Backing local Sport at Trent Lock

Aim

Our aim is to raise funding to replace old or damaged boats so we can continue supporting members and welcome new people into the sport.

Who are we?

Devil’s Elbow Rowing Club is a small, grassroots rowing club based at Trent Lock in Sawley, Long Eaton. We have supported fitness, health and wellbeing in the local community for almost 15 years and are proud to be representing the Erewash area in nationwide competitions.

Why are we crowdfunding?

For many years, we have relied on ageing boats and ongoing repairs, but several boats have now reached the end of their usable life and needed to be scrapped at the end of the summer. While membership fees cover our running costs, we urgently need additional funding to replace our boats so we can continue supporting existing members and welcome new people into the sport.

How we’ll spend the money raised

This project will purchase at least two new (new to us) rowing boats to replace boats that are no longer usable and are currently restricting numbers at training sessions.

We have managed to secure a conditional grant award from Sport England, if we raise £4000, Sport England will add a grant of £4000 to help reach our target. Your donations will help to unlock this funding and make the project happen.

The club runs at least one, and sometimes two Learn-to-Row courses each year, as well as regular beginner sessions to grow membership. This funding is essential in helping to cover the cost of new boats so we can continue running these vital sessions. 

Community impact

We have approximately 50 members aged 15 to 70, with men and women represented in equal numbers, drawn from nearby towns and villages. The club is committed to making rowing accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background. To challenge the perception of rowing as an elitist sport, we keep membership fees low, below the cost of most local gyms, and offer reduced rates for juniors, students, and individuals on low incomes.

Our Learn-to-Row courses are promoted annually at local village fetes and provide between 12 and 24 places for people new to rowing to experience the sport on the water. These sessions consistently receive excellent feedback and play a vital role in increasing participation, with many attendees going on to become active club members.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout-out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes, and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made