Fundraising

It is now 21 years since the official opening of the current Reading Rowing Club boathouse by Colin Moynihan, then Sports Minister and now President of the British Olympic Association. (Colin was, of course, also an accomplished cox; steering Oxford University in the Boat Race and the Great Britain VIII to the silver medal at the Moscow Olympics.)

21 years on, the original lease on the boathouse has been renewed and the Club has negotiated a new 99-year lease. On the back of this, the Club has also secured funding from British Rowing to develop the boathouse and improve facilities. Plans have been drawn up, planning approval obtained and work has commenced to expand and improve the training and changing facilities, refresh the bar and function room, and introduce new features that will enhance the revenue-generating potential of the building and contribute to a more sustainable future. Improved access will open up rowing as a viable sporting option for the disabled in the Reading area. You can find out more about the refurbishment here.

The building works are being funded by a combination of: Club funds, a donation and a loan from Reading Amateur Regatta, the British Rowing grant (£99,000) and fund raising. There is currently a shortfall of £40,000 which is being covered by a Debenture scheme in the short term. To repay the debentures, the Club is embarking on a major fundraising campaign. Members are dreaming up a wide variety of activities, there are many ways in which you too can get involved and make your mark on the future of our club. Click on the links on the right to find out more.