Ryde R.C. NEWS

The Financial AGM will be held at the Clubhouse on Friday 23^rd February 2001. If applicable you will find a notice convening the meeting and Agenda enclosed with this newsletter.

Unfortunately, the club’s financial situation has been stretched a little this year and, as reported in the November 2000 newsletter, bar prices and winter season regatta fees have been reviewed. At the end of the day Ryde Rowing Club is YOUR club so please make every effort to attend. It’s your chance to see how we have been spending YOUR subscription and have YOUR say.

We also aim to elect a Rowing Captain at that meeting.

Committee plan events throughout the year

The committee is pleased to announce that the club’s social events calendar is beginning to take shape now that the New Year is upon us. New to the General Committee this year are Pete Hewison and John Adams who are now supervising the organisation of events on behalf of the committee for club members.

Check the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section to see what’s happening in the coming months. Events planned to take place before the summer include a Horse Race Night and Quiz Night – those that have been in previous years will know that they are both very enjoyable family evenings that prove to generate valuable income for the club. These events are open to both members and guests – please make every effort to attend!

If anyone has an idea of a social event for the club or would be willing to assist in their organisation please call either Pete (614385) or John (611101) with details.

Provisional date set for Summer Spectacle

It was unfortunate that the Summer Ball had to be cancelled last year due to a lack of numbers. This is one of our main chances to generate income for the club and we have experienced a tighter money belt throughout the year because of its absence.

It is hoped that this year will be different as we are organising the event jointly with Ryde Round Table. The evening will run along a similar format to previous years so keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

The provisional date is Saturday 7^th July 2001 so start thinking about putting your Dinner Jacket or Ball Gown in the dry cleaners now – we will endeavor to make this year one to remember!

Plans are also afoot for this year’s Annual Dinner. The probability is that the event will this year be held in late September 2001, soon after the South Coast Championships. We are currently looking at a number of new venues and options for the event so look out for information posted on the club’s notice boards and Newsletters in the months to come…

Are you thinking of having a party or get-together over the summer? Maybe you know someone who is? Why not use the RRC bar facilities for your event?

Whether it’s a Children’s Party, Birthday, Anniversary or Family Reunion our new clubhouse could be your ideal venue. Choose from either the Main Bar or Snug (both if required), BBQ and/or Kitchen facilities, and Balcony. What more could you ask for?

Our bar prices are competitively set and extensions can be arranged by prior arrangement.

The island’s awareness and popularity of our bar facility is beginning to show as various organisations and individuals book their functions with us. Just call Steph Hickman (613077) for more information or booking details.

Gathering organised to highlight assistance

The Officers and Committee staged an informal reception to acknowledge the sponsorship and support that the club received throughout the course of 2000. The evening was very successful and those present had an enjoyable evening.

These included residents of Sycamore Court, East Cowes. They are neighbours to our Medina River boathouse – it is nice to know that we don’t make that much noise at 8o’clock on a Sunday morning!

Date set for Bank Holiday Weekend

The Annual Regatta is to be held on Saturday 26^th May 2001. The Officers and Committee are extremely happy to confirm that Southern Water have agreed to sponsor the even again this year. We thank them for their continued support towards the event – it really does make a difference, not just for Ryde Rowing Club but for every competitor there on the day.

Preparation for this year’s event began even before last year’s was over and under Steve Bull, Regatta Secretary, is now in full swing.

Assistance however is always appreciated, especially on the day. Josie Bull (566481) is again organising the catering arrangements and Steph Hickman (613077) the bar. If you were available for a few hours on the day they would love to hear from you.

The regatta party will again, for many, be the highlight of the weekend (although I am not so sure about the morning after! Ed.)

The regatta always lives up to expectation as one of the island’s better amateur sporting spectator events bringing over 600 visitors to the island. Lets hope the weather is on our side again this year and we see how the racing is set for the season ahead.

We will again be offering Sunday Roast Lunch at the clubhouse once a month. The first will be on Sunday 11^th February 2001 and then monthly until May where arrangements will change to an organised Bar-be-Que to include Salad Bar.

Tickets are available from Nick Salter (614454) at £5.00 per head on a first come first served basis.

The menu this month will be Roast Beef and all the trimmings plus a Sweet. Unfortunately there is no vegetarian alternative available.

Thanks go to Shar Young for her culinary expertise!

Main Bar

Saturday 27^th January 2001

Sunday 11^th February 2001

Main Bar (Snug Bar available to Members)

Main Bar

Friday 23^rd February 2001

Main Bar (Snug Bar available for Members)

Main Bar

21^st April 2001

Saturday 26^th May 2001

The Clubhouse

Saturday 26^th May 2001 (Extension Applied For)

Appley Park

Look out for other events coming soon…

Kevin Hewison, Honorary Secretary, Ryde Rowing Club, 61 St Johns Road,

Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2RW