Tideway Scullers School

Thames Valley Trial Head

On Sunday the Juniors raced in Marlow's Thames Valley Trial Head, held over a 1900-metre course on Dorney Lake.

Undaunted by the very cold conditions, there were some creditable performances, particularly from those racing in their first-ever head.

The WJ14 quad of Saskia, Sophie, Hermione and Ella, coxed by Issy, took a commanding lead in the first division, which was not to be overtaken for the other two divisions, giving them victory by ten seconds over their closest rival, Molesey.

Sarah and Anastasia (racing as a TSS/Canford School) composite won Women's Senior pairs, and took the first three places in WJ18 singles: Anastasia won while Sarah, racing in two divisions, posted the second and third fastest times.

Kit and Cake Sale

The kit and cake (and book) sale raised £236 for club funds. Many thanks to all who contributed and washed second hand kit, baked cakes and supported the sale on the day.

TSS v Isis

Two men's squad eights raced against Isis on Sunday. See the YouTube video here: TSS 1, TSS 2.

Shop online and raise funds for the club: easyfundraising is a shopping directory listing over 2000 online stores including Argos, Next, Debenhams, John Lewis, Toys R Us and HMV.

Use the link on the easyfundraising site whenever you shop online and - at no extra cost to you - TSS will receive a donation of up to 15% from every purchase.

It is completely free to register: just visit the TSS page on easyfundraising and when you set up your account choose Tideway Scullers School as the organisation you wish to support.

Booking is now open for the Easter Sculling Course, which will be held from 5th to 9th April 2010, 9am to 4pm each day. The course fee is £200.

The course is for anyone who wants to improve their sculling ability – from new beginners to confident scullers. The students will be a mixture of juniors (age 11–17) and adults who will work together with their coaches in singles and crew boats. The course is for approximately 40 students, about half adult, half junior.

See the Sculling Courses page for further details, and to download the application form.

Head races to be run on an open river between Chiswick and Hammersmith:

24 January The Remenham Challenge 11.30 am to 12.15 pm

30 January Quintin Head 12.30 to 1.15 pm

28 February Hammersmith Women's & Juniors Head 3.30 to 4.15 pm

14 March Hammersmith Head 3.15 to 4.00 pm

The river will not be closed for these events: crews and coaches out at these times are asked to avoid obstructing races if safely possible.

Read the Notice to Mariners (U28 of 2009) here.

The club was out in force on its home water at the weekend, racing in the 56th Vesta Scullers Head.

Graham Benton was the club's top finisher, placing eighth overall and winning the IM1 pennant. Two others - Nick Marriott and Antony Smith - finished in the top twenty.

Roger Swift won Vet F by almost ten seconds, and there were several second and third places in categories: Elaine Johnstone was runner-up in Women's Elite Lightweight, and third woman overall.