It’s always great to see RRC members training in club colours. The folks at Red Handed clothing co have designed some training suits for RRC. They are a nylon/Lycra blend, lightweight and quick dry. If we place a minimum order for either then the cost will be about $60 each; if the order is smaller then they will cost a bit more. If you are interested to purchase a suit then please email me directly on [email protected] before Sun Sept 11 with your preferred suit (Swirl or Aztec Pattern, or you can have both if want) and size (see attached Zootie Size Chart). I will confirm cost before placing a final order. Email me with any queries!
Geraldine Goss
Season 2016-17
The AGM on Saturday 30th July saw the official completion of the 2015-16 season. I thank all those who attended the event and acknowledged the work of the committee over the past year. We were able to present very healthy financial statements for the association and a thorough report on the activities of the year (can be downloaded at the bottom of this blog).
I was very pleased to be able to announce due to the success of our fundraising efforts of the past year we have placed an order for a new stern coxed four/quad for the club which will be a great benefit to the club particularly to assist in our Development squad coaching where it is not always possible to have a coach on the bank as well as a cox in the boat. With a grand total of $23,500 from fundraising we also had some extra cash to invest in a new set of mens quad sculling oars and two new model ergos to replace our oldest ones. With our fundraising coordinator of this year, Cat Bower, stepping down from the committee as she begins to build her family we can thank her for her amazing work this year.
We also saw two further members of our committee step down and they will be both be sorely missed. Derek Begg has served on the committee for 12 years in the roles of Secretary, Head of Rowing, Head of Club Development and general member. His time and effort during this period should not be underestimated and we appreciate all his hardwork. Similarly, Vikki Brennan has fulfilled the role of general member and Treasurer whilst serving on the committee for the past four years and has invested much time in ensuring we are in the good financial position we are in today. I thank all our committee and members who have contributed to the club for the past year.
The new committee for the 2016-17 season was formed consisting of:
President – Karen Doggett
Vice-President – Geraldine Goss
Secretary – Shern Timmins
Treasurer – Kathy Macrow
Captain of Boats – Barry Campbell
Head of Rowing – Tim Evans
Facilities Coordinator – Lucy Crunden
Two ordinary members – Jon Roberts, Nic Forte
Fundraising Coordinator – vacant
However, I am very glad to report that since the meeting David Micallef has stepped up and volunteered to fill the role of Fundraising Coordinator and so I would like to congratulate and welcome him, Jon Roberts and Nic Forte our three new committee members.
Following the conclusion of the AGM we celebrated the newest addition to our fleet, the Remigando Fortis (Rowing Strong), our secondhand Sykes double/pair, with our National Masters winning single sculler, Michelle Joy, stepping up to the boat with a trusted hammer to perform the official naming. Thanks to everyone who then helped out with the bbq and bar as we celebrated the end of one season and the start of the next.
Following the conclusion of the AGM we celebrated the newest addition to our fleet, the Remigando Fortis (Rowing Strong), our secondhand Sykes double/pair, with our National Masters winning single sculler, Michelle Joy, stepping up to the boat with a trusted hammer to perform the official naming. Thanks to everyone who then helped out with the bbq and bar as we celebrated the end of one season and the start of the next.
Rowing Victoria Accreditation
The new season is just around the corner and there is no better time to begin forward planning. So please check your diaries and sign up to upcoming Rowing Victoria courses.
At RRC we require all members to be accredited coxswains to help assist with training but also to ensure everyone is aware of the river rules and safety requirements of our sport.
- ACCREDITED COXSWAINS: it is compulsory for all coxswains in Victoria to be accredited for racing AND training. This year, coxswains will be ineligible for regatta entry (through Rowing Manager) if they have not acquired Good Coxswain accreditation.
Take a look at the Events Calendar http://www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/events/ on the RV website and sign up for an already scheduled course. You will find that we are hosting one at the RRC boathouse on Monday 22nd August, so it couldn’t be simpler to attend.
Pre-season is also the optimum time to complete a coaching qualification if you have any interest in volunteering to assist with coaching or just want to improve your skills and knowledge. In 2016 this can be done without course attendance and without dedicating an available weekend in a busy life. It is also cheaper; down from $220 to $180. It can be done on the computer in your own home at your own pace, at a time of your choosing.
- ACCREDITED COACHES: beginning in season 2016-17 all coaches are required to be National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) accredited (minimum Level 1). This will guarantee compliance with RV Members Protection Policy and provide crews with a Maritime Safety Victoria exemption from wearing PFDs.
To complete the on-line coaching course: Click here to access the Online Level 1 NCAS Coaching Accreditation Course
As a club we have been successful in securing grant funding to help support anyone wishing to undertake coaching accreditation (the grant is only valid for one year so I advise you to think about whether you would like to do the course sooner rather than later).
If you have any questions or concerns in regard to any of the above, please contact Tim Evans our head of rowing.
Coxswain Workshops
See below for great opportunities in Melbourne for anyone wishing to improve or extend their coxing skills/knowledge.
Wednesday 10th August, 6pm: Beginner Coxswain Workshop Beginner Coxswain Workshop
Wednesday 17th August, 6pm: Advanced Coxswain Workshop Advanced Coxswain Workshop1
The Beginner Workshop is for those who are just starting their coxing careers, but experienced coxswains or coaches who would like a refresher of the basics are welcome too. We will cover everything necessary to safely and efficiently cox training sessions, and basic ways that coxswains can assist their coaches and ‘add value’ to their crew. The Advanced Workshop will cover a number of communication techniques, as well as ways in which coxswains can continue to improve on their own. Both workshops will be interactive, with plenty of opportunities to practice and ask questions. For more information and booking details see links above.
Sarah Ben-David
U21 Australian Team Coxswain
Rio Rowing Finals Social
Are you busy counting down to the rowing at this years Olympics? Well it’s not long to go and we’ll be opening the boathouse and the bar for the final day of the Rio rowing finals, so come down and join the fun and excitement as we watch the best of the best row to glory on the big screen.
Saturday 13th August, from 7pm (be aware the time difference to Brazil means the rowing is going to be pretty late). With the last minute inclusion of the Australian womens 8, it could be a big night for the Aussies with the singles and the eights both male and female both reaching their climax.
http://3.25.77.84/event/rio-rowing-olympics-viewing/
AGM Saturday 30th July, Midday
Just a reminder that this weekend is the last Saturday in July and we will be hosting our Annual General Meeting at the boathouse from midday.
I hope to see many of you there and it will be followed by a boat naming ceremony for our recent double purchase and a social gathering upstairs in the boathouse with a bbq and the bar open. Please see the attached Agenda AGM 30 July 2016 for the schedule of the meeting on Saturday.
Important business for the meeting is the presentation of the last years reports and financial statements for the association. We also have the task of electing the new committee for the upcoming year and I would like to highlight that we have the position of Fundraising co-ordinator vacant with no member nominating for this role and I will be calling to the floor for anyone wishing to stand, so I encourage you to think about this opportunity and how you can help give back to the club. If you are potentially interested and would like to speak to me before the AGM to find out more about this particular role and the commitment required to be a committee member I would be happy to speak to you and you can contact me via email, [email protected].
Best wishes,
Karen Doggett
Richmond Rowing Club President
Australian Masters Championships – last regatta of the season
This is officially the blog article that took the longest to write… And I will justify myself by hiding behind the cliché that French people are always late.
A few of us (namely Geraldine, Michelle, Stef, Karen, Karissa, Ross, Christine, Morgan and the legendary Raymond Dennis) had the chance to go to the Sunshine Coast (and I really insist on the word “sunshine”) at the beginning of June to participate in the 2016 Australian Masters Rowing Championships. What an epic weekend with Richmond taking part in not less than 28 events and bringing home a total of 11 medals. This is without mentioning the three days of non-stop thunderstorms that added a very special flavour to the whole thing (and a lot of water too) and prevented us from competing in more races since two and a half days of the regatta were cancelled due to the weather conditions (again, let’s remind ourselves that we were on the so called Sunshine coast).
One of the highlights for Richmond: the opportunity to admire Michelle’s strength and determination in getting the gold medal in the B single. A video can testify that “Go Micheeeeeeeeelle!!!” were the two words the most frequently pronounced (or should I say shouted) during the weekend.
Gerry represented the colours of Richmond very highly as usual, bringing back several medals, including a gold medal in a composite F double. She also represented Victoria in the interstate race for the womens D quad which finished up taking the silver medal.
Ray the legend won a gold medal as well in the I eight and a few other medals but an unfortunate injury prevented him from bringing more back home.
While they came fourth, the A quad with Michelle, Karen, Stef and Lisa got a consolation prize with the Fastest club crew medal.
Overall, a great week-end and for me personally huge pride to have been able to take part in the national championships!
To Richmond Rowing Club and the next season starting, Hip hip hooray!!
Lisa Ortu
Saturday 30 July – midday – BBQ & Drinks, Boat Naming and AGM
Keeping a rowing club in operation requires attention to financial, administrative and legal responsibilities, as well as the rowing and social activities. Our Annual General Meeting is a statutory requirement and a review of activities and financial situation is presented by your current committee members.
All committee positions are declared vacant and your new committee is elected to take on the running of the club for the next year.
NOTICE OF MEETING
The RRC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday 30 July 2016 at 12 midday in the clubhouse – 7 Boathouse Drive, Melbourne 3004.
The business of the AGM includes:
- to confirm the minutes of the preceding annual general meeting; and
- to receive and consider:
- the annual report of the Committee on the activities of the Association during the preceding financial year; and
- the financial statements by the Association for the preceding financial year submitted by the Committee in accordance with Part 7 of the Act; and
- to elect the members of the Committee; and
- to confirm or vary the amounts of the annual subscription.
Continue reading “Saturday 30 July – midday – BBQ & Drinks, Boat Naming and AGM”
Have your say!
It’s time to start planning and thinking ahead to next season and we need your input. Our annual planning day will be held on Saturday, 2nd July from 10am – 3.00pm at the boathouse.
Thank you to all those people who completed the feedback survey which generates essential input into our planning. If you have ideas about what we can do either on or off water next year, opinions about how things can be improved or just want to find out more about being involved at the club please come along to the planning day, it is open to all members and now is your chance to contribute.
The agenda for the planning day is attached below but we are always a little flexible to allow for where the discussion takes us on the day, so this is just a guide and if you can not stay the whole day that is fine too. For those who do I’m sure we can toast to our good work at the pub afterwards. However, the aim of the day will be that we have some initial plans for next seasons calendar of events and ideas of key areas to focus our energies to best benefit RRC and all its members.
If you have some time please think about or discuss with your friends/squad what you would like the club’s goals to be next year and specifically if there is an area that you can offer expertise or volunteer to help with. These could be things like recruiting new members, getting more crews racing in the season, increasing RRC competitiveness at certain grades, fundraising income, social activities etc. It is easy to come up with loads of ideas and goals, but if you had to pick just one or two goals for the club as a whole for next year, what would they be?
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me, [email protected] but the best way to find out more is to come along and get involved.
We look forward to seeing everyone who can make it and is interested in seeing RRC continue to grow on Saturday 2nd July.
Season 2015-16 Celebration
On Saturday the 28th May the club celebrated the successes of the season and took the opportunity to recognise the time and energy of all those people who have voluntarily contributed to help achieve them at the Annual Presentation Night.
Whilst our Head of Rowing, Tim Evans hosted the night, members and friends enjoyed dinner and a few celebratory drinks. It was great to see representatives from all the squads acknowledge the efforts of all the volunteers who have given so much yet again to help.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Annual Club awards to the best rowers and cox based upon number of regattas attended, wins and time trial entries.
The John Sawyer award for best female rower was once again won by Geraldine Goss who was part of our one Victorian states winning crew, the WB4X+. Throughout the year she has represented the club at multiple regattas both in the club and masters season and ended the season rowing in the Victorian State quad at National Masters.
The Mal Scott award for the best Male Rower was won by Jon Roberts who was overseas and unfortunately unable to attend on the night but whose prize was accepted in his absence by the joint runners up who promised to look after and pass it on (I trust you Matt and Allan!). Jon competed right through the head racing season, sprint and masters competitions with wins all around the state.
The Don Edwards award for best coxswain went to one of our newer members, Christine Sullivan, who since transferring from Latrobe University Rowing Club has been a great addition to our womens rowing squad and a skilful and successful coxswain, always happy to jump in a help out.
Congratulations to all our winners and the runners up with the top five for each category listed at the bottom of this blog.
It was my great pleasure on the night to present the President’s award to a very worthy recipient who has devoted so much time and energy into the club over many years but specifically in the last season. Catherine Bower (or Cat Hardie as some of you may remember her before her recent wedding), has not only been working tirelessly in her role as fundraising co-ordinator this season on the committee but she has been the driving force behind a great group of rowers who completed the learn to row course at the club in 2015 and formed our very successful development squad for this past season. The organised and inclusive manner in which this was achieved and the great culture and positive atmosphere that was generated primarily by Cat is a perfect example of the values that make Richmond Rowing Club so special. I know that many people have dedicated time and helped to develop this group and this was so eloquently described on the night by the squad themselves in their thanks to the coaches. The achievements of this whole group and the comradery that they displayed is a great reflection on both Cat and the club as a whole and was the major reason for my pride in presenting this award.
Also presented were the annual RRC time trial winners awards where both male and female crews competed in our faithful regulation (tub) boats. With the single scull course being from the club to Swan Street Bridge and back and the Quad Scull event from the club, around Herring Island and back. The winners were:
Female Single (Time – 9:15) Sarah Houghton
Male Single (Time – 9:50) Jon Roberts
Female Quad (Time – 36:14) Stefanie Dudczig, Sarah Houghton, Erin Faulkner, Shern Timmins, David Micallef (cox)
Male Quad (Time – 35:08) Laurent Demay, Allan Randall, Matthew Ebbatson, Jon Roberts, Stefanie Dudczig (cox)
Finally the evening ended with a film/photo round up of the season. On the night it was shown on the big screen with a great accompanying soundtrack but unfortunately due to a few copyright laws the publicly available version that I have managed to upload to Utube does not include the soundtrack but you can watch the video here.
Congratulations to all for a great season and I just want to quickly thank everyone who helped with the set up and clear-up on night too. I really appreciated all the help.
Top 5 in all club awards
John Sawyer award – Best female rower
1st Geraldine Goss (30.5 points)
2nd Michelle Joy (29 points)
3rd Stefanie Dudczig (20 points)
3rd Shern Timmins (20 points)
5th Sarah Houghton (19 points)
Mal Scott award – Best Male Rower
1st Jon Roberts (28 points)
2nd Matthew Ebbatson (23 points)
2nd Allan Randall (23 points)
4th Leigh Sullivan (21.5 points)
5th Laurent Demay (20 points)
Don Edwards award – Best coxswain
1st Christine Sullivan (20 points)
2nd Derek Begg (16 points)
3rd Laurent Demay (10 points)
4th Michael Numa (9.5 points)
5th Sarah Houghton (8 points)