EVESHAM Rowing Club took centre stage last week when newly appointed British Rowing CEO, Tom Solesbury, visited the club as part of his first nationwide tour.
During the visit, Tom offered club members and representatives from the wider rowing club community in the region the opportunity to hear his vision for the future of the sport and how rowing clubs like Evesham can help shape it.
“Connecting with clubs like Evesham is essential and today has been all about listening just as much as sharing ideas,” he said.
“Our country’s rowing clubs, and the insight and experiences of their members and volunteers, will shape how we move forward together to build a strong, inclusive future for rowing across the UK.
“Rowing can have a hugely positive, life-changing impact on people. It has been fantastic to see the sport thriving on the banks of the River Avon thanks to the hard work of the amazing local volunteers and rowing community whose dedication is powering the future of our sport,” he added.
Club chair Simon Edwards (centre) with Tom Solesbury (right). s
Evesham Rowing Club chair Simon Edwards said it was a hugely exciting moment.
“As one of Britain’s oldest rowing clubs, we’re thrilled to be helping to shape the future of our sport.
“To welcome the CEO of British Rowing shows how important rowing clubs like ours are in the national picture,” he said.
The visit comes as Evesham Rowing Club continues its push to expand facilities and provision for members and the local community.
After weathering the impact of COVID-19 and devastating floods in 2024 that forced the cancellation of its major rowing events, Evesham has staged a remarkable recovery.
Last year, its regatta returned stronger than ever, and current club membership is growing, with competitive success on the rise across all squads.
Evesham Rowing Club’s Boathouse pictured at last year’s Regatta. s
Following on from the club’s recent success in raising the funds needed to buy the boathouse, it has turned its focus on developing and delivering ambitious plans to improve facilities and further expand participation in the sport.
Simon added: “Evesham Rowing Club and British Rowing are moving in the same direction with new momentum and a clear vision, so this has been the perfect moment to get together and discuss how local initiatives and national leadership can work together to strengthen rowing from the ground up.”
The club’s annual regatta is back this year on Saturday, May 3.
See ERC.club for more information on Evesham Rowing Club and britishrowing.org on British Rowing.
