I thought that the speeches brought both the past and the future of the club together; stories of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden mooring their launch on the old Raft, along with Rowley's excellent account of the struggle and victory for success, achieving gold at Sydney. PS. Rowley and Rick were seen deep in conversation at the clubhouse - squads beware!

2 inaugural awards presented at the end of the Dinner - The Blaseby Cup and The Cassidy Trophy were warmly and loudly applauded by the members and guests. The Blaseby Cup presented by Peter Blaseby on behalf of his family, was awarded for "outstanding services to the club" to Mr Ray Cassidy - for transforming the club successes on the water for nearly a decade. After which, he was then asked to present a new trophy in his name - The Cassidy Trophy - for "excellence on the water". This was awarded to Mr Matt Ayers for his leadership & dedication in captaining the Mens Squad and the 1st VIII over the last 2 years. And of course thanks to Ann, Lois, DaveK, Rick and Jill for their contribution to the Club week-in, week-out over the last season

The Clubhouse, with its excellent decorations, was then the scene for some alternative awards, dancing and of course the bar - till at least 3am!

It leaves me to say that training starts on the Saturday 6th January 2006, with only 12 weeks left to HORR.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Julian Johns
Club Captain

Curlew Rowing Club
Trafalgar Rowing Centre
11-13 Crane Street
Greenwich SE10 9NP

0870 285 1591