Volunteering Archives - 91��ɫ

91��ɫ Awards: Wessex & South East Volunteer of the Year winners

91��ɫ — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 06:59:57 +0000

With so many nominations for 91��ɫ Awards from clubs up and down the country, it’s been a tough job for our judging panels to narrow them all down to this year’s shortlist. Thank you to everyone who made a nomination and congratulations to the volunteers, coaches, clubs, crews and other rowers who have been selected.

Two members of the Wessex & South East region have won��regional awards and are now shortlisted for national awards. They are:

Jon Osborn, Eastbourne RC – Volunteer of the Year
Michael Beresford, Southampton Uni BC – Lifetime Achievement Award

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work.

Jon Osborn, Eastbourne RC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

The 91��ɫ Volunteer of the Year is for people who have contributed significantly to their sport in 2021, for the benefit of the wider rowing community. All eight of our regional winners have made outstanding contributions in different ways.

Jon has been the mainstay of Eastbourne RC for the past few years. He has consolidated current membership and been proactive in recruitment across the whole spectrum of potential members.

His main role is club captain, but it doesn’t stop there. He is caretaker and custodian of the premises, water safety officer; he procures boat spares and repairs and is a trailer driver

and social gathering activist. He plays a major role in the organisation and running of the annual regatta, and is also a committed racer. Jon is aware of the impending impact of offshore rowing on our sport and has taken time out this year to explore and compete in the 91��ɫ Offshore Championships.

The Wessex & South East regional chair said: “Jon Osborn has been the inward and outward face of Eastbourne Rowing Club for a number of years. Eastbourne Rowing Club operates with minimal facilities, yet because of Jon’s superhuman efforts, still manages to recruit and retain members. His nomination as Volunteer of the Year is well deserved.”

Michael Beresford, Southampton Uni BC – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, including Michael Beresford, who has been nominated by the Wessex & South East region for his incredible dedication to the sport.

The Lifetime Achievement Award has had an illustrious list of winners over the years and this year is no different. The award recognises a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the sport of rowing.

Read on to find out how Michael has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community. He has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement award for nearly 50 years of dedication to Southampton University Boat Club and a further 20 years of dedication to the sport.

Mike is a retired British rower having won gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in the coxed four and competed in a coxless four in the 1960 Olympics in which he secured fifth place.

As lead coach for the university women’s senior squad, his experience is invaluable and the club is so grateful for his coaching. Mike is a joy to be around with his infectious smile and razor-sharp sense of humour – his citation reads that the boat club really would not be the same without him.

Mike usually attends all training and major races throughout the year however, this has been made difficult for the past 18 months due to the pandemic. Despite this, Mike has kept in contact with the club throughout and has returned to the boat club this academic year with a spring in his step ready to jump back into the new season with more drive than ever!

He is such an asset for the club and we would like to thank him for his endless humour, wit and rowing knowledge – he makes our already incredible sport that bit more brilliant. There is no one more deserving of the Lifetime Achievement award than Michael Beresford.

The post 91��ɫ Awards: Wessex & South East Volunteer of the Year winners appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: Thames Volunteer of the Year winners

91��ɫ — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 06:59:08 +0000

We’ve had a huge number of nominations for 91��ɫ Awards from clubs up and down the country, so it’s been a tough job for our judging panels to narrow them all down to this year’s shortlist. Thank you to everyone who made a nomination and congratulations to the volunteers, coaches, clubs, crews and other rowers who have been selected.

Three members of the Thames region have won regional awards and are now shortlisted for national awards. They are:

Grant “Ralphie” Ralph, London Otters – Vol of the Year
Eleanor Stevens, Uni of Surrey BC – Rising Star of the Year
Jim Mathieson, Burway RC – Lifetime Achievement Award

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work!

Grant “Ralphie” Ralph, London Otters – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

The 91��ɫ Volunteer of the Year is for people who have contributed significantly to their sport in 2021, for the benefit of the wider rowing community.

The citation reads…

“A rowing club, especially one like the London Otters, is not merely a collection of boats, blades and blisters; it is a family. Grant “Ralphie” Ralph, who co-founded the Otters in 2014 and remains a driving force behind the thriving club it is today, embodies this spirit and is our deserving nominee for Volunteer of the Year 2021.

“As lead coach of our ‘Otterpups’ Learn to Row courses, Ralphie has introduced hundreds of new rowers to the sport over the years. The 23rd Otterpups course was underway when lockdown struck, and it was Ralphie’s motivation, encouragement and tenacity that saw them through to the finish line 14 months from when they started, despite the challenges of the pandemic. This summer, two further courses have taken place, taking 32 more beginners who couldn’t tell a rigger from a bow ball to the point where they scull and sweep as part of the club’s novice squad.

“On the water, Ralphie motivates and challenges every rower to achieve their best, whatever their fitness level or experience. It is a testament to the quality of the course, and to Ralphie’s commitment to helping all club members develop within rowing, that some of the other coaches were themselves novices in recent courses, working together with more experienced members of the club.

“At many clubs it is hard for new members to integrate, but Ralphie’s commitment to introducing the pups to established members, looking out for their progress after the course, and advocating for them to the squad captains and coaches means that the Otters have been able to grow rapidly as a club without losing a meaningful sense of community and belonging.

“Ralphie is one of the people who can always be turned to when something needs fixing or a boat needs coxing. A formidable rower himself, Ralphie regularly represents the club at competitions, and is one of our loudest cheerleaders when any Otters boat is racing.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the London Otters would not be what they are today, and would not be emerging from the pandemic in such good shape, without Ralphie’s positivity, dedication and commitment to building, not just a club, but a community.

“He exemplifies our core values, is beloved among our members and richly deserves the title of Volunteer of the Year.”

Eleanor Stevens, University of Surrey BC – Rising Star of the Year regional winner

The Rising Star of the Year award is for young volunteers who have made an exceptional contribution to their sport and the wider community. All five regional winners are a credit to their clubs and community, including Eleanor Stevens.

Eleanor is University of Surrey BC (USBC) through and through. From taking her first ever stroke as a beginner in 2014 she has since gone on to be the president of the club, race for England and take a pivotal role in leading the boat club’s beginner programme to national success.

Her citation continues: “Whilst president of the club Eleanor helped guide the club to new heights. She raised funds to buy the club a women’s eight, raised the profile of the sport within the university, and drove the club forwards on an off the water.

“Her efforts�� were acknowledged by the university, and she was awarded the Team Surrey Trophy for ‘Outstanding Commitment to your Club and Sporting Performance’.”

Eleanor spent her first year out of university volunteering as the programme’s Beginner Coach. Despite this being Eleanor’s first year of coaching, she was able to organise, motivate and inspire the athletes to a record-breaking level. In the 2018-19 season USBC won four BUCS gold medals in the beginner categories. Surrey also won the Academic Beginner pennant at HORR and four rowers from the crew qualified to race at Henley Royal Regatta.

Eleanor’s great work did not go unnoticed, and she was invited as a coach to the England Talent Pathway Camp.

Last season, despite having a job in accounting, Eleanor gave up her weekends leading into BUCS Regatta and took annual leave to help with the beginners again. Her help paid off as she was able to help guide the athletes to win two gold medals and a silver.

Eleanor set up an alumni boat club – Aurum 1947 – which she hopes will provide a pathway for graduates to stay involved in the sport. She also acts as mentor to the boat club’s new presidents, frequently providing them with advice and lessons that she learnt in the role.

Her citation finishes: “For the past five years USBC have been lucky to have Eleanor as an athlete, president and coach. She is a credit to our sport, and we look forward to the next five years!”

Jim Mathieson, Burway RC – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, including Jim Mathieson, who has been nominated by the Thames region for his incredible dedication to the sport.

Read on to find out how Jim has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community.

Jim Mathieson epitomises the best of grass roots rowing. A long-serving volunteer coach, secretary, guarantor and twice captain, Jim has dedicated his life to Burway Rowing Club. He has coached multiple generations of family members, a testament to his longevity and enduring zest for the sport. Over decades, he has helped guide and support junior athletes through some of the most challenging stages in their lives.

Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Tom Barras pays tribute to the huge impact that Jim has had on his own career, sharing how he first came to the sport as a junior below.

“He once re-opened the locked clubhouse to show a ten-year-old me around after training, and from that moment I was hooked. Every session since then he made me want to return to the club; not just for the sport, but also for him and his enthusiasm.

“This was not the only time Jim opened those locked Burway gates for me. During lockdown he was there, once again, to lend the training equipment that would allow me to prepare for the Olympic Games. He has had such a marked impact on my career and without him I would certainly not have won a silver medal in Tokyo, in fact I probably wouldn’t still be in the sport at all.

“Jim goes above and beyond for all his junior members; rewriting programmes to fit in with exams and coaching on non-training days to help fit in with their studies. He even missed his granddaughter’s birth to attend the Nottingham Junior Final Trials!

“Off the water, he is always willing to act as a sounding board for any stresses or problems any junior rower may have. This is something that goes above and beyond his duty of care.

It is exceptional for an unpaid coach of such a small club with a tight budget to produce multiple athletes capable of earning GB vests, winning National Championships and qualifying for Henley Royal Regatta. It is even more incredible when this has been achieved over multiple years and generations of athletes.

“He is an inspiration to me and countless others, and I believe him truly deserving of this 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award. As Burway Rowing Club celebrates its centurion year in 2021, it feels only fitting to recognise the club’s greatest servant.”

The Thames regional chair said: “Jim has dedicated his life Burway Rowing Club which celebrates its centurion year in 2021.

“Jim has been – and continues to be – an inspiration to countless others and his infectious love for the sport evident, whether along the riverbank supporting the young competitors or simply encouraging a new rower along their first experiences in the sport.” ��

The post 91��ɫ Awards: Thames Volunteer of the Year winners appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucester & Somerset Volunteer of the Year winners

91��ɫ — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:59:34 +0000

Three members of the Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucester & Somerset (WAGS) region have won��regional awards and are now shortlisted for national awards. They are:

• Peter Hullett, Taunton RC – Vol of the Year
• Morgan Fice-Noyes, Bradford on Avon – Rising Star
• Stephen Rose, Gloucester RC

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work.

Peter Hullett, Taunton RC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

For the last three years, Peter has travelled every Saturday from 20 miles away to run a learn to row programme at Taunton RC. Each time he has spent three hours coaching. In the summer, he also comes for early sessions once a week to run similar sessions for anyone who has a problem making it on Saturdays. In the last two years, Peter has adapted his learn to row courses to ensure that they were compliant with Covid regulations.

The WAGS regional chair said: “Peter has shown great commitment to draw new participants into the sport of rowing and new members into the club.”

Morgan Fice-Noyes, Bradford on Avon – Rising Star of the Year regional winner

His citation tells how he discovered rowing below.

“Morgan’s chosen path of rugby was compromised by a degenerative and progressive sight condition leading to complete blindness. It was a (non-rowing) friend of our vice-captain who spotted Morgan and suggested rowing.

“Morgan first visited Bradford on Avon RC in September 2020 – green as grass and never having been near or in a rowing boat. A rowing machine session was followed by an outing in a double training scull. There was talent but work to be done. And lots of smiles.

“Coaching was adjusted to replace visual with spoken/audible prompts. Feet adjustments/ gate-locking and associated activities became something we all learnt to do with our eyes shut.

“Hard work followed. On the water Morgan graduated to a fine double in the space of three sessions. Off the water Morgan’s erg times improved week on week smashing through 2km and 5km landmarks.

“Morgan’s talent and dedication was recognised and rewarded with a place on the 91��ɫ talent pathway. Massive support from 91��ɫ followed and Paralympic classification was confirmed.

“As September 2021 dawned, Morgan stepped into yet another challenge – he had been offered a place at Bath University to study Sports Performance at degree level. Now on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, he has a dual academic and rowing university career ahead.

“Morgan joined Bradford on Avon RC disillusioned with school, struggling academically and lacking confidence and direction. Fast-forward and we have a young man who now embraces and has a passion for learning, has confidence, a new skill, and a platform for his talent to shine as a role model on the water and off.

“As a member at Bradford on Avon RC, Morgan will always have our 100% support; we’re hugely proud of him.”

Stephen Rose, Gloucester RC – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 – including Stephen Rose – for his incredible dedication to the sport.
The Lifetime Achievement Award has had an illustrious list of winners over the years and this year is no different. The award recognises a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the sport of rowing.
Read on to find out how Stephen has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community.

Stephen has been a member of Gloucester Rowing Club for several decades, and during his time has taken on a variety of roles, including taking a pivotal role in the creation of the Gloucester Boathouse Ltd company which successfully brought together Gloucester Rowing Club, Hartpury College and Cheltenham Ladies College to fund a new boathouse.

He continues to contribute to the club and rowing in general as an umpire, as well as being closely involved in the management of Gloucester Boathouse Ltd.

The WAGS regional chair said: “Stephen has worked tirelessly over many years to develop the club and more recently the new boathouse which is a major asset to the sport and to the region.”

The post 91��ɫ Awards: Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucester & Somerset Volunteer of the Year winners appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: Eastern Volunteer of the Year winners

91��ɫ — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 06:58:34 +0000

Three members of the Eastern region have won��regional awards and are now shortlisted for national awards. They are:

• Alice Draper, Milton Keynes RC – Volunteer of the Year
• Chris Radbone, Cantabrigian RC – Rising Star of the Year
• Tony Roper, Yare BC – Lifetime Achievement Award

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work.

Alice Draper, Milton Keynes RC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

The 91��ɫ Volunteer of the Year is for people who have contributed significantly to their sport in 2021, for the benefit of the wider rowing community.
Alice has run the most successful learn to row courses ever at Milton Keynes RC, and played a key role in rebuilding membership post-Covid.

The club’s citation continues: “Uptake of development membership following completion of a learn to row course has increased from around 20% to over 80%, which has more than compensated for the fall in members renewing.

“This is the third year Alice has volunteered for the role of LTR Coordinator & Development Captain, with step improvements being made year-on-year. Her dedication and hard work has elevated the role, the quality of the LTR courses and the offering to development members, to an exceptional level.”

The LTR Coordinator role involves managing the LTR waiting list, responding to new enquiries, inviting people to participate, planning eight sessions including members to support, gathering feedback from both participants and helpers.

But Alice’s contribution goes way beyond completing each of these tasks. She has a natural flair for teaching and dedicates a huge amount of time and energy to personally connecting with each of the participants to understand how they are finding the course and how she can enhance their experience. Alice fully appreciates that people have widely differing capabilities and motivations and works with each of them to build confidence and skills as appropriate.

Prior to Alice being in the role, LTR graduates would join as development members and their rowing sessions were organised by the women’s captain. Alice proposed and implemented the development captain role and she organises their rowing sessions using her knowledge of their abilities and goals, to best match with supporting senior members and boat types. There is no doubt that this smoother transition has improved retention rates.

This year’s learn to row courses have been a huge success thanks mainly to Alice!

Chris Radbone, Cantabrigian RC – Rising Star of the Year regional winner

The club’s citation describes how Chris coaches the senior women’s squad at Cantabs and has really developed as a coach over the last 18 months and is integral to the club’s high performance programme.

As a volunteer, his commitment to the squad is unparalleled, and he is so giving of his time. Chris makes it his mission to ensure that people improve both on and off the water. He genuinely cares about every single individual in the squad and spends every session helping them achieve their best. He has a very holistic view to his coaching, which for someone so young is really very impressive.

Over the past year he has been instrumental to the success of the squad – every athlete who entered Henley Women’s Regatta qualified this year.

Even when furloughed over lockdown, Chris spent time undertaking a nutrition qualification, ultimately helping to drive the squad on. He is the club’s resident S&C expert too, and has inspired a lot of the squad to better themselves in the gym.

Despite his young age, Chris is exceptionally well respected at the club.

Tony Roper, Yare BC – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, including Tony Roper, who has been nominated by the Eastern region for his incredible dedication to the sport.
The Lifetime Achievement Award has had an illustrious list of winners over the years and this year is no different. The award recognises a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the sport of rowing.
Read on to find out how Tony has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community.

Tony was elected secretary of Yare Boat Club, Norwich at 21 and has served for 58 years. Now, at 80, he continues to play an active role in club affairs and its future direction as president.

The club’s citation says: “Longevity alone justifies this nomination, but Tony has made an exceptional contribution to the sport of rowing, benefiting countless participants.”
The regional chair of the Eastern region said: “For almost six decades of committed service to the club, Tony has maintained its fabric and allowed it to thrive in the face of many challenges.”
As well as being the interface for 91��ɫ, local authorities, other clubs and insurance providers, licensing the boats and administering membership, Tony has skilfully repaired club boats and attended to house and grounds maintenance – all quietly and efficiently.

Yare BC quite simply owes its survival to Tony and for his handling of the aftermath of two landmark events.

The first, in the 1970s, saw a takeover bid but, led by Tony, a few loyal members, wishing to remain on site, formed Yare Sculling Club, later Yare BC and retained enough boats to survive.

The second was in 1997. Arsonists destroyed the main boathouse and fleet. Tony, with others, worked tirelessly to secure a complete rebuild and source replacement boats. To celebrate this re-emergence, the club initiated a new event called the Yare Cup, now a permanent fixture in the racing calendar.

Tony’s commitment to Yare BC was further demonstrated by his willingness to contribute funds (alongside others) for the purchase of the club site from the landowner.

Now, in 2021, Tony has presided over a momentous milestone in the local rowing scene–the incorporation of Broadland Boat Club. This has inevitably involved complex amendments to policies and organisation, and an expansion of fleet and membership with the emphasis on ensuring that everyone feels valued and welcome.

Yare has always been friendly and welcoming with an inclusive ethos, nurtured by Tony and reflective of his character and it owes him an enormous debt of gratitude. He is the embodiment of sustained, selfless voluntary service to our sport and is the bedrock of Yare BC.

The post 91��ɫ Awards: Eastern Volunteer of the Year winners appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: West Midlands Volunteer of the Year winners

91��ɫ — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 06:58:10 +0000

After receiving a huge number of nominations for 91��ɫ Awards from clubs up and down the country, it’s been a tough job for our judging panels to narrow them all down to this year’s shortlist. Thank you to everyone who made a nomination and congratulations to the volunteers, coaches, clubs, crews and other rowers who have been selected.

Three members of the West Midlands region have won��regional awards and are now shortlisted for national awards. They are:

Maninder Hothi, Birmingham RC – Volunteer of the Year
Annie Caddick, Uni of Birmingham / Molesey BC – Rising Star
Mark Dewdney, Stratford-upon-Avon BC – Lifetime Achievement Award

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work.

Maninder Hothi, Birmingham RC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

Mindy (Maninder Hothi) has been the club captain of Birmingham Rowing Club for the past several years.

His citation reads that the club is entirely run by volunteers, and is short of volunteer helpers (especially since lockdown), meaning that a small number of people have to put in a lot of work to keep the club going. As a result, Mindy’s role as leader is very broad. He is in charge of the day-to-day running of the squads and is also very involved with many aspects of the administrative side of the club committee.

Mindy is very involved in all aspects of Birmingham RC including leading the learn to row courses, committing two to four evenings/weekend sessions per week from April to September – on top of all his other responsibilities for the club. He has created a very welcoming environment, where everyone is given an chance to try the sport, and improve.

For existing members, Mindy has introduced a club training plan, based on guidance from more experienced coaches. Initially it was introduced as a way to provide structure to training during lockdown. Then, it was formalised into a minimum training requirement for the senior squads in an effort to improve the performance of the club at local regattas. The training plan has resulted in 2021 being the club’s most successful season in several years.

During lockdown, Mindy kept the club and committee engaged and motivated by trying new activities which required a lot of creativity, especially as the lockdowns dragged on, and people got tired of endless Zoom activities.

In conclusion, Mindy dedicates a lot of time and effort to Birmingham Rowing Club, and has made significant and positive impact. The club, and the sport, are incredibly lucky to have him!

The West Midlands regional chair said: “Mindy has provided strong and inspirational leadership for the club during a difficult time when no one could get together and which resulted in a more motivated squad when water rowing returned.”

Annie Caddick, Uni of Birmingham / Molesey BC – Rising Star of the Year regional winner

Annie’s sister has written the moving citation below.

“Annie Caddick is the most amazing and resilient person I have ever met.

“My sister was born with cerebral palsy and everything from such a young age has been a challenge. Her childhood was challenging to say the least. Going into high school and having the feeling of not belonging, she developed anorexia where she was in hospital for months, away from friends and family.

“Since recovering from this, she left the high school and commuted every day from the Isle of Wight by boat to a Hampshire college – to truly find her ‘people’, while not taking her disability as a setback and training for marathons. She completed her first marathon at 19.

“Annie then moved to Birmingham and joined the rowing club. She was never able to race with the team due to her disability, however she persisted in learning, training and being a support for the team.

“Just before lockdown she was nominated on the World Class Start programme – giving her personalised coaching and hope for her future rowing career. She has now moved away from the safety of her uni friends, family and safe environment to Woking to be able to train with Molesey Boat Club and is completing a remotely taught masters.

“My sister is fearless, so brave and has the resilience of nobody I have ever met. She still needs me to cut bread for her, but she has overcome every boundary and become the most inspiring rower I have ever met.”

The West Midlands regional chair said: “Annie’s no-nonsense, ‘won’t take no for an answer’ attitude has been inspirational to all who might be daunted by their ability to row. We wish her well as she tries to move onto the GBR talent pathway.”

Mark Dewdney, Stratford-upon-Avon BC – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, including Mark Dewdney, who has been nominated by the West Midlands region for his incredible dedication to the sport.

Read on to find out how Mark has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community.

Mark has been exceptionally committed to providing rowing coaching for individuals with physical and learning disabilities for many years in the West Midlands region. He taught Kingsley Ijomah to row at Evesham RC – Kingsley represented Nigeria in the men’s PR1 single sculls at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Mark has continued to support rising stars on the Paralympic development pathway at Stratford-upon-Avon BC (SUABC).

With Mark’s hard work and dedication, the adaptive squad and provisions for Para-rowing at SUABC have grown substantially, and the club was named Parasport Club of the Year in 2020.

While Mark has coached disabled rowers at high-performance level to great success, it is his tireless efforts at grassroots level that really make him outstanding. The growth and positivity of the squad is largely down to Mark’s belief that if an individual can safely get into a boat and make it move, we can and should facilitate it. His approach is that adaptive rowing is simply that: adapting to ensure that as many people, regardless of disability, can experience and enjoy rowing.

Mark continued to support the adaptive squad virtually during the pandemic, with suggestions of home exercises and Zoom exercise and social sessions. Behind the scenes, he spends an extraordinary amount of time planning sessions, ensuring there are enough volunteers, turning up well ahead of sessions to check conditions and set-up, applying for funding and so on.

He is entirely deserving of recognition as a phenomenal volunteer and coach.

The West Midlands regional chair said: “Mark has volunteered in the region for many years and in many roles: captain, umpire and latterly as adaptive and Para coach at Stratford and regionl representative on 91��ɫ adaptive committees. In this time, Stratford has become a centre of excellence for adaptive rowing in the region, winning the Parasport Club of the Year award last October.”

The post 91��ɫ Awards: West Midlands Volunteer of the Year winners appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: East Midlands Volunteer of the Year winner

91��ɫ — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:00:16 +0000

One member of the East Midlands region has won a regional award and is now shortlisted for a national award. He is:

Ian Wilson from Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association

Ian Wilson – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, including Ian Wilson, who has been nominated by the East Midlands region for his incredible dedication to the sport.

Read on to find out how Ian has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community.

His citation reads…

“Ian established Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association (NCRA) in 1981 with members from local schools and the local clubs. With backing from Nottinghamshire County Council the club established itself as the leading lightweight club in the UK over several years.

“The first international vest came in 1983, winning a silver medal in the lightweight coxless four at the world championships and the following year came NCRA’s first Henley win in the Wyfold fours.

“In the first 25 years, NCRA produced 200 athletes that won international vests, in lightweight men and women’s events, juniors, under-23s, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.

“Ian was the man behind all of this, organising the club in the background and overseeing the development of athletes, but also the coaches who have gone on to lead high-performance systems across the world, for example, Sean Bowden (Oxford University BC), Ade Roberts (GB Rowing Team), Tom Kay (Chinese Rowing Team), Tony O’Connor (New Zealand Rowing Team) and many more.

“In 2006 Ian closed the club down with the rise of the National Lottery-funded GB Rowing Team coinciding with the funding from Nottinghamshire County Council being severely reduced.

“But in 2016, Ian re-established NCRA after a period of helping oversee the successful junior squad at Nottingham Rowing Club. He has overseen another successful period of the club with multiple medals at National Schools and the 91��ɫ Junior Championships.�� International success has also followed with our first junior athlete being selecting for the Junior World Championships in 2017 and our first U23 representation at the U23 European Championships in 2021.

“Ian has dedicated over 30 years of his life to running NCRA in the background, developing multiple successful athletes and coaches. Throughout this period Ian has ran the club completely as a volunteer and has always remained out of the limelight.

“Without Ian’s tireless commitment to the sport, NCRA would not be able to run they way it does and continue to strive to produce the next generation’s top athletes and coaches.”

The post 91��ɫ Awards: East Midlands Volunteer of the Year winner appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: Yorkshire Volunteer of the Year winner

91��ɫ — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 06:58:15 +0000

One member of the Yorkshire region has won a regional award and is now shortlisted for a national award. She is:

Ella Murphy from University of Leeds BC��

Ella Murphy, Uni of Leeds BC – Rising Star of the Year regional winner

Her citation reads as follows…

“Since joining University of Leeds BC (UOLBC) Ella has committed herself to the development of rowing not just at the club but throughout the rowing community. Despite having graduated this summer she has remained in Leeds and taken on a part-time coaching role within the club.

“In her first year within the club Ella took on the role of our senior intermediate captain, providing rowing opportunities to those who didn’t want to compete a full programme with some rowing recreationally and some competing at regional events. During her tenure with this squad it saw its greatest growth since it began three years ago.

“Following that role Ella became club captain and her most notable achievement was creating a club welfare officer and we now have two welfare roles on committee.

“Ella also took on the role of student commissioner within the Yorkshire Rowing Council and was the first student to hold the role. In doing so, she was able to improve communication between student clubs within the region and act as a voice for student clubs on a wider forum.

“Just prior to the pandemic Ella started training as an umpire and was part of the team of umpires at BUCS Regatta when she wasn’t racing. She even promoted her training as an umpire by doing an Instagram takeover which BUCS shared on their main channel.

“Ella is now our senior coaching intern and continues to go above and beyond, developing rowers and coxes both on and off the water.”

The post 91��ɫ Awards: Yorkshire Volunteer of the Year winner appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: North West Volunteer of the Year winners

91��ɫ — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 06:58:56 +0000

Two members of the North West region have won��regional awards and are now shortlisted for national awards. They are:

Aidan Hunt, Runcorn RC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner
Andy Turner, Queen’s Park High School – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work!

Aidan Hunt, Runcorn RC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

The 91��ɫ Volunteer of the Year is for people who have contributed significantly to their sport in 2021, for the benefit of the wider rowing community.

Runcorn Rowing Club boatman Aidan Hunt has worked tirelessly, since well before the pandemic, but more so during, to keep Runcorn Rowing Club safe.

The club’s citation goes on to say that “he has monitored their security cameras, kept locks well-oiled and secure and made sure there is no safer place for rowing equipment”.

“Approximately half of Runcorn’s fleet of club singles has required substantial in-house work, with more broken shoulders than any rower could stomach seeing in a lifetime.”

A retired design and technology teacher, Aidan also takes time to repair boats for other local clubs (eg. Manchester and Liverpool Universities), and has happily repaired members’ private equipment.

On top of all this, he is also a trained 91��ɫ umpire, and always provides whatever input he can for events, as well as helping at events across the region.

“This devotion to fixing the equipment of not only our club, but others, and his efforts in keeping the club safe and secure cannot go without recognition.”

The regional chair of the North West said: “It was tough choosing our Volunteer of the Year award for the North West Region as we had such strong nominations. All of them have made a huge impact on their own clubs and they are all unsung heroes who gladly take on the thankless tasks. Their nominations spell this out in spades.

“Our regional winner, by a whisker, is Aidan for his additional contribution at the regional level in such a challenging year. Thank you Aidan.”

Andy Turner, Queen’s Park High School – Lifetime Achievement Award regional winner

Seven exceptional volunteers will receive the 91��ɫ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, including Andy Turner, who has been nominated by the North West region for his incredible dedication to the sport.

Read on to find out how Andy has made a huge impact on his club, region and the wider community.

Andy is in his 50th year of coaching rowing. He has been with Queen’s Park High for nearly 10 years after retiring from King’s School, Canterbury Rowing Club following a 20-year plus career. He only came for a couple of seasons and ended up staying for much longer.

His rowing life started when he was in the RAF and he later joined Grosvenor Rowing Club, where he was made a life member a few years ago.

Back in the 1980s, he was head coach at Queen’s Park High and was a regional coach for the North West and for the GB Rowing Team. He has coached many athletes to a national standard, has been involved with the national team where he has many fond memories and regularly tells stories of travelling for days towing a trailer to foreign places abroad.

At Queen’s Park High School, Andy is technical coach and rotates through all the squads looking at technical aspects of the rowing stroke alongside the club’s newer coaches. He coaches five days of the week and doesn’t think twice about travelling to an event to support his athletes.

The club says that everyone seems to know Andy! He always bumps into people who know him at competitions.

Andy is so passionate about the sport. He is happy to share his knowledge with the athletes and coaches, from how to repair a boat down to how to hold a blade. Apparently, his secret passion is teaching a quadruple scull of rowers.

He is constantly looking at and thinking of ways to make a boat go faster. Overall, he has probably developed thousands of kids through rowing over the years, with many still in contact with him today.

As this is his 50th year of coaching rowing, it is a perfect time to recognise and celebrate his incredible commitment and success.

The North West regional chair said: “Andy’s dedication to the sport and his charges is exemplary; it’s always about them and what they can realistically achieve. He is well known to all the clubs on the River Dee and he has impacted the lives of so many in such a positive way.

“Well done Andy and thank you.”

The post 91��ɫ Awards: North West Volunteer of the Year winners appeared first on 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ Awards: Northern Volunteer of the Year winner

91��ɫ — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 06:58:05 +0000

One member from the Northern region has won a regional awards and is now shortlisted for national awards. He is:

Colin Percy, Tyne ARC

Colin Percy, Tyne ARC – Volunteer of the Year regional winner

The 91��ɫ Volunteer of the Year is for people who have contributed significantly to their sport in 2021, for the benefit of the wider rowing community.

Colin Percy is described as working tirelessly behind the scenes, and often with little help, to put on events for the recreational rowers as well as being secretary of the Northern Rowing Council. He helps with the regattas and long distance events in the region.

The citation goes on to say that Colin is quiet and unassuming, but is so reliable, answering everyone’s questions straightaway.

Selflessly dedicated to the sport, rowing in the Northern region would be different without Colin’s enormous contributions at both club and regional level.

The post 91��ɫ Awards: Northern Volunteer of the Year winner appeared first on 91��ɫ.

‘On behalf of all the students who’ve learned to row at Queen Elizabeth – thank you’

91��ɫ — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:35:38 +0000

Geoff and Pauline Higgins received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sport Tynedale West Northumberland Sports Awards on Thursday evening, in recognition of their incredible commitment to in Hexham, Northumberland.

Both have been involved in running the state-school rowing club as volunteers for 30 years, with Pauline managing it since 2003. QEHS Rowing Club has an outstanding reputation in introducing rowing to juniors. With over 120 members, QEHSRC welcomes any juniors who want to row either socially or competitively.

It’s a testament to Geoff and Pauline’s coaching skills and immense enthusiasm that many members have won medals at Nat Schools and the 91��ɫ Junior Championships with students progressing to university rowing and even representing their country. But the rowing club is more than just a sports club and there are generations of children who’ve benefited from life skills learned through rowing, nurtured and encouraged by Geoff and Pauline.

Geoff said: “We will take on anybody and we have lots of children who choose to row socially and who don’t want to compete.”

After receiving their special award, both said they felt overwhelmed at being honoured in this way.

“One thing that makes QE special is this sense of belonging and this is down to Pauline and Geoff”

Tributes included one from junior rower, Tom, who said that he wouldn’t be the person he is without Pauline and Geoff’s support and commitment at the club.

91��ɫ Deputy Chair Kate O’Sullivan also expressed her gratitude, saying: “I just want to say a huge thank you for the hours that you have dedicated over many years so that all the kids at QEHS at Hexham have an opportunity to enjoy their rowing.

“Observing how your kids all work together to support each other at any race is an absolute testament to the work that you have done.”

Matt Wells, who won an Olympic bronze at the 2008 Games, learned to row at QEHS. Speaking about the huge efforts that Geoff and Pauline have made to keep the club going, despite operating on a shoestring budget, he said:

“This success is always down to the people behind the sport – the ones who organise all the races, the ones who take you to the events, who keep the kit organised, who video you at the events and then always say ‘well done’ to you – whether you’ve come first or last with the same enthusiasm and positivity.

“However, the one thing that makes QE special – and this is down to the energy and enthusiasm that Pauline and Geoff put in – is this sense of belonging.

“I’ve made lifelong friends from rowing at QE – 20 years on I’m still as good friends now as I was when I was at school. I have such a strong affinity to the school, club and rowing and I’m not the only ones that they’ve managed to do this to.

“I think what this opportunity is giving us – the students of QE both old and new – is a way to just say thank you. Thank you for how much you’ve put in and how much you’ve changed people’s lives. This is just a massive acknowledgement of what you’ve actually done.

“On behalf of all the students who’ve learned to row at QE – thank you.”

The post ‘On behalf of all the students who’ve learned to row at Queen Elizabeth – thank you’ appeared first on 91��ɫ.