The idea for the Cornish Barbarians Gig Club came about in 2018 when rowers from different clubs went for a row and thought gig rowers from across the sport would enjoy the chance to jump in the same boat and raise money for charity. The founders included Gareth Netherton, Nick Jones, Will Best, Will Marsh and Roger Ryman, and they took inspiration from rugby, where national and local Barbarian teams have a great track record for supporting good causes.
Still going strong, the Cornish Barbarians set out to complete yet another marathon row, this time in aid of Penhaligon’s Friends, a small charity providing a vital range of services to bereaved children and families.
Over the years, rowers from across the sport have become Barbarians. Many come back to take part every year but there are new rowers joining the ranks each time. This year rowers have come from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and the East.
Will Best of the Cornish Barbarians said, “The idea was to bring people together through the joy of rowing and raise money for charity at the same time. Over 150 Barbarians have joined us over the years. The crews have a real mix – with World Champions in boats with rowers who are new to the sport. People seem to love it! “
On Saturday 14th October, 56 brave participants set off from Pentewan Sands in 8 gigs and rowed an epic circular marathon route. From Pentewan they headed over to Mevagissey, past Gorran and towards the Dodman, looping back to Mevagissey and carrying on past Pentewan past Black Head and into St Austell Bay. They kept close to the coast past Charlestown and Carylon Bay, stopping at Polkerris before heading back to Pentewan.
Will described the challenge, “It’s hard to appreciate how difficult it is to finish a marathon in a gig until you have done it. This is a community row and the fleet is only as fast as the slowest boat. This year, for the first time, we lined the gigs up for a proper race over the last 1.5km or so. It was fairly evenly matched which was great to see and there was some really close racing, which was impressive considering people had rowed over forty two and a half thousand metres. After that we got the gigs in had a band, some beer and lots of food. The rowing was good and the drinking, singing and partying afterwards was really good.”
The fundraising efforts of the rowers have matched their perseverance in the boat raising over £7000 for Penhaligon’s Friends, so far. The charity makes an incredible difference to children who have had tragedy at a young age. This money will help provide a support network for more people suffering from bereavement.
Will explained “Cornish Barbarians Gig Club is a not-for-profit organisation and all proceeds from the event go to charity. We have raised over £45,000 since 2018 and we are so grateful to the individuals and clubs that have made it happen – we know that the money has made a real difference to our communities.”
There is still time to contribute to this worthwhile cause via the Cornish Barbarians Go Fund Me page.
Photo credit: G&B Photography
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