Newport Rowing Club held their Annual Dinner and Awards evening at The New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes on Saturday (17th March).
The event was well supported with the majority of Newport’s ever increasing junior squad in attendance, alongside parents, friends and more seasoned members.
The club’s recently elected new chairman, Kev Bennett, made his inaugural speech highlighting the importance of the junior section in pushing Newport forward as a club, both competitively and recreationally.
As has become tradition at the annual dinner event, awards were made and trophies presented for Junior Boy of the the year, Junior Girl of the year and the ‘Top Blade’ award. The junior trophies recognize significant improvement in skills on the water and reflect results throughout the season, as well as general attitude around the club.
The committee unanimously voted Beth Walpole-Davis as the winner of the Junior Girls trophy, following considerable improvements in technique over the last 7-8 months – improvements which have seen Beth gain selection to represent the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association at the upcoming Junior Inter-Regional Regatta in Nottingham.
In the Junior Boys category, Jonjo Findlay picked up the award for the second time following his win in 2012. Jonjo was considered a worthy winner by the committee for his improvements in the single scull and as part of the club’s men’s Junior Four crew.
Sophie Oatley was a deserved winner of the ‘Top Blade’ award in recognition of her victories in the Single Scull last season and general prowess on the water. Sophie also puts in a lot of time and effort as the club secretary, and played a major part in organizing the dinner and awards evening.
Newport Rowing Club look forward to the Hants & Dorset season – which starts in May – and to welcoming potential new members and those looking to try out the sport of rowing. Those interested can contact the club at [email protected].
