Hon Secretary’s Report for Ryde Rowing Club’s AGM, to be held on the 24th November 2023.

Hello Everyone

Thank you for attending this year’s AGM.

This has been another successful year for the Club, both on and off the water.

A new coastal four was purchased by the Club in the spring, which was kindly named after me.  This was funded by grants obtained by the Club.

In relation to social matters, the Fish and Chip Suppers remain very popular, with 10 talks being held this year on very interesting and varied subjects, ranging from travel to scandalous tales of the Isle of Wight!

Our relationship with the Harriers remains strong.  They run from the Clubhouse every week and hold races, with some competitors travelling from the Mainland.  This helps boost the club’s funds.

Again we took part in Appley Day, which was successful in the fact that we gained several new members and promoted the Club within the local community.

The Club is used as a base for several local organisations and is available to hire for events such as weddings and birthday parties.

On the water the Club had a successful season, which culminated in runners up positions in the Junior 4s, Ladies Junior Pair, Men’s Junior Pair and Men’s Novice Sculls.

Our Junior 4 represented the Hants and Dorset Rowing Association at this year’s South Coast Championships, coming an agonizingly second in a photo finish.

We also competed in events outside the Hants and Dorset region, including taking part at Henley and rowing over the Royal Regatta course.  Our younger rowers were treated to a visit to the world famous Leander Club by our Club President, Steve Cook. 

Our own regatta was a huge success and remains one of the favourites in the Hants and Dorset calendar.

I would like to thank all the people that give up their time to support our oarspeople.

Looking ahead to next year, plans are still ongoing to securing a new lease to the clubhouse.  A small group of members are looking to expand our off-water activities, which already include quiz and bingo nights.  We are also looking to bring back previously held water based competitions and fun events, such as the Yelf’s Marathon.

Despite the challenges ahead of us, next year looks very positive.

I would like to thank our sponsors and everyone who has contributed to the running of the Club, both on and off the water, and wish the Club good luck for next year.

Darrell Reeve

Hon Secretary