Sport England: Active Together has provided £3,400 of match funding
Lambton RC – boat and blade fund
Chester-le-Street, County Durham, United Kingdom
Aim
Wishlist: a double scull, 4 pairs of sculling blades and a launch.
Who we are
A club newly affiliated with British Rowing, we have a team of highly qualified coaches and a crop of athletes with great potential.
We’re fortunate to be based in the prestigious setting of Lord Lambton’s estate in Durham, but our ethos is to make rowing accessible to people from all walks of life.
That’s why we are volunteers, set an affordable membership fee and offer free learn-to-row courses. Our fees are among the lowest in the country for a British Rowing affiliated club and we intend to keep them that way.
Why we need funding
The impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis mean it is vital for communities to pull together and offer sporting opportunities in their local area. With funding support, Lambton RC will be able to enhance its delivery of such an opportunity for families across County Durham.
Staying fit and healthy as individuals and forging friendships through teamwork are things that Lambton RC makes not only available but also affordable.
The need for an exciting but also affordable sports club in the local area has meant our membership is growing fast and we need more equipment to bring the opportunity to row to more people, whatever their ability and financial means.
We have begged, borrowed and towed away boats and blades kindly donated by other clubs, but we need:
- another double scull
- 4 more pairs of sculling blades
- another launch
Having a second launch will help us coach more rowers up close, on the water.
An extra double scull and sculling blades will mean more of our rowers can race in regattas all around the country.
How the money will be spent
Safety is paramount and so we only purchase top quality equipment and which is in excellent condition. Top quality and excellent condition don't come cheap, of course, especially as the pandemic has affected supply chains.
The price of a new double skull, one pair of sculling blades and a launch is approx. £5,000, £300 and £1,500, respectively.
Second-hand, those numbers are around £3,000, £200 and £900.
Community impact
Here are testimonials from some of our members:
- "The club and coaches work really hard to ensure a welcoming environment for all the rowers. Those that need to progress to the next level are catered for, those who have aspirations and those who just want to participate, are all looked after so well. My son and daughter are excited to be part of such a brilliant environment."
- "Thanks to Lambton RC's supportive coaching team and the welcoming, friendly atmosphere at the club, our daughter has finally found a sport she loves."
- "Coaching of such a high standard in any sport, but especially rowing, would have been out of reach for our son because of the expense and the competition for places. Lambton RC takes elitism out of the equation and makes rowing something that anyone can have the chance to enjoy. Above and beyond that, my son has exemplary role-models at this club."
- "This club is a special place, loved by all its members who freely share their skills and energy, be that repairing boats, building steps down to the riverbank, designing and sourcing sportswear, taking photos, baking for regattas, offering car-shares... the list goes on. The community spirit at Lambton Rowing Club is better than any I've known."
- "What a fantastic club. A warm, family-friendly atmosphere, with extremely professional and well-qualified coaches. I have two children at the club, and they love it. They have not only progressed massively in skill and technique, but they have also made some wonderful friendships."
- "The club has managed to remain focused on the rowing through thick and thin and this has culminated in a thriving community of dedicated members. I really like the fact I have two sets of friends - those at school and those at rowing."
- "I love the rowing club as it has brought me so much joy. I have made so many new friends and the coaches are so supportive of the rowers!"
How you can help
There are 5 ways you could make a difference for our club:
1. Pledge Whether it’s £10 or £1,000, we’re grateful for any step closer to our goal.
2. Sponsor Could you connect us with a company willing to be a Gold, Silver or Bronze sponsor? We would carry their logo on our website.
3. Share The more people who know about us, the more chance we have of reaching our target, so please share our crowdfunding page on social media.
4. Offer Could your business make a donation of rewards we can offer our funders? That could be a crate of champagne, discounted cinema tickets, spa vouchers or a free haircut… Whatever your company can offer, we will gratefully pass on to those who make a pledge to fund us.
5. Join If you have an idea for fundraising on our behalf, such as a sponsored activity, simply click ‘contact project’ at the top of this page.
However you choose to support us, thank you!
lambtonrowing.co.uk/club
This project successfully funded on 18th July 2023