Mike McDowall writes: Actually, it was back on 26th November 2010 that the hull was built and primed. and we organised a group of High School pupils to help take the boat off her frame, carry her out through the back door and turn her the right way up.
In December and January all the work on the gunwales, stemheads, thwarts, etc, took place. Meantime the committee was arranging for another music night, the launch, and a ceilidh to follow, as well as a boat name competition. We were also on the lookout for a trailer, boat cover and of course – oars!
Weekend visits by the public were still encouraged.
It WAS on this day that we issued a press release:
Marianne writes: You may already have seen my posts on WhatsApp, but British Rowing are running a daily rowing workout challenge, ROW31, during January. Primarily aimed at those with a rowing machine, you can do alternatives for the rowing part if you don’t have one, eg go for a wee run, jog on the spot or cycle. So far, me, Mel, Lesley, Sharon, Beth, Dónal, Jennifer and Lorna are signed up, but we’d love to share the pain gain!
Sign up via their website https://www.britishrowing.org/ or on Facebook to receive the daily link direct your inbox. There is a nice wee ROW31 community on Facebook, including rowers from Troon, North Queensferry, Broughty Ferry and Cromarty.
Links below to yesterday and today’s workout for those who have just signed up today, so step away from the trifle/cheese and get on to the ROW31!
Club captain Dónal writes: As we say goodbye to 2020, a year like no other, and look forward to what 2021 has to offer us I’d like to wish all at the Club a Happy and Prosperous New Year and hopefully one with more rowing.
The last year did not turn out as we had planned. Little did we know that after the Ceilidh in February that we would be curtailed to such an extent, both on and off the water. There was so much to look forward to in 2020 with the Row Around Scotland taking place but alas by the time it was to happen it had to go virtual. It did mean of course that we learned a lot about the coast of Scotland that we might not otherwise have known.
Those were the days… the Ceilidh in February 2020. Photo by Marianne
Throughout the pandemic the social aspect of the Club has been kept going thanks to the tremendous effort of Val, who organised the Virtual Shed Social – a heartfelt thanks to Val for doing that. We even had a Social on Boxing Day and Hogmanay, and it is always great to see everyone, sometimes with a bacon butty or perhaps a glass of wine.
We were back on the water albeit briefly and a thanks has to go to the Return to Rowing Group with resident Fun Sponge/Covid Officer Marianne keeping us all right as to when we might be able to row. Our rowing lasted a number of weeks before we were put in to Level 3 which meant we were off the water again.
QRC Covid Officer Marianne testing the water back in September
Here’s hoping that 2021 sees us out on the water again, Rowing under the three magnificent structures we are lucky to have on our doorstep. Here’s also to being able to meet up restriction-free for Bacon Rolls in the shed.
Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year with lots of rowing.
Marianne writes: No doubt you will have heard the latest news by now. Obviously it means still no rowing for us, well into January at least. More importantly, some of you will no doubt have Christmas plans in some disarray. I know it’s not the same, but your rowing club family are still here, and Val has very kindly put two dates in the Zoom virtual Shed diary for get-togethers (see below). One on Boxing Day, another a Hogmanay Coorie In. Thanks, Val!
Please come and let’s join together to raise a glass (morning drinking on Boxing Day is definitely acceptable!), tell stories of our glory days and remember that good times on the water will come to us again. Until then, the QRC rowing family are all here for you and for each other.
Socially distanced rowing, courtesy of Port Seton and Cockenzie
Val adds: Great suggestion on the virtual shed yesterday morning (yes they’re still running!) from John for a couple of special wee sessions over the holiday period to come together with season’s greetings and usher in 2021.
Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December– running at the usual Saturday social time of 10am, but perhaps will linger on a little longer than normal probably until noon for anyone struggling to get their heads off the pillow!
New Years Eve, Thursday 31st December – 16:45 to 18:30, timed to hopefully avoid clashes with daylight pursuits or online festivities (or just going to bed!) later on – perfect start to the evening with a wee winter warmer and a few nibbles perhaps.
Maria writes: In response to recent requests about availability of the monkey fist items I am delighted to off a colourful brochure. With grateful thanks to Tansy for taking the pictures and compiling the brochure, I invite you all to have a look and consider ordering these ever popular “stocking fillers” … keyrings, zipper-pulls, mini doorstops and earrings.
We are now £425 away from our £5000 target, when we really will be retiring our “Nifty Knotting Fingers”. As those of you who attended the AGM know there is huge interest in spending this money, and I would like to invite you all again to come up with serious suggestions!
Replies and orders to me please at mariavandalen@btinternet.com Payment and order details are printed on the brochure. Please check and confirm order details with myself before making any payments!
Many thanks on behalf of all the Nifty Knotters: Anne P, Tansy, Liz, Frances, Donna W and Maria.
