Recreational Rowing Roadshow

 

The West Midlands region of the ARA held a ‘recreational roadshow’ at Worcester Rowing Club on Sunday 5th April. The purpose of the event was to give more information to clubs about how to start recreational rowing sections and, importantly, how to keep their new members once they’ve got them!

The West Midlands Rowing Council recreational rowing representative and event organiser, Peter Barker, structured the sessions so that clubs were able to find out more about the new stable boat scheme being introduced by the ARA and could try out some of the stable boat designs themselves.  There was also the opportunity to meet with other members of the ARA’s recreational rowing working party and Coaching and Development Team.

Over 30 people attended the day, mainly from West Midlands clubs but also from as far away as Chester, with Grosvenor Rowing Club bringing down a strong contingent. Clubs were briefed about some of the findings from the stable boat working party by Stephen Wragg.  John and Caroline Turnbull  outlined the successes that they have had at Weyfarers Rowing Club and how attracting  new types of members has strengthened their club. 

Thanks go to Peter and his team from Upton for organising and running the day and to Worcester Rowing Club for hosting the event. We hope that more such regional events will follow.

Rory Semple
ARA Team Leader and Volunteer Support Manager

For more details of the ARA’s stable boat packages please email Rosemary Napp, National Manager.