Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset

Home , Avon (county), Avon County Rowing Club, Gloucestershire, Gloucester Rowing Club, Minerva Bath Rowing Club

WILTSHIRE, AVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND SOMERSET

REGIONAL PLAN

Building Our Future Growing and Succeeding

The WAGS Region will take its part in achieving the ARA’s objective of providing opportunities for people of all ages to take part in rowing as participants, competitors, coaches, officials, administrators or any other volunteer and encourage the improvements in standards and achievements at the highest level, whilst pursuing its remit of representing the individual rower’s opinions and interests at National level.

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS PLAN

3. THE REGIONAL ANALYSES AND VISION Demographic Profile SWOT Analysis

4. CORE ACTIVITIES Representation Personnel and Facilities Competition General

5. CLUBS Open Clubs Universities and Colleges Schools

6. YOUNG PEOPLE 7. COMPETITION 8. PERFORMANCE 9. COACHING AND TECHNICAL TRAINING 10. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND WELFARE 11. COMMUNICATIONS 12. FINANCE

APPENDICES

1 1. INTRODUCTION This document presents WAGS Region’s view of its position and future as seen in 2005. Its Mission Statement will remain unchanged for the period of the Plan to 2009.

The Regional Rowing Council itself has been elected by, and is here to support its Members, whether they be grouped by Open Clubs, Universities or Schools, and will represent them and their interests in the wider community.

The Region will provide encouragement, services and information to its Members and will act as an interface between Clubs and the ARA, while actively promoting co- operation between Clubs and society for their mutual benefit.

Most of the activities required for the encouragement of rowing, the raising of standards, competition, inclusivity and so on, are the responsibility of all Clubs, including the Universities, Colleges and Schools in the Region. There are however certain activities that must be organised and run on a Regional basis. These are specified in the section headed Core Activities.

As our Members needs and objectives will vary during the life of this document, so will the Region’s flexibility be maintained in order to respond quickly to changing circumstances. This paper will therefore be subject to regular change and updating.

The WAGS Forward Plan will build on our successes, whether it be in providing more Olympic Rowers (3 Golds, 6 participants), bettering our steadily improving place in the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, incrementing our Adaptive Rowing Programme (the only Rowing Club to be specifically listed in the Disability Sport Foundation is in this Region) or simply providing more opportunities for the population to take part in enjoyable Physical activity in line with the Governments ‘Game Plan’.

A list of Clubs in this Region is at Appendix I, with Clubs own Statements at Appendix II

2 2. Review of previous Plan Period: 2001 – 2005

Good progress has been made in the following areas: • Good Results at Junior Inter-Regional Events • Coaching Award Courses run in the Region, including Bronze • Project Oarsome and Go Row schemes prospering and increasing, with many more School/Club links in non-PO Clubs • Successful ‘Award for All’ applications made • Olympic, International and National successes • Regional meetings now well attended • Improved communications between Members leading to more composite crews, particularly Juniors • Excellent World Class Start Scheme catering for potential high performance athletes • Adaptive Rowing • Good records in ‘Learn–to-Row’ courses for adults • Improved University/Club links

Ongoing progress: • Cotswold Water Park • Regional newsletter to be provided by the CDO (ARA)

Poor Progress made in the following areas: • Land facilities still poor at most Clubs • Indoor Rowing events • Involving and supporting University Rowing • Developing Tutors and Assessors • Shortage of qualified Umpires

3 3 THE ANALYSES AND THE VISION

“Vision without action is just a dream Action without vision just passes the time Action with vision can change the world”

REGIONAL POPULATION PROFILE Area Under 25 25 - 65 Over 65 No: % No: % No: % Density AVON 297928 31.95 477957 51.25 156718 16.8 7.0 GLOS 167776 31.75 269517 51.01 91069 17.24 1.99 SOM 142629 30.98 229954 49.95 87782 19.07 1.33 WILTS 187333 33.19 290645 51.49 86499 15.32 1.62 WAGS 795666 32.0 1268073 51.01 422068 16.98 2.98 S/W 1426852 30.96 2315535 50.24 866985 18.81 1.93 ENG 15437844 32.81 24064119 51.14 7553704 16.05 3.61 Populations as per DEFRA 2/6/04

This Region has the second highest proportion of its population living in rural districts of any Region in England (1st West). While most live within 20 minutes drive of their work, it also has the highest proportion of people walking to work or working from home. It is characterised by it relatively high proportion of retired people, particularly in Somerset. The high relative proportion of the u/25s in Wiltshire is due to a high density affordable housing programme in Trowbridge area which is to continue until 2011.

Conclusions: 1.It can be seen from these figures that the clear area to be targeting is in the field of Veteran rowing, both dry and wet, for the over 65s. 2. Advantage should be taken in Gloucestershire of the relatively high density of the urban population and their propinquity to Clubs, whilst Wiltshire Clubs may wish to pursue the younger population.

4 SWOT Analysis

Strengths • A network of established Clubs wherever water and population dictate • Established and successful racing calendar • Good voluntary infrastructure in Clubs • Ratio of men/women at Senior level around 50-50 • High numbers of juniors and young beginners • Well established independent school, University and Open Club structure • Ratio of men/women in positions of responsibility around 50-50 • Active and innovative representation at Regional and National levels • Adaptive Rowing expertise • Good intra-Region Coaching Courses

Weaknesses • Lack of organised maintained-sector School Clubs • Insufficient coaching for young people within Open Clubs • Lack of qualified Umpires • Insufficient good water for training and competition • Lack of facilities for land training, dry rowing and social activity • Poor facilities discourage ordinary membership • Insufficient funding • Poor volunteer support • Lack of water and equipment for touring rowing • Lack of organised Veteran Crews

Opportunities • Development of water suitable for rowing at Cleveland Lakes • Development of improved facilities by several Clubs • Development of land and water facilities for training and competition • Partnerships and links with several bodies to enhance rowing as a ‘healthy sport’ • Obtain sponsorships, grants and donations from various sources • Dry Rowing • Pursuit of new rowers based on demographic statistics • Develop Coaches for NCC

Threats • Termination of long-standing Club leases • Unaffordable rents charged to Clubs • Unsympathetic decisions made by outside agencies – eg Waterways Authorities, Environment Agency • Lack of adult volunteers leading to closure of certain sections of Clubs • Lack of finance leading to inability of Clubs to adapt to new legal requirements for premises • NCC Courses being beyond the financial ability of individuals • Failure of ARA Council to take account of Regions views regarding Competition Review

◊ new participants through new partnership links ◊ ◊ rowing for life through well-resourced clubs ◊ ◊ inspiration through success on the world stage ◊

4. CORE ACTIVITIES

Representation

• The Regional Executive Council, elected by the Members, in line with the Regional Constitution dated 22.11.04

• Meetings, reports, commissions, monitoring

Objectives

• To represent the Region on National Committees and Council and report on matters of concern

• To evolve a structure for running Regional affairs

• To liaise with Regional Sporting bodies and other potential Partners such as: Local Authorities County Sports Partnerships Regional Sport England SportsCoach UK Health and Leisure Centres

Personnel and Facilities

• Liaise and support the half-time Regional Coaching and Development Officer (CDO)

• Establish priorities for the development of new water and Clubhouse facilities in the Region

• Convene and conduct Regional Grants Assessment Panels

• Communicate effectively with Clubs in the Region

Objectives

• Take all reasonable and available steps to ensure that as many new and upgraded facilities reach fruition as possible while determining priorities

• Advise and inform all Clubs, Schools and Universities on salient matters and help and assist them where necessary

• Encourage information sharing within the Region

• Encourage and develop good practice to provide accountability and transparency in the Region and the Clubs

• Ensure all Clubs have an ‘open’ policy in line with CASC and the Equal Opportunities Commission

Competition

• Act as a focus for liaison between the Committees of the Heads and Regattas in the Region to resolve problems and encourage co-operation

• To advise and guide organisers of Heads and Regattas in matters of Safety

• Liaise with neighbouring Regions to minimise the effects of clashing dates

• Provide Representation on the joint WAGS and WM Regional Umpires Commission

• Provide Severn River Rowing Association as a flag of convenience for composite crews who wish to row at events where composites are not permitted

Objectives

• Encourage people to train as Umpires

• Maintain Severn River Rowing Association

General

• Assist with the opportunity for those with the desire and talent to join the ARA Performance pathway and World Class Start schemes in order to achieve success at the appropriate level

• Value the work of volunteers and provide recognition, support and training

• Increase the number of volunteers in the Region and in the member Clubs

• Encourage and develop safe practices in rowing and the culture of safety in general in line with the ARA Water Safety Code

5. CLUBS • Open Clubs • Universities and Colleges • Schools

Aims To encourage, support and promote the resourcing and organisation of all Clubs, and through them provide excellent facilities, coaching, and a wide range of rowing and training activities, both to retain existing members and to attract new participants to the sport.

The list of Clubs is at Appendix 1.

Objectives

We encourage all developments which make full use of available water and aim to meet the needs of the community in the widest, most efficient and safest way.

Current developments: (in no particular order) • City of Bristol RC/UWE at Bristol Harbourside • Minerva Bath RC/University of Bath at Newbridge • Gloucester RC/ University of Gloucestershire at Hempsted • Cotswold Water Park at Cleveland Lakes • University of Bristol (potentially with Avon County RC) at Saltford • Avon County RC (potentially with UBBC) at Saltford

While some of these developments are at a more advanced stage than others, we give equal importance to them all, as they are all proposing to fill a community need.

We will seek to support all Clubs by: • Providing information and advice on organisation, finance, coaching, recruitment and retention, management and facilities. • Vetting, assigning priorities, and supporting funding applications for all Clubs, and acting as intermediaries with Regional Sports bodies and Partnerships where appropriate. • Encouraging contacts with local Health Clubs and Sports Centres to promote the sport of Dry Rowing • Organising seminars and regional training and coaching, and advertising the same • Researching innovation and advising Clubs of the new opportunities whilst representing them against proclamations which are not in their best interests • Keeping policies and practices under review to reflect changing legislation • Encouraging the appropriate level of accreditation

8 Open Clubs

Essentially, the expertise in dealing with items such as Club finance and management, including such items as the Clubs leasehold/freehold, funding applications, Club links, desirability of coaching courses, and equipment lies with the Clubs and their members. On a Regional basis the Regional Council will offer advice and assistance wherever possible.

Objectives Encourage more adult ‘Learn to Row’ courses Research and enable the ‘casual’ rower Offer support and guidance if a need arises for ‘recreational’ (ie touring) rowing

Universities and Colleges

Universities are a major recruiting area for new oarsmen and women. As well as the general problems of Open Clubs, they suffer from two problems endemic in the academic system: (i) Preserving continuity from year to year in clubs run by students with generally only three or four years in residence (ii) Dealing with a flood of novices at the beginning of each academic year

No University in this Region directly funds its own Boat Club, and this leads to problems with equipment and adequate coaching, particularly with novices.

Whilst we await ARA initiatives, the Region believes that there is further scope for collaboration between Open Clubs and Universities to their mutual benefit in terms of coaching at peak periods, sharing equipment and providing a base for students to continue rowing in their vacations.

Objectives

We fully support the improved communications between Open Clubs and Universities. At the same time we would like to see University Clubs exploring the possibilities of having an ‘Open’ section to their Clubs so that they may more fully become part of the 16-24 year old community, and at the same time attracting the funding that is attached to that sector.

We also fully support the University of Bristol’s initiative to assist talented graduates in obtaining employment within the Region, in order that they may continue with their progress on the ARA’s Performance pathway.

Schools

The independent schools which row in the Region have a well established coaching and competitive structure which encourages and nurtures talent. There is still some scope for extension in this sector, especially in the girls’ schools.

Again, and in spite of there being considerable improvement over the last 5 year period, with good links now between Open Clubs and Schools, the principal area for development must be in the state system. This is dealt with in the Young People section.

9 6. YOUNG PEOPLE

Aims

To increase the numbers of young people participating in the sport.

The principal source of new participation at junior level must be the state school sector, both in terms of potential numbers (over 90% of the junior population) and because of the present skewed ratios in the maintained/independent sectors. However some Clubs in the Region have been pursuing certain other groups such as Youth Offenders Programmes, Disadvantaged Youth and those with Special needs with some success.

Junior Rowing in this Region is well represented.

Project Oarsome: (Avon County and Gloucester). We applaud these Clubs with their continuing success in these schemes, and will continue to support their efforts as these schemes come of age.

ClubMark: We praise Clubs achievements in obtaining ClubMark, acknowledge those working towards it, and encourage others to become accredited.

Objectives • To encourage more Clubs to become ClubMark accredited • To encourage teachers and others to be involved and get coaching qualifications • To encourage more Club/Youth links outside school • To encourage more Club/University/State School links

10 7. COMPETITION

Aims • To provide a forum for the organizers of Regattas, Heads and other competitions to meet and discuss their concerns and agree dates etc. • To ensure that trained officials are available • To ensure that everybody, regardless of age, has access to the competition they desire and at the appropriate level.

There is a well established calendar of events within the Region, each with its traditional date; there does remain some pressure on these dates from events in neighbouring Regions. We will work to ensure that negotiations and remedies are found for clashing dates.

There is a constant need for well trained officials, particularly Umpires, and we will continue to encourage people to train for these positions.

Currently there are moves afoot to restructure the Competition system such that certain sectors eg J14, J15 may be precluded in taking part in events which were previously open to them. The system may also be altered so that Clubs will have to factionalise in order to attend at the appropriate status Regatta.

Objectives • Ensure WAGS events have due prominence in the ARA Calendar • Encourage event organizers to liaise and avoid date clashes • Select crews for inter-regional competition • Encourage the recruitment and training of officials and Umpires • Maintain the ARA equity policy that rowing and competition is open to all, regardless of age or status • Support Clubs who wish to travel to appropriate events as ‘whole Clubs’. • Ensure that Clubs take full advantage of Olympic coverage and the World Championships in 2006 to promote participation • Attempt to persuade ARA that sections of Competition Review are unworkable

8. PERFORMANCE

Aims • To encourage the development of individuals to the highest level they are capable of achieving and provide the facilities and coaching to achieve this. • To identify potential high performance athletes

The Open Clubs in this region regularly produce competitive crews at all levels up to S1/2, and the club approaches at this level need little change. University Clubs regularly produce crews that qualify to compete at the highest level, eg HRR, HWR, and apart from the strictures mentioned elsewhere in this document, the club approaches are to be applauded. School Clubs (and Schools with Open Club partnerships) have regularly produced juniors rowing at National and International levels.

Progression to higher levels is impeded by the lack of proper water and training facilities for most Clubs, and it is a sad fact that most potentially high performance athletes eventually move out of the Region to another Club. However the steady supply of talent from this Region is out of proportion to its relatively small size and all the Clubs deserve praise for their approach.

The Region now has the World Class Start (WCS) Scheme, and a resident Talent Development Coach (TDC) has been appointed. Now in its second year, this scheme has so far identified 7 Men and 1 Woman who meet the criteria to be trained toward selection for GB U23s and so through to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Objectives • Support Clubs in their performance pathways • Support the TDC in making this the most successful WCS Region

9. COACHING AND TECHNICAL TRAINING

Aims • To encourage the formal education of Club coaches • To encourage the formal training of Launch Drivers & Trailer drivers • To encourage the obtaining of formal training and certification by individuals who wish to use that knowledge for the benefit of the sporting community • To retain trained personnel

The ARA’s Coaching Awards Scheme from Dry/Wet start Instructor through to Gold level qualification gives an excellent progression in developing coaches. Courses which lead to these awards are run by tutors and assessors within the Region. At present we have 5 assessors and 6 tutors who organise 2/3 IA courses per year. We have also run a very successful Bronze award course, and hope to do so again in the near future.

We are aware that in the lifetime of this document the ARA awards will be superseded by the National Coaching Certificate, and we will be working with Regional Sports agencies to provide the best instruction pertinent to rowing.

There are schemes available from the RYA to train Launch drivers, and several Clubs have taken advantage of the excellent courses run at Bowmoor.

With the new licensing rules relating to legal towing weights coming into force, some of the Universities have realised that their students no longer qualify to tow their laden trailers. Thus it has fallen onto the coaches to continually drive towing vehicles.

Objectives • To encourage more people to attend IA courses and so increase the number of qualified coaches to an average of 1 coach for every 12 athletes in the Region • To encourage suitably experienced coaches to attend Bronze and Silver courses • To encourage juniors to qualify as ‘Young Leaders’ • To monitor progress in the NCC and advise Clubs where appropriate • To encourage more people to take advantage of Launch Driving RYA courses • To encourage more of those whose Driving Licences were gained after 1997 to upgrade their licences to include B+E categories • To encourage more individuals to take advantage of Trailer Driving courses • To encourage coach mentoring and occasional exchange

13 10. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND WELFARE

We will abide by and support the ARA’s Equality and Club Welfare Plans, and work with them and outside agencies to achieve these aims.

We will support the Clubs with their implementation and enforcement of these Plans.

The Region will at all times behave legally and fairly in any judgement it is asked to make and will act in accordance with rules of confidentiality.

14 11. COMMUNICATIONS

We will continue to continue to communicate within the Region by means of: • E-mail rather than post for most communications • The WAGS website www.ara.org.uk/wags • The WAGS database which includes contacts for Clubs and individuals • The WAGS archive which contains details of all agendas, minutes and meetings held within the Region • Meetings • Committees Executive Coaching Juniors Veterans Umpires Safety Recreation

• Open General Meetings (AGM + 3-4 others per year) • Visits to Clubs by CDO

Objectives • Improve Website by including: links to Club Websites links to Regatta site details useful information for Clubs

• Database Maintain compliance with the Data protection Act

• Meetings To encourage Clubs to attend general meetings by having a ‘theme’ for discussion and by locating the meeting in a place central to the Region to facilitate travel

15 12. FINANCE

Aims

At present the Region receives income from the following:

• The ARA provides an annual grant. The amount is related to the number of affiliated members in the Region. • Regional Member Clubs have a right to raise a levy on themselves to raise funds for any project they choose. This may happen within the lifetime of this plan.

Objectives

• To manage the annual ARA grant and pay for the administrative costs of running the Region. Any individual who incurs expense on behalf of the Region, with the Region’s prior knowledge, shall have that expense reimbursed on the production of appropriate supporting documentation. • To apply to any funding body or individual to raise funds for any project that the Membership decides. To ensure that those funds are spent in accordance with the award, and to send a proper statement of account to the sponsor. • To financially assist individuals in the Region who wish to attend courses, conferences or other events that would improve their ability to participate, coach or administer the sport of rowing, and where the Region would obtain a benefit from their involvement. Recipients may be asked to provide evidence of how they have made a contribution prior to payment of the award. • To collect and administer any funds or levies that the Member Clubs have decided to raise, and ensure that those monies are spent strictly in accordance with the terms under which they were levied.

16 Appendix 1 - Membership

Regional Executive Council

Chairman – Dr. S.L. Bailey Cooper Vice Chairman – J.Bewick Secretary – A.Dolo Treasurer – R.Leach Coaching Commission – S.Howie Safety Adviser – P.Sondheimer Veterans Commission – Dr.A.V.Cooke Junior Commission – G.Reay Recreational Rep – Vacant Umpires Commission – R.Leach Womens Commission – G.Ragon Without Portfolio – P.Senior

Affiliated Clubs

Open Clubs Avon & Somerset Police RC Avon County RC Bradford-on-Avon RC Bristol Ariel RC City of Bristol RC Gloucester RC Minerva Bath RC Severn River RA Swindon RC

University Clubs (and Alumni) Bath University BC (Meles RC) University of Bristol BC Shrivenham BC University of the West of England RC

School Clubs (and Alumni) Cheltenham College BC Cheltenham Ladies College RC Clifton College BC Monkton Combe School BC (Monkton Bluefriars) Wycliffe Sculling Centre (Fuzzy Duck)

Regattas Head Races Avon County Junior Regatta Avon County Head Bristol Ariel Head Avon County Oarsome Regatta Bristol University Head Bristol Avon Regatta City of Bristol Head City of Bristol Regatta Gloucester Head Coate Water Park Regatta Head of the Avon Gorge Gloucester Regatta Monkton Bluefriars Small Boats Swindon Splash & Dash Wycliffe Big Head Wycliffe Small Boats

Appendix 2.

CLUB REPORTS

Avon County Rowing Club 2004-2006

Avon County Rowing Club is a medium sized rowing club drawing members of all ages and abilities from a wide geographical area including Bath, Bristol and surrounding districts. The Boathouse is situated at Saltford on the River Avon. We enjoy significant success in both high performance and participative rowing The club has a FORWARD PLAN for the period 2002-06 that currently does the following: -

• Reviews the progress made by ACRC between 1997 and 2001. The goals for this period were set out in summary plans developed by the club in response to the requirements of the Amateur Rowing Association, Bath and North East Somerset Sports Development and Sport England. These goals have been achieved.

• Sets out the AIMS and OBJECTIVES agreed by ACRC for the next four years. These have been established by reference to the Forward Plan and National Junior Rowing Programme of the Amateur Rowing Association; the WAGS Draft Plan 2001-2005; the requirements of Bath and North East Somerset Sports Development and Sport England Club Accreditation; the requirements of the Avon County Rowing Club itself and many other sources of good practice and guidance.

The plan has been used by our local Council as an example of good practice in their own Sports Development and accreditation training

LOOKING BACK 1997-2001 2002-2004 • Qualified Coaching structure • Sport England ClubMark accreditation • Participation • Local Club Quest accreditation • Improved Facilities • Sports match sponsorship • Club accreditation • Increased nos. including a strong family • More Equipment element. a small veteran Womens’ section and • Club general and financial management a thriving veteran novice group. • Successful Fundraising • Increased nos. of coaches & coach assessors • Junior rowing and Project Oarsome • More equipment including specific • Events recreational/development boats and blades • High performance rowing • Specific Project Oarsome events • Running Sport • GB International representation and close links to the GB Junior International rowing scheme. • National level gold medals • Partner club in World Class Start • Development of a successful website

18 LOOKING FORWARD This section summarises all those areas where the club has set specific aims and objectives. Detailed objectives can be found in the Club‘s Forward plan. These have been reviewed and remain current for the period 2004-2006 CLUB DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND ACCREDITATION - To be a well run and successful Rowing Club that can meet the needs and aspirations of any current or potential member with appropriate pathways and comply with all relevant standards and guidance COACHING, COACH EDUCATION AND TRAINING To sustain and improve the coaching capabilities of the club Promote the development of coach education opportunities available to club members To provide high quality coaching input to all sections of the club YOUNG PEOPLE To sustain and improve the opportunities made available by the club for young people To support ARA initiatives for both participation and talent identification. WOMEN - To remain a recognised club in women‘s rowing in Great Britain MEN - To develop and maintain a strong men‘s squad VETERANS - To remain a rowing club which caters for and attracts veteran members who wish either to compete or participate COMPETITION - To provide competitive opportunities for all standards of rower and sculler and prepare them appropriately for those events PARTICIPATION - To remain a rowing club which is run by the members for the members and which provides opportunities for all types of participation in the sport of rowing HIGH PERFORMANCE ROWING - To continue to provide facilities, equipment, coaching and support for those athletes who wish to achieve at the highest levels within the sport EQUIPMENT - To continue to provide and maintain boats, blades and other equipment to meet the club‘s aims and objectives FACILITIES - To develop the site at Saltford in a sustainable and affordable way in order to ensure that the club has the facilities to allow it to deliver the aims and objectives of this and future plans. Space is now a key requirement for the continued growth of the club. EVENTS - To continue to promote and manage rowing events which meet the competitive requirements of a range of rowers/scullers and their coaches wherever it is economic to do so. RUNNING SPORT - To continue the valuable contribution made by club members to Regional and National competition, administrative, umpiring and coaching committees. FINANCE To continue to carry out prudent financial management. To maximise the club‘s capacity to carry out Fund-raising and attract Grant Aid PUBLIC RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS To actively promote the positive image of both Avon County Rowing Club and the sport of rowing To promote links to other bodies

City of Bristol RC

"City of Bristol Rowing Club (CBRC) and the University of the West of England Boat Club (UWEBC) have completed a feasibility study and Outline plans for redevelopment of their site in order to provide modern facilities requisite for rowing at all ages and abilities. Certain difficulties with the site and local planning restrictions have delayed action beyond what was hoped, however progress is steady and incremental. The lifetime of the current committee should see plans finalised with tangible results toward the end of the five year period.

A sustainable rise in numbers across all rowing squads is encouraging, including the recent formation of veteran and recreational groups which is expected will flourish. Once again, the annual 'Learn2Row' course at CBRC has been revamped, taking in a large proportion of club members each year as mature people who have never rowed before - this continues to be a useful wealth of talent for the club - both on the water and off, and a way into a healthy lifestyle for adults who otherwise may not have made the effort. The establishment and maintenance of these three streams - Veteran, Recreational and Learn2Row will continue to define CBRC through the next 5 years and beyond."

20 Bristol Ariel Rowing Club

In spite of the recent decision to not proceed with Project Oarsome, Ariel remains committed to developing its rowing squads, in particular junior rowing, and improving the facilities available.

The Club has recently acquired ClubMark status.

Facilities

Ariel plans to build a modest extension to the Clubhouse to house toilets, changing and showering, land training and social facilities. Ariel will be looking to fund this through a combination of grants and internal fund raising.

Rowing

Ariel is growing at a fast pace, with our big growth areas being Junior and Ladies squads. Due to the structures now in place we expect to be able to sustain and increase the numbers at the Club. Ariel is looking to increase to around 250 members by the year 2010.

In addition, Ariel has recently introduced a new starters course, which has proved extremely successful. The participants are now rowing as part of the novice squads.

Ariel is looking to develop its junior squad alongside the two schools currently involved, Cabot City Technical College and Kingsfield. For the coming season 2004-2005, CTC will continue their commitment to rowing at Ariel (currently approx 20 students) whilst Ariel will help run the Leadership programme at Kingsfield school.

Approximate membership composition of Ariel is:

Veteran 10 Men 25 Ladies 25 Junior 6 (exc schools) Associate 5

Ariel has 10 qualified coaches and will be looking to increase the number of coaches and upgrade qualifications in the coming years.

Equipment

Boat accommodation is not a problem at the moment, demonstrated by Ariel being able to house eights and fours for Bristol and Bath Universities as required. At present our main objective is to increase the number of boats we have. In the future Ariel is looking to obtain:

• New fours

• Junior/lightweight sculls

• More coaching courses

• More land training equipment

• Cox box

• More oars

• More safety equipment for the size of the Club

Cleveland Lakes

Facilities strategy 2004-2008

Background Cleveland Lakes is situated near Ashton Keynes in the Cotswold Water Park; an area of over 140 active and worked out gravel pits situated near Cirencester. Covering an area of over 270 acres Cleveland Lakes is one of the last large undeveloped areas in the western Cotswold Water Park

The long thin pattern of gravel extraction of the site means that it is the only lake created to date that lends itself towards the development of a rowing course. The provision of a rowing course at Cleveland Lakes has been discussed for nearly forty years but it is only recently with the imminent cessation of gravel extraction that concrete plans have started to be developed.

As well as its potential for sport development, the site contains a wide range of wetland habitats. Habitats include deep open water, islands, reedbed, shallow lagoons and Carr woodland. The two main lakes cover over 170 acres and combined for the largest area of open water in the western section of the Cotswold Water Park. As a consequence Cleveland Lakes is recognized as one of the most biodiverse sites in an internationally important wetland area.

In recognition of its outstanding nature conservation value and potential for public access and low-key recreation the Cotswold Water Park Society successfully applied for grant aid from the English Nature Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund Grant Scheme and the Countryside Agency Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund to purchase Cleveland Lakes in March 2003.

22 Planned development of the site Development of the land now owned by the Society would enable the creation of a 2000m course suitable for rowing, sprint canoeing and dragonboat racing.

In consultation with the Amateur Rowing Association and the Wiltshire Avon Gloucestershire and Somerset Region of the ARA (WAGS) a provisional schedule of facilities has been drawn up and listed in the table below.

Item Details Course 1) Length; 2000 metres with appropriate start and finish distances. 2) Maximum of seven lanes plus one return possible. 3) Course buoyed at 10m intervals. 4) Course can be shortened to race over 500m and 1,000m. 5) Emergency access life buoys etc. Competitive facilities 1) A 120m launching pontoon for up to eight boats. 2) Starting pontoons. 3) Lane markers and distance markers every 250m. 4) Umpire shelters at all starts and finish lines with power and telephone connections. Coaching facilities 1) Surfaced coaching path running full length of the lake. Boats 1) Coaching/umpire boats and safety boats. 2) Boat racks. 3) Secure outdoor boat storage compound. 4) Indoor boat storage area. 5) Slipway. Club house 1) Changing and toilet facilities. 2) Meeting room and kitchen facility. 3) Gym. General 1) Grassed seating area for several thousand spectators. 2) Indoor spectator’s area in club house. 3) Car parking for up to 600 cars. 4) Toilets and café.

Potential of the site The developed rowing course at Cleveland Lakes is intended to be utilized as a regional training and competitive facility. Currently no existing rowing club has expressed a desire to move to new facilities at Cleveland Lakes but it is the Society’s intention to explore the feasibility of forming a new rowing club for the Cirencester area.

As well as competitive rowing the Society wish to ensure facilities which are accessible to a wide range of participants, catering for the turn up go and recreational rowing markets.

In addition to developing the site for rowing there is also the potential for it to host sprint canoeing and dragonboat racing, both underdeveloped sports in the Cotswold Water Park.

To quantify the anticipated usage of the site the Society is in the process of appointing a team of specialist consultants to conduct a feasibility study in close consultation with potential end users.

23 Funding and development timescale The development of the rowing facilities is part of a larger project for which the Society is actively seeking funds. It is anticipated that the majority of the site’s development funding requirements would come from heritage/environmental grants matched by local authority funds and corporate sponsorship.

Outline development timescale Activity 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

Project development Fundraising Preliminaries Construction Open

24 Gloucester Rowing Club

Strategy Summary - October 2004

Gloucester Rowing Club (GRC) was established on 1846. It is currently one of the the only two ‘open’ clubs in the county of Gloucestershire and has direct access to over 13 miles of water on the Gloucester-Sharpness canal. GRC has a strong track record in the development of junior rowing both at schools, national and international level. Furthermore, ex-GRC juniors are demonstrating that the ‘continuum’ can work in practice and are demonstrating success in senior rowing at the highest level.

GRC is committed to working towards the Government’s ‘Game Plan’ objectives of significantly increasing the number of people regularly partaking in sport and physical education. To achieve this GRC appreciates the need to dovetail with the National Framework for Sport England and the SW Regional Plan for Sport, and in particular determine how it will fit into the ‘Hub Club’ model. To this end GRC is currently in the throes of balancing a number of short and long term objectives. In the short-term based from its current leased facilities, GRC wishes to continue to develop it’s excellence in junior rowing, capitalising on its Project Oarsome status as a route to entry. GRC hopes to formalise its commitment to junior rowing by applying for ClubMark status within the next year. GRC also wishes to embody its recently acquired Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status and extend its reach into the community. This is supported by a number of development plans which include: recruitment, coaching, coxing & rowing and a review of the use of ‘volunteers’ more generally by the club. It also has implications for the club in terms of modifications to the existing facilities to improve access for those with disabilities.

However, the clubs current potential is limited by its current location and premises which are leased from BWB. GRC hopes to finalise negotiations with the local council by the end of March 2005 to secure a 7 acre plot of land for future development. However, the way in which this land will be developed is very much open for debate and options range from GRC remaining as a small niche player in rowing, to a multi-purpose ‘Hub Club’. Either way the time-frame for development is in the order of 5-10 years and will require significant fund-raising activity and support from related bodies including the ARA. Balancing these longer term objectives with the continuing operation of the club will be a major challenge for GRC over the coming years.

25 MINERVA BATH ROWING CLUB

Deficiencies in the present premises, facilities and river have become obstacles to the long term success of the Minerva Bath Rowing Club and to their ability in offering rowing to the wider community in the future. Therefore, following lengthy consultation, Minerva Bath Rowing Club are actively engaged in the provision of community rowing and social facilities on a new site at Newbridge, Bath.

The development will offer safe and accessible boat storage and social facilities, it will be open to the general public and is targeted at all sections of the community including the state school, veteran, women and disadvantaged sectors. It will provide the opportunity for all the community to participate in competitive and recreational rowing and sculling. We are currently working towards ClubMark accreditation.

The concept of a community rowing centre at Newbridge has been given enthusiastic support by the local authority, schools, business community and groups working with the disabled since it will offer access for the disabled, introduce new age groups and offer equality of gender participation in the sport across all levels of ability.

In parallel to the welcome provision of new facilities, Minerva Bath will continue to expand its offering of rowing to disadvantaged groups, continuing links with existing partners such as the BaNES Mentoring Plus scheme, and the Bath junior Gateway club, as well as establishing new links with support groups for the disabled and disadvantaged.

Minerva Bath will also continue to champion rowing as an active and healthy sport for all members of the community, including competitive racing at all levels. This includes the novice to SII level rowing which is the bedrock of rowing in England. It also includes the ARA/Sport England World Class Start programme for athletes with the potential to become world medallists, and partnership with the Bath University Boat Club to help them to develop facilities in conjunction with ours.

Minerva Bath is an entirely voluntary organisation and will promote the development of its volunteer coaches and club administrators through ARA and Sports Coach UK accredited awards. This is essential in order to fulfil the other aspects of the Club development plan.

26 MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL BOAT CLUB — DEVELOPMENT PLAN

1. VISION STATEMENT: Monkton Combe School Boat Club will be a beacon of sporting excellence at both National and International levels. It will provide Monkton students with a unique opportunity to develop physically, mentally and emotionally; to challenge themselves; to participate in healthy competition; to learn respect for self, for team and for opposition; to develop a strong sense of discipline and etiquette and to establish a sense of character which will benefit them in all aspects of their future lives.

2. MISSION STATEMENT: It is our task to provide and create the environment in which all can develop and sustain. We must motivate, resource and equip ourselves to meet long and short term goals relating to: • Infrastructure development

• Club strength – in membership

• Sporting achievement

• General standards and recognition

3. MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL BOAT CLUB AT PRESENT: Monkton Combe School boat club has a very strong tradition of sporting excellence. It has produced many outstanding athletes including most recently: Rowley Douglas, Olympic Gold Medal Cox of the Men’s eight at the Sydney Olympics, and Steve Williams, World Gold Medallist in the coxless four in 2001. At National level, Monkton has produced a number of medal winning crews, the most recent being a bronze medal at the National Schools Regatta in 2001. These successes are products of dedication and commitment from the athletes themselves and from the coaches involved all with the support of the school management.

27 Most significantly, Monkton Combe School provided the environment in which these individuals could utilise their talents and practice regularly to hone their skills. In the past couple of years, these opportunities have become less frequent because of the pressures of academic work. It is no coincidence that due to lack of time practicing these skills and more pressure academically, that the standard of Monkton rowing has diminished recently. This plan will pinpoint some of the main strategies that will resurrect the success and move Monkton Combe School Boat Club into the next era.

4. AIMS:

(i) To provide a safe and welcoming environment in which the students find participation in rowing a fulfilling and enriching experience. (ii) To promote the sport of rowing in the school to achieve a higher profile. (iii) To create opportunities for students to compete at local, regional, national and international levels. (iv) To provide students with a high level of coaching and support. (v) To develop a club ethos so that all levels of students’ support and encourage each other. (vi) To develop the standard of rowing at all levels by adopting the British Rowing Technique. (vii) To increase participation to over 100 students. (viii) To produce athletes with a standard of excellence at National and International level.

5. APPROACH: Coaching will be based on the following ideals: (i) Opportunity creation: Coaches aim to provide opportunities for the athletes to learn and participate in rowing. (ii) Empowerment: Athletes are taught in such a way that they can quickly begin to think and take responsibility for themselves. (iii) Structured learning: Athletes are taught in an organised and progressive way. (iv) Representation: A Boys and Girls Captain will be appointed by the Director of Rowing, to represent the athlete’s interests and will be consulted about decisions made. (v) Best practices: Coaches will follow the latest guidance from the ARA on best practices in coaching and child welfare. (Appendix I) (vi) Fun: Coaches will provide an environment that will be fun for the athletes and encourage them to participate and progress.

The coaching team must put significant emphasis on the attainment of technical proficiency, as part of a broad and balanced approach to the development of rowing skills that include: o Technical development o Mental skills development o Coxing and Coaching skills development o Background knowledge growth o Physical development o Competition practice

29 The coaching team will also endeavour to foster a positive, open and inclusive social development and will implement the following: • ARA Best practices in Coaching and Child Welfare. (Appendix I) • ARA Water Safety Code (Appendix II) • ARA British Rowing Technique (Appendix III) • Sports Coach UK Code of Conduct (Appendix IV)

6. COACHING:

The coaches of Monkton Combe School boat club are the single most important resource that we have. Every effort must be made to make sure all the coaches are happy and motivated to deliver a high standard and effective programme. Coaching is integral to the success and development of the school boat club. The primary aim of the coaches should be to deliver a high quality service to drive standards, participation and success to new levels. With this in mind, all coaches must become qualified by the ARA, at IA, bronze or silver level. This can be done in-house with the ARA Coaching Development Officer for this region, making long trips unnecessary. This will not only develop coaching standards to a similar level across the board, but also consolidate the style of rowing we wish to deliver to our athletes. We must encourage our coaches to develop their skills through courses and have a clear pathway for learning and developing. This will have a distinctive effect on the standard of service we provide to the athletes and thus will improve the standard of rowing within the boat club itself. The Director of Rowing will be responsible for keeping up-to-date on all the physiological, psychological and technical advances in the sport and informing the coaches of the boat club through regular update training days.

7. FACILITIES: • Boat Club • Workshop • Gym • Rowing Tank

• Sports Hall Classroom

Boat Club- There are several issues that need addressing with the boat club, some of which can be resolved in-house by ourselves at relatively low costs, but other major developments will need professionals and major capital investment.

Firstly, a toilet facility must be installed. This must be a priority and is a feature the rowing club has been asking for over a number of years. (In place for January 2005).

Secondly, electricity should be installed both to the boat club and to the workshop. Since work has been done on the Aqueduct, there is the possibility of laying down the necessary wiring for electricity. This will be a major investment of up to £10,000, but this can be recouped after a few years with the savings we would eventually make on the generator for the workshop. (In place for September 2005).

Workshop- Due to the fact that this facility was rebuilt about 10 years ago, it is not in need of any major investment at this moment, apart from the electricity supply.

31 Gym- The gym facility is essential to the development of our athletes. Much training is done here during the winter months and can accommodate up to 20 people exercising together.

Rowing Tank- This is a great facility for the younger crews to use when the river is unusable. It is in a state of some disrepair at the moment and needs regular maintenance. This can be done by the boatmen, but it is suggested that money is spent on regenerate this facility. (In place for January 2005).

Sports Hall Classroom- As the number of students taking Sports Studies increases, the classroom becomes less ‘fit-for-purpose’. When a new classroom is found for Sports Studies the classroom in the Sports Hall should become the office for the Director of Rowing. This will not only serve as an office and base, but also a place where the crews can have meetings and for video analysis, which is an essential aspect of rowing coaching

8. EQUIPMENT: Monkton Combe School Boat Club is very well equipped and we need to maintain that status. A rolling programme of renewing or refurbing boats needs to be in place. This means that at least one boat needs to be replaced every year. This may only be a single scull or it could be an eight. Not only do boats need to be replaced but also launches and engines need replacing. This can only be decided on a year-to-year basis depending on the demands on the equipment. With the growth and popularity of girls rowing in the school, more dedicated equipment needs to be purchased for the group. A new set of oars and a new lightweight eight should be purchased. The Junior Colts could also use this eight, as it would be of a similar weight for this group. This is a major investment of approximately £12,000- £13,000 but is essential for the development and success in this ever-expanding group. (In place for September 2004).

32 The trailers also need to be checked to make sure that they are road worthy. A new trailer will be needed in the future as the old trailer is becoming unsafe. (In place September 2008).

Several more ergometers need purchasing to allow training for large squads to take place simultaneously. The Bluefriars have provisionally agreed to purchase one or two more ergometers. The Bluefriars have also provisionally agreed to purchase more weights bars and benches for the gym if the multi-gym is taken away.

9. SAFETY: Safety is paramount in rowing and Monkton will adopt the regulations set by the waterway agency and the ARA. With that in mind, several procedures will be put in place with immediate effect.

10.COMMUNICATION: Communication is essential to the smooth running of the boat club. The Director of Rowing will be responsible for communication with: 1. All coaches of the boat club, through regular monthly meetings and training days 2. The Head Master 3. The Bursar 4. The Director of Sport, through regular meetings 5. The Bluefriars 6. The Teachers of the school 7. The Development Office, through articles and results of races 8. The Parents, through a monthly newsletter and website 9. ARA, through regular meetings with the local CDO 10. WAGS, through sitting on the committee 11. The Athletes, through monthly meetings with the boys and girls captains

11. DEVELOPING LINKS: Monkton has great links with several organisations in Bath and beyond. For the boat club to be successful, we need to build new relationships as well as cementing our existing ones. These links will help the boat club to develop and become the center of excellence we all strive for. We need to develop links with:

• The local Clubs (Minerva, Avon County, Bath and Bristol University) • The ARA • The local Coaching Developing Officer • WAGS • World Start and Potential

12. KEY STRATAGIES FOR SUCCESS: For the Boat Club to be successful there are several areas that need to be concentrated on:

• Improvement of general coaching standards • Adoption of a standardised technique • Movement of period 7 to period 8 • Rowing to be seen as an activity • Development of key rowing skills at J14 level • Award scheme for J14 level • Elite rowing during CCF • Rowing scholarships • Rowing in 1st and 2nd form • Students from Bath University • High profile in school • Development of club spirit

34 Improvement of general coaching standards: As mentioned before, all the coaches must endeavor to improve their own skills and become qualified by the ARA. The school and boat club will support any coach who wishes to develop these skills and there should be a clear pathway for coaches as well as athletes.

Adoption of a standardised technique: Again, the boat club members and coaches must adopt a standardised technique so that a constant message is being driven through the club to its members. We will be adopting the British Rowing Technique, which has been developed by the Great Britain International coaches and it will bring us in-line technically with the majority of school rowing clubs. It will also make it much easier for our own International hopefuls to fulfill their aspirations by having the same technical qualities as the other athletes. The Director of Rowing will keep up to date with any changes in this area and will relay the developments to the rest of the coaches when necessary.

Movement of Period 7 to Period 8: Rowing is unlike any other sport, as it needs hours of practice with a huge amount of dedication from the athletes and coaches in order to deliver a winning performance. With the timetable structure as it stands, the practice time is limited. A more flexible timetable needs to be adopted to allow our athletes to practice their skills. If period 7 and 8 were swapped, it would offer the flexibility for full training sessions to be completed and therefore the athletes are not pressured and stressed to get to their next activity or class. This needs careful consideration by all involved, but it could have a major effect on the student’s academic work as it gives them a more balanced day of academic, sport and social activities.

Rowing as an activity: This relates strongly to the previous point. If more time can be given to rowing, the standards will be accelerated and it will make time less pressurised to get back to school in time for following activities.

Development of key skills at J14 level: This group must develop the basic rowing skills as early as possible by following the ARA Go-Row skill cards.

35 (Appendix X) Award Scheme for J14 level: Awarding the athletes certificates for ‘good practice’, ‘best performance’, ‘most committed’ and ‘most improved’ may help to motivate and retain these athletes to continue through the system. These certificates can then be presented to the winners during assembly. Elite rowing during CCF: This idea was introduced several years ago but has yet to be fully implemented. Again the staff involved in CCF need to understand the reasons behind the students rowing during this period and most importantly, to support the students. The rowing club would fully support any student wishing to partake in CCF activities rather than rowing and it is hoped that a relationship with the CCF staff can be built. Rowing Scholarships: Most independent rowing schools offer scholarships to attract potential athletes. With the excellent academic record of the school and introduction of rowing scholarships, more students could be attracted to study at Monkton. Rowing in 1st and 2nd Form: Rowing is now one of the fastest growing sports in Britain and children as young as 10 are now participating in the sport, developing the necessary skills needed to compete at a high level. Although the students in 1st and 2nd form would not be able to compete until 3rd form, the skills and knowledge that they acquire during a term or even a day week on the river, would benefit them hugely if they decided to row in 3rd form.

Students from Bath University: Bath University is an unused resource on our part. The facilities and services that they can offer should be utilized. Physiological testing for all our top athletes should be a regular occurrence and Bath University can offer that. This would enable our athletes to train scientifically and tailor design-training programmes to suit the strengths and weaknesses of that particular athlete. Also, on the University’s Sports Science degree there is a coaching module where the students must coach children and have a mentor to overlook their progress. This would be a great opportunity for Monkton and Bath University to have a partnership and have the students’ coach our athletes and offer them a different perspective.

36 High Profile in School: If rowing is to be successful at Monkton again, it must be given a high profile. It must be supported by the other non-rowing staff in the school and must be given a priority in every Open Day. We must promote it as a friendly, exciting and professionally run club.

Development of Club Spirit: It is vital that the rowing club promotes a sense of club spirit with the staff and students, so that all involved can support each other during good and bad times. Promoting a ‘one for all and all for one’ attitude as opposed to ‘them and us’ would be particularly important for this. With this in mind, a ‘crew of the week’ will be selected by the coaches to train with the 1st squad at Saltford on a Saturday afternoon. This will be awarded to the crew who has shown the best spirit, dedication and professionalism during that week and they will get the chance to train with and see the 1st squad in action. This will result in a club spirit that encourages other crews to feel a part of the club and motivate them to support their peers during races.

13. PERFORMANCE TARGETS: The performance targets of Monkton Combe School Boat Club are:

• To compete and gain medals at the National Schools Regatta • To compete and gain medals at the National Championships and • Qualify for Henley

This will take several years to achieve until the technical qualities and strategies are in place. Below is a progression schedule outlining the performance aims of the boat club:

37 SENIOR BOYS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 Results at local Results at local Results at Results at Results at Heads and Heads and local Heads local Heads local Heads Regattas. Regattas. and Regattas. and Regattas. and Regattas. 3 Wins. 4 Wins. 6 Wins. 8 Wins. 10 Wins. Qualify for Top 20 finish Top 15 finish Top 10 finish Top 8 finish semi-finals at at Schools at Schools at Schools at Schools Nat Schools. Head. Head. Head. Head. Compete at Qualify for Medal in Medal in Medal in qualifiers for finals at Nat. finals at Nat. finals at Nat. finals at Nat. Henley Royal. Schools. Schools. Schools. Schools. Compete at Qualify for Qualify for Qualify for qualifiers for Henley Henley Henley Henley Royal. Royal. Royal. Royal.

GOLD MEDAL TIMES

The first squad must perform at 97% of 2003 Gold Medal Times at National Schools Regatta to gain medals at this level.

BOAT TYPE GOLD MEDAL TIME 2003 1X 7.55.36 2X 7.26.89 4X 6.56.30 2- 7.46.09 4+ 7.20.36 4- 6.49.69 8+ 6.33.62

38 SENIOR GIRLS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 Results at local Results at Results at Results at Results at Heads and local Heads local Heads local Heads local Heads Regattas. and Regattas. and Regattas. and Regattas. and Regattas. 3 Wins 4 Wins. 5 Wins. 6 Wins. 8 Wins. Qualify for Top 15 finish Top 10 finish Top 10 Top 8 finish Semi-finals at at Schools at Schools finish at at Schools Nat. Schools. Head. Head. Schools Head. Round 1 at Qualify for Qualify for Head. Medal at Women’s finals at Nat. finals at Nat. Medal at finals at Nat. Henley. School. School. finals at Nat. School. Round 1 at Round 1 at School. Round 2 at Women’s Women’s Round 2 at Women’s Henley. Henley. Women’s Henley. Henley.

GOLD MEDAL TIMES

The first squad must perform at 97% of 2003 Gold Medal Times at National Schools Championships to gain medals at this level.

BOAT TYPE GOLD MEDAL TIME 2003 1X 9.01.13 2X 8.11.19 4X 7.32.59 2- 8.35.91 4+ 8.15.98 4- 7.52.83 8+ 7.46.89

39 ATHLETE TARGETS

SENIOR BOYS SENIOR GIRLS CONCEPT II ERGOMETER 2000m < 6.45 < 7.45 5000m < 17.45 < 19.45

STRENGTH TESTS BENCH PUL—MAX > 80kg > 50kg BENCH PRESS--MAX > 80kg > 50kg

14. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS: Major investment is needed with regards to facilities and equipment and it is up to both the boat club and the school to design the best way of introducing this money over a number of years.

40 WYCLIFFE SCULLING CENTRE SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN OCTOBER 2004

MEMBERSHIP

To continue to expand the membership amongst juniors at both Wycliffe College and local schools and colleges, through formal links with local schools, and taster sessions and events.

DEVELOPMENT

To gain Clubmark accreditation and submit an application for Project Oarsome Extra. Continue to develop an open club for the local community and the region. To continue to support the WAGS region in the development of rowing.

PERFORMANCE

To ensure all juniors coached at Wycliffe Sculling Centre have the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability at local, national and international levels.

FUNDING

To expand the fundraising activities of the centre in order to help develop a new boathouse and to continue to provide the best possible coaching and equipment for the club scullers.

EVENTS

To continue organising the Wycliffe Small Boats Head and Wycliffe Big Boats Head for rowers, and to develop an indoor event for the region.

Adi Dolo – Head of Rowing October 2004

Swindon Rowing Club 5 Year Plan Summary

Background

Swindon Rowing Club is a small sculling club located at Coate Water Country Park in Swindon. The Club was set up in the mid-nineties and since creation has attracted only limited membership due to lack of funding. However, over the last 12 months junior membership has increased significantly.

5 Year Plan Summary

The 5 year plan is focused in the following 3 areas:

1. Membership – the aim over the next five years is to attract a junior membership base in the region of 15-20 (male and female) and a senior membership of the same magnitude. Currently the Club only has a small number of competitive oarsmen, over the next 5 years we want the whole club to be able to compete effectively; 2. Fleet – due to a lack of funding the Club only has 3 race worthy boats. However, this will be increased to 6 by December 2004. Over the next 5 years we aim to acquire at least one quad and to increase the fleet of singles and doubles such that the majority of boats are race worthy. As the Club becomes more competitive the aim is also to buy a trailer so that more of the Club can travel to competitions. 3. Infrastructure – the Club does not have a boathouse. All boats are stored in the open. The Club does have a large shed for changing and storage of oars and other equipment. Security is an issue as is boat storage space. The aim over the next 5 years is to extend the current compound and improve the fencing to increase security. Once extended more racking will be built for boat storage.

These plans could change significantly if the proposed development of the Bath University campus near Coate Water ever comes to fruition. In this situation we would hope to be able to be part of a wider development of water sports at Coate Water.