CHAIRMAN’S VIEW
LRC kicked off the new rowing year in some style last weekend with the highly anticipated Great London Row. The Club saw more than 70 rowers, scullers and coxes boating over the course of the two days, with everything being rounded off by an extremely enjoyable BBQ on Sunday afternoon, during which cheers and applause would ring out for each of the crews as they came in.
Thanks, of course, to all the crews for committing to the row and for covering the distances set – very well done!
Thanks also to Kathleen Curran and the balcony fundraising sub-committee, together with a good many others, for organising everything and making the GLR happen. The logistics have been mind-boggling with information sheets and pdfs available to advise on approaching and negotiating locks together with the various stop-off points along the way, as well as the necessary boat and blade transport.
A memorable weekend for the Club and the Great London Row 2025 represented a truly fantastic effort by all involved!
Please do read the main article on the GLR in this edition of The London Roar.
The team leading the construction project for the new balcony also deserve our continued thanks. Planning consent has been granted – many congratulations. Important to note that funds will still need to be raised for the project but once completed the new balcony promises to look stunning. Great to have the plans on show at the Club during the BBQ last Sunday.
More building news! During the course of July and August our Hon. House Steward Tim Leppard was busy managing the installation of the new boilers and the alterations to the plumbing system. The works have now been completed and the new installation looks very impressive and our thanks go to Tim for his hard work.
On the rowing side, the Battle Paddles were once again a feature of Club life throughout August and I understand the turnout was excellent and much fun was had by all.
Lastly, the arrival of September signals the start of winter training for our Elite Squad and Elite Masters Squads and I would like to wish all our athletes the very best for this phase of the rowing year. Train hard, train safe and keep all those goals very much in your minds.
Simon Melvin
Chairman, London Rowing Club
CAPTAIN’S REPORT
My report this month starts where the last one finished, with the Thursday evening ‘Fight Nights’. These evenings, which are enjoyed by many members from across the club, continued throughout August and concluded on the 28th with 4 8+’s, 3 4x-’s and a 4- taking to the water. A big thank you goes to Jennifer Arthur and Basil Amin who co-ordinated these evenings and thanks also go to all those who supported. I know many are already looking forward to the return of these evenings next August!
In the middle of August, Gaby and Samantha Morton competed at the Lithuanian Senior Championships in Trakai. They won silver in the 2-, competing against the Lithuanian Senior crew that is going to the world championships in Shanghai towards the end of September. They additionally won gold in a composite 4-. Congratulations to Gaby and Samantha.
Sunday, 7th of September saw the new Squad season officially kick off. Coaches, new members and returning members took to the water in the morning for an outing before an opening season briefing. The start of the season has required preparation and effort from our coaching team as well as our squad captains and others who have been meeting new members and introducing them to the Club. Jemima Harbottle is continuing as the Women’s Squad captain and Ed Thomas is the new Men’s Squad Captain, taking over from Edoardo Marshall. I am looking forward to an exciting season for the Squad which aims to continue building on the success and growth of the previous years.
Last weekend also saw the Great London Row take place with members covering various distances across 3 different courses between Windsor and LRC. I was glad to see so many members out on the water supporting the Row and even got the chance myself to row in the Captains’ 8+ from LRC to Eel Pie Island and back on the Sunday. The Great London Row is an important part of the fundraising for the Club’s balcony project and would not have happened without significant effort, planning and input from a number of people. Thanks should go to Kathleen Curran for organising and managing the Row as well as to Stu Heap and Killian O’shea for supporting with boats, logistics and trailering. Additional thanks go to all those that have been part of the balcony fundraising group and to those that have supported and enabled the Row to take place.
Looking ahead, the remainder of this month will see a few key events and races around the Club or involving members. Good luck to all those competing in the below and I look forward to seeing the results over the course of this month.
• World Rowing Masters Regatta (Banyoles) – 10/09 to 14/09
• Doug Melvin Challenge – 14/09
• Amstelbeker (Amsterdam) – 27/09
• Scullers Head – 28//09
Matt Reeder
Captain, London Rowing Club
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
14 September: Doug Melvin Challenge
18 September: Club Supper
20 September: Great River Race
27 September: Wallingford Long Distance Sculls
28 September: Vesta Scullers Head
4 October: Pairs Head
11 October: Reading Small Boats Head
26 October: Upper Thames Autumn Head
26 October: Wingfield Sculls
26 October: Classics at the Club
1 November: Henley Sculls
8 November: Kingston Small Boats Head
9 November: Docklands Small Boats Head
15 November: Fours Head
16 November: Veterans Fours Head
22 November: Teddington Head
29 November: Hampton Small Boats Head
30 November: Wallingford 4s and 8s Head
13 December: Remenham Challenge
See more detail for these events, visit our Calendar of Events…
GLR REPORT
On Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th September - 87 Rowers and Coxes - rowed courses from either Windsor to Kingston, Kingston to LRC or from LRC to Eel Pie Island and back.
On Saturday, 6 Quads and 2 Fours covered 37 kms and 9 locks! Spectacular views, Windsor Castle and Runnymede, the site of the Magna Carta signature.
Windsor to Kingston Crew and Support Crew
With these 8 hulls, Graham Sisson cycled along, and helped at locks - for which we are all very appreciative and Marije Plak joined for some of the course.
Lock keepers for the day - George Cowley, Kathleen Curran and Mike Baldwin driving, walking and jogging to get to the locks ahead of our 8 boats. By water is always a better way to travel!
Romney Lock
Sunday’s LRC to Eel Pie Island Course of 32 kms included the Captains 8+, the Masters 8+, Coxed Four, Quad, Pair and Single.
Some words from The Captains’ Crew -
“Fantastic fun, great work everyone. Can I also say hats off to Mike Baldwin, absolutely amazing! I hope I’m half as fit as you at the same age. Incredible - I’m sure everyone will sleep well tonight!”
- Phelan Hill
“Thank you to everyone who supported the GLR and made it happen, from launch drivers, support crew and those tossing burgers on the balcony. The barbecue was excellent and showed the club at its finest; open, welcoming and enthusiastic. Congratulations to all involved and particularly to Kathleen for pulling it all together.”
- Simon Harris
The Captain’s crew and other Eel Pie Island crews were supported by launch driver Edoardo Marshall and Photographer George Christian. Edoardo notes on the Captains’ Crew - “they barely stopped” even when changing seats, Mark Lucani climbed over Mike Baldwin.
Captains Crew
The Masters 8+ and 2- had the beautiful Geoff with them, driven by Pierre Lhommet with company from Paul Mascaro.
Geoff driven by Pierre Lhommet with Paul Mascaro
These two crews, 8+ and the pair stayed together for the whole course!
Masters 8+ and Pair taking a break halfway.
Sunday’s Kingston to LRC course included 7 Quads and 1 Four - covered 25 kms and 2 locks with the Richmond lock keeper awarding us the record for the most rowing boats in his lock!
Richmond Lock
Some words from the model GLR participant - Andrew Boyle. Submitted all forms on time, rented two ringers and has obtained nearly £3k in sponsorship.
“Mike Newsom Davis and I had an amazing time rowing with superstars Adam Randall, Edo Marshall (Sat) and Josh Lyon (Sun). Rather daunting for us, but it was an opportunity for a 62k weekend coaching session not to be missed. Rather than row hard to keep up, the coaching tips were to relax, be patient at catch and finish and to keep all extraneous body parts still, particularly the shoulders. The boat came together and the miles melted away.
The interaction with the other crews was a great feature of the weekend. There was good humoured banter in the locks and as we rowed along. Mike and I finished the weekend very tired but having had a wonderful experience. The GLR is a fantastic way to bring the club together.”
- Andrew Boyle
“It is events such as this Sunday’s row which make me appreciate the benefits of a club such as the LRC: a huge effort behind the scenes to make it all happen and the chance to form friendships through experiences with people you would not normally meet.
These two characteristics came together on Sunday and I am sure that I speak for my fellow crew members when I say - thank you so much and when is the next event?”
- Keith Swabey
“Young Irregulars had two crews out for the Saturday stretch from Windsor to Kingston. An amazing experience navigating locks for the first time.
Sunday had 3 of these crews continue on to complete the full GLR course. A mean feat, especially for Camille Lanckneus who steered brilliantly - navigating children’s boats, go boats, sail boats, and many other obstacles with ease.
A great experience being able to row alongside all members and groups from the club.
The water & snacks of course also a big bonus.
And a massive thank you to the ground support along the way!! It was really lovely to arrive at each lock to a familiar friendly face & appreciated the help navigating the tight space and comms with the lock keeper.
A truly memorable weekend, and really fantastic to see the club come together for such a good cause.”
- The Young Irregulars
Young Irregulars
This was the first fundraising initiative to raise funds for the replacement of our balcony.
As of Monday 8th September, the GLR has generated £39k+ with more sponsorships coming…
Thanks to the many, many people who contributed to making this event happen. The Balcony Fundraising Group, notably Camille Lanckneus, Kate Griffiths and Edoardo Marshall and Bill Baker.
To Steve Baldwin who drove Casamajor on Sunday and a bit like the Captains, barely stopped, not even for a burger to go after landing at LRC, and…he had loaned us his grill.
To Simon Harris for pulling Captains from 1976, 1991 & 1992, 2002 & 2003, 1994, 2005, 2010, 2021 and 2026 to row almost on “their side” and inspiring people to sponsor the Captains’ Crew.
To Charles Powell, Josh Lyon, George Cowley, Laura Bates and Sean O’Mahony - for the many, many things they did! And Devin Ward who completed a full blades inventory and Billy Rine who de-rigged and loaded boats she wasn’t even rowing in! And to Mark Boyd and Paul Mascaro who committed to grilling shifts but were set free by Henry Galbraith, Hal Barrow and Isaac Workman.
To Spectacular Safety Jules Robey who provided the now famous course charts and lent us her car for George to drive, and to Ben Helm, who is Superman in all rowing situations including the many he helped with for the GLR.
To the coaches, membership, finance and staff that helped with the barbecue.
To Elton Excelsior RC and Kingston Grammar School, who allowed us to boat and were helpful to us in many ways. And the lovely Anne Lucy who supported us at KGS.
To Mike Baldwin for lots of planning, loaning his grill, providing Casamajor and funding the barbecue!
Lastly, to our generous member who is matching up to £50k generated and the best thank you to that member would be for us to get to and maybe even surpass £50k!
Casamajor in Teddington Lock, driven by Steve Baldwin.
Kathleen Curran
IRREGULARS REPORT
We have had a wonderful summer kicked off of course by the Club’s wonderful successes at Henley. The joy and pride in our club does permeate throughout!! Well done our elite rowers!
A big focus these last few months has been getting two aspiring bowsteers up to the mark – Clare Lyons Collins and George Dimitropoulos – it has been perfect really as launch activity has been pretty light and the river has been relatively empty – good conditions for learning. Both are getting on really well and it wont be long before we have 2 new badly needed bow-steers. Thanks must go to both for their willingness and enthusiasm.
Another great feature has been the Fight Nights on Thursday evenings. There have been up to 10 irregulars “regularly” participating in these battle paddles which have consistently numbered 50 to 60 club members. Huge fun and a great way to foster the club togetherness and common spirit which is so evident these days. We all survived despite the rate limit being sometimes broken in the heat of the moment.
We are now back to our Thursday evening outings – 3 quads last week. After the outing we all helped load the trailer for the GLR this coming weekend. Approx 20 Irregulars took part in this wonderful event superbly organised by Kathleen Curran – more about this in the next edition – many thanks Kathleen.
Our good friend Frank der Voorde has got his oar in early and announced next year’s rowing tour to Holland – open to all – Thursday 16th April to Monday 20th April starting in Giethoorn and then taking in National Park de weeribben and parts of Friesland.
I have been on two of these and would highly recommend them. Please get in touch with me should you be interested in taking part or want any more information please email me.
Eddie Markes
MAIDENHEAD REGATTA 2025
Another year, another chance to do one regatta and it has to be Maidenhead Regatta of course! Just like the senior men, who are organised by Edoardo (who grew up in Maidenhead and his family still lives there) - we pick this regatta each year as they are such a wonderful club and the surroundings couldn’t be better. Edoardo’s younger brother is proving his metal, winning his sculling race so he may in time join the seniors at LRC.
Our quad crew included LRC overseas member Antonio Iannizotto from Florence Rowing Club (who welcomed me last year to their beautiful home on the Arno). Antonio flew over the day before to enable one practice together – at the fight night, thanks to Jenny Arthur who kindly put us in our formation in a quad. And the super Izzy Beard from Vesta was our stroke. As per usual, we were a mix of ages (and clubs) which gave us an average age of C. Yet again, despite a scratch crew, scant practice and a borrowed boat, we triumphed and were presented with our lovely glass bottomed tankards by none other than Emily Craig, which was very special.
Emily Craig makes the presentation.
Credit: Chairman of Maidenhead Rowing Club
Getting to the final was hard fought as the first heat against Eton Excelsior (B) resulted in a collision just approaching the finish line so we had to re-race immediately so anaerobic training (even if no chance for crew training) before the race, essential :+ In the final against another C crew, we won ‘easily’.
Izzy and Zena in action
Credit: Bankside Parent
In the double final, the LRC double was neck and neck against a well-practised Marlow boat (Izzy and I had had only one outing together). Sadly, having dodged a moored barge, the inside lane’s wall curves inwards at the finish and following it round we lost vital seconds and were ‘pipped at the post’. So no double victory this year, but there’s always next…
Image of stern pair of quad.
Credit: Bankside Parent
It was great to be joined by Marcus Boyd and his team this year - Kirill, George and Charlie -who, having sculled a good number of times together in a quad but having missed out on their entry into Henley T&V, were keen to enter the Maidenhead sprints before disbanding for the summer holidays. But for them, the umpiring was rather, shall we say, ‘approximate’ as Kirill reports: “As we learnt afterwards, we should have raised a hand sooner as we found ourselves sitting on the outside of the lane, right over the buoys. The umpire ordered a quick start and we immediately hit at least another two buoys followed by a couple of ungraceful crabs. However, we lost by only half a length and Wallbrook won the final due to the other crew being disqualified.”
But they flew the flag for LRC in the singles with Marcus (D), George (B) and Kirill (C) - with Kirill winning his event against Marlow (last year’s C winner) by a ‘canvas’ - his first singles’ ‘pot’. And Marcus looking very graceful on the landing page of the main photographer’s website called ‘Bankside Parent’
Kirill with his pot.
Credit: Marcus Boyd
After a heady day of racing and nail-biting finishes, we relaxed on the lush lawns and drank Pimms and Champagne - thanks to Edward having brought with him a very special bottle – ‘Oh he of lots of faith’.
It is time to celebrate.
Not content with his winning Pot at Maidenhead, Kyrill then flew over to his native Moscow for the summer and competed in the Russian Rowing Championships’ Club Masters Day – winning a bronze in the Club Masters day in a mixed masters quad.
Zena Howard and Kirill Anurov
CLUB SUPPER ON 18TH SEPTEMBER
The next *Club Supper* will be taking place on Thursday, 18th September.
All club members are encouraged to attend the supper including Irregulars, Millennials and Squad members, including a guest. The bar will be open from 19:30 for all members attending the supper. Dinner will be served at 20:00.
Tickets are £28 per person via My Club House. Please email us for any dietary requirements.
https://members.londonrc.org.uk/Events/Calendar/View?id=190
Annabel Lawrence
Event Manager, London Rowing Club
CARDIOLOGY TALK
Please join us on Thursday the 18th of September for free heart screenings at 18:00 in the Ashton room. This will be followed by a presentation “Beyond the Beat: Dr Matt Wright” at 19:00 in the Fairbairn room. This talk explores the intersection of athletic performance, cardiovascular risk, and wearable technology. Bring your questions!
This screening and educational opportunity has been brought to us through Colin Christie, who has also allowed us to share his personal and successful story with managing heart health:
“I had been suffering increasing incidents of very high heart rate, without any obvious cause. I also had ectopic beats, and irregular beat where one beat is slow with the next beat quick to make up.
The cardiac ablation was a 5-hour procedure, under general anaesthetic, which took place at St Thomas’s Hospital in September 2022. During the operation they also discovered I had an atrial flutter, whatever that is!
I had 3 months of recuperation, initially with very little exercise. I was back rowing in January, and went on to win at British Masters in June 2023. Dr Wright and his team did an amazing job, for which I am very grateful. I have had no symptoms since.”
Those who have a keen memory for rowing history may recall that Will Satch underwent the same procedure ahead of the 2018 World Championships. Uncovering heart health issues should ideally start with a screening, rather than an event. Our September 18th screening and presentation will be an excellent opportunity for you to take proactive care of your cardiovascular system. The screenings will be provided free of charge by the Cleveland Clinic. Please indicate your interest and availability using this form.
Above: Colin post-operation
Below: Colin a few months further post-operation, and his winning crew
CLASSICS AT THE CLUB
This year’s Classics at the Club will be held on Sunday, 26th October starting at 12pm.
Bring your classic car or motorcycle to the Club and enjoy a chat and drink with fellow enthusiasts. The bar will be open and the tide on the ebb.
All welcome whether you have a vehicle or not.
We look forward to seeing you.
Bill Baker
CLUB SUPPER ON 18TH SEPTEMBER
Come and join us at the next LRC Supper Club on Thursday, 18th September. All members and their guests are welcome to attend this casual dinner.
The cost is £28 per person for a 3 course meal with members prices on drinks from the bar.
Book your place now on MCH and please advise me of any dietary requirements to events here.
Annabel Lawrence
Event Manager, London Rowing Club
NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the following new members to the Club:
Tina Albrecht
Ruth Allen
Calum Bell
Harry Botteril
Charlie Cummins
Jack Doyle
Alexandra Goddard
Roham Hadidi
Victoria Lacey
Thibault Mulot
Vlad Proudnikov
Giulia Riley
Evan Smyth
Toby Watkin
We hope you will enjoy being part of the London Rowing Club community and will help us build an ever happier and more successful club.
We are always pleased to have more members so, if you know of anyone who you think might like to join the Club, please either let us know or encourage them to get in touch with us themselves.
There is information on becoming a member on our website or you can email the Club’s Membership Secretary:
Andrew Boyle
Honorary Secretary, London Rowing Club
LRC MEMBER INSTALLED AS MASTER OF CWL
On 23rd July some LRC members were invited to Sean Collins’s Installation as Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames held at All Hallows Church in the City.
Sean is a Doggett’s Coat and Badge winner, a member of LRC since the 1980s and now CEO of Uber Boats, Thames Clippers.
Several of his fellow Doggett’s winners were present in their traditional red uniforms and arm badges. At the service, Sean read Rudyard Kipling’s poem The River’s Tale.
After official proceedings, all adjourned for a river trip on one of Sean’s Thames Clippers, alighting at Wood’s Quay where lunch was served.
The Company of Watermen and Lightermen is a City guild, and its meeting rooms are at Watermen’s Hall, St Mary at Hill, EC3. The CWL was established in medieval times to support and maintain the rights of river workers. Watermen transferred passengers across and along the city centre rivers. Lightermen transferred goods between ships and quays, hence they ‘lightened’ the ship.
The annual Doggett’s Coat and Badge race was founded in 1715 by Thomas Doggett and is the oldest continuously run river race. In fact, it claims to be the oldest continuous sporting event. The course is from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea.
Sean Collins centre with other LRC members
Sean with fellow Doggett’s winner
Bill Baker
While London was undergoing a heatwave and many members were recovering from the celebrations after the Club’s most successful Henley in years, I went on holiday to northern Germany.
I used to live in Lübeck (famous for its marzipan) and was a member of Lübecker Rudergeschellscaft von 1885 (don't forget the year) and thought I would ask to borrow a single. Instead, looking at the club website I realised they were doing a tour to the Baltic sea (about 25 km away) at Travemünde. I wrote an email and I was told there was one spare seat, so I joined 27 others for a weekend of rowing.
Northern Germany was lovely and warm on the first two days I was there but Saturday morning dawned grey and drizzly. Karsten, who still remembered me after twenty odd years, sorted the 6 crews (4 of 5 and 2 of 4) and I was asked to cox the first section. The first problem was how to give commands in German but we sorted that out and I got to enjoy the scenery.
As we left the historic city the views became more industrial with quaysides and docks on both sides of the river and then we hit the countryside. It was then time to change seats and start to actually put some physical effort into reaching our destination. This involved me switching with stroke in the middle of the river; she climbed over me as I squirmed under and into the stroke seat.
After a couple of hours we stopped for a break at a sailing club, where I gratefully gulped down a hot coffee (it was that kind of weather). Then we set off again with a different seat order. Everyone took a turn coxing. No seals were spotted but we knew we were getting closer to the sea when jellyfish started to become numerous. The nature highlight was seeing an eagle circling overhead.
The river then became more industrial again. Lübeck is a major Baltic port with plenty of ships heading to Scandinavia. It was a bit surprising to find out that a car ferry can make a smaller wake than the Cockney Sparrow although as it approached you could feel it getting harder to row as its propellers drew water.
The Passat
Eventually, we got to Travemünde, stored our boats and found our accommodation, which was the highlight of the trip. We stayed on a 4 masted sailing ship called the Passat. Four to a cabin. After that it was straight to the beach for a swim, even in the light rain and strong northerly wind, it was bracing rather than baltic.
The next morning we woke to driving rain and again northerly wind, which did mean a tailwind. The crews were changed up and it was decided I was to steer the last section into the city. Fortunately, the rain died down and the rest of the day we only had the odd light shower. The water was rougher and I was glad to be in a wide boat.
As we approached the city the conditions improved and we picked up the pace. Once we'd racked the boats it was time to drink coffee and compare blisters, so no great difference from LRC.
Lee Reilly
REPORTING SAFETY INCIDENTS
All members are reminded that if you are involved in or witness a water safety incident, you are required to report it using the following email address – safety@londonrc.org.uk
The Club will file any necessary reports on your behalf with British Rowing and the PLA. Members should not submit reports directly to either body.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this edition of the London Roar. If you have an idea for an article or would be interested in submitting a piece for inclusion in a future edition, please email me on miles.preston@londonrc.org.uk
Please do not submit an article without first liaising with me.
Miles Preston
Editor of The London Roar
