His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Mrs Julie Spencer OBE QPM visited the Isle of Ely Rowing Club. “This marked a very special occasion for us, as it was the Duke’s first visit to a grassroots rowing club,” said a club spokesperson.
“During his visit, the Duke had the opportunity to witness first hand the incredible talent, variety, and diversity that our club embodies.
“From our junior boys’ and girls’ crews to our experienced rowers of all ages and backgrounds, everyone had the chance to showcase their skills and chat informally with the Duke.
“It was truly inspiring to see the positive impact our club has on the local community, particularly Ely College.
“Parents of our junior members spoke glowingly about the increased confidence, teamwork, engagement, and sense of community that their children – and they themselves! – have gained through involvement with IoERC.”
The Duke had the chance to experience the beauty of the Great Ouse from a rower’s perspective with a short outing in a safety launch.
“This experience offered a glimpse into the peacefulness and challenge that rowing offers,” said the club spokesperson.
“The success of the visit was further solidified when the Lord Lieutenant’s cadet expressed her eagerness to sign up for our next Learn to Row course – a fantastic testament to the enthusiasm we strive to cultivate.”
As the visit concluded, club president Derek Pickersgill expressed his heartfelt gratitude to The Duke, highlighting the positive impact it had on our club’s morale and future outlook.
In return, The Duke commended the club for its dedication to fostering enthusiasm and skill, effectively utilising both free river access and our fleet of boats. He also offered his best wishes for the club’s continued success.
The spokesperson added: “This visit was a truly momentous occasion for the Isle of Ely Rowing Club, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase our passion for rowing and the positive impact we have on our community.”
