'Oar'some donation

01/03/2006

Rowers in Tynedale are in ‘oar’ of a donation from a local water company.

Northumbrian Water has splashed out thousands of pounds from it’s Pipeline Fund for Hexham Rowing Club.

The £5,000 donation to the rowing club, which was established in 1878 and is one of the oldest sports clubs in the North East, is making a huge difference to the 50 members.

Hexham Rowing Club has bought a double scull boat.  The ten-meter boat weighs just 27 kilograms, making it ideal for ladies, juniors and lightweight males.  The boat, named Northumbrian Water, has joined a fleet of 13 boats.
 
Ivan Jepson, customer manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “The Pipeline Fund is making a real difference to people and the local community.  We are delighted that Hexham Rowing Club’s new boat is going to be named Northumbrian Water and we wish the rowers many happy strokes! One of the ways we exercise our community involvement in our supply area is by encouraging people to get involved in physical activity and, at the same time, promote the importance of drinking water as part of a healthy lifestyle.” 

George Doody, captain of Hexham Rowing Club, said: “The Northumbrian Water boat will be put to great use in the forthcoming regatta season and it means our younger and female members will be able to participate in more competitions.”

The Pipeline Fund was set up by Northumbrian Water in 2005 when water supplies were cut in Tynedale when a torrential river flood washed away water pipes crossing the River Tyne, leaving many customers without a water supply.  The money has been shared out to community projects throughout the affected areas and has been administered by the Community Foundation.

If anyone is interested in joining Hexham Rowing Club they can contact George Doody on 07775 702 000, e-mail captain@hexhamrc.co.uk, or go along to support the annual regatta at Tyne Green, Hexham on Saturday June 3 2006.

For further information contact Carolyn King on 0191 3016722.