Issue 100 - Centenary July 1997

Impressive haul

The parents and guests of St. Leonard's School, Durham, enjoyed a presentation evening and 'Geordie Night' to celebrate the 106 wins achieved by pupils of the school in recent months.

Thirty-eight athletes produced wins at 26 Head of River races and regattas which ranged from regional events through to regional championships, inter- regional championships, National Championships and England Home Countries Match.

The night raised over £1,300 for new equipment, and the prizes were presented by Alan Meegan, ARA National Development Officer. Alan is pictured above with Bill Parker, the master in charge of rowing, and the impressive array of silverware and medals amassed by the school.

Bill's fellow coach Malcolm Proud was also singled out for praise. Whilst in the region, Alan took the opportunity of presenting an enlarged cheque for over £71,000 which represented a Lottery grant award to the Northern Rowing Council towards the cost of a regional junior land training centre which is to be based at St. Leonard's School.

The school and Northern Rowing Council produced the first multi-school pilot scheme based upon part of the ARA Ergo Award Scheme, which has resulted in the introduction of many young members to rowing clubs within the region. Plans are underway for a second phase to the scheme which will assist the new participants in their efforts to move into the rowing performance pathway. It is hoped that other regions will follow this lead and that a national impact will result from this participation initiative.

© Copyright REGATTA magazine, 1997.