IMPRESSIVE ROWING CLUB GAINS FROM LINK WITH NATIONAL CHARITY

A County Durham rowing club which is making a major contribution to its local community is the latest sports club to benefit from a gifted defibrillator from the national charity RALPHH.

Chester-Le-Street Rowing Club sits alongside the River Wear. It was established in 1888 and in the last three years has seen a phenomenal 525 per cent growth in its membership, now standing at 167. Little doubt the rise in interest has been fostered by competitive success.

One female member was part of a GB Eight that achieved a Bronze Medal at the Paris Olympics, and in the last year 14-year old members has become a national champion, setting a new junior national record. Between the total membership five medals were also achieved at the British National Championship, held in Nottingham.

A well-supported Junior section has 59 members, who participate in both sculling and rowing of all sizes of boat. There is also a link with nearby Hermitage School from where students are offered a free rowing trials programme every summer.

It was Club Captain Arran Lewcock who contacted the Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts Trust (RALPHH) to request receipt of a gifted defibrillator. He is the holder of a Community Coach of the Year Award, presented by British Rowing. Under the Club’s Committee, the combined clubhouse and boat storage area has been made available as a more general community space. This includes catering for those on the autistic spectrum and others with Asperger’s syndrome.  Durham County Council have been instrumental in supporting the Club and its team of 12 coaches.

Richard Allen (left) Chairman of RALPHH presented the defibrillator to Arran Lewcock (centre) and Safety Officer Brian Webb.

It would be difficult not to be impressed by Chester-Le-Street Rowing Club and its achievements.