James Foad has already represented GB as a junior at an international regatta in Munich and is on the brink of being selected to represent GB at either the World Cup or Coupe regattas. This is a marvellous result for James who thoroughly deserves his success for all the hard work, time and effort he has put in to achieve his ambitions. It is also great news for the club to have such a young person getting success at such a high level in our sport. Well done and Congratulations James! The club won both Men’s and Women’s Novice sections at the Southampton Head of the River, which puts us in good stead for the club target of winning both H&D Novice Championships this season.
The Clubs Annual General meeting will be held on Sunday 19th June 2005, starting promptly at 12.00 midday. Notices of meeting are enclosed along with agenda and proposed rule amendments. Our AGM’s last on average about 30 minutes (shorter if I can swing it).
We currently have 65 members in our club and the good news is that the number is increasing weekly. Thanks to all members who renewed their membership for this year and welcome to all the clubs new members – you won’t regret joining this club.
Southampton City Council has offered us a new 25-year lease, which is excellent news as we were fully expecting them not to renew the lease without a fight. The security of tenure this gives us means that we can review our development plan and have a serious look at the prospect of obtaining funding for a new club building. Just think, no leaking roof, space for all our boats, spacious changing facilities and proper heating!!!!
Our application for registration as a CASC has been approved, subject to the adoption of a few minor rule changes, which will be dealt with at this years AGM. This puts us roughly on a par with registered Charities and is the first time central government has recognised the importance that amateur sports clubs like ours gives to the community. It will mean that we will qualify for an automatic 80% reduction in our annual rates bill for starters and we will keep lobbying to obtain further benefits. Well done to Sam who put in a lot of work on this project.
As reported in the last Club Newsletter, we were invited by the ARA to apply for entry to the above scheme. It would commit us to raising £3000, to which the scheme would add approximately £17000, which we would then spend on equipment. The Wessex Regional Rowing Council unanimously decided to back our bid for the scheme, and not the Southampton Institutes, so we hope that the process will now gain some much-needed momentum (especially as Chris already knows what he’s going to spend the money on).
Every now and again the club organises events that we hope you will support. The aim of these events is your enjoyment, to have fun, to build club camaraderie and if in the process we raise money to swell the club coffers than that’s good to. So please support any social events that are organised or perhaps come up with an idea which you can organise on the clubs behalf. It’s your club after all. And talking of which…
This should be a cracker. A Caribbean themed BBQ is being organised for Saturday 2nd July (after Milford Regatta). Inside if wet. Keep your eyes open for posters giving details. I expect to see plenty of dreadlocks and multi coloured T cosy’s being worn. Oh and by the way, dig out all your old Bob Marley records.
Kevin Sidhu used all his negotiating skills and managed to persuade a company called Richfield Graphics to sponsor us by providing 200 printed T-shirts free of charge. We have decided to sell these at the massively discounted price of 2 for £10, which I am sure you will agree represents tremendous value for money (think I’ve been watching too much of ‘The Apprentice’). The money raised will go towards our Project Oarsome Extra appeal. See any committee member if you want to buy, but particularly Jackie or Gary.
Sue is a qualified Sports and Remedial Masseuse. Sue can be contacted on 023 8043 4743 or mobile phone number 07968 515925 to book your massage. Sue also charges a reduced rate to club members so if you feeling the need for a massage give her a call.
Chris has rowing vests for sale at £15 and will take orders for All–in-Ones that are costing £47. He will also take orders for windproof rowing jackets.
See Gary for an order form for a range of exciting club logo’d gear such as Polo shirts, long sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.
Congratulations on Mick Foad for passing the ARA Instructors Award course held in March. If any club member is interested in taking an Instructors Course then let Gary know.
Have you seen the club web site at www.itchenimperial.co.uk. If not, why not? Please log on and give us your views plus any items or photos that you think might be included.
Do try to attend the club on Tuesday evenings. It will hopefully continue to provide a little revenue over the bar and you can keep up with what is happening at the club.
The ARA offers a very good insurance cover if you become a member. Associate membership is currently £20 per year. You also get the Regatta magazine free through the year, which in itself is worth the membership. Application forms from Gary.
When was the last time you had a Tetanus immunization injection. It is advisable that you a) have a Tetanus injection and b) keep it up to date. Think about asking for one the next time you go to the Doctors.
It cost just £45 to hire. We can help find a DJ if required or hirers can play their own music on our tape decks. So please keep your ears open and if you hear of someone looking for a venue then bring us to their attention. Contact Sue Foad to make a booking.
| Sunday 19th June | Club Annual General Meeting |
| Saturday 2nd July | Caribbean BBQ |
| Saturday 26th July | My birthday |
| Saturday 27th August | Itchen Imperial Regatta |
| Saturday 19th November | H&D Presentation Dinner |