Category: General Info

Posted on

Lake Wendouree Ballarat Regatta Sunday 10th February

Wendouree

Richmond Rowing Club will be hitting the road this weekend to attend the Wendouree Ballarat Regatta.  If you are in the area on Sunday 10th of Feb head down to the lake and cheer on the RRC tigers. 

This will be the first time competing on the former 1956 Olympics Rowing Venue for many tigers so most importantly remember to CHECK THE BOAT after you cross the line as the bank comes up fast.  Also check the weather forecast and pack for all 4 season anyway. 

For those attending Peter Schouten will be our designated tow vehicle driver and boat loading will be 6pm Friday evening.  Derek and Dennis have the loading plan. 

Good luck this weekend. 

Posted on

Changing the Club Racing Uniform – Have Your Say

Hello All
As discussed at the club AGM (28 July 2012) a proposal has been received by Geraldine Goss to change the current design of the RRC racing zootie. For those that are new – this is the official uniform that must be worn by all RRC members wishing to enter and compete at a regatta. This uniform must also be registered with Rowing Victoria (RV) so umpires and other rowing officials can identify the club/school competing.
Gerry has been working with Susie Palfreyman (Designer Paintworks) and JL racing to design a ‘new look’ zootie for the club as we enter our 150th year, and one that takes advantage of new fabrics that now exist and used in modern sportswear.
A few reasons behind the proposal to change the official RRC uniform

  • Over the last few years zootie manufacturers have increased the cost of making the current RRC uniform due to the number of panels required in our current design. If members wanted to use high tech fabric for their zootie, these costs would increase again making it quite expensive.
  • Most current suits are made from polycotton (given the price point) which also have a tendency to hold on to water (i.e. not dry quickly) and have poor wicking capabilities. These combined mean that polycotton can be uncomfortable when wet and cause the rower to get colder than perhaps if they were wearing more advanced fabrics.
  • Additionally polycotton does not hold its shape or colour as well as newer high tech fabrics.
  • JL unisex suits are well made, have a flattering V front and extra lining on the rear. The fabric they use have excellent wicking properties, extra support and as a result are very comfortable.
  • JL make their zooties in two pieces, meaning there are options for varying sizing e.g. and smaller top and a larger bottom, or extra length in the body or legs.

Reasons against changing

  • As noted above, all members competing in a regatta for RRC must wear the official uniform that has been registered with RV. Consequently if we decide to change the uniform all members will have to purchase a new zootie/shorts and top in order to complete for the club this season. Racing members would therefore be required to spend a minimum of approximately $80-90.

So what are the options?
Gerry and Susie have come up with two options.


Option 1

  • This option retains the current design but removes the vertical side stripe (MUBC did this a few years ago and the result is a cleaner look which is also more flattering and comfortable).
  • Cost approx $82. Note: this is based on high tech fabric – polycotton would be cheaper.

Option 2

  • This option adopts a more vertical look. The yellow contrast is also more vertical in orientation.
  • Cost approx $87. Note: this is based on high tech fabric – polycotton would be cheaper.

Both versions retain the RRC logo on the front. The same designs can be made in top and bottom for those who prefer racing in separates rather than a one piece.
Also see the RRC Rangeboard. Although the above designs have been prepared by Designer Paintworks other manufacturers, such as Oarsome and Rowbust, could also make the new design if adopted by the club, so it is possible that prices may vary. (Prices listed are based on bulk orders and include freight. (It would be more expensive to order one by one)
Next steps
While the design of the club uniform is something that the Committee can decide on without consulting members, the Committee believes this is an important issue and one that all members should have an opportunity to say whether they think it should change and what it should change to.
As agreed at the AGM all eligible members (i.e. those with a current membership) are invited to vote:

  1. Should RRC change its current official racing uniform? Yes/No
  2. Ifthe uniform were to change which option would you prefer?
    1. Option 1, or
    2. Option 2

Making it fair – the process
Given changing the uniform is an important decision the Committee has decided on the following rules/criteria in which to determine whether the vote is valid.

  1. In order for the survey to be considered valid – a minimum of 45 members need to participate/respond to the questions posed. This number is approximately 50% of our membership base.
    For example:
  • If only 40 members respond to the survey, the committee will deem that not enough members have participated and as such the uniform wouldn’t change.
  • Even if you don’t think the uniform should change, please participate in the survey and indicate your preference – as it is important all members take an active role in club decisions/changes
  1. Of the 45 responses received, a minimum of 30 responses (two thirds) must choose ‘Yes’ for the club to change the uniform.
  2. If 30 or more members who respond to the survey vote in favour of changing the uniform, the option that gets the most votes will be the one that the club adopts.
    Note: Even if you don’t think the uniform should change, your views regarding which option you prefer are still sought.

To participate please follow the following link – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZG998HV. The survey will be open for 2 weeks and will close at midnight on 3 September 2012.
If you have any questions regarding the new design options or would like to view the samples – please contact Gerry Goss ([email protected]). In addition if you have any questions regarding the above described process – please contact Emma Catford ([email protected]).
Thanks
Emma

Posted on

End of Financial Year – Tax Deductible Donations

As a community rowing club, voluntary donations are an important part of RRC’s fundraising efforts.
With the end of financial year approaching, members and supporters of RRC are reminded that the club has two projects registered with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).  One attraction of these fundraising projects is that the ASF can offer donors the benefit of tax deductibility for donations of $2 or over.
To make a tax-deductible donation in support of one of RRC’s projects, an ASF donation form must be completed in full and returned to the club’s Head of Rowing. Approved donation forms can be found on the club’s public website at http://3.25.77.84/policies-and-forms/
Donations in Support of the Boathouse Redevelopment Appeal
As we are on track to commence building works for the boathouse redevelopment in October this year, our most pressing need is funds for this project.
The budget for this project is going to be very tight. We would like to do as much refurbishment of the current boathouse as we can at the same time as the extension, and to do so we need as much money as we can possibly collect.
The “Boathouse Redevelopment Appeal” supports this project. Those donating in support of the Boathouse Appeal this year will be permanently acknowledged as follows:

  • Bronze donors – donations of $100 – $499
  • Silver donors – donations of $500 – $999
  • Gold donors – donations of $1,000 or more

We do also have the “Fleet Renewal Appeal” project, which supports equipment purchases – donations can be made to the project of your choice.
Individuals and businesses can make a donation by cash, cheque/money order (made payable to the “Australian Sports Foundation”) or credit card (the ASF retains 2% of donations processed by credit card).
Donating in this financial year
If you want to make a donation this financial year, don’t miss out.  For credit card donations, email your completed form to the Club’s Head of Rowing at [email protected] or for other payment types contact Derek on this address to make arrangements to have your donation processed in time.
To make things easier on everyone, please contact Derek or email him your form no later than Monday 18 June 2012. The club cannot guarantee that donations will be processed in this financial year if forms are received after Friday 22 June.

Posted on

2011-12 season results announced – Presentation Night

Last night RRC celebrated yet another fantastic year of achievements for the club – both on and off the water – at our annual presentation night. The event was held at Tsubar (Melbourne University) where some 55 plus RRC members and friends enjoyed an evening of good food, company and excellent dress sense! Yes – it’s always nice to see each other in non-sporting gear.

Although there are occasions throughout the year to celebrate successes, this night presents an opportunity to reflect on the club’s accomplishments as a whole and importantly it is also when the club presents the awards for best female and male rower (John Sawyer and Mal Scott Trophies), the best coxswain (Don Edwards Trophy) and the President’s Award. Amazing John Sawyer himself presented the trophy for best female rower and shared the story of how this award came to be named after him.

For those of you who haven’t heard yet, the winners of the 2011-12 season awards went to:

  • Geraldine Goss – Best Female Rower
  • Gareth Brodie – Best Male Rower
  • Rebecca Lionett – Best Coxswain
  • Martin Foster – President’s Award

Congratulations!

In addition to recognising these members, and those that picked up numerous medals at Vic States, NSW States, Masters Nationals and the many other regattas RRC attended – we also thanked the work of our coaches – who sometimes go unnoticed. Beginning this season (2012-13) the committee would like to introduce a ‘new’ award to formally recognise this dedicated group of volunteers and establish the Don Dudgeon Trophy for ‘Best Coach’. This motion will be proposed at the upcoming AGM in July (last Saturday of

the month) for the membership to vote on and the details regarding how the trophy would be awarded announced then.

A couple of other big announcements were made – progress on the clubhouse redevelopment project, including the very almost final design (Note: I will be sending a separate email about this project during the week), and the plans for the club’s 150thbirthday celebration.

Yep – next year, 2013, RRC will be turning 150. There will be numerous events held from June onwards to honour this milestone, including a spectacular gala dinner at the Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday 14 September 2013 – so make sure you save the date now.

So as you can see RRC has some big things coming up over the next 12-18 months, making it a really exciting time to be part of the club.

Thank you again to all those that made last night possible – Vicki Brennan, Simon Crunden, Karen Doggett (who’s slide show of the last season we will send out soon) – and all of you who were able to attend and make it another fun and memorable night.

Emma Catford, President


Posted on

Richmond Rowing Club 2012 Presentation Night

Square Up! Roll Up!  Sign Up!  … to the RRC 2012 Presentation Night!
Date: Saturday 2 June
Time: 7pm for 7.30pm
Dress: Evening Attire
Venue: Tsububar
Address: Gate 6, Swanston St (north of Grattan St), Melbourne University
Entertainment: Awards, DJ and dancing
RSVP: 27 May, [email protected] or sign-up board (members website)
Cost: $60 per person (dinner) drinks at bar
Payment: http://www.trybooking.com/BKEI
Password: RRC1863

Posted on

May Madness and Merriment – A Weekend to Remember at RRC

Phase 1: Barwon Masters Regatta
Saturday 5th May saw a small contingent of 9 RRC rowers braving a breezy Barwon River for the GRA Masters Regatta. Charlie expertly towed the trailer, and Bec tried out her navigation skills behind her brand new P-plates.
With several masters rowers thinking that the trailer park was an excellent place to park – nice and close to the water – it took a few club Captains to channel their inner coxing voice and clear room for the queue of waiting trailers.
First off the start line for RRC was the male masters 4+ with Charlie, Gareth, Nigel and Michael finishing in 4th place.
Next the female masters coxed quad with Julia, Michelle, Corrine and Natalie.  Being the youngest average crew age in the race they faced an 8 second handicap… which they overcame to win the gold.  The girls then jumped out of the quad and split into the doubles to finish in some well fought minor places.
The boys then took on the novice quad and improved on their Albert Park results to finish a creditable 3rd.
YYRC then borrowed the lovely Bec who coxed their Novice girls to gold (and they were kind enough to give her back too).
With racing all done and dusted and the trailer packed, the chosen few headed home to Melbourne.  The youngest male members of the men’s masters crew were also taught a valuable lesson in shouting the trailer driver as well as themselves.  We shall say no more.
Phase 2: RRC Names the “Walter Lambert” and the “Don Dudgeon”
Sunday morning then dawned for club races, boat naming festivities and the final learn to row session for our latest recruits.
Club races saw Continue reading “May Madness and Merriment – A Weekend to Remember at RRC”

Posted on

Fundraising Success – RRC Trivia and Auction Night 17 March

Hello all
It is with great pleasure that I report yet another successful fundraising trivia night for RRC held on 17 March – St. Patricks Day.
This year the event raised more than $7000, which is a fantastic effort by all those who attended the evening, as well as donated an array of goods and services. As always there were some real gems on offer such as a trophy oar signed by members of the 2008 Olympic Team, a holiday house in Cape Paterson; as well as those more intriguing items like the ‘mystery’ package won by Martin Foster and the two Yarra Yarra rowers on offer for a mixed quad! Or course while the auction was a major element of the evening – the clear attractor was to get a perfect score card by answering all of Justin Thomas’s trivia questions. Yet again Justin tested everyone’s trivia brains and even threw in a ‘Spicks and Specs’ segment – courtesy of Lindsey Brown and her impressive voice.
As I write this and reflect on the fun evening, and opportunity to catch up with those I haven’t seen for a while, I am also reminded of the new equipment the club has been able to purchase as a result of events such as the trivia night, and the donations of members and their friends and family. For example Karen Doggett probably never wants to see a sausage again after coordinating the sausage sizzle at Bunnings last year, and I know from firsthand experience that I almost ate my weight in Freddo frogs while raising money for the club.
Many new members may not be aware that up until about 6 years ago boat loading included finding a trailer …. as well as de-rigging boats! Given a trailer is a pretty much a pre-requite for any rowing club wishing to attend regattas, and the ability to borrow trailers was becoming harder and harder, the club focused on raising money to buy its own. Aside from being pretty nifty, I think our trailer is also much loved because many of us shook buckets and ergoed for 24 hours to secure it. It is a fantastic resource that we are all able to benefit from and is sure to last the club well into the future for all the members yet to come.
Other items we have bought include cox boxes, new boats, ergo’s, oars – the list goes on. Naturally the shopping list of potential items is endless, so the Committee makes the tough decision of prioritising the list based on the needs of the club at the time. This year the Committee decided to focus the trivia night funds on a bit of upkeep by committing to purchasing new shoes for the women’s 8+, buying four sets of new sculling oars and another ergo, to name just a few. However now we know we have $7000 plus confirmed – we will be able to move further down the list.
Although clearly the club needs cash to supplement and refresh the fleet and other rowing equipment, the other thing essential to RRC are the day to day donations that many members make. These donations come in a variety of forms, such as: coaching, organising regattas, social events, painting oars, donating items to be auctioned, purchasing them, cleaning the kitchen and so on. RRC runs on volunteers and the notion that members give what they can, at different times and in different ways. So in addition to the bigger donations I also want to highlight the everyday ones and the flow on that these make to the workings of the club.
Thanks again to all those that helped with the trivia night, in particular Vicki Brennan, Ben Soraghan, Mike O’Neill, Mike Numa, Simon Crunden, Martin and quiz master Justin. If you have any ideas of fundraising activities/concepts you think we should try or would like to get more involved in the non-rowing part of the club please drop me a line or another member of the Committee.
Cheers
Emma
Emma Catford
President – Richmond Rowing Club

Posted on

A big Christmas gift to the club

It is very gratifying to report to all the RRC members on our recent social and fundraising activities. When so many of you dig deep and help out we can make a big difference! Thank you!
RRC Christmas Raffle drawn 17 December 2011
We had a total of 536 tickets in the draw, that means a total of $2680 in ticket sales. After costs are deducted we should clear at least $2,000.
First prize, $800 Essendon Cyclery voucher was won by Jemma Evans. 2nd prize, $200 David Jones voucher, was won by Karen Bell and 3rd prize, $150 worth of mixed wines was won by Dennis Beck.
Thank you to all members who sold tickets and helped make this fundraising activity for the club a success.
RRC Port Melbourne Bunning Sausage Sizzle 18 December 2011
The committee would like to extend a huge thank you to all the members who helped with the sausage sizzle fundraiser. We had a grand total of 576 sausages donated and 15kg of chopped onions which amazingly enough were all sold plus a further 262 sausages bought on the day.
That’s a grand total of 838 sausages sizzled in the name of Richmond Rowing Club, which along with the sale of 364 soft drinks netted the club a total profit of $2189.
Special thanks to all those who donated their time and effort on site throughout the day to man the barbie and serving the endless flow of hungry shoppers.
The RRC Committee wish all the members a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
We look forward to another great year ahead with you as part of our wonderful club.

Posted on

Get into the Christmas Spirit with Richmond Rowing Club

This year we are running a fabulous Christmas Raffle as one of our major fundraisers with prizes that are going to ensure the winners have a Merry Christmas.
1st Prize: $800 voucher for Essendon Cyclery –  for everything bike related
2nd prize: $200 voucher for David Jones
3rd prize: Mixed dozen white and red wine
We are asking all members to please sell 10 raffle tickets to friends, family & colleagues (or buy the tickets yourself) and return the completed ticket stubs and money to RRC secretary’s box (at end of cupboards upstairs) before the Christmas Party on Thursday 15 December.  We would love you to sell more than 10 tickets, to get more see Karen Doggett or email [email protected]. The draw will be at 9pm on 15 December.

Proudly powered by WordPress