Gloucester launches new landing stage

A host of champions and dignitaries helped celebrate the launch of Gloucester Rowing Club’s new landing stage – the first phase of an ambitious new Boathouse project.

The £1.5million project would provide state-of-the-art facilities for the rowing club, as well as other local paddle sports clubs and schools, and would be scheduled for completion in 2014.

However, as the club have yet to raise enough funds to fully finance the development plans, the landing stage ceremony was also the launch of a fund-raising appeal.

Katherine Grainger of the GB Rowing Team was on hand to lead a sculling master class, with fellow GB athletes Heather Stanning, Natasha Page and Beth Rodford also making an appearance.

The Mayor of Gloucester was also on hand to help with the launch, hailing the club’s commitment to providing first-class sports facilities for people of all ages and backgrounds as he cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The £90,000 landing stage was part funded by British Rowing, who provided a substantial amount towards the overall cost through a National Governing Body Grant.

The first official event on the new landing stage takes place on August 27th – a Juniors and Masters Regatta consisting of a 600m race over still water.

There will then be a 750m race for Seniors on the 28th, followed by an Explore Rowing event on the same day.

For more information on the upcoming Gloucester Regatta, see the club poster.