One of the best things about being a parent of rowers at Shiplake is the sense of community and camaraderie that is experienced with other parents, on the side of the river, cheering the Shiplake boys and girls on.
Rowing is a “different” type of sport, often involving lengthy waits by the water. It can also be very confusing, with new terms to learn about the actual boats (four versus quad, coxed versus coxless!), the events themselves (regatta versus head race!) but also where to watch, park, eat and connect with other Shiplake supporters.
The aim of the Boat Club Supporters' Association is to build a community off the water, so parents can better support those on it. This community is built in several ways:
- Co-ordination of events and facilities such as the marquee, tea, coffee and cakes
- Communication that's written by parents of rowers to help you understand what's going on, where to meet and what support we need
- The Twitter feed (@SupportersSCBC), information in the school bulletins and through WhatsApp groups
- Selling of branded SCBCSA merchandise so you can easily recognise other supporters and be recognised as a supporter
- Fundraising for the tools to help enrich the river-side experience for our supporters and rowers
- Events to bring supporters together such as the Quiz Night
- Supporting key events such as National Schools' Regatta and making it the best possible experience for the Shiplake supporters over the many days of racing
Whilst we are not responsible for communicating information about regattas and training, the members of the Supporters' Assoication committee liaise with Mr Currie and the parents by providing additional details from a supporter’s perspective. Things like where supporters are meeting, whether there is a marquee, tea and coffee facilities and more. This information is available on www.shiplakesports.org.uk under each regatta.
To minimise waste and single use plastics at regattas, please note disposable drinking cups for hot or cold drinks are not provided. Tea, coffee and water is provided but please bring a reusable cup or drinks bottle on the day.
More information on who we are, our fundraising goals and achievements can be found below.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Twitter: @SupportersSCBC
SCBCSA Members
The Association is made up of a small number of parent representatives from all year groups and we always need help with cakes and setting up and shutting down at events. Let us know if you are interested - email Catherine Brazil at [email protected].
Fundraising
As you may be aware, rowing is an expensive sport with 'eights' priced at upwards of £30,000 and the cost of other necessities such as blades also mounting up. Whilst the College provides a generous budget, the SCBCSA tries to raise funds for the smaller extras.
We can’t provide for our Supporters without funds and our fundraising goal this year is £1,500 with all money going directly to the Boat Club Fund.
Our aims this year is to purchase a new urn, BBQ, marquee and more.
Quiz nights, raffles, dinners, as well as the annual Shiplake Regatta, are all regularly part of the fundraising efforts .We will often ask for a small donation at events so please be generous. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Recent Fundraising Support
In recent years, the SCBCSA has successfully raised funds to purchase a range of valuable items:
- 2018 – Branded event marquee
- 2015 – Trailer
- 2014 – Blades (supported by River Cruise)
- 2013 – Contribution to New Pair
- 2012 – Riggers for J14 Boat
- 2011 – Trailor
- 2010 – Boat Club gym floor
- 2009 – Set of 8 sweep Blades
- 2008 – Two Gold Speed Coach Rate meters and a coxbox
- 2007 – Contribution to Vespoli eight
Merchandise
The Shiplake College Boat Club Supporters Association (SCBCSA) stocks a variety of branded merchandise. These are available by completing the form below, at Reception or by contacting a member of the committee. Cheques should be made payable to SCBCSA.
Click here to visit the Merchandise order form.
Flickr album: Shiplake Merchandise |
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