Minerva News 2002
Links to
The
Minerva - Alkmaar Challenge Shield
13th October 2002. The Minerva quad four containing Arnold Cooke,
Paul Darvill, William Wadsworth, Mark Melbourne and coxed by Sues Less have
brought the shield home in the closest finish since records began. 17
hundredths of a second. For a more detailed report
Click Here
Mens Novice Crew come home with the pewter. After what seems like an eternity, the Minerva Mens novice crew have at last won. Andy Lux backed up by Gary John, Richard Thorn and Craig Smith, coxed by that Pot Veteran Sue Lees stormed to victory at Stourport Sprint. All crews were swept aside in what was the crews last chance of pewter before they disband forever. Gary John was particularly pleased to win, it was starting to look like he would be drawing his old age pension before gaining his first win. This just goes to prove, if you keep trying you will succeed, the club applauds you.
AA Race Akmaar Rowing Club 21st April 2002, Minerva come home without the shield again. See report for more details.
Arnold Cooke does it again. After winning 5 GOLD medals at the World masters he has made it big in local television. For those of you who didn't see it, Arnold gave a master class for local television station HTV. The crowning glory of the piece was Arnold's legs, Cherie (Presenter) thought they were better than hers, so smooth, Arnold will have to let the Girls into his secret. Shave, Wax or sugar, who knows.
Running. informal running group every Monday at Mark Melbourne's house, give him a call to sort out the time.
Paul Darvill and William Wadsworth were unfortunate in their draw at Henley Royal Regatta. After beating all of their 10 UK rivals at Metropolitan and Marlow they had the misfortune to be drawn against the American national pairing of Beyreuther and Gorman. They decided therefore that the only tactic they could employ was to blast off the start and hold them for as long as possible. They held out for the first quarter mile but, had given their all. The Americans steadily pulled away to win by 5 lengths. It was a brave effort against a vastly superior crew.
Arnold Cooke had more success at Veteran Henley. Paired with Tim Lincoln they managed to win Veteran F (Over 60) double sculls after a titanic clash with a German combo featuring 1968 and 1972 Olympian Dual Hid. They had less success in Veteran coxed fours losing to an American ex international Long Beach Crew.
Bewdley as results go was a wash out, the weather however was fantastic. With our highest entry of the year we came very close in all the events entered, most crews managed to win at least one round. The expected highlight was the annual outing of the old farts in MS2 8+, guest appearances of Richard Huggins and Chris Fry failed to ignite the potential of the crew. The Saturday night extravaganza was a bit of a let down, the disco drew a complete blank, hopefully next year the DJ will be from Ibiza and not from a 80's time warp. Certain members will now be aware that cow pie and alcohol don't mix, Chas will explain the phenomena to those of you who have not yet decorated the inside of a tent with the contents of their stomachs, Nice one!
The Club Eight is back from Aylings. William Wadsworth has decided to create an informal squad of rowers from September onwards. The purpose is to give everyone a chance to get out with more experienced rowers. We aim to enter the eights head and make a cohesive effort to win back to Alkmaar shield next year.
The Boat House ruined during the recent floods is now fully repair. Thanks to the efforts of William Wadsworth and his army of helpers, we now have a secure shed to protect the boats this winter. The paths have been made up and fencing erected at the entrance. Once the site has been tidied up we plan to have a grand opening ceremony later in the summer with our Patron the Marquess of Bath naming the Eight in his honour.
The Coaching Catamaran has arrived and is now available for coaching sessions. Contact Andy Wallace for more details.
Minerva men return from Holland without the shield, full report on the Alkmaar Page
Arnold Cooke set a new Veteran record as Minerva Bath tackled the Sculling Head on the Thames. Cooke proving Invincible at Vet F, also defeated all rowers in Vet D and E as he finished in 56th place - the highest ever finish by a veteran,
Paul Darvill finished an admiral 161st managing to avoid all solid objects on the course, he was only passed by Johnny Searle who came 4th in the Sydney Olympic Coxless pairs.
Otto Alexander was 4th in the junior 15s finishing 344th overall.
Old Oars for Sale, suitable for banister rails, decorative curtain poles etc. Prices from £40 to £50 depending on quality.
Help wanted to raise club funds. We must get fund-raising underway before the Lottery Commission will consider our application. If you want a new club, Volunteer to help. Contact Vince Whetherly.
Article in Bath Chronicle - Monday July 17th 2000, £5000 boost helps rowers pull ahead
As most of you will know the club has been awarded a grant of just under £5000, to be spent as follows.
£1,850 on
Safety and Coaching equipment.
£1,500 on an engine and coaching launch.
£ 800 on a junior training craft.
£ 846 on a new ergo.
Well done to all involved for their hard work.