Thames Strategic Plan

The purpose of the Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) is to represent its members: these comprise clubs (including educational establishments) and events both regattas and head races. There are 60 open rowing clubs, 60 universities and colleges, 46 schools and 70 events (30 regattas and 40 head races). The members are all based along the course of the river Thames from its head waters to Tower Bridge. The region's registered rowers represent approximately 41% of the ARA's total registered membership. The 2000m course at Dorney is to be the venue for the Rowing World Cup, the Coup de Jeunesse in 2005 together with the 2006 World Rowing Championships. Near Reading there is the 2000m Caversham rowing lake which is intended for use by performance athletes.

The TRRC's mission is:

"To enable the Thames region to develop rowing at all levels by enabling every community within the region to participate in the sport and to maximise our strength at local, national and international level."

In line with the ARA values and principles, the TRRC is committed to:

• encouraging and developing good practice to provide a transparent and accountable organisation at national, regional and local level
• providing equal opportunities to participate in rowing regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age and religion
• creating the opportunity for athletes with the desire and talent to join the High Performance pathway and achieve medal success at World and Olympic level
• playing an active part in developing rowing as part of the wider sporting community
• playing an active part in developing rowing to benefit local communities
• providing a welcoming environment and support for participants to enjoy the sport at whatever level they choose to participate
• valuing the work of volunteers and providing recognition, support and training.

The Thames region aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in modernising and improving their facilities and equipment. Recent analyses have identified a number of development issues and concerns which include:

1. Barnes Bridge Ladies, Burway, Cygnet, Goring Gap, Kingston, Thames Tradesmen, Weybridge, Weybridge Ladies, and Wraysbury where tenure of current club sites needs to be secured.
2. Facilities to extend current activity are required at Oxford University Lightweights, Hinksey (Oxford), Putney Town, Combined Services RC, Dorney, Upper Thames, and Maidenhead.
3. There is the potential for a new site for rowing at Broadwater Lake near Denham and Uxbridge (M40/M25)