Henley Rowing Club is not only one of the oldest rowing clubs in the country (founded in 1839) but is also one of the top clubs in the country with its crews, men, women, junior boys and girls all competeing at the highest level at all the major regattas both in the UK and europe. Whilst it competes at the highest level ithe club provides rowing facilities for all ranges of capabilities and runs a very succesfull beginners class which caters for all ages.

"Sumer is icumen in". The winter head races are over and the upcoming summer regatta season promises for the club's oarsmen and oarswomen meetings with those two imposters Triumph and Disaster. No doubt each competitor will uphold Kipling's plea for equanimity.

The last few months has seen the completion of the renovation of the changing rooms, other than a few items remaining on the Punch List, and a formal opening of both the Gym and Changing Rooms is due to take place on Tuesday 8th May.

In addition to the capital expenditure on these projects as with any property there is a constant requirement for tasks to be completed on a care and maintain basis and I wish to thank those many club members who voluntarily give their time in undertaking these.

The facilities however are merely the backdrop for the sport we enjoy and the committee is now wishing to prioritise the upgrade and expansion of the current fleet of boats to enable the club both to compete at the highest level and to cater for the increasing number of participants. Despite the prevailing straitened economic circumstances the committee is looking to expand the club's sources of income. The committee neither has a monopoly of ideas nor effort so we are receptive to all initiatives from club members.

At the last AGM Ross Clarke and Bethan Tomas stepped down from the committee to be replaced by Rafal Opalinski and after many years of selfless service to the club including the last decade as President Cliff Blakeway was replaced by John Friend.

Even though "Summer's Lease hath all too short a date" in addition to regatta competition the club can also look forward in 2012 to members' participation in the Queen's Jubilee River Pageant and involvement as helpers/officials at the Olympic and Paralympic Regattas.

Coming Events

Tuesday 8^th May - Opening of New Gym and Changing Rooms

Sunday 3^rd June - The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant - HRC crews taking poart

Monday 25^th June - The Queen's visit to Henley and River Pageant

Tuesday 10^th July - Olympic Torch