Beer festival bid to raise money for rowing club

Jess Leyden who has been selected to row in Great Britain quads and Stuart Sykes who has been selected for the Great Britain under 23 squad

Members of Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club are preparing for their second Beer and Cider Festival, to raise money for the club.

The Festival, which takes place in September, offers 20 beers and eight ciders as well as live music from local bands including the Middleton Brass Band, the Lazy Maybees and Wardle Oompah Band.

Last year’s festival raised £1,500 and organisers are hoping to at least match that amount this year.

Rising stars at the club - including Jess Leyden who has been selected to row in Great Britain quads and Stuart Sykes who has been selected for the Great Britain under 23 squad - need the best equipment to compete effectively. Equipment costs and entry fees can run into thousands of pounds.

Ian John, Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club Captain, explained: “A single scull costs between £6,000 and £9,000, blades another £500. Entry fees to even get selected for GB run into thousands of pounds – to compete at the Junior Worlds cost over £700 per person.”

At the other end of the scale the club’s novices need to get out in suitable boats. At the moment they can’t teach anyone to row because they need a replacement training gig which costs around £5,000

Mr John added: “These are all big numbers, so any way we can raise money is a bonus and we work hard to that end.

“We have at least two more juniors with international potential who are coming through the ranks, and they need and will get all the support they require.”

Mr John concluded: “This year the club will not be holding a rowing regatta which has been an annual event at Hollingworth for many years. The reduced water level has made the lake unsafe for racing.

“The beer and cider festival is therefore vital as a way of raising funds. The more successful the festival the better able we will be to support our members.”

The Festival will take place on Friday 23 September (evening) and Saturday 24 September at the Rowing Club. Entrance is £5 which includes and engraved glass and the first half pint free.

The Club are also looking for companies to sponsor a barrel. For more information contact Tony Edmondson on 07713 630473 or 01706 861662.