Coronavirus Update (18 March)

As I’m sure you are aware, the government is taking drastic steps, with advice that everyone should stop non-essential contact with others, this is particularly important for those over 70 and those with underlying health conditions.  There are additional restrictions for anyone showing symptoms or living with someone showing symptoms, which is not to leave their homes (please see the latest government / Public Health England guidance).  The hope is that these measures will help reduce the death toll from over 250,000 to around 20,000.

The Committees are acting in the best interests of all of our members and we do appreciate that there are mental health as well as physical health implications.

With immediate effect:
–       If you or anyone in your household has any symptoms you are not to come to the club (inline with the self isolation periods recommended)

–       Only small boats to be used (no 8s and no stern coxed boats where the cox faces the rowers).  Ensure that the boat and blade handles are washed after use.  For those that would like to improve or learn to single scull, we will try to arrange sessions similar to Chris Moody’s sculling sessions to support you. If you are interested please let your VC or Captain know.

–       The gym will remain closed and its equipment out of use.

–       The Clubhouse is not completely out of bounds yet, but please aim to go straight out on the water and then home again, to minimise contact.

Management Committee are meeting (virtually) on Thursday and will issue a further update after that.  The Committees will continue to review the advice that is issued and will provide further updates as required.

Please be responsible and carefully consider your health as well as anyone you come into contact with (both at the club and outside) before deciding to come down to the club

Kind Regards, 
Management and Rowing Committee

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

The Management Team has taken the difficult decision to step up its response to the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic in line with guidance and with other similar clubs in the region.

With immediate effect the following will apply:
1. There will be no breakfast service
2. Gym will be closed for 2 weeks
3. We will be offering water sessions only
4. Oar handles must be cleaned before and after use
5. Cox boxes wiped down with antibacterial wipes
6. No access to the kitchen
7. Water can be refilled in changing rooms or toilets

Whilst the clubhouse will remain open, members are encouraged not to congregate there and to just use the time on the water and access toilet facilities as needed and specifically to ensure handwashing is maintained.

The club can only issue and respond to guidance coming out from Public Health England and that may be rapidly changing.

** Do you have an underlying health condition or compromised immune system?

** Do you live with/care for anyone who falls within this category and is considered vulnerable?

If you have answered yes to either of the above, we would ask you to seriously consider the risks coming to the club may pose and if you need to drop out of any planned sessions, please liaise with you VC. Don’t be heroic and carry on regardless!

Please continue to observe the guidance sent yesterday about attending the club if you fall into any of the risk categories outlined, ie. displaying symptoms, been to a high risk area, etc.

This is a worrying time for all, but we are trying to maintain a sense of perspective. We trust that members understand why we have had to make these decisions. Our primary aim in putting these restrictions in place is to safeguard you and your loved ones.

If you have any concerns or queries please speak to you a member of the rowing committee or management committee. All members who test positive for Covid 19 should contact Paul Breheney at the earliest opportunity.

We will keep members updated as and when things change.

Recs say thank you in style …

Back in December, our Recs took over the clubroom to celebrate Christmas and say thank you to Chris Lawn who stood down as their VC after an amazing eight years.

By all accounts, it was an awesome night led by new VC Malcolm … guessing there was a few jokes in there too, with catering by Rec Alison with business partner Sarah aka BSK Foodies. 

A celebratory blade had been organised for him but it wasn’t ready in time (always the way!) so a wooden spoon was painted as a substitute, which, I think. can be seen poking out of Malcom’s pocket! Chris can also be seen sporting a new apron …

Over 50 Recs attended which is testimony to the support for Chris.

In an update to the story, originally posted on Facebook, the celebratory blade has now been received and presented to Chris, a true work of art indeed … the blade not Chris, although Chris is indeed wearing well ?

BRX tackle environmental and personal growth …

The weather was kind, the sun was out, and with tea and biscuits provided, it was a perfect day to volunteer for conservation work on the River Lee navigation near Kings Weir, Broxbourne.

Led by the Lee Valley Park Authority (LVPA) a group of volunteers from Broxbourne Rowing Club spent the day working on cutting back overgrown vegetation on the riverbank and hinterland.

Over the last couple of years, the rowing club has worked with both the LVPA and Canals and River Trust to improve the environment for both wildlife and river users. The Lea Valley Park Biodiversity team have obtained funding to adapt and improve a 2nd World War machine gun emplacement into a habitat for roosting bats.

By removing the non-native species and opening up the land to allow the light to seep through it will help local wildlife to flourish and encourage native species back into the area.

The Rowing Club embrace community spirt, and with members ranging from 12 to 80 plus years, they inspire inclusivity. They have recently added a new award called the Community Cup, this recognises the contribution that volunteers make, this can be in the wider environment such as river clearance or supporting new members learning to row.

The Community Cup is awarded to an individual who has contributed significant time and/or effort in volunteering including encouraging and supporting recreational rowing.  This includes championing the health and wellbeing benefits of the sport through an inclusive approach.

Chris Moody was presenting with the cup for his many years of running and organising the ‘Learn to Row’ courses at the club and encouraging the new rowers to follow their dreams whether it be as a member of the recreational squad or one of our racing squads. 

County Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop recently visited the club for the annual Club Head racing, the event brings all the members together for a morning of fun racing. Mixing up the crews ensures everyone can take part whether they are training to race at Henley or want a light paddle down the river.

Cllr. Mills-Bishop said “This club works as a community, with members across the ages ranges working together to get the best outcomes for all. They look beyond their own club and give back to the community with their volunteering.”

New learn to row courses will be running this spring for both adults and juniors. https://broxbournerowingclub.org/learn-to-row/

British Rowing’s Go Row Indoor comes to Broxbourne

We are delighted to be offering a new indoor rowing fitness class, which is part of the new British Rowing GO ROW INDOOR initiative.  It is designed for all ages and abilities so don’t worry if you have never been near a rowing machine before. Indoor rowing is the perfect whole body exercise, using 85% of your muscles. Training on these machines develops an excellent cardiovascular system, core stability and whole body flexibility. Indoor rowing is low impact on the joints, making it suitable for all ages.

Starting at Broxbourne Rowing Club, the 45 mins sessions start on Sunday 16th February at 10am giving you plenty of time to get back for your Sunday lunch.

Non members £8
Club members £6

There are limited spaces so please make sure you book with Rob in advance to avoid disappointment.
Rob Mayes 07545 545984 or via email robmay6@sky.com

Broxbourne Junior Awards 2019

The Junior Awards took place on Saturday ??
Congratulations to all those below, and to those who came so close.

Most improved Cox, and securing The Stallard cup, awarded for outstanding contribution to the junior squad over and above Rowing – Charlie D (pictured)
Most improved Junior girl – Megan W
Most improved junior boy – Sam G
Most junior coxed wins – Danny O
Most junior wins- Danny O
BRC Blades for best overall performance of the year – Luke D and Patrick for the Junior Brit Champs
The Katie Ball Cup – awarded to the junior most likely to succeed, based on technical ability, commitment to training and competitiveness – Luke D

Broxbourne Rowing Club’s Community Cup

A new BRC Award, The Community Cup, has been sponsored by Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop who is a local County Councillor and Deputy Executive Member for Localism, who recognises the value of sport and how it improves the quality of people’s lives both physically and socially.

The Community Cup recognises an individual’s contribution to the Recreational Squad facilitating the participation of others including
• making people feel welcome
• encouraging new members to take up the sport at the end of the Learn to Row course
• Helping to organise outings and trips
• Supporting coaching, coxing, mentoring

In its first year, the deserving winner is Christopher Moody who, along with all the above, also organises and leads the Learn to Row course working with existing members as support.

Congratulations Mr M, very well deserved .

Way Forward: building on where we are

UPDATE Last year, the Management and Rowing Committees came together to work on a 4 year strategic plan for the club comprising of our purpose, values, key themes (areas to address) and action plans.

The output will provide direction and a way of measuring progress, elements of the plan (key themes and action plans) will be iterated on year on year. Last Sunday, a follow on session was held including our new members on the Rowing Committee

We are identifying ways that we can build on our ‘positive club culture’: ensuring one club, an increased awareness of language when communicating with each other, and keep our Club values at the forefront.

We are also looking at an alternative on the breakfast rota aimed at bringing the squads closer together, and building on the good stuff we have now.

The plan, outcomes, and direction, will be shared in November.