Pants on fire...

I've got music, I've got laughter, I've got 20 drunk men arriving after the Cygnet Waddle...who could ask for anything more...

As usual the BB Ladies pulled out all the stops this year and tried to pull several other things too, if the rumours are to be believed - in making the BBLRC Annual Ball a night to remember.

The ladies worked throughout the preceding days and weeks to create an atmosphere of elegance and charm

I'm sure this worked as on arrival almost every single Cygnet looked emotional.

You'll be ecstatic to know that guests have sent in their compliments and they range for the all important "Have you seen my bow-tie?", always the sign on a night well-spent to "I had a smashing time and lost the power of speech"...well, we aim to please.

We were also lucky enough to have Olympian and all-round nice chap Greg Searle as a guest as well. Don't worry Cygnet, you're still our favourites.

Particular thanks go to Tammy, Sara and Tracey for the ball preparations, all those who donated raffle prizes (Tina got a prize - at last!) and of course all of you for coming, it was a great evening.

Photos are here

Infernal Inferno's...

I don't think Dante ever pictured anything quite like this...a selection of the finest BB Ladies and Cygnet gents (those with their own teeth and/or hips)busted some moves down at the 'nitespot' that is Infernos. As they say a picture paints a thousand words...

Blue streak...

However, Poppy and Bea may have spent the day being dragged into second place by Cygnet's top ergers but triumphed in the Nike 10 km. Some would already say that Poppy is nocturnal - coming to life at night - but hot on the heals of our coach, Si-monster, everyone put in a fantastic effort in a field of over 30,000 runners.

Simon Blackburn 49:03 5238th

Poppy Ahern 49:40 5805th

Pete Leffler 51:05 7052th

Bea van Hoorn Alkema 54:07 9861th

Charlotte Webster 1:10:36 20104th

Your starter for ten...

Never have so many rowers concentrated for such a long period of time - there was no minute on/minute off here - the BBLRC Quiz sorts the talkers from the walkers...[enough -Ed]

The quiz proves that everyone's a genius when they happen to know the 'right' answer to the question, which astonishly is the one they've written down too!

The Human Beans romped home to a win, with the Nickalators only a point behind - it appears that Dr French isn't the good luck charm many BB ladies think him to be - coming second for the second year - his team a victim of choosing the technically 'correct' answer over the one Tammy and Esme had written down - a schoolboy error. Three times surely a charm for next year...

BBLRCBIRC

Congratulations to the intrepid fools delegates from BBLRC and Cygnet who went to the Birmingham Indoor Rowing Championships on Sunday. Your Captain writes;

"It was a long day but hopefully we're all pleased with our results, and particularly because many PB's were achieved. We're all winners - just for going!

Results can be found here

Always bet on blue...

BB Ladies are, of course, the company of choice for those over on Surrey - please see this message and kind invite from Ed at Putney Town.

Riddle me this...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you may know the Annual BBLRC Quiz & Lunch is again upon us on Sunday 28th November at 12.30. Last year a multi -national team scooped victory from a team which consisted of not one but two doctors - it goes to show that questions about neural networks and fruit flies don't regularly come up on pub quizzes, so it's all to play for.

This year teams should consist of no more than four people, but can be fewer if your prefer a winning clique. Entry will be a five of your British pounds each and the winner will get a surprise token of victory but the greater knowledge that they have triumphed over some of the great minds that can lurk inside the most mediocre of rowers. The entry includes a lunch which will provide some well-earned sustenance mid-way through the afternoon's cerebral exertions.

Get in a team and let me know your team name by Wednesday 24th November, the game is afoot!

Esme

*All bribes in the form of cash/new Empachers should be placed in the boathouse for my attention.*

Great River Race

As is plain to see here, BB ladies are carrying Greg S down the river in September this year. This year we raced as the Hot Group - a coincidence we promise - but would like to thank Peter and Tony for giving us the opportunity to race and everyone in the boat for making it such good fun.

"Every woman for herself..."

These immortal words were uttered by none other than your own ex-Captain, Theresa, in the run up to another grand Fours Head entry by the 'Bridge. When all the cake-baking and tea drinking has ceased, it's just the blue and white against the Tideway (and several other boats and a couple of buttresses too). Your Captain had these words to say - "Well, congratulations to Barnes Bridge, we had a great weekend which involved great efforts on the rowing front, catering front, fireworks, drinking front and then it all ended with a trip to the flicks yesterday afternoon. And relax......".

Cygnet also took to the water, Barnes bridge shouted their loudest as a proud quad went off at 56 (number not stroke rate) and equally excited to see the sweep at the finish, both crews appeared to agree that it's an awfully long way.

Official results are here for the Fours Head and the Vets Head.

BBresults and photos are here

Honey monsters...

We all know that BB ladies are sweet, but who's this little lady giving the honey monster some sugar?

Focus Group

It was all too much for an unidentified BB lady just trying to do her job apparently,...

From : Xxxxx Xxxxx [mailto:[address withheld]
Sent : 22 October 2004 13:44:36
To :
Subject : FW: Bizarre request...

Before any more of you hilariously witty people email me back slandering my reputation can I just point out that this is for WORK, not some personal dating mechanism....

-----Original Message-----
From: Xxxxx Xxxxx [mailto:[address withheld]
Sent: 22 October 2004 12:11
Subject: Bizarre request...

...but does anyone know any boys between the ages of 18 and 21 who wouldn't mind being interviewed about their lifestyle & interests?
Any help much appreciated...
Thanks,
Xxxxx

Lies, damned lies and statistics

Statisticians, as we all know, are famous for massaging the figures to arrive at pleasing results - and let's face it, he does look pretty pleased with his result...

Potting shed...

An embarrassment of events this Sunday as the Pairs Head prizegiving saw the fruits of the rowers& scullers hard labours and also those of the BB organisers, Theresa, Ali and Elizabeth and Ann. Prizes were given out by Olympic silver medallist, Gillian Lindsey.

Separately we also opened the shed - congratulations on our new storage space to the hard working CSBE.

Pictures of the prizegiving - including our very own BB lady Jackie D receiving her pot with double partner Pauline Rayner are here...

Annual BBLRC Ball - Fire & Ice

Our annual Ball is again here! If you haven't yet received your evite it should be waiting for you in your inbox! If you haven't, the details are here please fill out the online form here on whether you can attend this extravaganza or not and your menu preferences.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Training Shed and Pair Head Prizegiving

As well as prize giving for the Pairs Head last weekend,the training shed will be officially opened this weekend. You all know that the planning and completion of the project has taken many long hours and much hard work and will be a great benefit to both clubs, if you would like to attend - and watch Olympian Gillian Lindsey open the shed itself - please let Esme know if you would like to attend and/or would like lunch.

BBLRC go global...

Barnes Bridge Ladies executed a perfect pincer manoeuvre last weekend as they assaulted both the Rhine and Thames simultaneously.

Caroline G kept the blue and white flying in Germany along with the lovely Cygnets, with all boats coming home in fine times.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, many of the higher echelons of Barnes Bridge were working feverishly to organise the Pairs Head, the lower echelons were fooled enough to take part. It was touch and go as the conditions made a sou'wester and gum boots look more of an option than an all in one but Ali called it and we all hared off towards Hammersmith, then towards Chiswick, then towards the bank and the eyot and bridge...

Four BB ladies took part, Theresa in a mixed double with Chris D, Elizabeth and Esme (-always get the race safety officer to steer your double- Ed) and Jackie D with Pauline Rayner, winners of the Vet E pennant. The results are available here Here's how terrified we actually were...photos...

Thank you to everyone who took part and helped organise/run the event and to those who volunteered for timing and catering - congratulations!

Never enough...

Some people are plain nuts - some are more of Christmas selection, this applies to the victorious Barnes bridge and Cygnet Rowathlon bunnies. Congratulations on a completing the course in great times, which you can find here.

Run, Forrest, run...

Not content with exercising on the water,a BB evolutionary cycle of Darwinian proportions took place on Sunday with four of the finest Bridgers executing an amphibious assault on the Cancer Research 10k run.

Congratulations to Sarah T, Caroline, Susie and Poppy for a brilliant result. A special mention goes to Sarah T for being the first woman across the line.

If you didn't get around to sponsoring the girls before the race you can still make a donation to them now - there's a sponsorship website that also has a great picture of them all ready to go at

www.justgiving.com/gothebridge

Mike C's Scull of Rock

Just imagine a magical weekend water-side with your beloved - listening to Vivaldi, going to bed early after some cocoa, pottering about in boats....then imagine 25 other people turn up and force you to play Twister. That's right, Theresa and Mike's nightmare was made flesh when the joint clubs descended for the weekend after their idyllic sojourn on the island.

There are plenty of people to thanks for making the weekend fantastic - Chris D, Marj, Neil, of course Mike and Theresa and Sara M and the Beeb girls for co-ordinating the catering.

Despite some rain stopping play - it gave some an opportunity to read the Sunday papers ( it's hard to do normally as the man in front doesn't usually like you resting the Weekend section on his all-in-one during a piece.)

There was plenty of sculling, some of it sub-aqua but apparently this is gong to be an exhibiton event in Beijing 2008.

Mike and Theresa threw themselves into the Friday night Twister with the sort of gusto that suggests a week with your beloved can be ' too much of a good thing'. Unfortunately the new BBLRC Captain was not there for her inaugural Captain's invitation bout, Mike made do, but missed the opportunity for a speech of Churchill-esque proportions.

In the end - sculling was the winner - where have I heard that before?

Pics from Neil will be up soon

Butcher, baker, candlestick maker...

Training plan for the Great River Race

Have the (mis)fortune to know Tracey B and be asked to amble down the river with her and a selection of her work colleagues.

Train in an enormous boat, don't sit in the bows with a foot less inboard on your 'blade' than everyone else

Get double Olympian Greg Searle to sit there instead

Optional: Go to France, do no training and eat whole Camambert for the week preceding the race

Race Day

Meet up with thoroughly lovely and chirpy crew mates for a pre-race fry up - suspect they don't know what they have let themselves in for.

Row the aforesaid barge up hill and down dale in an effort to reach the finish line in 3hr 15mins.

Leave the coxing for that last 15 mins down to the banshee rower who will have 3hrs 15 out of you if she has to bullwhip you across the line.

Cross the line in 3hrs 15 mins - ah ha!

Realise you've just told a double Olympian he's not working hard enough.

Keep a low profile.

Have a lovely dinner with the crew, persuade the lady members of the crew to join the 'real' rowers - result.

Thank Tony, Peter, Greg for their generosity and agree to do it all again next year

The End

'ell Plates...

She may have steered a steady course for many years but Caroline G is now fully qualified to put her driving skills into practice on the roads of our nation's capital. My insurance has already gone up, we must all make sure she doesn't cross to the other side of the road when she approaches Chiswick.... well done, Caroline!

If you can't beat them...

Congratulations also to Sara and Nathan who married this Saturday, we hope they will be very happy together. Hoorah!

Waddle down the aisle...

Congratulations to Helen and Steve who married this Saturday. Many BB Ladies and Cygnet gents (and lady!) were in attendance on this very happy day, congratulations to them both. Some pictures, courtesy of Cygnet are available here

Anything Pinsent can do....

Congratulations to Ali who won gold this weekend in Hamburg at the World Masters FISA Regatta in both the Vet's C 8's and her Vet's C Quad.and also came second in the double and coxless 4 event. Fantastic news for Ali and the BB Ladies.

Peer pressure...

One gets one, they all want one...it's huge congratulations to the Novice 4+ who won this weekend at Ross to get their well-deserved novice pot. Well done, Sarah T, Poppy, Annabelle, Charlotte and Dave....pics here

A rower writes:

It was hot, damned hot. Hot and dangerous. Dave had just made me drive his very posh car at criminal speeds for hundreds of miles. The first heat: a bye - and an extra hour in bed. Sweet. The semi-final: we were rubbish, but not as rubbish as the other crew, and that's what counts. The final: I was hit on the head with the boat, and it worked like a dream - we were on fire and romped home to a 2 1/2 length victory. And it was good.

Doggy paddle...

We have kind member of the public to thank for these fabulous pictures of the novice four at Oxford to show that we aren't just good-looking, kick @rse rowers but like every good lady, don't know much about the gold standard but love fluffy animals. Sweeeeet....pics here

Single sculler.....

I'm sure many of you will be delighted to know that Ruth and Dave have had a beautiful baby girl over the weekend, Ella Wilson-Grimshaw, weighing in at a respectable 9lbs!

Congratulations to them both, this may be the only ocassion when it's traditonal to dress a girl in blue....

Oxford blues...

Congratulations to the S4+ on Sunday, Elizabeth, Robin, Stephanie, T and Tina who romped home to a qualifying victory.

The novices were just edged out by three feet.

Nice pots!

Per ardua ad astra

A fantastic showing at this year's St Neots Regatta - there were eights and novice fours winning heats and in semis & finals all over the place, it was nearly blue on blue action in the final of the fours but in the end one boat reached the final on Saturday, only to lose in a close race. However, you can't keep a good lady down and the same crew romped to victory through some gruelling rounds on Sunday to win their novice pot, congratulations to Robin, Stephanie, Emma and Tess - and of course Dave. Photos are in the album

The novice eight gave an excellent (and bizarrely well-groomed) Furnivall crew a run for their money on Sunday, only losing by a respectable 3/4 length.

Wishing to share the love around, Barnes Bridge and their doorstep Cygnet mixed partners took to the water in the mixed fours and quads. You will be excited to know that the mixed quad powered (?) to victory on both days, the crew was arranged in height order with the tallest in the bow for a bit of variety. Mike did a grand job of steering a vicious bend with the aid of a bowside anchor - the crew were never in any doubt that he 'really wanted this, no really, he did' and we were going to thrash old people to get it.

The biggest news of the weekend was the marquee though which should keep us in grand luxury for many regattas to come...

Congratulations to everyone who took part - a fantastic weekend and hopefully the shape of things to come!

Wind in the willows...

A special day for the Bridge on Saturday at Molesey, no - not just the Webmistress's brother's birthday, but an entry for the novice eight into the final after a win against Vesta. Unfortunately they were knocked out in the final by Cambridge - but as Ladies they resisted the temptation to shout "We pay your taxes, idle scroungers!" as they crossed the line...

Novice Four win their heat...to applause

No more Miss Nice Girl to Vesta...

Barnes Bridge pick up trophies at Henley...

There was a tense start to racing on Friday at Club Day @ Henley. All the Barnes Bridgers had turned out in racing kit, ready for immediate crew selection. It goes without saying that selection is based on a number of criteria; availability, fitness and effort. We aim to make sure everyone gets what they deserve.

Novices worth a particular mention for their Henley performance are Poppy and Lisa - with some outstanding groundwork followed by a final push for the Steward's enclosure - they picked up their large trophies later in the evening.

However, the outstanding pair of the day was definitely fronted by Sarah T. As a novice in nothing but name, she romped home past Steward's, the station, Twyford and finally Hammersmith Bridge to a well deserved standing ovation from the enclosure.

An excellent turn out and result again for the 'Bridge, we'll be back for more action next season.

There's no 'I' in comm*ttee...

As you know our committee is the backbone of Barnes Bridge's march towards administrative greatness. I'm sure you would like to join me to say thank you and farewell to two members of the committee, Brita and Sue, who have done some superb and often unsung work as Safety Officer and Housekeeper respectively.

In the interim, Poppy will become the acting Safety Officer until we have a chance to vote at the AGM/Captains Meeting and I would urge anyone who would like to take an active part in the running of the club to volunteer for the coveted position of Housekeeper, with their very own web page....

Pots win prizes...

Hello...Richmond was this weekend decorated with BB's favourite colours - white, blue and pewter. Congratulations to the S4 8o who beat AK ( hoorah!) home, looking good, to win the final. Very well done to (from bow) T, Tess, Caroline G, Caroline P, Sara, Ruth, Tammy and Sarah T and Davey.

There was debate as to whether the tenth member of the crew needed an ARA number - but one baby face in the boat with Davey is quite enough.

I've put the photos on the photos page!

Novice Eight - the evidence...

Cygnets beware - more gorgeous women in lycra...

Pot plants..

Only three months ago, prospective BB ladies were milling around the hard thinking that it would be a grand idea to get out on the water and mess about in boats. On Saturday, to the support of a cater of BB Ladies on MAA balcony, the novices entered their first race at Barnes and Mortlake at a cheeky S4. It would be rude to get a pot first time out, next time there's no mercy. Congratulations to everyone, looks good for the rest of the season..

Theresa also narrowly missed out in a hard fought final in the S3 1x, her Poplar nemesis pipping her to the post.

Cruise control was set to on for Cygnet though, they won the S4+ and Chris D, got his well-earned novice sculling pot.

Mike C managed a podium position, which is no mean feat at half pressure, half slide, half eyes shut...

Name that date...

In the spirit of sisterhood, we were all keen to know who Sarah T danced the night away last Friday. In the interests of propriety and that the raptor-like 'Bridgers would be round there in a flash, she would not divulge his name, save for a shortlist from which you are invited to pick, just like a Derby winner....

For your enjoyment and her mortification - our new poll is name the teddy...

Novice Eight go afloat....

Novices - does no-one believe you actually go to the river to row? Are people worried that you live a double life wearing wellies?

Here's the proof you're not just in it for the men and the lycra.......

Twisted Sister

Sculling weekend proved to be another all round success, with everything from the boat-rigging to the cream scones(rhymes with 'scones') being taken care of by a merry band of Barnes Bridgers and Cygnets.

The undeniable high points of the weekend were Mike's "Unapology for the male condition(with right foot on red)" speech, the boat-naming of the lovely Hamhaugh Island and the 'love burgers' © 2004 BBLRC, specially prepared for Cygnet.

It was great to see everyone learning something new afloat (and on land) and to see the established members helping out the new novices, Lou Henderson won the can of lager and Charlotte definitely deserves a prize for the longest outing but shortest distance covered,

Person on Bank: "Charlotte, would you like to come in now you've been out there for over an hour"

Charlotte: "I'd love to, I just don't know how... I thought if I went past enough times, it would just happen..."

Many thanks to all those who made the weekend possible, it was lovely to see both active rowers and club friends all in the same weekend.

We aren't a Ladies club for nothing...

Un-named Kiwi Barnes Bridge Senior: "Men - I do despair, I don't think there is any hope..."

Sculling Camp

It's that time of year again...sculling camp is on 17th/18th April up at the Bungalow. Chris D is organising this year, you can declare your interest directly to him here or on the website form here

Sara and Esme, the"Pinky and Perky of feminism" © 2004 Dave Gledhill, will be heading up the catering onslaught, so please emailSara if you'd like to lend a garnishing hand.

Bedford Head

Some intrepid Ladies made off to the flatlands of Bedford on Sunday to see out the Head season in style. What kind of style may be anyone's guess...

The two S4+ put in good performances, coxed by Dave, on a particularly tricky piece of river, we all thought that 5 bridges was a bit greedy for any course.

This was brought into sharp relief as the S4 2x, with super-sub Elizabeth, played pinball with the island, the wall and the Bridge. The Pair also felt the brunt of some 'interesting weather conditions' but went on to be only 4 seconds behind the crew that came second, whilst racing in a category above their own.

Si-monster was keen that his coaching adages resonated in the ladies'minds during the race, he very nearly achieved this first-hand by attempting to attach himself the rigger of a boat by the shoe laces. After this he spent some time videoing swans, bridges, the Ladies hooting with laughter & drinking tea and, of course,shouting 'Steer!'.

A fun day out, for everyone but the swans and anyone withing earshot of the double...

On to the regatta season, please remember to fill in the racing availability sheet at the Boathouse, it should be a great season.

Book worm...

Many of you may already know that PLA have been updating their website, with an interactive map of the Thames. To coincide with this and 75 years of women's movement for having the vote, they are also researching a book/pamphlet - "75 years - Women: From Ladies to Lycra" 'Charting the journey of women going up the river of independence and through the Surrey arch of suffrage'.

If you would like to contribute please, let me know here, and I'll pass on your comments. Sorry for the late notification but I'll need any entries today. Thanks.

Catering and a race...

It felt like the day would never come, and those who had been on the Tebworth diet probably wished it never would but Saturday proved to be a challenging day for the Bridge in the eight and in the composite with Putney Town

Without a category of their own (cue violins) the S4 BB eight made an excellent show in the S3 category, giving us a well-deserved and realistic platform for next year. A look at the times for last year's head (on the results page) shows that we went two minutes faster than the S3 first crew last year- and we had an excellent row. Our blistering pace down the final straight even threw the Si-monster off his pedalling and prompted Dave to tell us how proud he was before we'd even got to Barn Elms!

The composite had a good row, despite being placed before some S2 boats to give them a nudge up the course. A big thank you to those who took part in the composite - it's a lot to ask to row away from your own club for events like this but now we'll all be together again!

Thank you to those who donated things and manned the tea stall, Jackie, the Emmas and Chris, it helped a alleviate the tension in the our pre-race paddle where bow-side had the collective worry that the tea urn was on the verge of unsupervised explosion....

It was a fantastic day and a pleasure to race, those who had never rowed it before will now either love it or hate it - the 'Bridge will be back again next year.

Hammerhead

There's only two things ladies are supposed to do on February 29th and for those who could resist asking Cygnets to marry them - there was a race on at the Hammersmith Head.

All the early mornings and indoor erg 'championships' paid off with our first win of the season, to take the S4 pennant.

Unsurprisingly no-one felt like proposing afterwards but Miss Tebworth had a little present for the crew.....and it was the gift that just kept on giving. The crew was too late to enter as lightweights for the Women's Head, though.

One for the boys....

Just in case Cygnet are interested in what we really look like at 6.30 in the morning.....I think you'll agree the result is not bad at all....

10 days 'til WEHoRR - go the blue and white navy - on both sides of the bank.....

Strawmen

Unfortunately we weren't able to travel to Peterborough this weekend, I can hear you crying into you warm, dry fleeces. To make up for it we had a few timed pieces, with some Blackburn adjustments....many BB Ladies believe the rightful place for a straw is in a Bacardi Breezer. However, Simon's obsession with straws continues, without an alcopop in sight. Have a word.....

Modular Adjuncts...

Thank you to all those who turned up on Sunday for both BBLRC and CSBE AGMs. Unfortunately there weren't enough people to vote through the constitution changes, but you will be glad to know that Sara, Elizabeth, Carolyn, Sue and 'new' recruit Theresa, as Vice Captain, will be heading up your committee through the coming season.

Ruth Wilson, although stepping down from a distinguished career on the committee, is now the Boathouse Chairman so there's no rest for the wicked.

Dave will be Boathouse Captain, Ali remains as Treasurer, Carolyn as Assistant Treasurer and T as Secretary. Marj will carry on her sterling work as Assistant Secretary, with Neil as the new Bar Steward. Seem a logical conclusion? You obviously weren't there....

Trivial Head of the River

AK would like to invite/challenge BBLRC to field a team of three or four people for the 'Trivial Head of the River' at AK, 7.30 for 8pm on Thursday.

Other clubs playing are London, Vesta, Black Prince and others!

So if you don't feel like going to circuits(ahem). Please contact me for details.

CSBE & BBLRC AGM

Please do not forget that the BBLRC AGM takes place on Sunday 8th February, followed by the CSBE AGM. Please turn out for both, your fellow members need support for all the good work they are prepared to do.

Tideway Scullers Head - April 3rd

Tideway Scullers are looking for volunteers to help with the timing from about 1.30pm on 3rd April, finishing at about 4.30pm. If you think you can help, please do and get in touch as we also rely on people's help with the Pairs Head. Please contact Julie Stoner who is organising the timing team.

BBLRC '04 Diary

Happy New Year! Feeling unfit and bloated with mince pies, never want to see another turkey again? Plum puddings looking like a depth charge?

Simon has just the cure and more besides, check out the update first quarter '04 plans and show that buzzard who's boss.

It's all in the Member's Section for your viewing pleasure.