SIMON MELVIN, CHAIRMAN
Having always lived in Putney, Simon has spent his working life with the Melvin family business, setting up a partnership, some forty years ago, with his father, Doug, and brother, John. Whilst establishing working relationships with local residents and businesses, the firm has also been fortunate in securing a number of large contracts and projects in central London and the West End. More recently the partnership has invested in the local housing market and now manages and maintains a number of rental properties.
Simon has sat on LRC’s Committee on two previous occasions. During his second stint as a committee member Simon took on the position of House Steward – an appointment which coincided with an exciting and significant time for the Club. In the role, he was on hand to assist in the 2005/06 building project, which saw the formation of both the women’s changing room and the Ashton Room. He was also involved in the Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations of 2006 and was part of the sub-committee set up to organise the events held that summer. Simon holds fond memories of that year and recalls what a very special time it was for the Club.
During his lifelong association with London Rowing Club, Simon competed in The Thames Challenge Cup, The Ladies’ Plate, The Wyfold Challenge Cup and The Queen Mother Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. He also represented the club in GB colours at four World Championship regattas
Andrew Boyle, Hon. Secretary
Andrew organises meetings of the General Committee, club general meetings and acts as Company Secretary of London Rowing Club Limited. He has had numerous directorships related to his career in finance and has served for many years as a school governor. He is authorised to conduct financial services regulated by the FCA. He is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments.
Growing up in Marlow, Andrew rowed for Borlase school and Marlow RC before going to Oxford University where he rowed in the Lightweight crew. He also rowed in Japan where he lived for 10 years. After a significant gap, Andrew joined LRC in 2019 and began rowing with the club’s masters groups.
Philip Carré, Hon. Treasurer
Philip oversees the financial management of the club. He is a qualified accountant with significant experience both in the UK and overseas having worked in industry for most of his career, predominately in the construction sector holding CFO and Finance Director roles in some of the largest companies in the UK.
Philip joined the club in 2011 after completing a Learn to Row course at Barn Elms. Philip is now an active member of the Irregular’s group.
Saskia Gill, Membership Director
Saskia works in financial services and technology and joined London Rowing Club in 2021 as part of the Women’s Squad and then moved into the Masters Squad in 2023. Saskia began her rowing career as a Junior and restarted it at the University of Surrey. When she moved to London she rowed at Vesta and briefly at Thames before joining LRC. As a member of the Squad, Saskia reached the semi-finals at HWR, qualified for HRR, and won a few head races and regattas.
She started working as the LRC Membership Secretary in 2023 and took over the Women’s Masters group leadership in 2024. She is now the Membership Director as well and is looking after how the club can support its members.
TIM LEPPARD, Hon. House Steward (PROPERTY)
Tim qualified as a Chartered Surveyor after gaining a BSc (Hons) in Estate Management from South Bank Polytechnic. Since qualifying Tim has advised clients and investors on the sustainable asset management of Central London property for over 30 years. He has been responsible for everything from the day-to-day management of portfolios to whole building refurbishments.
Tim manages a never-ending schedule of inspections and remedial works to our clubhouse, a beautiful but vulnerable building where some parts are over 150 years old. Before becoming House Steward (Property) he was an active member of the Property Sub-Committee.
Tim started rowing at Hampton School, moving to Molesey Boat Club, then University of London Boat Club before joining LRC in 1991 where he’s been a member ever since. Tim has raced in three Henley Royal Regatta semi-finals and represented GB in the 1984 Match des Seniors (predecessor to the U23 World Championships) in Copenhagen in the M8+ where he won the bronze medal.
Tim now rows regularly with the Masters group including winning at British Masters Rowing Championships in 2023.
MATT REEDER, Captain
Matt is a Principal Consultant. He supports organisations and clients in the delivery of projects and programmes. Earlier in his career Matt was a technology consultant at Accenture.
Matt joined LRC in 2015 and has since been a member of the Squad. He has held the positions of Men's Squad Captain and Vice-Captain.
Matt started rowing at the University of Exeter. At LRC he has been a part of many winning crews at head races and regattas. He has reached the semi-finals and a final at Henley Royal Regatta. He has also represented England in the Home International Rowing Regatta.
