CEO visits: Tom's tour of the UK continues in the West and Wales - British Rowing

April 16, 2026

CEO visits: Tom’s tour of the UK continues in the West and Wales

Tom began his visit to West Midlands at Evesham Rowing Club, where he spent time talking through his future vision for rowing.

“This was a hugely exciting moment for us,” said Evesham Rowing Club Chairman Simon Edwards. “As one of Britain’s oldest rowing clubs, we’re thrilled to be helping to shape the future of our sport. To welcome the CEO of British Rowing shows how important rowing clubs like ours are in the national picture. Evesham Rowing Club and British Rowing are moving in the same direction with new momentum and a clear vision, so this has been the perfect moment to get together and discuss how local initiatives and national leadership can work together to strengthen rowing from the ground up.”

Listen to Tom speaking to the Evesham RC Juniors below!

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Tom also visited Stourport Boat Club, and Captain Liz Danby shared that “Tom struck me as someone who truly understands rowing – not just the sport itself, but what it means within our region.

“He took the time to listen carefully to our thoughts, showing a genuine appreciation of both our ambitions, and the challenges we face locally. What stood out most was his proactive approach; he was already considering plans to introduce rowing into primary schools through an indoor rowing programme, demonstrating real commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.”

Tom finished his West Midlands trip in Pengwern BC. He said “Today has been all about listening just as much as sharing ideas. Our country’s rowing clubs, and the insight and experiences of their members and volunteers, will shape how we move forward together to build a strong, inclusive future for rowing across the UK. Rowing can have a hugely positive, life-changing impact on people. It has been fantastic to see the sport thriving on the banks of the River Avon thanks to the hard work of the amazing local volunteers and rowing community whose dedication is powering the future of our sport.”

Hear from Tom on the rest of his trip below!

I started my visit in the Wiltshire, Avon, Somerset and Gloucester Region at Gloucester RC, visiting the boathouse and seeing the great developments happening there. It was especially great to be able to go out on a launch at Avon County RC, and they were kind enough to host us for a discussion with the regions other clubs.

The next day it was off to Wales. It was brilliant to catch up with Dan Fella, CEO of Welsh Rowing and their Chair Simon Reeves. We have an incredibly open and collaborative relationship with Welsh Rowing, and I’m excited to carry that forward, and work alongside both Welsh and Scottish Rowing in the years ahead. We visited Cardiff Met University and met with the Vice Chancellor; it was good to hear about their plans for a new course.

Exeter Rowing Club was kind enough to host me for their club night, where I met with a number of clubs including Exmouth, Torquary, Dart Totnes, Plymouth, Bideford and Wimbleball for an open, honest chat about the issues affecting the region. It was also good to learn more about the West of England Amateur Rowing Association.

I was able to re-award Stephen and Andrea Worley their regional British Rowing Volunteer of the Year Awards, and it was really special to be able to do that in their region.

When will Tom be in your region?

Tom’s visits continue from 20th April in the Thames Region and Wessex and South East Coast. Check in with your regional representative on where Tom will be in your region if you’d like to speak with him!