Olympic Gold Medallist, Andrew Triggs Hodge, is guest of honour at Ross RC annual dinner
Over 170 Ross Rowing Club members and guests were warmly entertained at their annual Regatta Ball recently. Supported by guest of honour Andrew Triggs 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 Triggs 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!
Pictured left to right: Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE (GB Rowing Team Olympic Gold Medalist ) Ian Howell (Captain) Eeke Thomee, (Dutch International Oarswomen) Bryn Hughes (Chairman) Colin Parcell (Manager of Chase Hotel)
