Wednesday 8 December 2010

Article - Michaelmas Term 2010 - Week 8

By Becky Hoose


Lancaster University Boat Club have enjoyed a fairly successful start to the year. Despite being plagued by the bad weather, members have been training solidly in an attempt to mirror the success of last year.

The only race of this term was York Small Boats Head. This was to be the first race for many of the novices, and as the opening competition of the year, a good opportunity for all to gauge what level they are at. The men’s intermediate crews enjoyed successful races, with the IM3 coxed 4 and the IM2 coxless 4 coming 3rd and 2nd respectively in their categories. The women’s IM2 coxed four, comprising of four of last years Henley quarter finalists, beat off competition from York University to come second. It was the first race for all in both the men’s and women’s novice crews, who each claimed an impressive 4th position. With the next race for the club not coming until mid way through next term, there is ample time to build on these results.

This weekend the club travelled to Leeds to attend the BUCS Indoor Rowing Championship 2010 in Yorkshire. The race takes place on rowing machines, where athletes compete to post the best time over 2000 metres. The star athlete of the weekend for LUBC was Lydia Allen, who won two gold medals in her races, which were the women's relay event, and the women's lightweight events. Making up the rest of the winning relay team were Alice Lees, Jenny Tonkins and Helina Meos, who in addition all competed in the women's heavyweight category. Also in medal position was John 'Big John' Campbell, who won bronze in the men's race, despite his beginner status. Between the rest of the LUBC competitors, some impressive times were posted, which bodes well for the Chester Indoors, taking place on Sunday 12th December.

On the weekend of week 10, the club have organised an exciting fundraising event. Dan Morgan will be attempting to break the world record for the most metres rowed on a rowing machine in 24 hours. The record currently stands at 213,061m in the under 20 men’s heavyweight category. This will take place at Market Square in the town centre, from 8am on Saturday 18th December until 8am on the following day. Dan will be doing this to raise money for two worthy causes; the total proceeds from the event will be split equally between the Antony Nolan trust and the boat club. The Antony Nolan trust is a charity which carries out life saving research into Leukaemia and other blood related diseases, as well as finding bone marrow donors for suffers. The club has often worked in conjunction with this charity in past fundraising events. Please come down to Market Square to show your support, or join the Facebook group: 'Dan's doing a 24 hour rowing record for charity and LUBC – please sponsor!'