THIRD WEST NORFOLK GIFT FROM RALPHH

A Norfolk rowing club near Downham Market which was formed only eleven years ago is attracting members from as far away as Cambridge, drawn by its impressive setting between the Great Ouse River and its relief channel.

Committee member and Boatman Liz Palmer was on hand to receive a gifted defibrillator from RALPHH, presented by the charity’s Chairman Richard Allen on a visit in mid-October.

The West Norfolk Rowing Club has 85 members who include twelve Juniors. Two years ago, the Club acquired its first eight- boat alongside the others in the full rowing and sculling range. It has its own clubhouse, adapted and improved from what was previously the base of a sailing club. Founder Phil Bancroft remains actively involved and believes that the success achieved owes much to the quality of the location and the water which allows a very calm four-kilometre row to Modley Bridge.

The Club has its own Head of the River, known as “Head of the East”. It also has links with the Isle of Ely Rowing Club, combining together to run a 22-kilometre marathon which this year attracted 140 boats on the first Sunday of September.

“It is a location far removed from local A&E services, so it certainly needs its own potentially life-saving equipment,” said Richard Allen.

“We are delighted to extend our links to West Norfolk. In July 2024 we provided similar equipment to the West Norfolk Riding School for the Disabled and twelve months earlier Ouse Amateur Sailing Club near King’s Lynn gained the benefit from being a partner to our national charity,” he concluded.