Christmas Row - 25 December 2018
An unprecedented number of 8s gathered in a vague line in the stretch of water between the Opera House and the buildings across the harbour. As well as the 8s, there were quads, doubles, singles and supporting tinnies. Together they/we created an impenetrable barrier which required the harbour master to come out in his patrol boat and ask what was going on! The self-appointed Leichhardt starter tried in vain to coordinate a start but the frisky 8s just couldn't control their enthusiasm any longer and one cheeky cox called out a starting yell. With that unofficial signal came a splashing of oars, and a mass of movement towards the Harbour Bridge. Our four boats (two quads and two doubles) managed to stay out of any crazy collisions and once past the finish line continue back to the shed. A delicious champagne (Black Chook, McClaren Vale) was shared and, without a doubt, Christmas cheer was the winner on the day! (RS)
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Twilight Row - Friday, 2 November 2018
Interested members met at the shed at 5.30. Weather was not conducive to rowing. A light dinner was enjoyed.
Boat maintenance - Sunday, 8th July 2018Sparkling warm weather saw a small but cooperative team strip out, scrub down and carefully replace all parts on Evelyn and Chezzam. It was very nice to have Mike there to give confidence when replacing parts. They can be tricky and easy to put back the wrong way!
Boat maintenance continues throughout July and August. (RS) |
June 2018 Learn to Row Completed! 2018Five Learn to Rowers finished the LTR course held during June. Katerina, Mia, Jo and Heidi are pictured here with some of our team who helped out over the month. Melissa had to dash away before the camera was produced. Three of our LTRers – Katerina, Heidi and Melissa - have applied for membership and, judging by their form on and off the water, they will be a welcome addition to our ranks. They will continue to be supported by competition members during their settling-in period. Great job everyone, on the smooth transfer of boats on Saturdays and Sundays during this period. (RS)
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Long White Lunch - Sunday 17 June 2018
The happy vibe of another Long White Lunch bubbled indoors while the difficult weather did its thing outdoors. Fabulous slow cooked lamb and delicious salads and desserts satisfied everyone. A classic event for a great year for Sydney Women's Rowing Club.
2017/2018 Club Presentation Awards
Most Improved social rower – Cecile.
Most Improved Competition Rower – Jodie
Club Iron Man and Women- Charlie (21) and Petra (23) (out of 28).
Most Successful Male Rower for 2018/19 Season – Richard (129 points)
Most Successful Female Rower for 2018/19 Season - Rowena (140 points)
Club Championship Champion award – Rowena
Most Improved social rower – chosen by Rod, Anne and Margaret
Most Improved Competition Rower – chosen by coaches
Club Iron Man and Women- Charlie (21) and Petra (23) - out of possible 28 regattas the club attended.
Most Successful Rowers for 2018/19 Season – points acquired for the season for club as well as participation points
Club Championship Champion – person with most success at NSW Championship events (Sprints, Trickett, State Masters)
Most Improved social rower – Cecile.
Most Improved Competition Rower – Jodie
Club Iron Man and Women- Charlie (21) and Petra (23) (out of 28).
Most Successful Male Rower for 2018/19 Season – Richard (129 points)
Most Successful Female Rower for 2018/19 Season - Rowena (140 points)
Club Championship Champion award – Rowena
Most Improved social rower – chosen by Rod, Anne and Margaret
Most Improved Competition Rower – chosen by coaches
Club Iron Man and Women- Charlie (21) and Petra (23) - out of possible 28 regattas the club attended.
Most Successful Rowers for 2018/19 Season – points acquired for the season for club as well as participation points
Club Championship Champion – person with most success at NSW Championship events (Sprints, Trickett, State Masters)
Novice Masters' Training Day - NSW Union of Oarswomen - 16 June 2018
A Six members were fortunate to be a part of the first Masters training day organised by the NSW Union of Oarswomen. Our very own Sue and Judy teamed up with Deanne Fekete and Helen Ritchie to organise a superb day of on water technique tips with female coaches, erg relays and champagne - what more do girls need?
Sixteen novices from LRC, NSRC, St George and SWRC enjoyed new combinations and new exercises both on an off the water. We learnt new uses for the household broomstick in warm up, navigation tips for the iron cove course and the favourite drills of Sydney's leading female rowing coaches.
A special thank you to Sue and Judy for organising the first of what we hope will be many successful novice masters training days. (AH)
Sixteen novices from LRC, NSRC, St George and SWRC enjoyed new combinations and new exercises both on an off the water. We learnt new uses for the household broomstick in warm up, navigation tips for the iron cove course and the favourite drills of Sydney's leading female rowing coaches.
A special thank you to Sue and Judy for organising the first of what we hope will be many successful novice masters training days. (AH)
Easter Trivia Row - 1 April 2018
They came for social rowing mixed with trivia and finished with Easter eggs and hot cross buns.
Easter bonnet winners Skye and Geoff set a new standard of handmade detailing as everyone turned out in their Easter best, found their crew and settled in for fun.
Flat waters and brilliant sunshine saw five intrepid quads set off to conquer parts of Hen and Chicken Bay never explored.
After much discussion, several landing parties and some unrewarded sprintwork, two teams finished in equal first place. Andrew, Bruce, Janine and Sally sported two sets of ears and one tail - could that be the secret to their success? Reaghan's Revenge - named after their cox Reaghan, Steve, Anne, Geoff and Colleen backed into Quarantine Park with great skill and rumours of coastal landings to help their (limited?) horticultural knowledge.
Over 30 enjoyed post celebrations fizz and Rosemary’s yummie fruit salad. Coach Steve was ever helpful and (a tad too late) suggested that participants “should read the question”.
Many appreciated the opportunity to row with those they don’t normally find together in crews and it was great to see Mark back on the water.
Volunteers to write next year's questions will be gratefully accepted and costume expectations have been raised! (SJ)
Easter bonnet winners Skye and Geoff set a new standard of handmade detailing as everyone turned out in their Easter best, found their crew and settled in for fun.
Flat waters and brilliant sunshine saw five intrepid quads set off to conquer parts of Hen and Chicken Bay never explored.
After much discussion, several landing parties and some unrewarded sprintwork, two teams finished in equal first place. Andrew, Bruce, Janine and Sally sported two sets of ears and one tail - could that be the secret to their success? Reaghan's Revenge - named after their cox Reaghan, Steve, Anne, Geoff and Colleen backed into Quarantine Park with great skill and rumours of coastal landings to help their (limited?) horticultural knowledge.
Over 30 enjoyed post celebrations fizz and Rosemary’s yummie fruit salad. Coach Steve was ever helpful and (a tad too late) suggested that participants “should read the question”.
Many appreciated the opportunity to row with those they don’t normally find together in crews and it was great to see Mark back on the water.
Volunteers to write next year's questions will be gratefully accepted and costume expectations have been raised! (SJ)
Boat Christening - 18th November 2017
The well dressed men of the SWRC were out in force on Saturday 18th November to celebrate the christening of our new boats. Lieutenant Commander Mike Gough led the proceedings as the champagne poured with stories of friendship for the Michael Hayes and the Neil C McCormack. We learnt about the determination of Nora P. McDonald, the clever play on words that is Rockette II and the many contributions of Judi Ruja to the club.
The promised rain arrived briefly to test the skills of members as tables were shuffled into the shed to confident calls of "lift on three" and the delicious sweet and savoury treats were enjoyed by all. (AH) |
Long White Lunch - 25 June 2017
Like so many training mornings, it started with a locked shed and a bare concrete ramp. And in the end there was just a lone man with a hose. But neither image conveys the frenetic bustle nor champagne bubble, the lively chat-chat nor tasty banquet that marked yet another successful Long White Lunch. (Click to the right for greater insight.) To mark the official end of the season, the club feasted on a delicious array of amazing salads which perfectly complemented the baked ham and Moroccan chicken. As is tradition, this was followed by a gut-busting selection of desserts. (All right, I'll have just one more wafer-thin slice.) All-round effort? 10/10! Thanks to one and all for their contributions to a great day - we are a slick team. Similarly thanks to one and all for their smiles, sweat and company during a fun and rewarding season. Let's do it again, soon. (DS)
And not to forget .... the award winners this year were:
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Christmas Day Row - 25th December 2016
Ho, ho, ho....perfect conditions, 12 SWRC rowers, one goal.....18 kilometres round trip, antlers everywhere! Ah, the Christmas Day row!
With Belinda as chief organiser and expedition leader, we knew we were on to a good thing. We met at the shed at 5.30am where Belinda and Rod, both veterans of this annual event, talked us through the morning's plan. Being the furthest Club from the Harbour Bridge, we wound our way along the Parramatta River and into Sydney Harbour, collecting other Opera-House-Steps-bound boats snaking their way out of coves and bays.
The number of participants was amazing. Over 150 people in all manner of boats lined up at the Opera House Steps for the start of the dash to the Harbour Bridge. Who can say who was first to finish? Who can even say who was first to start? Well before we were told the flag would drop, a couple of cheeky 8s took a stroke and yelled "Go". We were not alone in being surprised but their shout sparked a ripple-effect that could not be contained and the surge was on. The wild splashing continued until, just like the start, there was a herd consensus that it was over. A few rousing cheers were exchanged as the face of Luna Park looked on. Our three quads - Sally, Audrey, Mike G and Rod; Judith, Andrew (Judith's son), Damien and Belinda; Doug, Stuart, Ed (D&R's son) and Rowena - made it home safely, with a few red patches on the hands and a bit of numb-bum, by 8.30am and shared an icey-cold champagne. Hey! Bring on that Christmas pud...I'm starving! (RS)
With Belinda as chief organiser and expedition leader, we knew we were on to a good thing. We met at the shed at 5.30am where Belinda and Rod, both veterans of this annual event, talked us through the morning's plan. Being the furthest Club from the Harbour Bridge, we wound our way along the Parramatta River and into Sydney Harbour, collecting other Opera-House-Steps-bound boats snaking their way out of coves and bays.
The number of participants was amazing. Over 150 people in all manner of boats lined up at the Opera House Steps for the start of the dash to the Harbour Bridge. Who can say who was first to finish? Who can even say who was first to start? Well before we were told the flag would drop, a couple of cheeky 8s took a stroke and yelled "Go". We were not alone in being surprised but their shout sparked a ripple-effect that could not be contained and the surge was on. The wild splashing continued until, just like the start, there was a herd consensus that it was over. A few rousing cheers were exchanged as the face of Luna Park looked on. Our three quads - Sally, Audrey, Mike G and Rod; Judith, Andrew (Judith's son), Damien and Belinda; Doug, Stuart, Ed (D&R's son) and Rowena - made it home safely, with a few red patches on the hands and a bit of numb-bum, by 8.30am and shared an icey-cold champagne. Hey! Bring on that Christmas pud...I'm starving! (RS)
Christmas Part 2: Christmas Drinks - 16th December 2016
It was a massive shock to all of those present that the police weren't called to contain the riotous party-making at the annual Christmas Drinks. The music, the thronging crowd, the steady flow of alcohol, the bad-arse DJ and the wild table-top dancing......we had it all. Let the pictures tell the story.
Christmas Part 1 : Breakfast & Row - 11th December 2016
A good gathering of competition and social members got together to enjoy some Christmas cheer both on and off the water. The highlight was the 8 going out with a fabulous combo of rowers who were happy to mix in together and be guided by Lil who controlled the cox box and the carol repertoire.
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Travel in 10 - 11th November 2016
Judith had us plunging over a Nepalese cliff in a small plane off a short runway; Suzie took us through the S bends of a particularly meandering African River and then dressed us in Austrian outfits; Andrew had us hanging at the catch, relaxing with a panda and reliving the Wright Bros; Mike G sent us up the rigging of the Young Endeavour; Mike H gave us sponges to wash off the ancient dust of the Pilbara; Janine took us on a long and scenic route - partly on a segway - to Stirling; and Doug gave a learned dissertation on Franklin River vegetation complete with detailed botanical nomenclature. Hot chooks, salad and sticky Greek pastries were munched into as the high tide slapped the sun-warmed concrete picnic rug (don't you just love an adjective..or two). Regan (Colleen & Bruce's youngest) took the long photos (above & below) and played some crafty magic tricks. I wonder where we'll be off to next year?! (R&DS)
Mini Club Regatta - 31 July 2016
The first ever IntraClub Singles Day, from the reports of those who initially baulked and grumbled, was a clear success. In excellent conditions on Sunday July 31, 19 scullers were enticed by the promise of bacon & egg rolls. Three heats under handicap conditions developed by Coach Sherry sorted out the field into A, B and C Finals. In Heat 1, Neil and Rosemary made the handicappers sit up as they glided into the A Final. Mike, Janine, Judith, Charlie and Judy followed them in. Heat 2 saw Steve and Terry mow down the field including Rowena, Lil, Suzie and Sue. Heat 3 produced a compact finish where Doug and Andrew overhauled Richard, Carolyn, Marcela and Enza.
To the finals. The C Final was won by Marcela coming off 30sec to nudge Suzie (20sec) out. A tea-towel and a packet of bacon were fitting rewards. The B Final had Lillian defy the field a long time before Richard (45sec) surged through followed by Carolyn (35sec). Richard was, I think, delighted to receive Xmas baubles (and more bacon) as his prize. In the A Final only 20sec covered the field. Doug (40sec) prevailed over Andrew (45sec), Doug not fully comprehending that he’d also receive a prize to take home . . . from where Rowena hoped it would leave. But he did bring home the bacon ! (boom-tish). Carolyn then fired up the bacon and eggs, coffee was produced, speeches made, handicaps debated – all agreed it really wasn’t as bad as they thought it might be. (AP) |
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Long Winter Lunch - 26 June 2016
To celebrate the end of the season, 32 club members gathered together to share a delicious luncheon in perfect weather. It seems the Gods took note of our annual get together and sent the wild weather of recent weeks packing. Denis acknowledged and congratulated everyone on the excellent success of the competitive year and presented the awards:
Sally - Most Improved Social Rower Rosemary - Most Improved Competitive Rower Steve, Lillian and Terry - Club Competition Commitment Rowena - Most Successful Female Competition Rower Doug - Most Successful Male Competition Rower As always the company was warm and welcoming, the conversation was lively and the food was delicious. |
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Twilight Row - 4th March 2016
A bit of a steady strong wind buffeted our twilight rowers down to the key hole and back. On their return a magnificent red sunset, cool drink and an array of barbecue meats and salads were laid out before them. Besides a couple of mossies, who chose the juiciest of us to munch down on, and the occasional whiff of the council bin, a very pleasant night was had by all. While we eventually had to grappled for belongings in the dark, it is important to say we left the barbecue squeaky clean and the slippery-dip untried....although some were tempted!
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Steve's Tennis day - 20th September 2015
The annual Tennis Day was held on Sunday 20th September. As we had fewer numbers this year it was decided to have a social day and postpone until next year the awarding of the SWRC Tennis Trophy. It can remain in the custody of Andrew and Carolyn.
Two courts were kept in constant use and the competition was intense. Did I say it was social ? No such thing on a tennis court everyone played to win. Bit like our rowing. The weather was fine and we were treated to lots of cakes, sandwiches and nibblies. Special mention should go to Janine and her delicious scones. (SH)
Two courts were kept in constant use and the competition was intense. Did I say it was social ? No such thing on a tennis court everyone played to win. Bit like our rowing. The weather was fine and we were treated to lots of cakes, sandwiches and nibblies. Special mention should go to Janine and her delicious scones. (SH)
Long White Lunch 2015
45 members and guests shared lunch on Sunday 2nd August to officially send off the 2014-2015 season. Perfect weather matched the food, wine and company. Formalities included the announcing of the Most Successful Competitive Male(s), jointly awarded this year to Andrew and Doug; Most Successful Competitive Female, Rowena: Most Improved Competitive Rower, Terry; and to social rower, Gary, for his Service to Boat Maintenance. The Club finished 10th in the NSW Rowing Masters points, 7th in D-Grade points and 16th overall (up 3 places from last season).
500 Card Night 2015
Four tables, mutterings, the soft slap of cards....500 heaven! Fourteen souls gathered at the shed to share a few rounds of 500 on the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli, Saturday the 25th April. While cards and conversations of the day's strange wind and hail storms were shared, the extraordinary hail storm in Petersham had Terry and Rosemary saving their roof from collapsing under the weight of thousands of hail stones. The night ended with a play off between east/west: Richard and Jane and north/south: Marcela and Andrew. North/south were the eventual victors and inaugural champions!
Travel in 10 2014
Gathered around a slide projector, tales of adventure and discovery had us all entertained on Saturday 1st November. A fast and furious downpour prior to the start of the slides meant that the night, unlike last year, was an indoor experience.
Travel tales included, but were not limited to, the Himalayan foothills, MacDonald Ranges, life inside the walls of Lucca, and hand stands outside the Louvre. Each presentation had us pondering our next trips. But images of the Khyber Pass, from a politically safer time (1975), could only make us wistfully think of what might have been. |
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The Long Winter Lunch at the shed. The lunch celebrates the past rowing year and welcomes in the new rowing year.