Celebrating Our Volunteers

Throughout June and July you have been acknowledging the volunteers that have touched the lives of others in the rowing community. 

 

Shaun Mulholland – Cape Cornwall Pilot Gig Club 

“Within our small club, Shaun keeps going the extra mile, to ensure our club attends regattas. As well as towing Shaun deals with a multitude of roles within our club. He is our main fundraiser (infamous events, you’d be foolish to miss in our home town of St Just). Shaun also turns his hand to maintenance, committee duties, coxing, and is our go to Mr Motivator when anyone needs a hand or a listening ear. We may be small, but we have some mighty parts at Cape. Shaun so deserves recognition for all that he does for our club, and the wider gig community.”

Photo credit: Fran Pender

Naomi Cudmore and Jacquie AC – Porlock Weir Gig Club 

“Naomi has been instrumental to the club from day one, from sharing her knowledge and love of gig rowing, helping plan our first IOS trip, sourcing equipment, the list goes on but recently she’s gone above and beyond with a fundraising idea that has created not only hopefully a great fundraiser for the club but also hopefully for the local community too. Naomi is the brainchild behind our first ever Porlock Weir merchandise which started with mugs and coasters but details the one off art work by an amazing local artist Leo Davey, of the gigs going out at Porlock Weir. This was all arranged by Naomi who then enlisted the help of the wonderful Jacquie to become the merch queens – tirelessly working on samples, designs, approaching local retailers etc – the artwork is amazing and captures the beauty of the gigs and the Weir and we know it will be a great way of not only raising funds for the club but also start lots of conversations over a cuppa when people are using their mugs! Naomi and Jacquie you are fabulous! Thank you, thank you!”

Photo credit: Jen Warwick

 

Shari Smith – River Teignmouth Rowing Club 

“Shari has spent many hours each week training both male and female members of our club, free of charge, throughout the winter and summer seasons. She has created and taught warm up plans using the famous ‘sticks’ which can be completed before we get into the boat to help us prevent injuries. She has taken the lead on social rowing sessions which take place twice a week with a group of more than 50 rowers.”

 

Nina Crouchman – Rowhedge Coastal Rowing Club 

“With continuous support and commitment to Rowhedge and all surrounding rowing clubs whether it be training advice, coaching organising or fundraising. Nina is very encouraging and engaging, getting the best from any rower of any ability. Nina has 13 years of rowing experience, using it to promote the sport in every way possible and working on the ethos anyone can learn to row in a social or competitive way.”

Photo credit: Rowhedge Coastal Rowing Club

Dave Matthews – Charlestown Rowing Club 

“We lost our main club coach and some coxes over the winter; just as we were starting to build the squads and gain momentum. With no Coach and an equally limited number of race coxes things were looking bleak! 

Dave has been working with stage 4 cancer for 5/6 years now, Due to his condition, he hasn’t been able to row as much as he’d like. Therefore, spending time on the water for other people’s hobbies is bittersweet for him. 

Despite this, Dave has taken on the mammoth task of leading the training for all crews. He has provided training plans, giving time and attention to all categories meaning he spends hours on the water each week in and around his treatment, not to mention running a business. He has grown the club ethos of developing not just the rowers but the coxes and coaching standards across the club to help bridge the gaps and build sustainability throughout. This really demonstrates the values and ethos of the club, he has most definitely led by example!”

Photo credit: Charlestown Rowing Club

Vicky Bird – Charlestown Rowing Club 

“Vicky has returned after a year away from rowing. Vicky could see the club were struggling to support all the crews, despite having a new business and impending operation, Vicky has stepped up as the coach and racing cox for Women’s B crew as well as doing more than her fair share of Men’s A coxing.  Vicky has dedicated  a huge amount of time to being on the water. Vicky gave a huge amount of her time to being on the water for the benefit of the club and its members and was instrumental in the huge improvement in the Women’s B results this year and the Men’s A final position. Her commitment to the club and its members was instrumental in the huge improvement in the Women’s B and Men’s A results this year at the World Pilot Gig Championships.”

Jack Reynolds – Charlestown Rowing Club 

“Jack is early in his adult racing career and was kind enough to juggle his own MA training to support Vicky with her Women’s B training, covering sessions whilst she had her operation. Managing 6 women (1 being his Mum) is a big ask for anyone, let alone a 21 year old. He showed great maturity and commitment to the club. He was disciplined, organised and sensitive to the requirements of the mix of women in the crew, he did an amazing job. Without him they would undoubtedly not have managed to climb up so many places to a very respectable 34th place at the World Pilot Gig Championships (best Women’s B result for the Club to date)!”

Jen Nicholls – Charlestown Rowing Club 

“Jen is our dedicated lead for Social and Novice rowing, the talent scout of the club and crucial initial contact for recruitment. When Jen saw the club was struggling for coxes prior to the World Pilot Gig Championships she offered a hand during training. Jen certainly put the Men’s A through their paces during training. We all know it’s far from easy to juggle award winning careers and your commitment to a club but Jen more often than not spends more of her weekend with a boat full of ambitious men amongst your Half Marathon training is above and beyond. They do say if you want something to do, ask a busy person!“

 

Hayden Francis – Portland Gig Rowing Club 

“Hayden is a force of energy in a small club. Thanks to Hayden’s efforts and commitment the club is able to recruit new members. Hayden manages new rowers enquiries, organises taster sessions, puts crews together and often coxes them – he is the first face many new members meet and represents the clubs values and ethics brilliantly.”

 

Photo credit: Jennifer Bousfield

Alyson Bryndsey – Portland Gig Rowing Club 

“Alyson Brindsley was one of the club’s founding members when her son joined the club 15 years ago. Alyson has taken on a variety of roles but more recently has been the club secretary. Her active role unseen by many continued as a non-rower and non-parent as her son has since left for university. Alyson has now stepped down from her role as club secretary and it’s fair to say her knowledge of not only the sport but the club’s history will be sadly missed.”

To show your appreciation for someone who goes the extra mile for their club and the sport, submit them here.