News - 2008

January

Boat repairs/Maintenance

Dave Nash, our Club Captain, has been leading an extensive process of boat repairs assisted by a number of other Club members including David Bagall, Lee Gordon and Vince McMahon.

This has seen the condition of the doubles reviewed and a range of repairs carried out, including fixing many of the foot-rests which had previously been held in place by paddle-pop sticks.

The Club's singles fleet has been examined.   There were 7 singles on the racks which were not in working condition and one which was being used but which had significant structural damage.  4 singles with structural damage, and which had been partly cannibalised for parts, were completely stripped and taken to the tip along with the other old singles already stored behind the shed.  3 singles have been repaired, largely using parts from the discarded singles.  A further single, an old wooden Sykes which may be of some value but for which a replacement rigger can not be found, has been placed beyond reach.  The freeing up of space will allow the better deployment of a couple of trainer singles the Club is purchasing.

This means that every accessible single on the racks is now in working order, something which has not occurred for some time.  The movable rack has also been partly cleared and is a lot more usable.

Remember, Club members have responsibility for repairing boats they use - if you are not sure of what to do, ask someone who does for help.

February

After-hours Closure of Black Mountain Peninsula

You will have seen the warnings of the after-hours gate closure on Garryowen Drive from 3 March, which of course is the road from which we access Rusty Robertson Place and our Club. Pam separately circulated the letter from the ACT Government outlining the new arrangements, which will result in the gates being opened at 7 am and shut at 10 pm for daylight saving hours and 6pm other times.

In the light of the number of break-ins over recent years, this should be good news. The experience of Weston Creek, after similar arrangements were put in place, was that vandalism and break-ins decreased significantly. Let's hope that the same security improvements will apply to the Black Mountain and associated clubs.

However, the obvious drawback is ensuring that we have a system of access. 

The Ranger in Charge advises that the gate-locking mechanism is a steel cage surrounding a sliding pin, designed so that padlocks cannot be accessed by portable angle grinders.  He believes that it does not readily lend itself to the use of padlocks "in a chain", such as applies to the access gate from the car park to our shed. This advice is being double-checked and if there is a way around the problem Pam has indicated that she could secure a second lock tooled to our master key (thanks Pam). The more likely outcome is that we will be given a limited number of keys requiring us to implement a gate-access system. This might involve leaving one key in the Club for emergency access/exit, designating a few permanent custodians and then having others allocated in accordance with coaching or other duties. This will be worked out once we have final answers on the locking arrangements.

The July 2006 Black Mountain Rowing Club submission into the Renewal and Redevelopment of the Black Mountain Peninsula, submitted by then President Peter Wright, comtemplated a more relevant closure regime:

"Closure to Black Mountain Peninsula after hours, say 10.00 pm to 5.00 am, would greatly assist with the issues mentioned above. This would be a simple and inexpensive project and would enhance the overall security and cleanliness of the Peninsula for all users."

Please watch this space!

Club Grant

Congratulations Peter Wright and Kathy Howard for successfully submitting a grant request.  Peter said it was based on a template developed by Margot Bell, who as Treasurer has been very successful in securing over time grants for the Club.  The grant is to be used to improve Club safety.  Larraine represented the Club in accepting the grant from Andrew Barr, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, along with Matthew Ronke, Executive Officer, Rowing ACT.  

Fund Raising Working Group

At the last Executive Meeting it was agreed that Peter Wright would form a fund-raising working group.  Fund raising has been an important source of income for sustaining the Club over time and in ensuring reasonable equipment levels.  We need your help to develop and implement ideas.  If you are interested, please contact Peter. 

Equipment Purchases

At the final Executive Meeting in late January a decision was made to purchase new equipment for the Club.

• The Club has long had logistical issues in attending events because of the lack of a boat trailer.  In the past, they have been borrowed or hired.  A second-hand trailer in good condition is being purchased from JohnstonRacing, which it is selling on behalf of one of its clients.  It is still in South Australia and the intention is to collect before Nagambie.  If you are likely to be travelling to Adelaide over the next month or so, please consider towing it back.
• A new light-weight double.
• Two club singles.  The singles fleet has been running down for some time and you will see below that a number were recently stripped and taken to the dump.  The good news is that the remaining singles should all be able to be rowed and that we have managed to secure a couple of good, second-hand boats in recent months.  The addition of two new clubs racers/trainers provides a basis for starting to refresh the singles fleet with sturdy but raceable boats.

Independent Schools Regatta

The Independent Schools Regatta is being held this weekend, 23rd/24th of February.  The regattta will run from about 7.30am to after lunch.

Accordingly, there may be congestion both at the pontoon and on the Lake, particularly around the Course. Heading towards East Basin would appear to be the better option.

March

April

Meet other rowers, brush up your skills and have fun in our Transition Program

You may have noticed on the website that the BMRC Committee recently agreed to trialling an  informal Transition Program for helping Learn to Row graduates or others joining the Club to:
·       gain confidence,
·       build on their skills
·       meet others to form crews

Please note we can’t offer intensive structured coaching sessions, but rather a program aimed at retaining  and developing new rowers in the Club (including juniors) and generally building our membership base.

To get this rolling, we are calling for volunteers from the Club to assist with coaching, coxing, tinny driving or just helping rowers get into boats, crews and onto the water.  The proposal is to have two experienced volunteers at the shed every Sunday morning from 7.00-8.00am over a 6 week period for the program..  If 12 volunteers come forward, then each will have to commit to only 1 hour of helping over that period, so it’s not a big ask.  Once we have volunteers’ names, Judith will draw up a roster for the 6 weeks.

We also need a couple of participants in the Transition Program to be coordinator/backup co-ordinator for the rowers – the co-ordinator’s role will be to let us know each week how many rowers are planning to turn up on the Sunday, and to act as a single point of contact between participants and helpers, which will simplify lines of communication.

If you are not yet a member of the Club, you will need to upgrade from your Learn to Row category to associate membership to be part of this program – see the membership form on this website.

This is a trial program – any comments, suggestions, brickbats or bouquets are welcome now or as things unfold.

Volunteer helpers: Please email Judith to volunteer your services, noting any Sunday during the period 30 March – 4 May when you will NOT be available.

Participant rowers:

Please email Judith in the first instance to express your interest.

PS Several people have already mentioned that they want to be in this (as volunteers or participants)  – please reconfirm this with Judith now.

Boat Trailer Update

A boat trailer has now been purchased by the Club and it is awaiting pick-up in Adelaide.  This will increase our capacity to participate in Regattas, a task that has been become increasingly difficult for recent events.  The Executive has previously discussed the possibility of a small levy on such trips to contribute towards registration and upkeep.  This is a matter for further consideration.

Alex has kindly volunteered to pick the trailer up after Easter.  This will give us several weeks to prepare it for its first Club venture to Nagambie.

View 1                  View 2

Gate on Garryowen Drive

The gate on Garryowen Drive is now operational and its opening on Tuesday morning for the first time went smoothly.

Six keys have been allocated. Alex, Dave, Kathy (Howard), Stephen and Vince have keys and between them the gates should be opened most mornings by the time others arrive. The sixth key is subject to arrangements which will be made known by word of mouth.  In addition, Daramalan and Radford have their own keys. 

Alex has taken responsibility for managing the keys and further keys may be issued to Club members who have a pattern of early arrival.  If crew are planning for an early start, it would be wise to check the movements of those with keys.  Just kept in mind that the worst result is not denial of access to the shed but a 60 metre walk.  However, clearly we need to work to avoid this happening.

May

Australian Masters - Nagambie 2008

The Club's participation in the Australian Masters was both successful and enjoyable. 

Rowing conditions were very good with only a slight wind at times.  There was heavy morning fog on the first day which did not augur well for the rest of the Regatta.  However, it had dissipated by the time competition started that afternoon and was light on subsequent days.

Those who left on Wednesday night secured a good site for the Club's tent, alongside CRC, at around the 500 metre mark.   Particular mention needs to be made of Phil Nash who cheerfully took on support work, including taking some of the photos posted.

24 Club members participated in events in Nagambie, involving over 70 races including on ACT teams.  Results involving medals* are listed below. 

The Club's new trailer had significant carrying capacity and its rear extension meant that the overhang was minimised.  Stephen reported that the trailer towed very well although somewhat heavily.  Thanks to Stephen for taking on the towing and to Rob who generously lent a vehicle suitable for towing.

The trailer was unpacked on Sunday night/Monday morning, with oars put away but riggers left off boats.  Re-rigging will be done progressively by crew as they use the boats. Unpacking included the Club's new Sykes' double, which was delivered to Nagambie and used by the Club during the Regatta.

See photos

BMRC Social Sunday – 4 May

The sun shone brightly on BMRC’s Social Sunday row on 4th May, with nearly 30 rowers turning up, clean, bright and slightly oiled at 8.00 am.

Here is Judith's account - the website takes no responsibility for its accuracy.  All characters are fictional and any link between Club members and those described is purely coincidental.

"Rowers formed an orderly line according to years of experience and Steve Trowell deftly and diplomatically allocated the crews. 

The sun shone brightly on BMRC’s Social Sunday row on 4th May, with nearly 30 rowers turning up, clean, bright and slightly oiled at 8.00 am.
We formed an orderly line according to years of experience and Steve Trowell deftly and diplomatically allocated us to crews.
Canberra wore her finest autumn outfit as the fleet paddled up to the head of the course for the inaugural Randomised Redbacks Rock ‘n Roll Rowing Challenge (RRRRRC).

On the startline, the tension was palpable. Michael and Marlene popped  onto the balcony with their Fruit Loops and offered to organise a hand-held start, but no – we could tarry no longer. Three quads, a four, an eight and a double – hearts racing, pupils dilated, chests heaving. ‘I have a line,’ declared the starter – ‘Black Mountain, Black Mountain, Black Mountain, Black Mountain’  etc………Backs straight, sitting tall, oars pressed against gates, buttocks tensed, breathing up…….we surged down the course (‘it’s not a race, just try and row faster than the other boats’ quoth one wag), canvasses edging ahead then falling back, cheered on by throngs – eight-deep along the banks – to a heart-stopping conclusion!
Modesty should prevent me from mentioning that I coxed the winning boat, valiantly stroked by Mary Quilty with Johnno Andy and Lelda ……but it hasn’t!  (Colin and Robyn tried to claim victory, but they HAD started the day before!)
Apres row, we put the boats to bed and repaired to the clubroom for a feast. Reclining on lounges, we sampled honeyed dormice, songbirds’ tongues in aspic, and drank drafts of wine served to us by attentive slaves. Well actually….there was a delicious spread of baked offerings – thanks to all who contributed.

Disappointed you weren’t there??  Don’t worry – we’ll do it all again sometime soon – maybe with a Sausage Sizzle! 
Watch the website and the BMRC mailing list for details….suggestions or comments welcome.

June

July

August

An historic weekend

Some 70 members and guests joined in at Eastlakes on Friday 29th for the 2008 Annual Dinner, which celebrated both the Club's history and the history of rowing in the ACT. The dress was retro and that delivered some shocks to the eyes. Amazingly, 7 of the 1975 Telopea First Eight attended the dinner. DVDs showed the Lake and Club in earlier times as well as showing some of the Club's participation in the 2007 Head of the Yarra.

The following morning saw a reunion row which had many earlier Club members back including some of the 1975 Telopea crew and others from Telopea.

The two Marys also christened the new double as the Steve Fairfax.

Working Bee

Thanks to the many people who turned up to the working bee on Saturday (23rd) organised by Mary. The working bee is the first for the new rowing season and tidied up the shed ahead of the Reunion Row, which is to take place on the Saturday morning (30 August) following our 'historic' Annual Dinner.

A further working bee will be organised when the weather gets more friendly.

AGM

Over 20 people attended the AGM on Tuesday 12th August at the boatshed.

Three members of the Committee did not re-nominate – Angus Reid (retiring President), Margot Bell (long-standing Treasurer) and Dave Nash (Captain).  Those attending expressed appreciation for their contribution.

In line with the Constitution, a Committee of 7 was first elected comprising President (Vince McMahon); Treasurer (Larraine Champness); Secretary (Kerri Hughes); and four general Committee members (in order of election, Alex Leitch; Stephen Trowell; Peter Wright; and Judith Abercromby).  Immediately following the AGM, the Committee met in open forum and made additional appointments to the Committee.  The list of these appointments will be available shortly, with the roles of Captain and Vice Captain yet to be finalised. 

The Club is in a sound financial position, partly as a result of the bequest of the late, and missed, Steve Fairfax.  The interest from these monies will allow the continuing purchase of singles for our fleet, as he provided.

We have an enthusiastic and experienced Committee.  Some goals identified by the Presdient were:

• working out early a clear set of objectives for the year.  These would include formulating an acquisition program and developing a member strategy, which not only identifies how big we want to be but how to get there and, in doing so, what sort of Club we want to be;
• developing and endorsing a boat allocation policy to ensure the maximum possible consensus.  A boat captain’s job is not an easy one as all want the best possible boats.  An updated boat allocation policy will help frame expectations and provide the boat captain with more certainty in the boat-allocation process;
• improving our internal communications to ensure greater transparency in decision-making.  Committee minutes are not generally internally confidential but so far a readily accessible publication method that protects the privacy of the Club and its members has not been identified (the website is not a suitable vehicle);
• revisiting our insurance cover including the public liability associated with serving on the Committee; and
• agreeing a values statement that goes to mutual respect and personal responsibility.

The next Club event is the Annual dinner Friday on Friday 29 August, which has a history theme.  All Club members can help by attending. For more long-standing members, they can also contribute by gathering memorabilia and photos for the night and contacting former Club members, and prominent rowers, and inviting them along.

September

First row of the Long Red Boat (LRB)

... and if you were wondering who formed the first crew of the LRB, then all is revealed below. Photo taken by Cox Judith Abercromby.

Time trial results - Black Mountain secures 10 of 24 places and wins in two categories

Winter Time Trials Series Winners

October

Club membership has tipped over the 100 mark and this is likely to grow to around 110 within a fortnight.  This compares with over a 130 boat seats (which are not all used simultaneously) in the shed.  

A list of financial members will be posted on the Club notice board next week.  This has been done in the past and in other Clubs and simply records the names of those who are otherwise seen at the Club.  The list will  include provision for members to add their contact details but, for privacy reasons, we will not be including them.  The option is there for the convenience of members who wish to make contact with others, such as when forming crews.

There are some unidentified payments in the Club’s account so, while the list will be accurate, it may not be definitive.  Please check it and, if you have paid, let Colin know immediately to allow the list to be updated. You may also annotate the list if you have paid.   If you have not paid, and if you are not a paid member of a learn-to-row program, you are not covered by insurance and you cannot row from the shed. 

The learn-to-row program, which is in session 2 of 4, is fully subscribed and the list has been closed off.  Juniors have been a particularly difficult issue and the LTR program is only taking those 16 and above for duty-of-care reasons.  We do not have a junior coordinator which is very limiting given the workload on Committee members.  We have, at least, been getting out onto the water some of the more experienced juniors from previous years.  However, we have yet to construct a learnt-to-row program for other juniors.     

The Col Panton was a great success.  Nearly 50 Club members competed.  As an illustration, for the 2007 Col Panton there was one mixed Eight but this year we had two men’s Eights and one women’s Eight. 

We have also continued to update our fleet.  The Steve Fairfax provides a high performance double for competition.  Three singles in good condition with oars were acquired very economically from Girls Grammar (thanks Alex for picking them up).  A further heavy-weight racing single scull has been ordered under the Steve Fairfax Fund.  This means that, with the earlier purchase of the Wintechs and a few other second-hand singles, the singles fleet has undergone a very substantial upgrade over the last 12 months.  Rigger covers are also available for a few of the larger crewed boats to prevent damage to the shells when moving them, so we need to ensure these are fitted before storage and appropriately held when the boats are being rowed.

Two further Club boats, which would not have been available for rowing, are now in the Daramalan shed on a shared-use basis.   These are the tub four, which has been in the rafters for over 5 years the Throsby.  The Throsby is an Eight that requires some to get it fully operational.   

An number of fatally damaged singles have been identified for disposal.

The Committee is in the process of reviewing key policy documents.  You will have seen the references to the revised Boat and Space Allocation Guidelines.  Next Wednesday the Committee will be reviewing a  Member Protection Policy (which includes a Code of Behaviour) and a revised Safety Policy, with a view to their adoption in November.

Finally, thanks to those who stayed behind after the Col Panton for the mini-working bee organised by Pam.

November

Safety Policy

The BMRC Executive met on 26th November and agreed a revised Safety Policy. It contains important information on Lake rules, Lake conditions, safety tips and how to treat hypothermia, as well as containing a safety checklist. Please read the policy and if you have any comments or questions ask a Committee member.

We will keep these guidelines under review.

Corporate Rowing

The Corporate Regatta on Sunday 23rd was abandoned, which was a shame not only for the participants but for the Canberra Rowing Club which had run the program very efficiently and hosted a lunch later that morning. CRC is now considering how the regatta might be staged over a number of mornings during the week.  Again, it is a question of watching this space.  From a Black Mountain point of view, the Corporate Rowing Program has been a great success, thanks to Alex’s leadership and the many volunteers who assisted in the running of the program.

The finals were held on Friday 28th and the the Booz & Co team had one win and one loss resulting in their elimination. However, very well done guys.

Daramalan Regatta

The Daramalan Regatta was stopped about half way through the program because of the conditions.    The earlier BMRC regatta was completed but suffered a significant number of withdrawals for the same reason.  The rain has been great for the region but the associated wind has not been very kind to the start of the regatta program. 

BMRC Regatta

We successfully staged another regatta but under very difficult weather conditions resulting in a significant bnumber of withdrawals.

There was a tremendous amount of work in staging the regatta and thankfully a lot of people supported the main organisers – Kathy; Ev; and Mary.  This included some LTR, the CC boys as well as many of the normal stalwarts and their spouses.  Thank you all for contributing – I wish I could name you all.

Congratulations to the many members who participated in their first regatta.  The conditions were difficult and many of you have not been on the water for long so it was great that you had the spirit to try and you accredited  yourselves very well.

The usual photographic update is on our website.  I would have liked to get all events onto the website but I can only do that if I have the supporting photos.  Shots are taken between racing and official duties and some are ruled out where the image is poor or the moment is unflattering.   However, if you have more photos can be readily added.

December

A few hardy souls braved the wind and road closures to make it  to the Club for our Christmas row.  Not surprisingly, given the wind, there was no rowing but some good food and plenty of chatting. 

2007-08 Premiership results