Chase Hotel hosts Olympic hero at Ross Rowing Club Regatta Ball

Over 170 Ross Rowing Club members
and guests were warmly entertained at their annual Regatta Ball. Supported by
guest of honour Andrew Hodge the Olympic gold medallist at Beijing in 2008, the
club is delighted to say this was the best ever Regatta ball it has ever
experienced. The Dinner was also graced 
by special guests, Rhiannon Jones and Steve Tuck. They both having come
through the Ross performance system, have gained gold medals for Great Britain
in international events.

The Club had a lot to celebrate,
having had its most successful season ever, with 4 National medals, 120 club
wins, the hosting of its most successful regatta and a fast growing membership.

Andrew Hodge made the most of his
first visit to Ross, taking a chance to view the Junior Academy with his
partner Eeke Thomee during Saturday afternoon. Eeke rowed in the Dutch women’s
squad and provided much inspiration to the high performance junior girls who are
about to embark on their own GB trials journey.  In his speech Andrew commented on how impressed he was at the
incredible progress the club has made. He added "I must congratulate you and
the committee on what you have achieved and done over recent years.  Ross
should be a model for many other clubs to follow".

The Club took the opportunity to
present its annual prizes. Cox of the year was won by Morgan Baynham Williams,
Club person on the year was won by Tim and Mandy Crossman for all their hard
work organising amongst many things the summer party and the regatta ball. Ian
Howell for the fourth year in a row was awarded the prize for best contribution
to the development of rowing at the Club. Over 30 winners certificates were
awarded and Club Captain Ian Howell took the opportunity to celebrate the
success of the two most successful Club coaches John Lewis  (Junior Captain) and Malcolm Pobjoy (Mens
squad) who both received commemorative pots.

The presentation ceremony was
capped with the award of specially engraved tankards for the High Performance
squad of Phil Davies, Steve Randell, Anthony Dixon Gough, Rolland Robinson and
Morgan Baynham Williams. This group are the most successful Ross Club oarsmen
in recent times having won at Vet Henley, and having captured the West of
England Challenge Vase for the first time in 60 years.

The Chase Hotel provided the
perfect venue for this now prestigious event. By being able to work closely
with hotel manager Colin Parcell and Duty Manager Cherith Pechey the event ran
beautifully. The Dinner guests enjoy excellent food wonderfully served by the
well-organised Chase Hotel team. The guests then danced long into the night to
the music from the brilliant "Silva". It was indeed a night to remember!