How you can help
TODAY WE TALK TO CHESTER-LE-STREET AMATEUR ROWING CLUB
What will you do with this year’s Wish money?
We would like to buy more ‘cox boxes.’ These help communication with the boat so that all crew members can hear the instructions of the cox.
Tell us about your group.
The club has been rowing on the River Wear for over 100 years. The club is focused on junior members up to age 18, of which we have 80. The sessions – which cover six days a every week – are organised by eight volunteer coaches and adult helpers.
What kind of activities take place at your group?
The junior section of the club is for ages between 11 and 18.
We have seven sessions per week, mainly based on the water.
Who is the longest serving member of your group?
Bob Young who has been a member for more than 12 years.
Tell us about the biggest or best activity or event your group has organised.
Each year we organise a regatta where all clubs from the North East compete against each other on our river.
This is a fundraiser for the club but also builds a relationship between athletes from different clubs, giving us a title of the Friendly Regatta.
What is your group’s proudest moment to date?
Last year the club was awarded Coaching Team of the Year by British Rowing.
It’s unprecedented for a northern club to receive this accolade over better funded southern clubs.
Why should someone join your group?
We are a friendly club, based close to the Riverside cricket ground.
We regularly operate Learn to Row courses which are an ideal way to get to grips with a boat and master the skills of rowing.
What makes you proud to be from the North East using five words?
A great sense of community.