On Saturday 3 October, the Shiplake College Boat Club Supporters’ Association (SCBCSA) hosted a Rowing Club Dinner at the iconic Leander Club in Henley. Nearly 100 parents, supporters and coaches headed to the riverside to enjoy a sumptuous three course dinner and sparkling conversation, as well as an interesting question and answer session with local rowing stars.
International Great Britain rowers Alex Gregory, Matt Langridge, Polly Swann and Old Viking Will Satch joined the event. Shiplake’s own Director of Rowing Mr David Currie compered an informal question and answer session, encouraging the rowers to share with the audience the highs and lows of their sporting careers to date, as well as personal insights into challenges faced, and humorous moments experienced.
The event was a celebration of the achievements of the Shiplake Rowing Club throughout the last academic year, offering parents and supporters an opportunity to relax over an excellent dinner. A fundraising campaign was also put into motion, raising some much-needed funds for the 2015 ‘Trailer Cash’ campaign, which is looking to raise money for the Boat Club to purchase a new trailer. During the evening, a number of fundraising activities were held, which included a cash raffle, name the boat competition, and a live and silent auction, professionally organised by Jonty and Toni Hearnden. The result was an incredible £3000 towards a new boat trailer!
The SCBCSA would like to extend a huge thank you to all of those who generously donated auction prizes, parents, supporters, coaches and College staff who attended the event, and the professional support of the Hearnden’s Auctioneering and the Leander Club, all of which contributed to a highly successful, fun and memorable evening. Many other events will follow this one, including a stall at the Parents’ Association Christmas Fayre, and the annual Quiz Night that will be hosted in February.
