Minerva News 2003
Links to
MBRC/NCRF
AWARD On the 24th November 2003 Vince and Sally went to Orange
Community Futures award luncheon in London to receive £5,000 from John
Allwood, Orange’s Executive Vice-President for their work in support of
people with sensory disabilities.
MBRC was one of 23 associations to be selected by a panel which included
Orange employees, representatives from Orange’s charity partners the Royal
National Institute of the Blind and the British Deaf Association, Chris
Holmes MBE, world class athlete and Paralympics winner and leading academic
Sally Sainsbury. Martin Vincent, one of the employee judges, commented: “It
was very difficult narrowing down the applications; we were looking in
particular for organisations using different forms of communication to help
sensory disabled groups overcome the communication barriers they often face.
The creative use of communication by Minerva Bath Rowing Club to help
improve the lives of people with sensory disabilities is fantastic. “
John Allwood, Executive Vice-President of Orange UK, commented “Through
Orange Community Futures Awards, we hope to show our recognition of the
valuable work that is being done in local communities to enable people with
sensory disabilities to participate more fully in society. I hope that the
support of Orange Community Futures will help Minerva Bath Rowing Club to
continue to support the sensory disabled community in the Bath area.”
The award will be used to provide appropriate equipment like audio and
visual gear and other aids within the sports facilities, and good sturdy
rowing boats for initial training.
Alkmaar 2004. We have been invited to compete in the 21st AA Race on the 2nd May 2004, please see the Alkmaar 2004 page for more details.
Bewdley Regatta. Despite predictions of rain, the Bewdley weekend was dry and sunny. Saturday resulted in fine wins for Richard Wiles-Teoh from King Edwards School in J15 single sculls and the Beechen Cliff School J15 quad sculls of Tom Adams, Peter Oldham, Chris Cooling and Adam Manhi with Miles Coverdale coxing. Our own Captain William Wadsworth was also successful, comfortably winning Senior 1 1x by over a length. Saturday night turn in to a down pour but that didn't dampen the party spirit as Cow Pie and Ale were consumed. Sunday was an early start as Andy Ursells crew were out at 8:35 for a row over. Despite many notable final appearances only the King Edwards/Beechen Cliff combo of Wiles-Teoh and Manhi were successful, this time in J15 2x. To say Arnold was happy was an under statement, this is the nearest Arnold will ever get to creating his own clones. If they continue to improve at this rate we can expect many more pots to come.
Ironbridge Regatta. When all others were failing to live up to expectations, Linford (Mark Melbourne) provided the one highlight of the Saturday by winning his Novice Scullers final in style. Looking very relaxed he toyed with his opponent as they approached the finish. He was heard to comment after the race that "I could really get the work on" that folks would have been a first. The rest of the weekend was a succession of losing finals with only Arnold providing a win on Sunday. Overall the Crews rowed very well but lacked the killer punch in the last 50 metres, even the GODS looked jaded after coming out of 4 years retirement. The show now moves on to Bewdley(Cow pie/Disco/Drinking and oh yes some Rowing)
Henley Royal Regatta.William Wadsworth and Paul Darvill in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup for men's doubles, Tracy Duncan in the Princess Royal Challenge Cup for women scullers. Both events feature a high class domestic and international field. Heats start on Thursday 3rd for T. Duncan and Friday 4th July for W.Wadsworth and P.Darvill. For further details and to follow their progress in the regatta see the official Regatta site (http://www.hrr.co.uk)
Arnold's Clean Sweep. Arnold was again dominant at the Nat Vets winning Vet F 8, Vet F 2x and Vet F 4+. As winning is becoming so easy Arnold has decided to row in a younger category next year. Rumour has it he might be looking for a seat in the reformed GODS crew! He would have to seat race with Andy though.
The
Bath Sedan Chair Race.
At the Bath Sedan Chair race on Sunday 25 May Minerva Bath RC entered a team
called 'Rhubarb and Custard'. Unfortunately Mark slipped in the damp
undulating ground which lost them vital seconds and they were knocked out in
the second round. Despite the chilly and showery weather everyone had a
great time.
The
Minerva - Alkmaar Challenge Shield 2003.
Return home without the shield ! mugged by De Kwakkels. Report to
follow as soon as Andy Ursell writes it..