6th August 2018
Lakeland Rowing Club is celebrating the addition of two new sculling boats to its fleet thanks to the generous support from the United Utilities Legacy Fund, administered by the Foundation.
On Wednesday 1st August 2018, Lakeland Rowing Club named and launched the first of the new boats from its new site on the Isthmus, near Keswick. The boat was named named ‘John Knox’ after the club’s founder member and president John Knox, who has developed the club since it was founded in April 2007. The club has now 98 members including 32 junior members from Keswick School and Cockermouth School and continues to grow.
Ian McCoy, Cumbria Stakeholder Manager of United Utilities North West, commented: “United Utilities would like to thank Lakeland Rowing Club for this opportunity. Having given this some thought I think calling the boat ‘John Knox’ is very apt. John has created the legacy at Lakeland Rowing Club and United Utilities are hopefully helping this fantastic legacy.”
Chris Pratt, Chairman of Lakeland Rowing Club, said: “Thank you to United Utilities for its generous funding of the new boats. Ethusiastic juniors, whether training or competing, will be testament enough to the benefits of the grant.”
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, commented: “The club is going from strength to strength and due to its popularity with local youngsters and its ever-growing junior section, it’s fantastic United Utilities have supported this project to purchase the additional boats so that more young people can develop their rowing skills and compete more regularly in the sport.”
Karen Blackley and her daughter, recent Learn to Row students of new of Lakeland Rowing Club, said: “Joining LRC has given me the opportunity at 50+ to learn a new skill. Whilst I have found it very challenging at times, the sense of satisfaction when it goes well is really rewarding. This could not have been achieved without the dedication and support of others at the club, who have given up their time to help me.
“My daughter also rows and my aim is one day for us to row together in a double. There are few sports where you can partake together as a family. Therefore what can be better than living in the Lakes and getting to enjoy the landscape from a unique view point?!”
To find out more about the United Utilities Legacy Fund see our grants page.