Presidents Comment
Firstly, I need to acknowledge the impact one has upon entering our gym area and the sense of pride I feel in the tidy/clean nature of this facility. A rehousing of plant has enabled the gym to be more effectively utilised and bodes well for our winter training schedules.
Jane Detwiler has now completed her first month in our Head Coach role. Over the next few months I am very confident that Janes expertise and competencies will have a beneficial impact across the whole club. It is up to all our members to now make contact with Jane, ask questions, and embrace every training and social moment.
To be a strong club – a place where lifelong friendships are made within a culture that is embracing and inclusive, requires every club member to be open to change and to be able to freely express ourselves. Let’s all go for it under Janes watch!
Well done to our Masters Group last weekend at the Legions Lake Karapiro Regatta. Our AWRC colours featured prominently across a wide range of Age Classifications which included 8 Gold Medals! [Photo attached shows President Bruce enjoying the support of Uppy, Garth and Ewen to secure one of them – note that even septuagenarians have over 2000 groupies following them! – Grader]
Also visiting Karapiro this weekend is Levi Carroll, who is participating in NZ Under 21 Trials and on behalf of the Club we wish him every success at reaching his next career milestone.
Flood Protection of our club and assets – I am pleased to report that 2 funding agencies have agreed to provide a total of $18000 and we have a further funding application in the pipeline. We need a total of $26000 for this project so hopefully we will prepared before our river decides to breach our club again…..
Graffiti – As Grader has previously commented, this highly irritating defacing of our building continues to be a problem, and despite our security cameras, we have been unable to identify the, culprits. However paint has been ordered and remedial actions will be undertaken very soon.
Bruce
Other Updates
Our Internationals
Our Club is proud to confirm that Kerri Gowler has again secured her place in the Elite Womens Coxless Pair with long term rowing mate Grace Prendergast, while sister Jackie is part of the Womens Sweep Squad for the forthcoming International campaign.
Last year’s World Championship Bronze Medallist, and now new dad, Chris Harris will also again be with John Storey in the Mens Double Scull.
The tremendous physical work and commitment that these athletes undertake to represent their country can never be understated and we wish them well as they prepare for World Cup II in Poznan, Poland 21-23 June.
New Members
The Club warmly welcomes our 17 school novices and their families and trust you enjoy your time with us as you develop and reach your rowing potential.
Jane has also been busy with a more mature group of a dozen Adult Learn to Row group, who have been undertaking on and off the water sessions since commencing last week.
Time will tell if they can emulate the triumphs of our current group of Masters….
Toyota Hi Lux
This vehicle has now been returned home to Toyota for the winter. The Club greatly appreciates the generosity of Whanganui Toyota and we would like all our members to reciprocate when purchasing or repairing personal vehicles by utilising Toyotas services if possible.
Web Page
The Club web page has languished somewhat over recent years however our new Head Coach has talents in this area as well (don’t all young people!) so hopefully this important communication link will be firing up more effectively very soon! (BUT NEVER FORGET TO READ YOUR CLUB EMAILS!)
Fire Extinguishers
We now have 4 fire extinguishers in the Club. (Main Kitchen, Gym area, Lounge kitchen and Ground Floor (outside Mens dressing room). Please familiarise yourselves with locations and how to use these.
Forthcoming Dates
Club Strategic Review – Sunday 3.00pm Oarsman Lounge. Bar will be open and pizzas provided to facilitate proceedings.
Committee Meeting – Monday 13 May, 7.00pm
Club Prizegiving – Saturday 13 July (James Sandston is organising and has promised something even more spectacular than last year so be there!)
Cheers,
Grader Howells
Secretary
Aramoho Whanganui Rowing Club
