Take a look at the new Meanders
page or the new Poets' Corner page
Fancy cooking on Thursday night? Check out some tried and tested recipes here
The Skiff Club is now in the movies! Check out the latest clips here
Check out the latest river conditions and safety status here
Upcoming Events
Nicky's Film night - March 9th
Hamish's Talk on his epic Cycle Ride from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2011 - Sunday 17th March 2013
The Skiff Club Supper 2012
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Hi All
The Skiff Club Supper was another great success again this year with a full house being catered for by the men, led by Keith Shore. It must have been a good evening based on the fact that most of the next day was spent recovering from the over indulgence.
In celebration of the end of the racing season there were 3 awards presented in recognition of the contributed made throughout. The first of these was to the individual that had won the most Ormiston Points for the Club in Skiff racing & was a considerable achievement seeing that she had come second the previous year. So a very well deserved trophy was presented to Lesley Russell, who had attained 8 points, one more than her nearest rival from the Gents, Alex Farrell.
Punting has seen a revival at the Club this year due primarily to the efforts of our next trophy winner, Martin Black, who not only encouraged others to have a go but led from the front in securing his first punting wins. It was therefore my great pleasure to present the cup to Martin in recognition of all his hard work.
There was one last presentation received by Martin on behalf of the absent recipient. This new award was for the person that made the most spectacular splash in participating in the sport, which I'm sure will become one of the most coveted award to receive, the Most Upturned Pirouetting Punter Ever Trained or MUPPET Award. Without doubt this had to be given to Janet Dutton for her out of punt excursion at our Home Regatta. And here's the reminder ..........
Many thanks to all that made it such an enjoyable evening.
Cheers
Roger
The Ripley Stroll
After a blistering Saturday, the Ripley Sunday Stroll on 23rd Sept 2012 could not have been more different. The rain, torrential at times, could not dampen the spirits of the 12 strollers as we trod the path organised by Keith, our President & our first Lady & Social Secretary, Hilary. This delightful route took in not one but two pubs & a welcome pit stop for punch at Nicky's house in between. What a jolly bunch we were! Is it true that pickling repels water, because we didn't seem to notice the rain after a late lunch.
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The Skiff Club were very privileged to have had the opportunity to be part of the escort to the Olympic Flame Relay as it was carried onboard the Queen's 'Gloriana' on its final journey down the River Thames to the Olympic Park. Five skiffs, comprising 20 crew members, had a magnificent trip from Hampton Court to Richmond in the first section of rowed vessels that accompanied 'Gloriana' with its cauldron of fire in the bows housing the Olympic Flame.
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Pictures from the Skiff Club Ball:
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Videos from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant:
Photos from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant:
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Check out Jock Wishart & his team's 'Rowing the Arctic' documentary on the BBC iPlayer
Hi All
Many thanks to all of you who turned out to skiff or support the inaugural trip for our new skiffs 'Keith Shore' & 'Bill Taylor' from the manufacturer Mark Stanley in Windsor back their new home at The Skiff Club.
Despite some last minute changes in logistics due to the lock closure at Chertsey & lunch venue, the day well went off exceptionally well. It all started with customary anointing of the boats with Champagne by their namesakes Keith & Bill whilst the rest of us consumed enough of the same to lubricate us for the journey.
It was wonderful to see the dedication & service to both The Skiff Club & the sport in general by two of the 'Gentlemen' of the River Thames rightfully honoured in this way.
There was a photographer from the local newspaper present so I'm sure there will be more photos & publicity to come to mark this momentous occasion.
Many thanks goes to our friends at Wraysbury & Thames Valley Skiff Clubs who welcomed the boats, the skiffers & supporters on route in a style fitting for the occasion.
There will be many years of enjoyment to come from these beautifully hand crafted boats that have incorporated some lovely new features, check them out in due course.
Obviously whilst the boats are there to be used, I'm sure you'll take extra special care to preserve their pristine condition, as you cherish & look after all our boats.
Thanks again to all of you that have contributed & organised fund raising activities to make this all possible.
All the best wishes for happy days to come in these boats.
Regards, Roger
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And, if you haven't seen enough, here are some more pictures and videos from Hamish's private collection.
Skiffing on Ice! - Roger Haines forces a couple of novices out even when the river is frozen over!
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Skiffing on Ice from Roger Haines on Vimeo.
Hot off the press! - The latest Santa Skiff pictures - enjoy!
Gordon Dear's Farewell
Saturday 22nd October 2011 - Four skiffs and the slipper launch Verity, carrying Gordon Dear on his last boat trip, set off from the present president's residence near Shepperton Marina, and were quickly joined by several crews from Thames Valley. As we processed downstream we were joined by more and more skiffs and attendant craft. By the time we reached journey's end at The Skiff Club a total of 18 skiffs, two slipper launches and two narrow boats attended the scattering of Gordon's ashes in the Thames opposite the club, and it was entirely appropriate that all skiff clubs were represented. It was a glorious sunny day and Gordon made his last boat trip in style, where he was scattered on the Thames opposite The Skiff Club. Afterwards all crews retired to the clubhouse where we drank to his memory and ate a splendid buffet.
Cheers Gordon!
Pictures of the Summer Ball:
Latest pictures of the new double skiffs being built:
The Skiff Club Cycle Ride 2011 - Photos
In memory of Gordon Dear
The funeral service for Gordon Dear will be held at Mortlake Crematorium on Friday 25th February at 3pm and afterwards at Thames Rowing Club, Embankment, SW15 1LB.
Instead of giving flowers we hope that donations will be made to appropriate charities or organisations of your choice.
Congratulations to the 10 "parkrun"ners from The Skiff Club who braved the elements this morning for the "Not the Oarsman's Cross Country"! - Keep it up - we may do it again!
.... And the results are of The Skiff Club at Parkrun on 29th Jan 2011..................
Ordered by time:
Crispin Allen Time: 18:15 Age Grade: 75.34%
Dave Wright Time: 22.10 Age Grade: 68.72%
John Mehers Time: 25:22 Age Grade: 61.63%
Fran Kenden Time: 24.28 Age Grade: 75.75%
Steven Russell Time: 24.46 Age Grade: 61.04%
Tim Harness Time: 26.47 Age Grade: 56.88%
Kim Mollett Time: 26.51 Age Grade: 56.30%
Janet Dutton Time: 26:41 Age Grade: 65.02%
Stella Alexander Time: 28.33 Age grade: 53.06%
Lesley Russell Time: 35.07 Age Grade: 50.69%
Ordered by Age Grade Percentages:
Fran Kenden Time: 24.28 Age Grade: 75.75%
Crispin Allen Time: 18:15 Age Grade: 75.34%
Dave Wright Time: 22.10 Age Grade: 68.72%
Janet Dutton Time: 26:41 Age Grade: 65.02%
John Mehers Time 25:22 Age Grade: 61.63%
Steven Russell Time: 24.46 Age Grade: 61.04%
Tim Harness Time: 26.47 Age Grade: 56.88%
Kim Mollett Time: 26.51 Age Grade: 56.30%
Stella Alexander Time: 28.33 Age grade: 53.06%
Lesley Russell Time: 35.07 Age Grade: 50.69%
Winter training - nothing stops The Skiff Club!
Nothing is going to stop this year's hardy Novices who
turned up despite the impending blizzard that started almost as soon as we
cleared the backwater. Novices, Russell, Ana, Laura & Jack were undeterred by
the conditions & eager to continue their training regime. So after I managed to
thaw out the boat shed lock, ease the frozen doors open, clear the snow from the
landing area, we were all set to go out.
Coxed by Captain Tom Millest & myself, suitable wrapped up
for the conditions, we carefully boated from an area that was free of ice, just
as the blizzard started. With smiles all round we gladly pushed off into the
strengthening snow shower to make our way towards the lock. Not having forgotten
all that they'd been taught so far our novices confidently set off at a pace.
Temporarily loosing sight of the other boat, I put Laura & Jack through their
paces & in no time at all the new pairing settled into a lovely rhythm. Time for
a few photos then to capture the moment & in the distance I saw the other boat
on the return leg so managed to get a couple of shots of them as well.
Now my pair of novices have only been down a few weeks,
for Laura only her third week, & already I think I've found my first potential
racing mixed pair for next season. So much so I had them doing racing pyramid
training & they were soon moving the boat at a lovely rate. Only problem is we'd
changed directions & now the blizzard was full in my face, making seeing out of
my glasses somewhat of a problem. It's either wipers or contact lenses next
time.
Well we all returned safely, pulled the boats out & into
the boat shed & were left with that tingly feeling after being out in the cold
with a warm glow inside knowing that we'd made the most of the conditions & had
great fun in the process. There's snow stopping us now, sorry had to get that
one in.
Cheers
Rog
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Pictures from the Santa Skiff 2010!
View below pictures of the Skiff Club supper from 11th September 2010:
 |
| Skiff Club supper |
??? NEW YEAR CHALLENGE ???
~ KNOW YOUR REACH ~
WELL THE RIVER HASN'T BEEN TOO INVITING
BUT HOW ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW THE RIVER FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE AND CHALLENGING YOURSELF IN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT WAY ….
DATE: SAT 30TH JANUARY 2010
link to the route for information:
http://www.realbuzz.com/mapyourpassion/?item=324089
RESULTS:
Congratulations to all those who took part in the "Know your Reach" walk - enduring freezing conditions, but a crisp day. Special congratulations to Lilly & Jessica who also raised money for the Haiti appeal. Distances walked ranged from 11 to 51 miles!
And some photos (a bit poor as taken with mobiles in the dark!)
See pictures of the Skiff Club Halloween Ball
See pictures of the Santa Skiff below
From
your Soc Sec
Hilary Shore
Details of all these events from the usual culprits or email news@theskiffclub.org.uk