Helge Neumeister will take part in a photoshoot and video shoot for Winterthur's marketing purposes. For the use of the club and facilities they have made a donation of £1500 and agreed to pay each member taking part a small fee for their time. Obviously we hope that this does not cause any inconvieniece to other members of the club on this weekend, however we do ask that you are considerate and try not to walk/row in front of the cameras when filming takes place. Any queries please do not hesitate to contact Leanne Johns.
23rd July 2003 Rodney Janes emails with an amended draw for Staines Regatta which he sends with his apologies for any confusion.
23rd July 2003 Duncan Speight writes to all members working at Staines Regatta ----- Here is the start of the regatta duty list (Excel format)... one of the pages must still be at the BC or I may have lost in in transit? If you can add any names to the list it would be appreciated.
23rd July 2003 Captain, Duncan Speight emails ----- Due to the low number of entries for the Sprint eights I would like to propose a Staines inter club sprint single race during the lunch break (300m from stake boat to Wheasheaf Lane). This will follow the sprint eights racing. There will be no fee and the winner will receive a pot at the end of the regatta. The format will be the same as the sprint eights with the winner staying on and racing the winner of the next race, this will continue until we have an eventual winner. I would like to propose that we have the Staines members who are racing in the regatta entered into the sculling events and others if people are keen to be involved. From the entry I can see that the following are already entered so I would like to rely on them to put themselves forward, Robin Dunlop, Tom Goldswain, Luc Wilson, Helge N, Alan Douglas, Newman, Silvey. Could you let me know if you would be willing to do this ASAP on duncan.speight@gxs.com. For those not on the list that would like to enter please let me know. If we have a few girls entering then I am sure that we can organise a women's event... just picking my brain and I could only think of one or two that I thought would be interested.... I would be more than happy to be proved wrong!
22nd July 2003 A message here from our Antipodean Social Secretary, Steve Smith. ----- Howdy crazy Staines party animals! As most of you should know, it's once again time for the Staines Regatta!! YAY!! So come down and show your support, but a request on behalf of the committee, if any of you have a bit of spare time on Saturday between pints of Pimms on the river bank, could you make yourself available to lend a hand to help out? At the end of the day we're the ones benefitting from it, so thanks heaps! Anyway, down to business, Saturday night, bring your party frocks and from 6:30pm is the annual post regatta bash and barbie with the SAS lot! There'll be a DJ, and the bar's open as always! Heaps of new people have joined the club recently and it's a great way to get to know them and make them feel welcome! So come down... you know you want to! See ya when you're older! Oz :)
22nd July 2003 Paul Goldswain has just submitted a few photos that he took at Molesey Regatta last Saturday. See Photographs Page.
22nd July 2003 Yesterday this website had the greatest number of visitors on a single day since it's inception. 248 people visited representing a 48% increase over the previous record of 167 on Monday 22nd July 2002. This brings the total for July to 1784 and the year so far to 13372 .
22nd July 2003 Steve Tassell writes regarding the Staines Womens Lightweight Four ----- I must first and foremost thank friends and family that have supported our crews this season. I was touched particularly by the number of well wishers leading up to the Nationals. I am not going to use this opportunity to talk through stroke by stroke an account of the race at the weekend. More over I think Staines women have reached a milestone certainly one that I have experienced in my short time as coach. If there is one downside about making the jump to competing at the very highest echelons of club rowing - this ‘amateur’ sport - it would have to be that the emotional highs and lows correlate directly to the amount of time and effort expended. Crew and support went through this roller coaster ride over the season with mixed results. At times it seems we had to fight adversity at every step just to get a fit and race ready crew out on the water and at others when it hardly seemed to matter about the occasion we produced some of our most convincing victories. What we would give to exchange some of our fortunes for major success. So why now the sudden jump to talk of Gold medals and English titles? It’s the thing that all club rowers fear, over committing oneself getting the eternal juggling act of job, social life, friends and family ‘wrong’ because one believes they may fail in achieving their ultimate prize. All that wasted time spent training for nothing; it’s the thing that makes most people retire through disillusionment. Overcome that fear of failure, carry on in the face of adversity and ultimately then you cannot lose. For us the reward at the final chapter was not a medal but the knowledge –for 1500m at least- we were the fastest crew in the country. So strong was that self-belief that we could achieve our goal we had the capability to overcome all challengers that no sacrifice was too great no problem to big to overcome except the final hurdle that is. At the start of this season had I thought we would get such opportunities to write into the Staines BC history books I wouldn’t have believed it possible, certainly for only my second season of coaching at Staines I am amazed what I am sitting here mulling over. I have total respect for and must publicly thank the crew -Jodi Davis, Jenny Page, Jo Hawkes and Sarah Fudge- for their dedication and willingness to put everything on hold for this pursuit. In my mind although they lack the silverware they are true champions, their need for professionalism despite one set back after another, they never gave up. What will the WL 4- of 2002/03 be remembered for? Well despite their wins at Evesham, Docklands and Reading Amateur the thought that if the dice had rolled only slightly differently we could have been looking at Henley, National and England International titles too. What a season! Steve
22nd July 2003 The latest press release for Staines Regatta has just been issued by Helen Litvak. You can view it here (Word format)
21st July 2003 Congratulations go to club members Stuart Burton and Chrissie Speight who have just announced their engagement to be married.
21st July 2003 Boat Maintenance Officer, Peter Smith wants to draw attention to the notices saying ' Please do not use this boat' that are occasionally placed on boats. Recently a boat under repair and displaying one of these signs was used causing some inconvenience so Peter asks that these signs are respected in future.
21st July 2003 With a considerable increase in the number of entries from last year, the draw for the 2003 Staines Regatta has taken place and can be viewed here
20th July 2003 Bad luck strikes the lightweight girls again. Coach, Steve Tassell reports. ----- The Lightweight Coxless Four comprising of Jo Hawkes, Jenny Page, Sarah Fudge and Jodi Davis competed this afternoon in the National Championships in Strathclyde racing against Grosvenor and this years Women's Henley Champions, Aberdeen University. The Staines girls took the lead from the start and, when only 500 metres from the finish and 1 1/2 lengths in the lead, Jo's back gave in and the crippled crew were promptly overtaken resulting in the third place crew, Grosvenor, winning the event with Aberdeen University following them into second place. Needless to say, the girls are devastated after so much training has been put in and following their forced withdrawal from Henley Women's Regatta after clashing with the opposition. They will be travelling back from Scotland tomorrow. Rachel Quarrell's commentary on the race was as follows --- Race 561: Women's lightweight coxless fours final Only three crews in this race, Staines going out fast and hard with Aberdeen University a length back and Grosvenor another length behind them. Aberdeen and Grosvenor refused to stop fighting, leading to an entertainingly close finish for the spectators, with a little wild steering from Staines as the gusty wind picked up again. Staines still leading towards the finish, all three crews overlapping, but Grosvenor are on a charge, and take first Aberdeen and then Staines. Staines' steering is trashed, the 2-girl catches a crab, and it's Grosvenor gold, Aberdeen University silver, and Staines third. I hope the Staines girl is OK - she smashed herself on the forehead as she caught the crab, and is lying down, although she's clearly conscious and just keeping still as a precaution in case she's got concussion. Full results here
19th July 2003 Good news from reporter Paul Goldswain at Molesey regatta ----- A win today for the S3 coxed four who beat Curlew RC in the final by 5 lengths. The crew consisted of Tom Goldswain, Steve Smith, Steve Conner, Robin Dunlop and coxswain Caroline Bowman. This win also represented Tom Goldswain's first (novice) win in a sweep oared boat. No other wins today but good racing from the S2 eight which won their first round against Twickenham easily but lost in the second round to Mortlake Anglian by 1 1/4 lengths. Helge Neumeister successfully reached the final of the Novice sculls only to lose to a chap from Eton Excelsior by approximately 2 lengths. Full results will be available in due course from the Molesey website.
18th July 2003 Murray Litvak writes ----- NEXT REGATTA COMMITTEE MEETING Would all members of the SAR committee please note that the next meeting is TUESDAY 22nd JULY at 8pm in the Clubhouse, please be on time, no paddling up the river at 8.10pm with a blank expression and saying "what meeting?", as we all have homes to go to!!!!!!
18th July 2003 Adrian Fletcher reports - Our Danish friends from Roklubben SAS will be attending Staines Regatta for another year and camping at the club, we expect most of them to arrive on the Friday 25th July. The British Airways Rowing Club will be hosting SAS and running the barbecue on Saturday evening. Please make them very welcome.
16th July 2003 Leanne Johns emails ----- We have several crews competing at Molesey Regatta this weekend. This is the first regatta for Roy Dauncey's novices who are racing Weybridge Rowing Club at 11.04am. There is also a S34+, S28+, N1x and S2 Coxless Pair. See the draw and race order here.
16th July 2003 Our captain, Duncan Speight, writes ----- For those of you that have not yet put your name down for a job at the regatta could you please do so ASAP, there is a list on the bar so don't be shy in coming forward. Until we have all of the positions filled we will not be in a position to hold the regatta. All of the jobs will have times allocated to them so you won't be expected to be there all day. I have also asked that no Staines BC entries be accepted until we have the positions filled. This may seem harsh but the reality is we have not yet got enough people to help. If you have friends and family that would be willing to help then invite them along. Once we have enough people we will open up the entries to Staines crews, We have a good record at our own regatta so lets make this another successful year.
16th July 2003 Yet more belated photos of Henley Royal Regatta this time from Adam Gill. They can be found at the bottom of page 3 of the Henley photos from the link on the Photographs Page
16th July 2003 Peter Smith is desperate to get your old towels. He says there is a serious danger of having warm beer at Staines Regatta and that wet towels are the answer. Old towels are also needed for wiping down boats so please dig them out from your airing cupboard today and make Peter a happy man!
15th July 2003 Staines have entered a Womens lightweight coxless four in the National Championships that takes place in Strathclyde Country Park on Sunday. They will race in a straight final against Grosvenor RC and Aberdeen University. Steve Tassell adds that these two crews are Henley finalists so although the field is small the oposition is the best in the country at this moment in time! Although we don't expect supporters to trapes up to Scotland please show your support by giving the girls a cheer come 3:03pm this Sunday!
14th July 2003 A few belated photos of Henley Royal Regatta have just been sent in by Duncan Speight. They can be found at the bottom of page 3 of the Henley photos from the link on the Photographs Page
14th July 2003 Hayley Vrublevskis writes ----- Please note that my mobile number has changed (see Contact Us Page). The last phone was dropped in a pint of beer & is now deceased!!
14th July 2003 Leanne Johns reports on the S2 Four competing at Kingston Regatta that took place on Saturday ----- We lost by about a length. We had a particularly bad start after being soaked by a huge wave from a passing cruiser and unfortunately never got it together. Leanne. Results will be published here in the near future.
14th July 2003 Paul Goldswain emails with news of Saturday's Bedford Regatta ----- Tom lost in the first round S3 single sculls to a Yare sculler by half a length despite leading for almost the entire race. The Yare sculler went on to win the event comfortably. Sarah and Laura rowing in a Staines/Star composite lost to Rob Roy in the Senior 2 double sculls by one and a half lengths in the final. Hayley did not start in her WNovice sculls.
13th July 2003 Adrian Tollett writes ----- The Mayor of Runnymede has received a challenge to "beat my crew" from the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames in the Riparian class in this year's Great River Race. The Mayor (or her representative) would be the obligatory passenger in a fixed-seat traditional boat to be rowed the 22 miles from Richmond to Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets. The Race will take place on Saturday 6th September 2003. The Race website is www.greatriverrace.co.uk . If interested, willing to help or just seeking more information, please contact Adrian Tollett at cllr.adrian.tollett@runnymede.gov.uk or on 01932 845673.
12th July 2003 Clare Wood reports. ---- The Vet C Four that raced today at Henley Veterans Regatta unfortunately lost to Old Collegians by 1 1/4 lengths. The Staines crew were at one stage down by 2 lengths but clawed back the distance towards the finish. Results will be published here in due course.
11th July 2003 The draw for the National Championships that takes place in Strathclyde Country Park on the 18th to 20th July has now been published. Staines have entered a Womens lightweight coxless four with only 2 other crews entering. They will race in a straight final against Grosvenor RC and Aberdeen University at 3.03 pm on Sunday 20th July. Steve Tassell adds that these two crews are Henley finalists so although the field is small the oposition is the best in the country at this moment in time!
11th July 2003 Five coxboxes were missing from the club yesterday evening leaving crews, including an eight, without any sound systems. Would the people who are holding on to them please return them without delay to avoid this happening again.
11th July 2003 The Staines coxed four who were due to compete at Henley Veterans Regatta today will not be racing until Saturday at about 11.00am. This is due to their opponents, Marlow RC, withdrawing from the event.
10th July 2003 Leanne Johns advises ----- Just to let you know we have a S2 Coxed Four - Tom, Sixpack, Mark and Max competing at Kingston on Saturday at 5.27pm. It is a straight final against Black Prince/1st & 3rd Trinity.
9th July 2003 Henley Veterans Regatta takes place this Friday and Saturday with Friday seeing the Staines Vet C Four competing in the first round. The crew comprises of Str: Roland Wood - 3: Andy Murphy - 2: Mike Piper - Bow: John Walton - Cox: Clare Wood. For spectators wishing to support the crew their race is at 4.10pm against Marlow Rowing Club.
8th July 2003 An email just in for all you budding TV stars ----- Hi there, I work for a television company and we are currently looking for contestants for the second series of the award-winning Channel 5 show 'International King of Sports', a very competitive sports entertainment programme. I am writing to see if any rowers in your club might be interested in applying for the show. Due to the physical nature of the show, applicants must be male, fit and aged between 18 and 35. I have attached a poster giving details of how people can apply and I would be grateful if you could either forward it to anyone you may think suitable or post a message on your website/club noticeboard. People from all nationality can apply, so if you do have international club members, it would be great if you could let them know about it as well. If you have any other questions, please do get in touch. Thank you for your help, it is most appreciated. Yours sincerely, Dominic Waugh Researcher International King of Sports 2 Endemol UK 0208 222 4473
8th July 2003 Alex Fitzgerald emails ----- Does anybody know where Stephs blades are? If so then please let me know. A few of us have searched high and low and we can't find them. They were last seen about 4 weeks ago at the back of the club with the other sculling blades. A pair of unpainted cleavers (Grey spoons, I think) with S Jones on the collar (it may be Steph Jones on the collar). As her boat has gone out to her in Denmark, we need to ship these out as well (yesterday really) Cheers Alex
8th July 2003 Just released from Helen Litvak is her press release for Staines Regatta which takes place on Saturday 26th July.
7th July 2003 Jodi Davis has added details and an entry form for this years Pubs and Clubs Regatta which takes place on Sunday 14th September 2003. The is also a link to it on the Home Page.
7th July 2003 Claire Merrett emails attaching a photo of James Cracknell that she took at Henley that she wants to incude on this web site. No comment!!!
5th July 2003 I have posted some photographs that were taken today at Henley Royal Regatta. See Photographs Page
5th July 2003 More photographs of competing Staines crews at Henley can be found on the BigBlade website and Jet Photographic website.
4th July 2003 The winning RAF eight in the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley in 1953 are going to row the course at HRR on Saturday during the tea break . Two of the crew in 1953 were members of Staines BC : Ken Cross and John (Jim) Green and they will be rowing in the crew at HRR. Roy Dauncey has advised that the ex Staines members have asked specifically that all members of the club along the course give them a special cheer as they row past. Lets see if we can give them a really special one!
3rd July 2003 Dan Spring emails ----- Check out this link...the Staines cheerleaders have been nominated as the cheer of the week on the USA Row2k.com website ! Regards Dan
2nd July 2003 The Thames Challenge Cup crew racing at 7.00pm this evening at Henley Royal Regatta unfortunately lost to Homberger Ruderklub, Germany with a verdict of easily. The crew consisted of Robin Dunlop, Adam Gill, Steve Conner, Steve Smith, Mark Rolt, Max Somper, Terry Moore, Tom Goldswain. and cox: Caroline Bowman. The German crew won in a time of 6.28 which was the second fastest time today for the Thames Cup races.
2nd July 2003 Unbelievable news from Henley Royal Regatta this morning as we hear that the Staines four in the Britannia Challenge Cup lost to Nottinghamshire County R.A. by just two feet in a time of 7.16!! The Staines crew comprising Duncan Speight, Steve Ballantine, Jon Woodersfield, Alex FitzGerald and cox Caroline Bowman led at the Barrier (2.07) and held their lead at Fawley (3.32) before the Nottingham crew made their comeback. All eyes will be on our Thames Challenge Cup eight which races later today at 7.00pm. See the official HRR web site here and the rather poor official photograph here
1st July 2003 Duncan Speight advises ----- Committee members please note ---- Could we move the committee meeting to the 9th July (Weds) please as we have a Staines Regatta meeting on the Tuesday.
1st July 2003 Sarah Fudge writes ----- House for Rent ---- Available end of July. It's a 2 bedroomed house (one double and one single) with a garden and garage in a quiet housing estate in Englefield Green. My landlord (a rower himself - at Vesta) just wondered if I could ask about at the BC to see if anyone is interested.
1st July 2003 Tom Wigley who kindly responded to my earlier plea for photographs of Sir William Perkins's School crews at Egham Regatta has just submitted a few that he took. They can be found on the Photographs Page
1st July 2003 Duncan Speight emails ----- The time has come to ask you ALL for your help at Staines Regatta this year. We need you to help with a number of jobs, from car park attendants to swan herders, from stake boat duty to program selling. So please let me know what jobs you would like to do during the day and we will try are hardest to make sure that we can allocate your preferred jobs. A list of duties are shown below so please get back to me with your preference. We have a committee meeting a week today and would like to have a majority of these positions filled by then. Remember, the more of you that support the regatta the more successful it will be, the more successful the regatta the better it is for SBC financially, so if you want shinny new boats or a spanking new boat house this is as good a place as any to start. Job List:--- Traffic Signs (5am start) - Swan Herding (approx 5am start) - Landing stage - Car Park - Start marshals - Registration - Race controllers - Recorders - Complaints - Food (Sixpac, Ozi, and Luc organising) - Bar (Terry managing) - Stake boats (Alison & Smithy organising) - Launch drivers (have to have had experience in driving a launch!). Thanks for your help, any questions send me an email or give me a call (duncan.speight@GXS.COM; 07767 322411) Best regards Duncan Speight
1st July 2003 We have been wondering for some time the identity of the mystery person from Eton School who visits this web site very regularly. Rumours of it being Prince Harry have now been quashed since the true identity has been revealed by someone with inside knowledge. During the row from Staines to Henley Regatta during the last two days, the 'old boys' stopped off at Eton for their lunch break and called in to Eton Racing Boats. After quizzing them the mystery person was revealed as Neil from Matt Wood. Well Neil, we hope you like the web site and we hope you continue to look.
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