Funding for essential club resources

Aim

We're building an inclusive rowing club in Gravesend and we're crowdfunding for our first boat to enable more people to participate

Thames Barbarians Pilot Gig Club was founded in 2019 just before we went into the pandemic. Outdoor activity was essential in the following two years, and the health benefits - both in fitness and wellbeing - have been proven. 

Now we're Crowdfunding because we need to buy our own boat so we can offer this sport we're passionate about to more people from the local area.

Rowing out of the pandemic

Club member Jessica said: "I've been remote working for the last two years, pretty much alone in my house, with my cats! Being out rowing is such a relief. Being out on the water puts the whole of the last two years into perspective."

Eunice, teacher and keyworker: "Being a teacher, I've spent a lot of the last two years in cramped classrooms. Coming out on the water, especially at Gravesend where the river is wide and expansive, clears my head and expands my brain. I'd like more people to get the benefit of outdoor rowing, which is why I'm supporting the Crowdfunder to get our own club boat."

Welcoming people from the local community

At Thames Barbarians we're not just about the exercise, we're about building friendships and community for health and well-being. We're open to all age groups and levels of experience, from first-timers to seasoned rowers. Whether you're a social rower, want to race or explore coastal waters, we're here for everyone.

Rachel Hedley, chair of Thames Barbarians said: "Pilot gig rowing is really accessible to everyone. You can go from Zero to Hero in just a few weeks because the boats are stable and seaworthy. 

"We hosted a taster day last year and doubled our membership. Our aim for this year is to double it again, but to do that we need to own our own boat."

A rich rowing heritage

Vince (pictured, holding his first broken thole pin!) is originally from Devon but now lives in south east London. He said: "It's great to see Cornish Pilot Gig rowing developing on this bit of the Thames. We're out there rowing a Pilot Gig watching the Gravesend pilots going out to guide big ships into Tilbury. It's fantastic!" 

Get on board!

To properly establish Thames Barbarians Pilot Gig Club, we need to own our resources. That's why we're crowdfunding to own our own wooden racing gig. This will enable us to attract more people from the local area to participate in this growing and accessible sport.

Jon Averns, Club secretary said: "If we succeed in the Crowdfunder, we'll enable twice as many people to get out on the water every weekend. Our Club is going from strength to strength, please help us make it even stronger."

This project successfully funded on 25th March 2022