Winners of the 2025 British Rowing Awards announced
These awards celebrate people, clubs and crews from across the rowing community who deserve recognition for the incredible work they put into our sport. See the winners now!
Affiliated Club of the Year: Lymington Amateur Rowing Club
Lymington ARC epitomises a community club which is open to all. The club strongly believes in making rowing accessible to everyone in our community whatever their rowing goals. They may be a smaller club, but one which is growing rapidly with 170 members. They work closely with the wider public, making their clubhouse available for pilates and RowFit classes which are open to non-members. They have raised over £25k this year to help buy more equipment and maintain what they have so they can get more people safely afloat. They are proud of their junior programme and in particular, the incredible development of a number of their junior members who are neurodiverse.
Here are a few quotes from these children and their parents: “Rowing has given me opportunities that I never imagined.” “I’ve found an incredible supportive community.” “The club and community and support have been life changing for my family, allowing my children to feel safe, nurtured and gain valuable life skills.”
Club Crew of the Year: London Rowing Club’s Thames Challenge Cup Eight
This crew’s achievements through the summer regatta season were outstanding, culminating in winning the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. They won the Championship Eights at Wallingford Regatta, on Sunday of the Metropolitan Regatta and at Marlow Regatta.
At HRR they put a claim down to be the fastest Men’s Club Eight ever. On the Wednesday, they equalled the Barrier record and broke the Fawley record that had stood since 1993. In the final, they equalled the overall record from 1995. Their final time was one second quicker than the winning time of the Ladies Challenge Plate.
The crew demonstrated just how fast it is possible to go as club athletes, pushing the standard of club rowing to new levels. The London RC Thames Cup Eight’s success is testament to the commitment all club rowers put into their sport they love.
University Crew of the Year: Durham University Boat Club Men’s Pair
Charlie Warren and Will Morgan-Jones
Charlie and Will have exemplified the highest standards of performance, teamwork, and commitment within both university rowing and GB trials this season. Representing Durham University BC, the pair have demonstrated exceptional consistency, technical excellence, and resilience both on and off the water.
Their achievements have elevated DUBC’s profile nationally and inspired a culture of excellence across the student rowing community at Durham. Charlie and Will were the fastest U23 Pair at February Trials and were awarded Half Palatinates by Durham University as recognition for their contribution to university sport.
As senior members of the Men’s Squad, they have modelled a professional approach to balancing rigorous academic studies with training, recovery, and teamwork, setting a benchmark for others to follow. They have fostered a positive and inclusive environment which members enjoy and feel motivated to perform at their best. Both have actively mentored and worked alongside members of both the Men’s, Women’s and Development Squad, taking time out of their busy study schedules to put the club first.
Junior/School Crew of the Year: Elena Taylor, Derby Rowing Club
Elena Taylor has had an outstanding year representing Derby RC, achieving remarkable results on both the national and international stage while embodying the spirit, discipline, and determination that define the next generation of British rowers.
At Henley Women’s Regatta, Elena produced an exceptional performance in the Di Ellis Trophy, progressing all the way to the semi-finals after overcoming a series of tough and highly competitive races. Elena’s season didn’t stop at the national level. She went on to represent Derby RC in Europe at the prestigious Silver Skiff Regatta in Turin, where she delivered a fantastic result against an international field.
Beyond her personal successes, Elena continues to play a vital role within the club’s junior squad, leading by example through her dedication, positivity, and sportsmanship. Her commitment to her training and her teammates reflects the very best of Derby RC’s values.
The Judging Panel recognised that Elena not just achieved some outstanding results, but was a role model for others around her. She is a fine example for future rowers at Derby RC.
Volunteer of the Year Awards
Eastern Region: Florian Maurer, Lea Rowing Club
Since joining the club on a Learn to Row course two years ago, Florian has been a powerhouse of energy around the club getting involved in all aspects of club life.
Florian has totally overhauled the club’s membership system, which has been vital for efficient administration of and communication to the members. Payments of subs, entry fees, social events etc. are now streamlined and easy. Florian has also been a great supporter of the growing recreational squad reinvigorating its activities.
East Midlands Region: Joshua Rhodes-Hook, Derby Rowing Club
For over a decade, Josh Rhodes-Hook has been the beating heart of Derby Rowing Club, a true volunteer in every sense, whose selflessness, dedication, and tireless commitment have kept the club running smoothly and safely year after year.
Josh wears many hats, often all at once. As Safety Advisor, Head Junior Coach, and Boatman, he gives countless hours of his time to ensure that every member from complete beginners to seasoned athletes, can enjoy rowing in a safe, supportive, and well-organised environment.
Outside of the Club, Josh supports the region as Team Manager for the Eastern team at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, and, on a national level, he sits on the Organising Committee of the British Rowing Club Championships.
Northern Region: Isabel Smales, Tyne Amateur Rowing Club
Isabel Smales (otherwise known as Iso) has been a member of Tyne ARC for over 6 years, and in that time, she has been a very enthusiastic volunteer and supporter of the club.
Iso’s bounding energy and enthusiasm is the first thing you notice, but under that there is an unwavering dedication and patience to all members of all ages of the club. Iso is currently club Treasurer, Masters Women’s coordinator, fundraiser, rower, cox, launch driver and amazing cake baker!
Iso also helps regionally with the Sunday League, is an excellent cox and is happy to help in any way she can.
North West Region: Paul Jackson, Northwich Rowing Club
Few people embody the true spirit of rowing like Paul Jackson. A constant, smiling presence at events across the UK and beyond, Paul is one of those rare volunteers whose quiet dedication makes the entire sport stronger.
Paul also represents the best of what volunteering in rowing can be: collaborative, inclusive, and driven by a genuine desire to help the sport flourish. He has become a familiar face not only in England but further afield, building friendships and strengthening connections between rowing communities across borders.
Without Paul and volunteers like him, many events simply could not go ahead. His commitment is unwavering, his attitude exemplary, and his contribution immeasurable. Paul doesn’t just support rowing, he sustains it.
Thames Region: Andrew Nyman Walbrook RC
During his time at the club, Andrew has demonstrated inspiring qualities and is a great role model both to adults and the juniors. As Safety Adviser Andrew quickly rewrote the safety procedures, putting a risk matrix in place and online completion of our risk assessment procedures to make it easy for club members to record and for the club to have a record of who was boating in exceptional circumstances.
Two years after joining, Andrew became Captain and has led by example. He is a Consultant in Children’s Critical Care at a London hospital and obviously spends long hours there. He has been known to attend committee meetings at the end of a 24 hour shift or to hold a land session and then go directly into work.
Andrew has now taken on a volunteering role as Doctor for the Junior Fours Head and also carries out the role as safety and Doctor for Teddington Head.
West Midlands Region: Tim Ball, Ross Rowing Club
Over the years, Tim has been a Junior Coach, sat on the Board as a Treasurer, Men’s Captain, Learn to Row Coordinator and Coach, and the ‘Boat House Fairy’ – ensuring the acquisition and maintenance of a very good fleet of boats.
Ross have had a bumper intake of 25, boosting their Club’s adult membership by about 10%. He is there every weekend and also drives around the country delivering boats for repair, hunting out bargains, keeping their boat fleet up to scratch. This year, he’s helped sort out their commercial camp site, an essential source of club income.
Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset (WAGS) Region: Steve Jones, Gloucester Rowing Club 
Over the past year Steve has supported every corner of the club’s activities. He runs indoor rowing training sessions, motivating rowers of all ages and abilities to stay fit and improve their technique. He’s also the person everyone calls when something breaks, and with his technical know-how, he keeps their boats, blades and equipment in top condition, often giving up his evenings and weekends to do so.
Beyond the practical work, Steve embodies the true spirit of rowing. He’s welcoming to new members, patient with novices, and always the first to offer encouragement or lend a hand. His steady presence has created a supportive environment that helps our club thrive, both on and off the water.
West Region: Stephen and Andrea Worley, Wimbleball Rowing Club
Stephen and Andrea are pivotal to the smooth running of the summer season of the West of England Amateur Rowing Association (WEARA). Their dedication and hard work ensure that every event runs seamlessly. They take responsibility for maintaining and transporting the umpiring equipment to regattas, ensuring everything is in full working order. Between them, they umpire at around eight out of ten of the association’s summer regattas, an outstanding contribution in itself.
Andrea also serves as the association’s treasurer, managing the accounts with great care and ensuring WEARA remains in a strong financial position. Both Andrea and Steve are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to share their expertise and advice, even when they’re on the other side of the world!
Their commitment, reliability, and generosity with their time make them invaluable members of the WEARA community. Andrea and Stephen truly embody the spirit of volunteering.
Yorkshire Region: Dave Wilkinson, Hull Kingston Rowing Club
No problem is too big or small for Dave to solve, whether it’s repairing bow balls or putting up new racking. Dave has become a treasured member of the club through his tireless commitment. Without being asked and sometimes from his own pocket, he sees issues that need to be fixed and just does it. He repaired the landing stage after high water levels caused damage, built new racking for the expanding fleet and oars, and so many repairs to boats across the years.
His many years in the sport have also granted him invaluable knowledge and expertise which he shares amongst Hulls Kingston RC’s growing members, whether it be for improving technique, how to maintain the condition of our ergs, or giving a rigging lesson so that members have confidence in rigging their own boat and understanding the impact alterations have. The club don’t know where they would be without him!
Young Volunteer of the Year
Eastern Region: Liv Watson, Cantabrigian Rowing Club
Liv is the heart and driving force of the club, a volunteer whose dedication, energy, and compassion have transformed the way they run and grow as a community.
What makes Liv truly remarkable is how she manages all this while being a committed athlete herself, training eight to ten times per week, without ever letting the pressures of club administration affect her positivity or her relationships with others.
She greets every member with kindness, listens to their needs, and finds ways to help them grow, whether that means suggesting a suitable crew, offering encouragement, or simply making them feel seen. The success and warmth of the club are a direct reflection of her hard work and the joy she brings to everything she does.
Northern: Owen Thornton, Cambois Rowing Club
Owen Thornton is one of those rare individuals who makes a lasting positive impact on everyone he meets. Whether offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or quiet encouragement to those taking their first strokes, Owen is always there, steady, thoughtful, and kind. At training sessions and regattas alike, he has become the person others instinctively turn to for reassurance, support, and calm guidance.
Along with Owen’s nomination was the following message. “Owen’s qualities as a servant leader were profoundly evident in the aftermath of the tragic death of his coach, Eric Shiel, in March 2025. While still processing his own grief, Owen demonstrated remarkable empathy and maturity. When I arrived at the club a few days later, he gently offered to take the flowers I had brought and tie them up, ensuring they were placed with care. That same evening, he had quietly prepared a session that brought together athletes, parents, and coaches, giving everyone space to connect, talk, and remember. His sensitivity, leadership, and awareness of others during that period were extraordinary.”
Owen embodies the very best of what rowing stands for: teamwork, respect, resilience, and care for others. He leads not through authority, but through quiet influence and example. His maturity, humility, and compassion far exceed his years, and his contribution to his club and peers has been profound.
Norh West Region: Adelaide Baron, Mersey Rowing Club
Adelaide Baron is an exceptional and highly valued member of the Women’s Squad at Mersey Rowing Club.
Most significantly, Addi has been developing an app for Mersey RC to streamline session organisation.
Women’s Squad member Grace Ní Shioradáin describes Addi as, “an absolute powerhouse of a woman, between developing an app for the club, coaching Learn to Row, juniors, and masters (often stepping in at the last minute), and happily jumping into development boats herself to get people racing. She gives so much of her time and energy to others.”
Thames Region: Samuel Rolfe, Royal Free & University College Medical School Boat Club
As Safety and Welfare Officer, Sam led the organisation of the flagship Pride in Sport Panel, bringing together university clubs across London to share experiences on accessibility and visibility in sport. Sam secured funding to make the event free and fully catered, resulting in record attendance and lasting partnerships. His passion for inclusion and wellbeing extended to a club-wide survey he designed – gathering honest feedback on visibility, representation, and support in rowing. The data will inform tangible policy changes within RUMSBC, and the results will be shared across other clubs to inspire broader progress.
“Sam is the reason many of us stayed in rowing – he makes everyone feel welcome, valued, and capable. ” – RUMSBC Committee Member 2025-26
“He leads with humility and purpose, and his dedication sets the gold standard for what volunteering in sport should be.” – RUMSBC President 2025-26
West Midlands Region: Tom Hill, Evesham Rowing Club
Tom joined Evesham as a Junior aged 12 and learned to row with the club.
This year, Tom has been Junior Captain and has presided over one of the most successful years ever.
He usually tows the club trailer to events, taking time off his full time job to be available to do so. At the Club Championships this summer he stayed up at Nottingham for four days because wasn’t prepared to let his Junior athletes race without being there to help them! He volunteers, unpaid, to work behind the Evesham club bar at least twice a week and runs land training sessions for both Junior and Senior Squad members.
His nominator called him “an extraordinary young man”.
Wessex (South East): Esme Walters, Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club 
A just 18-years-old, Esme took on the vice captaincy of the club. She has pushed herself outside her comfort zone to support others and develop a range of skills. Esme has made sure the highest standards are achieved across the club.
She has set up and established the clubs monthly ‘Task Force Tuesdays”, an event which brings parents, rowers, friends and families together to undertake general repairs, cleaning and support. Esme also organised two Love rowing initiatives – welcoming a Nottingham community group down to enjoy rowing on the sea in the summer, and organising the club to support The Big Row Hike Row challenge in October. For the Isle of Wight rowing community, she organises the Annual Indoor Rowing Championships.
Across the Wessex region, Esme has supported the talent development programme across the Wessex region in all events, from assisting on the development days, undertaking admin support in the process, to helping crews on and off the water at the JIRR.
Wessex (Hants and Dorset): Adam Tester, Worthing Rowing Club 
In just one year, Adam Tester has transformed Worthing Rowing Club. Driven purely by passion, he has modernised the club, revitalised its image, protected its history, and strengthened their community
Adam’s creativity, determination and kindness have inspired members old and new, proving how one person’s energy can reshape a club’s future.
For Adam, Worthing Rowing Club isn’t just a place to volunteer, it’s where he found belonging and purpose. His work has modernised the club, grown participation, preserved history, and built community. He embodies British Rowing’s values of teamwork, being open to all, and commitment.
Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset (WAGS) Region: Oskar Whittle, Gloucester Rowing Club
Since starting with the club, Oskar has been incredibly supportive of other junior rowers, and regularly helps out at beginners sessions even though it means he is sometimes at the club for four hours at a time. He is very patient with those who struggle to get the hang of sequencing, and calmly helps those who panic after getting caught up in trees, while at the same time remembering enough of his own early experience to be able to take them forward to the next steps when they are ready.
He frequently helps out by rowing in a double with a new beginner or coxing a crew in a quad, and has also rowed alongside a crew in a single to help them. All in all he has been a model of positivity.
Yorkshire Region: Oliver Heywood, Leeds Rowing Club 
It’s not often that juniors of such a young age become one of the most indispensable people in a club, but that description fits Oliver Heywood perfectly.
At just 14, Oliver is an instrumental part of making sure that Leeds Rowing Club runs like clockwork. He organises the club’s coxing equipment for training and racing, coordinates his fellow junior squad members when rigging boats after events and ensures that all equipment is in order. He also sets up all the coaching launches and even carries out repairs on kit to keep it in good order.
Coach of the Year
Community Coach of the Year: Indiajane Cox, Just Row Gloucestershire
In 2019, Indiajane founded the charity Just Row Gloucestershire. It encourages and facilitates rowing for those in the community who might be described as disadvantaged in some way. This includes physical, mental, emotional, financial, or social incapacity.
The charity now supports hundreds per month. It works with the NHS, Social Prescribing, Macmillan, Keeping A Breast, Help4Heroes, ADHDHub as well as SEN groups, kids and young adults from deprived areas, those with physical disabilities as well as a large number of participants with other neurodiverse needs. This is largely due to Indiajane’s immense efforts.
Talent Development Coach of the Year: Heather McDermott, Tynemouth Rowing Club
Having only joined the sport in 2024, Heather’s progress and influence as a coach have been nothing short of meteoric.
She has been selected as a coach for two English Home International Beach Sprint Regatta teams, the Coupe de la Jeunesse, and the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints in Barbados.
There is a clear reason why the North East of England is emerging as a national and international force in Beach Sprints and Coastal Rowing, and that reason is Heather.
This summer, she successfully led the organisation of the British Coastal Championships at Tynemouth, an event that ran seamlessly thanks to her leadership and meticulous planning.
Young Coach of the Year: Matty Cleugh, Lambton Rowing Club
Matty not only founded Lambton RC, but has also built it into a thriving, welcoming, and successful rowing community. As both chairman and junior coach, he has poured his heart and soul into creating opportunities for young people to discover the sport, develop their potential, and believe in themselves.
At an age when many are still finding their path, Matty has already built something extraordinary. His dedication, kindness, and leadership have changed lives, creating a legacy that will continue to grow. He truly embodies the spirit of what it means to be a coach, a mentor, a motivator, and a role model and he is incredibly deserving of this recognition.
Inclusive Coach of the Year: Nick Steel, Maidenhead Rowing Club
As Trustee and Co-Chair of Love Rowing, Nick plays a vital role in advancing the charity’s mission to transform lives through participation in rowing. He also serves as the adaptive rowing representative on the Thames Regional Rowing Council and is a former Captain of Maidenhead RC. In every capacity, Nick’s leadership reflects his deep belief in the power of sport to unite, heal, and inspire.
Nowhere is Nick’s impact more profound than in his work as Lead Coach for the Royal British Legion’s Team UK Rowing squad, preparing them for the 2023 and 2025 Invictus Games. The team comprises serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces who face significant personal challenges, including life-changing injuries, amputations, and complex PTSD. For these athletes, the Invictus Games are more than competition – they are a vital part of their recovery journey. The pride and confidence they rediscover through the Games can be life-changing, which makes having a coach like Nick all the more meaningful.
Coaching Team of the Year: Swindon Rowing Club
Duncan Hall, Robert Sinclair, Jacob Allinson, Ellie Miles, Kate Freeman, Joanne Barr, Court Clarkson with Help from Rod, Maddie, Kyran and Sue
The impact of this coaching team is clear in the achievements of their learning rowers, a growing sense of belonging for all members, a growing pride within the town of the rowing success, and the club’s exponential growth. In just over 18 months, the club has gone from under a dozen active members to over 40. This spirit of progress, community, and care makes their coaching team exceptionally deserving of this award.
By actively seeking, listening, and responding to feedback, the coaching team revitalised the Learn to Row programme, encouraging a broader range of novices with greater representation across age groups, genders, sexualities, nationalities and cultures. They are joined by a new coach to offer athletes with additional physical needs learning opportunities, which they plan to build on.
Environmental Sustainability Award: Fulham Reach Boat Club
Fulham Reach BC continue to lead the thinking and most importantly action in the area of protecting the environment and – most importantly – always share their knowledge, facilities, contacts and expertise with other schools and clubs whilst consulting with a wide variety of stakeholders, particularly the local community.
“Their impact as a grassroots club at a local and most importantly national level is significant.”
Fulham Reach BC’s environmental strategy isn’t a one-off project, it’s a blueprint for sustainable sport.
Welfare, Wellbeing and Inclusion Award: Mark Dewdney, Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club
Over the past seven years, Stratford-upon Avon BC has developed one of the largest and most impairment-diverse adaptive squads in the country; an inspiring model of what truly inclusive sport looks like.
The squad, led by Mark Dewdney, now boasts seven qualified adaptive coaches, with three more currently in training. The coaching team includes neurodiverse and physically impaired coaches, with strong female representation.
The squad supports athletes with a wide range of conditions, including spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, neurodiverse conditions such as autism and ADHD, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, amputation, stroke, long COVID, and many other acquired impairments arising from accident or illness. This diversity is not coincidental – it reflects a conscious commitment to inclusion, compassion and flexibility. The ethos of the squad is simple yet powerful: rowing for everyone.
National Safety Award: Clive Pendry
Clive Pendry began his role in Rowing Safety in 2004 when he became the Club Rowing Safety Adviser
for Gloucester Rowing Club. In 2007 he became the Regional Rowing Safety Adviser for WAGS. He
continues in both roles today.
Clive has been the Chair of the National Rowing Safety Committee (NRSC) since 2015. The NRSC
consists of the Regional Rowing Safety Advisers for each Region and other invited guests. It holds
virtual meetings every month to discuss Rowing Safety issues generally and to share information related
to rowing safety.
He has also been the Safety Adviser for various British Rowing Championships including the Senior Championships, Masters Championships, Junior Championships, and the Indoor Championships. Clive has also held safety roles at various other events.
Beryl Crockford Award for Outstanding Contribution to Junior Rowing: John Broadhurst
In the early 1990s, John played a central role in introducing rowing to Headington School, Oxford. John’s youngest daughter was part of a group of 15 girls introduced to the sport via the City of Oxford Rowing Club (CORC). After a short time, momentum and enthusiasm had not waned, so parents were asked if anyone knew about the sport and were willing to help: without any hesitation John raised his hand alongside another parent, Tom Collins. Together with Hilary Davis at CORC, and under the CORC colours, the three of them entered an eight and a four at the Schools’ Head of the River Race in Putney, London in March 1992. Within weeks, John and Tom suggested that Headington establish its own Boat Club and race under its own colours: the headmistress Elizabeth Tucker heartily agreed.
Beginning as a small, humble initiative, borrowing boats and facilities from CORC and St Edward’s, Headington School Oxford Boat Club (HSOBC) blossomed into one of the largest, most successful, and widely respected female youth rowing programmes in the UK.
John’s drive to widen participation and access to rowing for all youth in the locality found further expression in his foundation and leadership of Hinksey Sculling School (HSS), established with Tom Collins in 1998. Beginning with makeshift facilities and the use of safe waters at Hinksey Boating Lake, Oxford, HSS grew into a thriving community club, providing opportunities for hundreds of children across Oxfordshire. Under John’s stewardship as Chair and Tom’s role as Treasurer, the club achieved remarkable competitive success: national titles, international medals, and significant achievements at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.
John Broadhurst sadly passed away on 22 July 2025, aged 82 surrounded by his loving family. You can read his full obituary on the British Rowing website.
With the British Rowing Awards comes this year’s British Rowing Medal of Honour and Merit recipients! Find out who has been honoured here.
