Tyne United Rowing Club plans new Gateshead clubhouse

Jul 7 2009 by Linda Richards, The Journal

ROWING has a colourful history on the River Tyne. In the 19th Century, spectators regularly numbered between 50,000 and 100,000 – bigger than today’s football crowds.

The river was the spawning ground for three heroes, two world champions, Harry Clasper and James Renforth and champion of England Robert Chambers.

In recent years a new rowing club is keeping the tradition alive and is celebrating a major boost.

Tyne United Rowing Club, Gateshead’s only rowing club, has gone from strength to strength since it was established in April 2007.

Within a short period of time, the dedicated team of volunteers acquired land on the south bank of the Tyne near Newburn bridge from the Duke of Northumberland, to promote competitive rowing for enthusiasts of all levels and ages.

And now the club’s plans to build a clubhouse on the three-acre site look like coming to fruition.

The club has already won £828,000 towards the £1.2m scheme and has just clinched a £50,000 award from Gateshead Council.

Delighted club chairman Barbara Milns said: “The award of this money from Gateshead Council is the last but vital piece of the jigsaw and will allow the club to move forward in its work to provide rowing opportunities for all in Gateshead.”

The scheme, which is to be built in two phases, includes creating six boat sheds, club house, access steps down to the river, an indoor water tank and a gym.

As well as providing new facilities for rowers, the gym and indoor tank will be available for community use, particularly for those taking part in programmes to help improve their health.

The club has sealed £828,000 from funders including Sport England, Durham University, private sponsors, the Environment Agency, National Grid, Foundation For Sport And The Arts, The Community Foundation and Awards For All.

Gateshead Council’s contribution comes from its ‘Get Building Fund’, a last resort pot of cash that sports clubs can apply for to support facility developments.

Gateshead Council cabinet member Coun Michael McNestry said the council had been impressed by Tyne United Rowing Club’s ambitions and the quality of the work they are already doing with the community and with rowers of all levels.

“We’re very pleased to be able to help with the creation of these new facilities and I’m sure that they will be a huge benefit both to club members and sport in Gateshead as a whole,” he added.

:: Click here to log on to the Tyne United Rowing Club website