National Schools Regatta boosts Bewl Bridge RC

On a calm but overcast Saturday morning in mid-March, forty members of Bewl Bridge Rowing Club (BBRC) gathered to celebrate and name their new acquisition – a 14ft coaching catamaran.

BBRC’s joint Captains, husband and wife team Mark and Lene Northwood, spoke of the Club’s excitement in taking delivery of the new launch, which has been financed by the generosity of a grant from the National Schools’ Regatta (NSR).

The Northwoods explained that the grant from NSR will help BBRC to bring the Olympic legacy to life in Lamberhurst, by providing the extra coaching and safety cover following the significant influx of interest – particularly from Juniors – following Team GB’s performances at Dorney during London 2012.  

Jonathan Hill, secretary of the NSR, whose father Desmond founded the regatta in 1947, said how pleased he was that the Regatta is able to support BBRC’s programme of Junior rowing. Without further ado, Jonathan then completed the ceremonies by pouring the all-important bottle of fizz over the bows of the new vessel, naming her Kitty Cat, and wishing safety and good coaching to all who would sail in her.

The morning was rounded off in good style by an excellent selection of sandwiches, sausages and brownies and, of course, champagne provided by Club stalwarts Kirsti and Richard Snowden.

Angus Bogle
BBRC Chairman

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