Preparation of the quiz this year took on a new twist, we needed a new trophy. To answer the multiple inquiries (some from overseas) Wiki the wombat had mistakenly been given to a toddler and only the most ruthless of rowers (who I won’t name) advocated snatching him back. So I toured various shops to be confronted by an array of soft toys that you would only give to children if you wanted to scare them or to girlfriends that you were secretly hoping they’d would break it off. But there he was, as white as the Siberian snow that white tigers aren’t actually found on (they come from India), Richie the Tiger.
While I was doing this Cat and Shern were doing the real work, Cat getting the auction items together, Shern organising the attendees. Four days prior to the event Shern came up with one of the most relevant questions ever asked in connection with an RRC quiz “Has anyone stocked the bar?” And no auction is complete without a brochure, Lindsey is to be thanked for that. The artistic talent of Ainsley not only produced our publicity poster but two excellent auction items
On the day of the quiz I was greeted at RRC by some of our male rowers (could a collective noun be a “Rip”?) ready to help with the set up. Melbourne RC generously agreed to lend us their tables but it takes a little muscle to move them. Katalin helped with the decorations before starting her duties at the bar, she had already had a moderating influence on the quiz questions. For those wondering why the quizzes have got a little easier in recent years…mystery solved.
And so it began, with 98 people attending, from a wide cross section of age groups and club longevity. The first round was well negotiated by all teams with some earning a bonus point for getting all questions right, while Stef and Kathy made sure the bar wasn’t overwhelmed by the early rush. This was followed by Simon taking the microphone (a technological leap for him) and taking us through the auction as he has done for many years now. The second round on “All things American” proved to be a good round for teams to play their joker, the “General Knowledge” less so, but this brought us to the “Sit down” game and several revelations. At least one rower admitted to admiring themselves in the mirror while wearing a zootie, several had used the internet to ‘check-the-ex’ and there was a small sympathy vote for a couple of our members for who I cruelly inserted the statement “Sit down if you think x is hot.”
Dissent was limited to one person who was infuriated by my non acceptance of “Kresh” instead of “Crash” for a collective of Rhinos, apparently something was lost in translation within that team. I have rarely seen such anger in someone I’m not related too, but I found it funny. In the final round Michael G performed two songs “Spicks and Specks” style using the American constitution for the words. His rendition of “Big Yellow Taxi” was guessed by most teams but his cover of “Titanium” won’t be going platinum. The “Pulp Fiction script” was read by Ally and Sarah R who did a good impression of two gangsters from south central…Dublin? JL and Sarah H read ‘Thelma and Louise, putting in a good southern drawl. When approached about the role Sarah stated “I’m not much of an actress!” she has since been followed by paparazzi and linked to Ryan Reynolds.
Carolyn took out the prize of best dressed American, coming as the walking juxtaposition that is heiress and former terrorist Patty Heart, but in the final analysis the big prize went to a crew that came home by at least a boat length. It was nice to see a team containing long standing supporters of the event such, Sally, Karen, Edith, Leonie and Michelle finally winning, perhaps they will defend their title under the name “The STEM femmes”? I am certainly glad that they didn’t allocate Richie to Edith’s children or Michelle’s dog.
Next year will be the tenth year I’ve been involved in this night and consequently the theme will be “Retro”. I continue to be involved in this event because I honestly think it shows the club at its best; I‘ve only been able to mention a small number of the people that attended, helped out and donated auction prizes. Whether I’ve mentioned you or not, please accept my thanks. I look forward to seeing you all (and Richie) next year.
Justin
Up up and Away!
Just wanted to give you a quick update on our fundraising achievements recently and also tell you about what’s next.
Thank you to all those kind tigers who donated something into the Christmas hamper. We raised $750 through the raffle which was won at the Christmas party by Geraldine Goss (congratulations).
Secondly was the New Year’s Eve party, we raised $2,400 from ticket sales and bar profits, which is an awesome effort.
Continue reading “Up up and Away!”
It’s shiny and new: Thanks to Nic and team
Most members will have noticed by now that the RRC bay has undergone a bit of a transformation with new shiny racking and that many things are located in different places.
The clubs sculling oar sets are now located near the front stairwell door on the RRC labelled yellow oar holders and the red oar holders located in between the roller door and the main switchboard cabinet is where private members oars are now stored.
The majority of the clubs sweep oars are located in angled racks at the front of the shed whilst some are located at the rear of the old MLC bay care should be taken getting these items in and out of the racks.
The new rolling boat rack should be operated with care to prevent boats being damaged and also members will need to be extra careful removing boats from the racks at the rear of the shed as there can be some overlap of bows and sterns. For some reason all our boats are different lengths and so there will be a bit of moving around until the optimum locations are sorted.
Finally riggers are now stored at the rear of the sheds and should be returned there when not in use. Please don’t dump things on the floor as we are trying to keep the shed tidy and easy to clean with less stuff on the floor.
Members also need to be careful of the boats located in the hanging racks when carrying equipment in and out of the sheds and also the tops of the roller doors to avoid banging riggers on the lintel.
Some of our less used fleet items and our only quick release riggered boat are located on the new sliding rack and will need to be rigged and –derigged for each session. Whilst this is a minor inconvenience it will require a little fore-planning for sessions. It also means that you don’t have to re-rig a quad as a four and vice versa but can choose the configuration for the session.
If you don’t like rigging boats and would prefer the club to have more quick release boats then why not help us in our efforts by participating in our fundraising initiatives like the Christmas raffle to win a hamper full of hundreds of dollars worth of goodies. Tickets are on sale now and the winner will be drawn on the 16th December at the RRC Christmas party. Tickets are $4 each or 3 for $10 please email Cat at fundraising@richmondrowing.
Another huge upcoming fundraiser is our NYE party, get in quick to secure your ticket for $80, which will include food and the best view of the city’s new year fireworks. Bring your friends and family and purchase tickets here http://www.trybooking.com/
It’s a New Year…Time to Celebrate!
After last year’s roaring success as a fundraiser, we will be holding another New Year party for our members and their friends / family. What better way to see in New Year than on the balcony of one of the best venues in Melbourne and arguably the best place around to view the fireworks. Hurry though as tickets are strictly limited!
Tickets are $80 per person if you purchase before 15th December and $100 thereafter and will include finger food on the night. Tickets must be booked by Tuesday 29th December for security and catering purposes! Book your tickets online via trybooking here: http://www.trybooking.com/171743
The event will run from 7pm till 1am with last drinks being served at 12:30am. Drinks are at club prices for the night! However we do have some premium bubbles available for those who want to celebrate in style.
With the proceeds of the party assisting with the purchase of a couple of key fleet and equipment items last year, it’s now an important event in our fundraising calendar as well as predominantly being a social occasion for all our members to relax and enjoy after the busy head season.
So don’t delay and secure your tickets today!
Any questions, please direct them to [email protected]
Thanks
A little can go a long way!
Well we’re almost halfway through the year now and our fundraising efforts are about to be stepped up, but to really make that successful we really need your help…
Are you able to offer any prizes or services which we can Raffle or Auction this year (either at Christmas or at our Annual Trivia Night)? Some examples are:
- Unwanted gifts
- Things you no longer want or need
- Holiday homes
- Services – i.e. Group together with your buddy’s in the club and offer to do an hour of gardening or some other service
- High Value Donations – Are you able to reach out to your workplace or network to see if they can donate anything of value to a good cause
- Coaching or Coxing hours
If you have anything to donate or offer, or if you have any ideas for fundraising generally, please drop Cat an email on [email protected] or talk to her at the club.
So far this year we’ve raised over $1100 from Entertainment book sales and sweepstakes alone, which is great so let’s keep the momentum going and facilitate the purchase of new equipment which will really make a difference!
Look out shortly for news about New Year, which will be one of our key fundraising activities of the year!
Cat
Volunteering at RRC
Have you been wondering about what you can do to volunteer to help at RRC?
Every year we have to call upon our members to help in all sorts of ways and this year will be no different. Everyone can help in one way or another and here are just a few ideas:
Be a boat race official (BRO) at regattas – this is an easy task and it is an RV requirement that Richmond provide BROs for every regatta which we enter. To be eligible you must complete the Level 1 BRO course and this year that couldn’t be easier as it is being held in our own boathouse this coming Tuesday 8th September, please register to attend using this link http://www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/eventsrsvp/1015/
Cox your friends and other crews – we are always short of coxes and experience in a boat from the coxes seat will no doubt help you become a better rower by having an appreciation of the feel or movement of the boat. It’s all about providing motivation and encouragement to the whole crew (as well as avoiding collisions). At RRC we require all members to complete their level 1 coxing accreditation within 1 year of membership to ensure you have a good understanding of river rules for you and your crews safety. Once again RV is holding a level 1 course in our very own boathouse on Monday 14th September so if you haven’t already you can register here http://www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/eventsrsvp/1016/
Continue reading “Volunteering at RRC”
RRC fundraising
We’ve signed up again for 2015/16 with the Entertainment Book! So get in now before you’re 2014/15 book runs out at the end of this month.
For those of you who don’t know how fabulous this is, let me explain:
- The entertainment book has over 800 vouchers / discounts on dining, entertainment, activities, hotel stays etc. etc. across Melbourne and suburbs (or other states if you wish). These discounts can be 15% off meals at top restaurants to 2 for 1 entry to the Melbourne star or even 20% off at some cellar doors!
- The book or (even handier mobile app) costs only $65 to purchase – 20% of which will go directly back to the club to purchase gym equipment, put towards a bigger, better fleet of boats or help fund much needed coaching and coxing!
- To put the $65 in perspective, I can guarantee you will make that money back if you use the book / app just twice! Just imagine having multiple 2 for 1 vouchers for Grilled, Trios or other equally yummy places in Southgate after a hard Yarra session!
- Your vouchers are valid to 1st June 2016!
Interested, but need a bit more convincing….
- You can download the app from iTunes or google play and see what vouchers are on there. You just won’t be able to redeem any of the deals until you have bought a membership
- I will have a demo book at the club – so please come and see me (Cat Hardie) if you would like to have a flick through look at what deals you can get
So what do we need you to do…..
Please purchase a book or the app for yourself (if you would like), but also please forward this email or share our order page link (below and here) around your networks i.e. friends, work colleagues, facebook wherever you can – and that is all!
https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/917×286
There will be a couple of posters popping up in the changing rooms just to remind you all.
Any questions, please ask me (Cat – my email / mobile no. below also).
[email protected] or 0450238809
Thanks
Cat
Sausage Sizzle, Sat. 2nd May
Fundraising during the 2014/5 season has
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enabled purchase of many items for the club, including boats, oars, ergos and the new rolling stairs. For our last major effort this season we have been offered the opportunity to run the Big Bunnings Barbeque at Bunnings in Burwood Rd, Hawthorn on Saturday May 2. But we need your help!
Between 8am and 4pm we will need 4 people to man the BBQ, take orders, handle money etc. Hence we need volunteers! We are suggesting blocks of 2 hours so if you can help then please email [email protected]. If you are planning to attend the Albert Park regatta then please consider a pledge of $10 to help us cover the cost of the sausages; again let me know this and it will be added to your overhead/seat fee cost. We also need some eskys to keep food cool, so let me know if you can help with this too. Funds from this event will support the purchase of yet another fleet addition..this time a new pair/double scull, so please come along and help us make it a success!
Geraldine Goss, Fundraising Coordinator
Quiz success
“Japanese!”
“Eh?” responded Justin
“We’ll do Japanese” she insisted
“I think I’d prefer an Indian tonight”, I still missed the point.
“No, hülye, the theme for the quiz this year, we’ll do Japanese this time” And so it came to pass, Katalin, the (largely unseen) creative force for the RRC quiz for the last few years decided our clubhouse would have an oriental flavour on March 14. After Irish, Russian and Roman themes I found myself researching the Honshu Wolf and the films of Kurosawa.
Of course the quiz is only half of the night, this was to be the major club fundraising event of the year and for that to happen you need a good auction and a well stocked bar. Asking Vicki to stock the bar is like asking a panda to grow bamboo but it was still good of her to do it amongst the other things she does for RRC. She has organised the auction in the last few years but this time it was the turn of Lindsey and Emily who put the War of 1812 well and truly behind them to form a powerful North American alliance. No auction is complete without its auctioneer; Simon took the gavel as he has done for the last eight years.
And you need people too, the talented Ainsley produced a fantastic poster to bring in the punters while Shern masterminded the bookings. We have our friends at MRC to thank for lending their tables while Interior designer Laurent probably found himself with his least creative role of lumping their tables into our clubhouse.
So the night began with a record a hundred and ten members and guests packing into the hall, the bar buzzed and the quiz began. Lecturer Matt marked the papers and accountant Jon added the scores. Most teams did well and each round was punctured by productive auctions with our fundraising gauge slowly rising under Nic’s supervision. Of course there were accusations of ‘phone a friend’, allegations of cheating in the origami and twice I wanted to garrotte someone with the microphone lead (a reduction on most years) but the bow balls surged to the line…and two of them finished level.
So there they were, some of the club’s newest members against a couple of the old stagers, the tie-break question the height of Mount Fuji. The prizes sat before them, a dozen chocolate roses, a year with a wombat and of course, eternal glory. The warm March evening turned cold with tension as I read the right answer… 3766 metres, old guard triumphant, DS denied.
Thanks to all that came, especially those that worked behind the bar and of course a very big thanks to all those who generously donated auction prizes. Over $8,000 was raised on the night, exceeding the target, this is being put to immediate good use. The committee’s deliberation wouldn’t have disgraced the World Trade Organisation for detail, producing the question “Could we have the short answer first next time?” at one point. Women’s sweep oars and two new ergos have already been ordered.
Justin Thomas, RRC VP
Quiz Fundraiser
I would like to invite you all to our Quiz – fundraiser night on March 14. Fundraising is a critical part of club activities, this year we are looking to use the funds raised from this night towards new ergos and oars so it would be see a big attendance.
Some of the main fundraising activities are the live auction and silent auction. We count on the membership to offer prizes for sale to make these successful. Past offers include use of a holiday house for a week, on-water coaching sessions, gardening and cleaning services, wine, catering and homewares. If you have something we can sell (including your time and labour!), please contact Lindsey on [email protected].
Friends from outside of the club are more than welcome, you can arrange with Shern [email protected] to book for a whole team (ten people), part of a team or just bring yourself. See you there!
Cheers
Justin
