The Club in a Box project has been running for just over two year and has proved to be a great success to all who have been involved.
The CPGA with funding from St Austell Brewery, Sport England and British Rowing launched the first equipment package in February 2017. The equipment package consists of a GRP training gig, trailer, oars, cushions, cover, cover supports and thole pins (hopefully). Basically, everything you need to get on the water and rowing. There is a minimal loan fee per year which is then used when the GRP has its overhaul at the end of the loan period.
The first Club in a Box – Seven Stars (Tribute) spent its first twelve months on the River Thames at Richmond, as well as a voyage across the lochs in Scotland from west to east. It allowed the London Cornish club to build membership in both Richmond and the docks from where they operate.
Its second year was spent at Newhaven in Sussex. Where it helped get the club established and allowed them to build their membership base as well as invest in their racing gig.
The Seven Stars (Tribute) now begins another adventure. This time taking to the waters of the Bristol Channel, on loan to Portishead who are developing their youth section and the additional capacity of SS will greatly facilitate this developing area for the club.
Club chairman – Will Cogley commented ‘We are delighted to welcome Seven Stars to Portishead. Gig rowing has become hugely popular in our town and the loan of a second GRP will enable us to reduce our large waiting lists and get more people on the water. Another boat would also enable the club to work with local organisations to expand our enthusiastic youth section which is a new project this year. On behalf of our club, I would like to thank the CPGA for this fantastic opportunity’.