News
Regatta launches 2012 appeal for money and memories
An appeal to raise £20,012 by 2012 is being launched this year at the 23rd Henley Women’s Regatta (18th-20th June). The funds will be used to lay on a unique celebration around the 25th regatta, with donors being consulted about how they would like the funds spent.
Since its inception in 1988, Henley Women’s Regatta has provided unprecedented access for club rowers to rub shoulders with and compete against their overseas counterparts and national squad athletes. So the appeal isn’t stopping at looking for funds – it’s also searching for memories from all those who have themselves experienced, or who have supported others through, the ecstasy of winning or the misery of losing at the regatta over the years.
Victoria Morgan, herself a former winner at the regatta, is managing the appeal. She says the regatta holds many special memories for her and she’s determined that the 25th event will be the best ever. “Some people have never managed to win at the regatta, and some have won many times. But either way when you start rowing it’s a very special goal to aim to compete here and to win is a cherished dream.
“We plan to raise a minimum of £20,012 by January 2012, with the money to be used for facilities as yet undecided, but to be voted on by those donating. For example, at the 2012 regatta would you like a huge TV screen in the enclosures, giving you full live race coverage? Or would you prefer free catering for all competing athletes, or memento metal membership badges? Your ideas will be welcome.”
Victoria and the Henley Women’s Regatta committee have set up an appeal website at www.hwr2012appeal.com to take donations. At the same time the regatta’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/HenleyWomensRegatta has set up a page to log people’s memories.
Diane Graham, regatta chairman, says: “I’d urge everyone who has had anything to do with the regatta over its illustrious career – supporters, past and present competitors, coaches and proud relatives – to take part.
“The regatta currently just breaks event each year thanks to generous on-going sponsorship from Invesco Perpetual and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the support of the Copas family in hosting the event. But with this extra support we can make sure the 2012 regatta is even more unforgettable.”
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Background Notes
The first regatta in 1988 was the culmination of six years’ of work for women’s national coach Rosie Mayglothling (who as Rosie Clugston, had won the invitation Double Sculls at Henley in 1982 with her partner, Astrid Ayling) to receive the blessing of the Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta and for the regatta to come to fruition. It was held on the Royal Regatta Course, three weeks before Henley Royal, and was rowed in a reverse direction of the traditional course, from the Regatta finish down to the upstream end of Temple Island (2000m). The UK’s national squad fully supported the new regatta and dominated the events in which they competed that year.
The event has evolved considerably over the past 23 years; it is now rowed upstream over 1500m and includes intermediate classes for competitors with less experience and lower points while retaining its elite, lightweight and senior (formerly club) events.
18/06/2010