David Robinson, longstanding club memeber (as rower, captain, coach and many other things) has retired from active invovlement in the club to devote more time to all the things that haven't got done properly because of rowing. The junior squad heard the news this last weekend and it takes immediate effect. There will no doubt be an opportunity for the juniors and others to show their thanks sometime soon.

Newburn Country Park had obviously had adavance news, as David's anouncement was marked during a junior outing at noon on Saturady 24 September with a fusillade of cannon fire across the river. This was dressed up as a re-enactment of the Battle of Newburn (1640), but we know better. No harm was done, but the cannon fire was certainly loud.