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Conceived only last spring, the project will see the creation of a new indoor rowing room, a coach video/training room, additional changing and boat storage facilities, and vastly improved access. "Our architect, Alan Tate, has ensured Totnes will gain one of the best facilities in the region, with his clever and sympathetic design", said Simon Gifford-Mead, club Vice-chairman. Building The new facilities will enable the club to build on its recent success and realise its ambitious development plan. Growth has been particularly strong in Junior rowing, though initiatives such as Project Oarsome. More than 70 eleven year-olds from three local schools are introduced to rowing each year. This year, club Juniors won three of only 40 places on a prestigious training camp for promising Junior-16’s. Rowing is a lifelong sport as is reflected by the club’s strength across all ages from Juniors to Veterans. New members of all ages are always welcome and should contact the club whether they want to take part competitively or for health and fitness purposes. With the new project, the club aims to forge more links with local schools and new links with health organisations. It also aims to foster collaboration with local clubs, found a centre for the emerging sport of indoor rowing, and support further growth in river-based rowing. The project will increase the use made of an attractive venue and help to realise the potential of the river Dart at Totnes. Overall it will support social wellbeing, encourage healthy lifestyles and deliver sports development benefits, as well as establishing the club as a major centre for the sport.
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Alongside Sport England, the club has been able to meet the full £251,000 capital costs of the project through the generous partnership funding from the Environment Agency, Totnes & District Youth Network, and other local businesses and charities. "We’re very grateful to everyone who has sponsored us", said Alan Pyne, club Chairman. "We’ve been enormously impressed too, by the advice and assistance we’ve received from the Amateur Rowing Association, and by the cooperation we’ve received from South Hams District Council". The club is entirely reliant on volunteers for its management and operation. "Our success today is the best possible tribute to the dedication and enthusiasm of all our members, volunteers and partners", said Andy Sloper. "We need to find more people like them to make the most of this new project for everyone. We’re keen to find new volunteers to join us at this exciting time, and new partners and sponsors who want to engage with and invest in the club’s activities". Anyone interested in finding out more about Dart-Totnes should call the club on 01803 863772.
Andy Sloper
The AGM is being held 18th April 2004 is to elect your representatives at the club. Please attend and record your vote. As they say – YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU
At present: Chairman Alan Pyne Vice Chairman Simon Gifford Mead Club Captain Alan Langmaid |