Members,

We are now well into the 2010 season, and the buzz has returned to the club which is great. Last Saturday we had 45 boats racing at the Wallingford sculls, and six of them came back with a pot. Well done to them all, and indeed well done to everyone for giving it a go. It was indeed a great day out for us, and achieved our stated goal of making a start to the season. I'd like to single out Richard Moody for a special mention, as he very nearly won the whole event, finishing 2nd only two seconds behind the winner.

The next events are fast approaching, and I want to encourage you all to enter them as they are on our home water.

First, on Saturday 17th October, in 8 days time, we are holding our inaugural club time trial. This will be a 3k race upstream from the Management College to the regatta finish. All boat types are eligible, so everyone can be included in some way. The main squad coaches have all agreed to support this event, so it is a chance to compare your skill against our elite athletes. Registration begins at 8am, where each boat will be given a number. Boats will then warm up and marshall below the start ready for a 9am kick off. We want as many members involved as possible regardless of age, ability and fitness. I am intending to buy in some sticky buns for sale afterwards, so bring down some small change.

Also, on Sunday 1st November, it is the Upper Thames Small Boats Head of the River race. Obviously we want a big turnout for our own regatta, and we want to win the Victor Ludorum. It really is essential that we have as many entries as possible, and with three weeks left for training we need to buckle down right away to get ourselves in shape. If you are thinking of forming a crew, now is the time to do it. Details on the website (which has changed, so check it out - many thanks to Anna Van Leemputten for all her hard work).

The Fours Head is two weeks later by which time it will only be 6 weeks until Christmas, so time is flying. The intermediate women started training as a group last Monday, and tomorrow morning (Saturday) the men's group will meet with Neil and myself at 9.30am in the club house to plot out the plan. The men will start training together this coming Monday at 7.30pm, so please come along and join in the fun. New recruits for either the women or men's intermediate group are very welcome, so just turn up on Monday at 7.30pm.

As ever, any and all comments welcome. See you at the club,

Justin