“It is twenty years, almost to the day, since I first rowed in a Churchill May Boat, and about 15 since I started giving regularly to the Club. Every month when I see the tenner leave my bank account, I smile at memories of hard fought victories and the friends made through shared adventures.”
— Martin Hoather (U94)
Following 10 months of construction the Combined Colleges Boathouse (Churchill College, Kings College, Selwyn College and the Leys School) is on track for completion in time for May Bumps. In order to celebrate the opening of this fantastic new facility, guided tours of the venue will run on the afternoon of 11 June (the Saturday of May Bumps) and during Association Weekend.
An invitation is also extended to all Boat Club supporters to book tickets to join this year’s Boat Club dinner, on 11 June. Take the opportunity to gather together your decade group or boat crew and enjoy an evening of remembrances and celebration. Bookings for the tours and the dinner are now open on the Churchill website, where you can also donate to the Boat Club Fund.
Why the Boat Club needs your support
“It is one of my most memorable experiences — to have known the Canon (Duckworth) and to enjoy the pleasure of moving an eight along the river.. My interest in rowing has not faded, and that is why I contribute in a small way towards supporting the opportunity for others to enjoy it.”
— Stanley Green (G61)
“The current squad are every bit as dedicated as in previous eras, despite much greater academic and financial pressures; they deserve decent equipment and some help with training costs. “
— Martin Hoather (U94)
The cost of running the Boat Club is in three parts:
- Churchill’s share of running costs for the new boathouse
- Replacing equipment
- Daily running costs of the Boat Club
This money all comes from the College. At the moment the students pay for their own kit and they also contribute to the cost of the Easter training camp. We are also very grateful to our team of alumni coaches who help keep the coaching costs down.
Boat Club annual running costs
Donations from alumni help particularly with professional coaching costs at training camp and over the winter, replacement boats and the cost of competing in regattas away from Cambridge. Most recently, the Club was extremely grateful to receive a substantial donation from the estate of Don Pinchin (G73) to purchase a brand new M1 Boat.
With the fabulous new shared boathouse due to open shortly, there can be no better time to build on the success of previous and existing crews of Churchill rowers in the future! We hope you will be able to join us in the celebrations and if at all possible, help support the Boat Club in this new era.
“I am proud to support the Club’s work in promoting the sport to future generations of students. Churchill introduced me to rowing, and 45 years later I am still participating and occasionally competing. I have the honour to be Secretary of the London Rowing club, one of the oldest clubs in the work, and I am also a national rowing umpire. I feel I owe CCBC a huge debt.”
— Jeremy Hudson (U71)
Boathouse tours & Boat Club dinner
