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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tim Male (racing as TSS/Thames Turbo Triathlon) won gold in men's 30-34 lightweight in a time of 6.25.9, while Mark Roberts (TSS/Kingston University) finished second in men's student heavyweight in 5.59.4

The club had seven crews and two composites in the draw, with entries from the men's and women's veteran groups, as well as the weekday ladies.

Top TSS finisher was Rob Smallwood, in the pennant-winning TSS/Ardingly Vet C quad that finished fifteenth overall in a time of 20:04.68, closely followed by the all-TSS Vet C quad that was 17th.

Frank Llewellyn, Francis Pinkerton, Brian Sweeney and Dickie Clarke, coxed by Guy Greaves, won Vet F coxed fours, while in Vet G/H quads the TSS crew won on raw time, the adjusted handicap time put them second, behind a Vet H entry.

TSS is one of the event's organising clubs, along with Auriol Kensington and the Army RC, and thanks must go to the huge number of club members who gave up their time to help, from serving behind the bar to marshalling crews and timekeeping - the day was a great success.

In fact, some very important lessons were learned even before the race began: the ones about making sure your own boat is actually loaded, and that your own blades are in the trailer.
 
Following the long trek from the trailer the girls got afloat. Once started, the absence of the booms led to some difficulties steering and some frustrated scullers! The final division ran more to plan, with some very strong performances. Sophie ploughed past several of the scullers in the age group above to win WJ14 1x comfortably.

Thanks to David for towing the trailer and Kristian and Kristiane for fetching and carrying and providing shelter for scullers and coaches, even though Kristiane wasn’t racing, to all parents who answered the call for help. JB

Alan, who first won in 2006, took on 2007 and 2008 winner Mahe Drysdale and finished three lengths ahead in a time of 20.27. Graeme Coleman of Nottingham & Union was third.

On 14th November Alan and Mahe will be joined by Iztok Cop and James Dunley to defend the club's Fours Head crown.