Keswick-based Lakeland Rowing Club has recognised the contribution of two of its founders by awarding them honorary life membership.
Ian Hill and John Knox, who have been friends and keen rowers for sixty years, set up Lakeland in 2007 with two other local oarsmen to further the sport they love.
At the time, there were no rowing clubs between Brampton and Lancaster, an area of several hundred square miles including some of the most beautiful stretches of water in the Lake District.
By 2016, there were enough members to split into two independent clubs: Lakeland RC on Derwentwater and, for those in the south of the county, Windermere RC.
Lakeland chair Julia McCumiskey, who presented their life membership certificates at Saturday’s ceremony, said: “Lakeland RC would not be the thriving club it is today without the foresight and dedication of Ian and John. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”
Ian and John, who is the club’s life president, rowed for the University of Cambridge’s Clare College in the 1960s and went on to race together at Henley Royal Regatta for many years.
Although the pair no longer compete, they have remained members of Lakeland RC, generously contributing their time and resources to support its growth.
They have also introduced family members to the sport, with Ian’s son Alex, daughter-in-law Hannah and grandson Sam all playing an active part in the club.
Lakeland now has around 100 members, who attend evening and weekend sessions or form crews for impromptu weekday outings. It also runs low-cost adult and junior learn-to-row courses from April to September every year, with bursaries available to help with fees.
Beginners, or returning rowers, who would like to know more about opportunities at Lakeland RC can visit www.lakelandrowingclub.com or find the club on Facebook – just search for the Lakeland Rowing Club page
Image Credit - Nicola Jackson
