CHAIRMAN’S VIEW

I am delighted to report that following two months of construction works, and many months of design and planning, the Club’s new balcony has now been completed. The project team confirms that handover has taken place and that the balcony is now ready for members and guests to use. The result is an absolutely stunning balcony of which the Club can be very proud and which will serve both current and future members, as well as our events business, for many years to come.

This is very exciting news and I would like to thank and congratulate all involved – architects, engineers, contractors and LRC’s own team – for their hard work, dedication and commitment to delivering the project so very well and on schedule. I would also like to express my thanks to all who have kindly donated to the balcony fund thus far. Your generosity has been hugely appreciated and has enabled this whole project to go ahead. Subject to receiving pledges of £15,000, the fundraising campaign now stands £27,000 short of its phase one target of £300,000. If you have yet to make a donation please consider doing so – any amount, however small, would be most welcome.

Completion of the work has been timed to coincide with the Women’s, Men’s & Vets Heads, as well as the Boustead and Rayner Cups, all of which are coming up over the next few weeks. A great line up of races to watch from our new vantage point and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Good luck to all our crews!

The Boat Race follows in April and this will be another significant day for LRC with the new balcony again taking centre stage.

Many will be aware that this year marks the centenary of the Men’s HORR. The inaugural ‘Tideway Head of the River Race, an inspiration on the part of Mr. Steve Fairbairn’, was rowed on 12th December 1926 with four LRC crews entered. Of the 21 starters London finished 1st, 5th, 10th & 13th. Apart from the following year when London RC and Thames RC dead-heated for first place, LRC would win the event for the next ten years. It is fascinating to look back and to consider London members of the day cheering on these crews from what was then a new and larger balcony.

Simon Melvin
Chairman, London Rowing Club

“….BUT NONE AS STYLISH”

When planning permission was being sought for the new balcony, The Putney Society wrote in support as follows:

“As is noted in the supporting documentation, the need to replace the existing balcony provides the opportunity to replace with a balcony that is more appropriate to the building. The accompanying historical photos show that this carefully researched proposal will indeed be more appropriate and will enhance the original of the rowing clubs here, which are such an asset to Putney. We note that several of the other boathouses have been allowed new or replacement balconies in recent years, but none as stylish.“

Now a reality, it is indeed the finest balcony on the Embankment, entirely appropriate to our historic clubhouse and with the very best views of the river. A very very big thank you to Stuart Forbes and his architectural practice for their absolutely brilliant design that reflects the very first balcony at the club and to Alex Fothergill and Fothergill for their structural advice.

Please come and cheer on our crews from the new balcony and if you feel able to donate towards its cost, that would be wonderful.

CAPTAIN’S REPORT

The second half of February and the start of March have seen the completion of the clubs fantastic new balcony, the reopening of the boat bays and plenty of fixtures, races and events involving members from across the club. Looking forward to the rest of March, there is more activity and racing happening across the club. Good luck to all those competing in races this month and I hope that many of those who are supporting get the chance to visit the club and cheer on our crews from the new balcony.

WEHORR (14th March)
The Women's Eights Head of the River Race takes place on Saturday 14th March and LRC will have 4 crews competing in the race. LRC crews will be boating from approximately 10:45 onwards with the race starting at 12:15. Please come down to cheer out our crews and watch the race from the clubs new balcony! The bar and balcony will be open from 11:00. Below are the crews competing for LRC as well as their start numbers.

CUBC and Hampton fixtures (20th February and 8th March)
Towards the end of February the Women’s squad 3rd 8+ competed against the CUBC Women’s 3rd 8+. The fixture took place over two pieces with the first from the Boat Race start to Harrods and the second from Harrods to Chiswick Pier. After a quick first few minutes by CUBC in the first piece LRC hit their rhythm and held their distance through the rest of the piece. In the second piece LRC started ahead and limited the fast start from the CUBC crew who gained approximately ¼ of a length on the initial margin. LRC then held the margin for the remainder of the piece.

· LRC 3rd 8+ 0:1 CUBC 3rd 8+ (the 2nd piece was a draw/marginal win to CUBC)

At the end of the first full week of March the Men’s squad competed in fixtures against some of CUBC’s Men’s crews (Goldie, CUBC 3rd, CUBC Lightweights) and Hampton’s 1st 8+. The CUBC and LRC races took place over two half course pieces. The fixture against Hampton consisted of 7, 5 and 3 minute pieces. There was some competitive racing and close racing across the fixtures and the overall results of the pieces are below:

· LRC 1st 8+ 1:1 Goldie 8+

· LRC 2nd 8+ 2:0 CUBC 3rd 8+

· LRC 3rd 8+ 0:2 CUBC 3rd 8+

· LRC 4th 8+ 0:3 Hampton 1st 8+

Head of the River Amstel (7- 8th March)
A composite crew of London Rowing Club/Upper Thames Rowing Club/Tromp/Triton competed at the Head of the River Amstel which takes place over approximately 8km. The crew won the OME8+ category and placed second in the overall OMD-E 8+ group. Congratulations to LRC members Jonty Williamson and James Brown.

Hammersmith Head (28th February)
Hammersmith Head took place on the 28th February. LRC had 8 crews in total with 8+’s from the men’s squad, women’s squad, men’s masters and women’s masters all competing. The Men’s squad 1st 8+ took the overall headship 8 seconds ahead of the University of London. Congratulations to all those who raced. Full results are below.

World Indoor Rowing Championships (21st - 28th February)
The World Indoor Rowing Championships took place at the end of February. The event takes place over two weeks (21/02-22/02 and 27/02-28/02) with competitors from all over the world taking part in the following events across multiple categories: 1 minute, 1000m, 5000m, 1000m relay, 5000m relay. Zena Howard, Heather Hopkins and Sean Sinclair from LRC competed in the event placing 2nd, 3rd and 3rd respectively in their individual categories. A huge congratulations to Zena, Heather and Sean.

· Zena Howard – 5000m: 2nd overall in their category

· Heather Hopkins – 5000m: 3rd overall in their category

· Sean Sinclair – 5000m: 3rd overall in their category

Balcony project
The balcony project has now completed, the boat bays are open again and the vast majority of boats have now been returned to their racks. My thanks go to the contractors and the LRC balcony project team for helping to open the boat bays earlier than expected and in delivering the club’s fantastic new balcony. My thanks also go to those who have helped support the funding and delivery of the balcony and those who lent a hand to help to move boats.

Boat damage
A reminder to every crew to check their boat for damage before and after their outing and to also report any damage to fleetrepairs@londonrc.org.uk so that this can be logged and looked at.

Club rowing coaching
LRC has been looking for a session rowing coach to support the club rowing groups. Whilst advertisements have been placed and efforts undertaken to identify a coach this has not yet been possible. The club continues to seek a coach/coaches to run a number of sessions and will be placing further adverts. If members are aware of any suitable candidates please could they reach out to captain@londonrc.org.uk

Upcoming fixtures and races and Lottie 8+ boat naming
March will be a busy month with a number of Tideway Head races and the Boustead and Rayner races all taking place. LRC will be hosting crews across the tideway head races. Please be aware that on these days the changing rooms will be used differently or will be out of use for a large portion of the day.

There will be a boat naming ceremony for the Women’s Squad 8 the Lottie on the 28/03 at 14:00.

· 13/03 – Schools Head of the River Race (12:30 start)

· 14/03 – Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (12:15 start)

· 14/03 - Tribesmen Head of the River (Galway)

· 15/03 – LRC Men’s 4th, 5th and 6th 8+’s vs Nottingham University

· 21/03 – Kingston Head of the River

· 22/03 – Boustead and Rayner Cups (08:00 start)

· 28/03 – Head of the River Race (12:15 start) – (14:00 Lottie 8+ boat naming)

· 29/03 - Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race (14:00 start)

Matt Reeder
Captain, London Rowing Club

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

13 March: Schools Head
14 March: Women’s Eights Head of the River
21 March: Kingston Head
22 March: Boustead and Rayner Cups (08:15am onwards)
28 March: Head of the River
29 March: Vesta Veterans Head
3 April: Lightweight and Veteran Boat Races
4 April: University Boat Races
10-12 April: GB Senior and U23 Invitational Trials
12 April: Abingdon Head
18 April: Remenham Club Annual Dinner
25 April: Hammersmith Amateur Regatta
2 May: Chiswick Regatta
2 May: Marlow Spring Regatta
3 May: Wallingford Regatta
9 May: Borne at Chiswick Bridge Regatta
10 May: Nottingham Masters and Club Regatta
16 May: Thames Ditton Regatta
17 May: Poplar Regatta
22-24 May: National Schools Regatta (Dorney)
23 May: Twickenham Regatta
24 May: Twickenham Sprint
30-31 May: Metropolitan Regatta
6 June: Walton and Weybridge Regatta
7 June: Weybridge Ladies Regatta
13 June: Barnes and Mortlake Regatta
13-14 June: Reading Amateur Regatta
13-14 June: British Rowing Masters Championships

See more detail for these events, visit our Calendar of Events…

MEN’S MASTERS REPORT

We were finally able to race for the first time this year, fielding two crews: MAS.B8 and MAS.C8. Both crews put in a significant effort leading up to the event. Unfortunately, our Masters C crew experienced a crab-related incident under Barnes Bridge, which dislodged a seat. The rest of the crew pushed on valiantly, and the issue was eventually resolved by the end of the island.

C'est la vie!

HORR/MHORR

For the HORR centenary celebration this year, we have four men's eights (including an LRC/MBC composite) and a C quad racing across the weekend:

With 40 people racing, I believe this is the highest Masters entry in at least five years. Crews will be training alongside each other in the coming weeks, aiming for wins across their respective categories.

Best of luck to all.

Masters Annual Dinner - Scott's Richmond
On Thursday, 5th March, we held our inaugural Masters Annual Dinner at Scott’s in Richmond. There was a fantastic turnout from the Masters, Irregulars, Young Irregulars, and partners. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a sensational 3-course dinner and celebrate the successes of the past year.

Notable guests included our speaker, Jess Eddie, as well as Elizabeth Cottrell and Dave Loveday. A huge thank you to everyone involved for making it such a memorable evening; we are already looking forward to next year.

Jason Bowyer

WOMEN’S MASTERS REPORT

We are now well into head season and recently completed our first head race of the year: Hammersmith Head. Thankfully, the weather and stream gods were kind, and the race went ahead in warm-ish conditions.

Our Masters Women’s C 8+ delivered a strong performance. Despite the red-boarded river in the previous weeks limiting preparation time, the crew raced well and secured a solid 3rd place finish.

Cox: Audrey Coates, Stroke: Ruth Allen, Ulrike Forster, Amy Johnson, Emily Davenport, Anna Lhommet, Zoe Tipler, Soraya Nidai and Elizabeth Hichens.

Our focus now turns to the upcoming Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (WEHORR) this weekend, followed by Vets Head the following week. We will have an 8+ racing in both events.

With a bit of luck, the weather will stay on our side and both races will go ahead as planned.

Saskia Gill

2026 WORLD ROWING VIRTUAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sean Sinclair and Heather Hopkins entered the 2026 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships in February. They each earned a bronze medal in their respective categories for the 5k:

Sean Sinclair
“As I've just turned 60, it seemed a good idea to enter the World Indoors now. Also the addition of a 5k event suits me as I prefer the longer distance.

I was aiming to go a bit faster, (aren't we always), but getting into the medals was a good result on the day.

I find it helps to have some targets throughout the year to maintain motivation, and mixing it up a bit helps - some indoor as well as coastal and fine boat rowing - 'Cross training'..! Doing a few different events also helps identify what's working and what isn't.

For me there's a big element of keeping active and healthy for as long as possible. Rowing is great for that, there were some competitors in their 80's, something to aspire to!”

Heather Hopkins
“I am relatively new to rowing. I don’t have to compare my time to my prime in my 20s. But neither do you. I entered WRIC because I am curious about what’s possible. Having a race in the diary keeps me focused on training. I want to improve my fitness and my technique.”

“This event’s heat was my third ever 5k and it helped me focus on a few technical changes. You might be surprised by what you can do. The training has also helped with hot flashes!

The race reminded me that London Rowing Club is a gem filled with amazing people. Massive thanks to Camille Lanckneus and Andrew Boyle in particular.

A few of us are headed to Birmingham for BRIC in December. Fancy joining?”

Zena Howard (65 years old)
And now for the ‘wild card’ entry. Zena’s idea to enter began last October as a serious intention thanks to James Brooks who encouraged her to ‘just do a 5K’. However, the intervening months had other ideas … “A left arm tendon strain removed me from the ergo for three months and was swiftly followed by anti-malaria tablets fatigue; jet lag and being 5K below the lightweight weight limit. But my support team which included Laura, Hamzat, Andrew Seddon (the Chairman of Thames Rowing Club) and Miles Preston amongst others, were totally brilliant. So I decided to do the event regardless.

My result wasn’t what I was aiming for – but to my great amusement I was notified by World Rowing of my Silver - I was beaten to Gold by an American lightweight by 39 seconds.

The woman, who ranked 22nd in the World for lightweights 5K of all ages, pulled 22:22.8. The times of the older lightweight athletes (both from Birmingham and for these World championships) proves the point beautifully that age is an advantage because in training athletes power and stamina hardly depletes - and in a boat you get given an added time advantage for your boat. For next year’s effort.. well, I won’t travel overseas just beforehand, or injure myself . But putting on an extra 5kg… not so easy.

Laura, Zena and Andrew after the competition.

Zena Howard

STEPPING FORWARD: HELPING SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LONDON ROWING CLUB

Our club has always been more than a place to row. It is a community built on the commitment, energy and generosity of its members. The continued success of the club—on and off the water—depends on members who are willing to contribute their time and skills to help run it.

One of the most rewarding ways to do this is by becoming involved in the club’s committees. Our sub-committees cover rowing, finance, membership, property, commercial/events and fundraising. These groups are where ideas are developed, issues are discussed and initiatives are launched. The usual pathway is to serve on a sub-committee and, in time, move on to the General Committee, which acts as the club’s executive body. This process allows members to gain experience and insight into how the club operates while making an important contribution. Beyond these committees, there are also several important roles that help keep the club running smoothly. These include welfare, safety, kit, communications and fleet maintenance.

Participating in management is not only a way to give back to the club; it can also be personally rewarding. Members are able to use their professional skills and individual talents. Younger members can gain valuable management and governance experience, while others can share the knowledge and qualifications they have acquired in their careers. We are particularly keen to encourage women members to step forward and bring their perspectives and experience. We would like the proportion of women in the club's management to reflect the proportion of women in its membership. Participation in the club's management is open to all categories of members, including Gym members.

If you might like to become involved or to increase your current involvement, please do get in touch with me at the club or by email (secretary@londonrc.org.uk). As Secretary, I would be very happy to talk through the opportunities available and help guide you towards a role that suits your interests, skills, and availability. Some members may wish to become involved immediately, while others may be thinking about a role in the medium term. Early conversations can help us plan ahead and match people with the right opportunities.

London Rowing Club thrives because its members care about it. If you have ever thought about contributing beyond your time on the water, now may be the perfect moment to take that step.

Many of us were at the Annual Dinner last week and enjoyed celebrating the Club’s successes over the past year.

Extremely proud we are!

Andrew Boyle
Hon. Sec., London Rowing Club

NEW MEMBERS

We would like to welcome the following new members to the Club:

Richard Acland
Ed Coke
Micah Fitton-Higgins
Orla Hayes
Ben Kordyjak
George Lauchlan
Louis Powell
Lauryn Roche
Tara Sallaba
Noah Schmidt
Robert Sutton
Maximilian Webber
Thomas White

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

CLUB SUPPER
The next Club Supper will take place on Thursday, 23rd April at the Club. Members and their guests are encouraged to attend, The cost is £32 for 3 courses and the bar will be open from 7pm with dinner served at 8pm. Tickets are available via MCH.

BOAT RACE DAY
This year’s Boat Races take place on Saturday, 4th April 2026. Members are invited to attend along with 1 guest and will have access to The Fairbairn Room, Ashton Room and second floor roof terrace from12pm until 7pm and the Members Room from 1pm until 7pm.

Tickets cost £10. This includes a free drink of either a pint of beer, glass of wine or prosecco or a soft drink.
Due to limited numbers members may only book for themselves and 1 guest.
Bookings can be made through MCH. Bookings open from 9am on Friday 13thMarch.

Annabel Lawrence
Events Manager, London Rowing Club

CLOSING AND LOCKING UP THE BOAT BAYS AND SCULLING SHED

This is a reminder that the boat bays and Sculling shed need to be closed and locked after use (assuming no other crew is on the water from a particular bay).

Both the boat bays and Sculling shed have been left open on multiple occasions.

Please can all members remember to close the boat bays and put launches away and fuel in the yellow fuel container in the gap site. Fuel must not be left in launches in the bays under any circumstance.

Matt Reeder
Captain, London Rowing Club

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