Cygnet Update 21st September

All,

Firstly, we had a successful Sculling Camp in the sunshine at Cygnets Bungalow. We got a bunch of first time scullers out onto the river. I am still awaiting the final score but it sounds like a record low swimming count which is great result for those showing them the ropes (or holding them by a rope). Thanks to all those involved in the organisation - Nick, Nick, Cris, Tom , Stu, Anna, Jo, Helena that I know about and others that I don't. We were short of some o of our old Scamp hands, it's good to see others step into vacancies they left. The GFAR moves into its 3rd week, again thanks to those who've helped out on the sessions to date. The numbers and their enthusiasm is very promising for a new Cygnet intake, and we've had others come along after the course started wanting to get involved. It does put a strain on our resources but the club will be in a better position if we get a good proportion to stay on so please help out when you can, please say hi to the new people to make them feel at home. Sian will let me know week by week the help she needs, but we'll need more helpers once the course moves onto the river. 

This week...

Tuesday - Start of a new era with Circuit Training with Maxi running the session at Cavendish School, Edensor Road W4 2RG. Please come along to make sure it's fully supported for her debut. Meet at the club by 7 or at the school for a 7:15 start. 

Thursday - new squad erg night - time to get in your 5k test as Sue has kindly given us 2 extra days to post our scores. Let's all get a time in so we have baseline to improve on. Or if you've already done that then 4 x 2k with 1 min easy

Weekend: Hmmm, availability on the sheet is pretty lamentable... Please please please update the spreadsheet. If you are planning a Pairs Head training outing put that on the sheet so we can line up coaching and crews to compete against each other. 

3rd/4th October Rhine Marathon - a good few of us will be in Dusseldorf, if you are back at base please make your availability clear so we can plan outings

10th October 15:30 Pairs Head - if you are not it and can help with boating/parking etc contact Nick Bates and come and cheer those who are in it. Our boathouse is HQ for Pairs Head and it's run by BBL so come and support it if you can. 

Beyond, winter training starts here. I'll be sending a separate email to ask you all what you want from your rowing and how much you can commit so we can work out what resources we need not least on coaching and get an informed and realistic view of what crews will be out regularly. We've high hopes that the level of interest shown in the GFAR will translate into new recruits and as a club it's our interest to support their integration into the club and their rowing development, so be prepared for calls for volunteers to for experienced guys to jump into novice crews and helping out with coxing duties, 

That's all for now,