disgusted
Nick Suess
rowing at social/veteran level. What would be the nearest club to there? Is
there a river in TW? Or just a lot of tea rooms?
Phil
PaulP
Tonbridge School (in adjacent town, Tonbridge, frequently mistaken for
TW) used to row on the Medway but gave up when rudders got smaller than
about A4 sized - far too narrow and twisty (now overgrown).
All other rowing in that part of Kent (including Ton. School until they
gave up altogether recently) is done at Bewl Water (ie Bewl Bridge RC).
If that's not close enough he/she'll just have to do what I did - move!
I can't think of anything else closer than Canterbury or the Thames...
anyone else?
Very nice tea rooms though - like Henley but without the rowing....
Nick Suess
"Phil" <philip_b...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1137413222.4...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Thanks, Phil
Do we have a good playmate there who will welcome this antipodean stranger
one weekend, offer me a cup of tea, or even beer, and let me borrow a boat
(ideally an old slow 2x) for an hour or so?
carol...@aol.com
has a jolly group of veteran novice/social rowers. It's on a nice,
quiet and straight-ish section of the Medway. Roger Mobbs is the man
to talk to.
Caroline
Nick Suess
<carol...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1137418348.0...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Thanks again.
Bewl Bridge looks very convenient close to TW, and I think that's going to
be a big motivational factor for him. Are you saying it's less "jolly" there
than at Maidstone Invicta, or is that an unknown factor?
He likes the idea of rowing, but has a bit of that "I'm too old to learn"
mentality, and a possibly justiifed nervousness of being with a young coach
who will bark unintelligible orders, and make him feel dumb and silly. So my
cunning plan that cannot fail is to pop down there with him on a nice spring
Sunday, hopefully borrow a 2x and take him out for a gentle 20-30 mins. My
coaching is so f----n brilliant he'll by then be hooked, and join the club.
Win-win situation.
Having just been dubbed "Australia's premier rowing attache" (bit of a Les
Patterson feel about that!) I guess I could make a State visit to clubs
other than Evesham. One has to spread onesself around. Noblesse oblige!
Robin Walker
> Having just been dubbed "Australia's premier rowing attache" (bit of a Les
> Patterson feel about that!) I guess I could make a State visit to clubs
> other than Evesham. One has to spread onesself around. Noblesse oblige!
Glad you spotted the reference Nick. As you have probably heard, (see
http://www.evesham-rowing-club.co.uk/news/211005.asp ) we have
undertaken a £0.5m club renovation project in preparation for the
State visit, though as Her Majesty (and Sir Les) would confirm, such
visits are often accompanied by a strong smell of wet paint. Looking
forward to receiving your entry!
karon
I've met a lot of members form Bewl Bridge - especially on the Masters
circuit,and they have all been very friendly. They seem to have some
pretty good coaching going on there as well - I've been lucky enough to
receive some very patient coaching from one of their members, when I
was a very nervous Novice. Ask for Dave.
A. P. Thorsen
> He likes the idea of rowing, but has a bit of that "I'm too old to learn"
> mentality, and a possibly justiifed nervousness of being with a young coach
> who will bark unintelligible orders, and make him feel dumb and silly.
"Too old to learn"???? How old is he?
I started at 45, on a breast cancer survivors team. My doubles sculling
partner started at 58, and is now 60. Another of my team-mates started
at 70. Now 71, she's currently at over 690,000 erg meters for the
season. She's reversed her osteoporosis. Her eight medaled in a
women's masters novice race this past summer.
Her husband, who's had his hips replaced, took the local adult
learn-to-row class this past summer at age 75. He loves to row, but
says he has trouble in a single because his leg goes numb after 20
minutes, and he can't move it around and slap at it in a single to get
it going again like he can in a four or eight.
Too old? Jeesh.
Your plan to get him hooked sounds very promising.
Locally, the young whippersnapper coaches are extremely supportive, but
I gather that's sadly not true everywhere . . . .
Ann T.
Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email
Richard Packer
wrote:
>Bewl Bridge looks very convenient close to TW, and I think that's going to
>be a big motivational factor for him. Are you saying it's less "jolly" there
>than at Maidstone Invicta, or is that an unknown factor?
>
>He likes the idea of rowing, but has a bit of that "I'm too old to learn"
>mentality, and a possibly justiifed nervousness of being with a young coach
>who will bark unintelligible orders, and make him feel dumb and silly. So my
>cunning plan that cannot fail is to pop down there with him on a nice spring
>Sunday, hopefully borrow a 2x and take him out for a gentle 20-30 mins. My
>coaching is so f----n brilliant he'll by then be hooked, and join the club.
>Win-win situation.
Perfectly jolly at Bewl, with a very well appointed clubhouse (albeit
shared with the sailors). You don't say how old your "too old to
learn" chum is, but I'm sure that Andy Pengilley (men's squad) or Hugh
Spivey (vets / masters) would be happy to help. Contact details are
on the website - http://www.bewlrowingclub.co.uk > Information >
Contacts > Non-Committee.
Do drop into the Chequers in Lamberhurst afterwards for a pint
(assuming it's still there!). Or go for the 15 mile round-Bewl walk
and stop off at the pub in Three Leg Cross (TQ 685 311).
PS I understand that the reservoir's quite (understatement) low at the
moment, so the normal launch off the pebble beach may well involve a
longer and muddier walk to the water. Bring wellies!
Nick Suess
"A. P. Thorsen" <annthorsend...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:dqh1hk$s6n$1...@news.msu.edu...
My friend is in his mid forties, and the "too old" bit is merely a state of
mind, an impression some have, but I am afraid to say it is at times
endorsed by those who ought to know better. I recall that it was as far away
as Montréal that I chanced to meet a young woman from Sydney with whom I
fell talking about all things and the conversation found its way to rowing.
She said she had wanted to learn, and had presented at a local club, where
she had been asked "Did you row at school?" "No", she replied. "Did you row
at Uni?" "No" again, and she was then told "Well, sorry, you've left it too
late!"
Now, Ann, she wasn't 70, she wasn't 58, she wasn't even 45. She was all of
22 when this happened! Tall, fit, and healthy, and keen to give it a go. And
this didn't happen in some dim distant era when women didn't row, but only
about 10 years ago. Some people in rowing really don't do our sport any
favours!
I've been coaching mature age beginners for going on 20 years now, and I
agree that as long as they are in reasonable physical shape, and retain
mobility and flexibility in all four limbs (and of course there's also
adaptive rowing for those who don't), none is ever too old to learn. And
they bring great value to our sport and are an example to the youngsters
that rowing can offer them fitness for life, and a lot of fun along the
way..
And also thanks Richard. I'll contact Hugh Spivey in a bit. Yes, I had
already received a report from one of my spies in Kent about the low level
in the reservoir. Are you in the grip of a drought over there?
David Biddulph
news:1137443982....@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>
> Nick Suess wrote:
>> I have a new chum in Tunbridge Wells who may be interested in having a go
>> at
>> rowing at social/veteran level. What would be the nearest club to there?
>> Is
>> there a river in TW? Or just a lot of tea rooms?
> I've met a lot of members form Bewl Bridge - especially on the Masters
> circuit,and they have all been very friendly.
...
One of them (Chris Andrews) is on his way across the Atlantic at the moment
(http://www.rowatlantic.org.uk/), and due to arrive in Antigua later this
week. He was a nutter when he was at Kingston (including being in the eight
which broke the Oxford - Westminster record 20 years ago), and he's
obviously no more sane now. :-)
Fortunately, not everyone at Bewl Bridge is expected to row the Atlantic.
--
David Biddulph
Rowing web pages at
http://www.biddulph.org.uk/
Taniwha
Nick,
I am sorry to be slow, but why the topic heading.
Is your chum disgusted?
Are you disgusted about him?
Because he is him?
Because he lives/is in TW?
Because he wants to row?
Because he is social?
Because he is a veteran?
Because he wants to row in a place with tea rooms?
Because he may not be near a river?
Taniwha.
Nick Suess
news:1137475685.6...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
It's #4 above.
Would somebody over there care to explain to this Kiwi cousin?
Cap...@bewlrowingclub.co.uk
You have been given pretty well all the relevant info, and the website
details - thanks to all.
Bewl Bridge is a very friendly club which now has about 160 members
made up of those wishing to row both competitively and for recreation.
The ages range from 12 through to 74, and is open to all.
We have a policy of letting people come down to have a go for a few
outings as temporary members, to find out if they like the sport and
also like us. The session specifically designed for beginners is 2nd
outing on a Sunday morning i.e., 1030 (ish) This will start with an
intro to BBRC and a land based intro to rowing/sculling. Then you
will get the chance to go out in a double or coxed quad, so you can
have a stable platform to begin to learn to row. Usually there is both
an experienced sculler in the boat with you as well as a coach in a
launch alongside.
Yes, the water level is low as the National press have been saying but
we still have about 2,500 metres on which to row. As one person
mentioned bring some wellies (there are spares to borrow if you forget)
Get in touch with me at cap...@bewlrowingclub.co.uk, have a look at
the website, there are pictures and details of events etc., - you can
even download a membership form if you want.
I look forward to welcoming you down to Bewl
Cheers for now , Ian (Harlow)
Nick Suess
<Cap...@bewlrowingclub.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1137483341.6...@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Thanks Ian.
Looks like a State visit is on!
I'll write to you privately, and thanks to all who helped.
And will someone please explain "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells" to the Kiwi?
Taniwha
Nick Suess wrote:
>
> It's #4 above.
>
> Would somebody over there care to explain to this Kiwi cousin?
It's OK. Found it. Sounds like your mate suits the place.
I remember listening to The Saint on the radio 45 yars ago and TW was
mentioned. The only thing I remember about the Saint and TW.
T.
Jacko
post. Worked for me.
Nick Suess
"Jacko" <amy.j...@mdc.org.uk> wrote in message
news:1137489189.2...@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> And I thought it was just a cunning play to get everyone to look at the
> post. Worked for me.
>
Well, there is that old joke about the West Indian gentleman with his
personal item immersed in a bowl of a thick yellow semi-fluid
substance...........
rebecc...@pembridge.net
Times" newspaper.
THat august organ publishes a whole load of letters daily from readers
about a wide range of subjects.
There is an apocryphal reader who usually writes in to complain about a
matter and signs themselves
yours faithfully
"Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells"
it has now passed into the language as a euphamism for 'middle England'
where middle class, middle age, stockbrokers live who spend their lives
complaining that the country is not waht it used to be and is now going
to the dogs.
Since writing that I found this link to explain further.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1999/02/99/e-cyclopedia/318036.stm
NOTE: also check out "The man on the Clapham Omnibus"
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/14/messages/58.html
Nick Suess
<rebecc...@pembridge.net> wrote in message
> NOTE: also check out "The man on the Clapham Omnibus"
> http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/14/messages/58.html
Note the legal reference in that, because I believe the term is as a result
enshrined in the Common Law. Maybe some legal eagle will assist here. I have
encountered it when doing legal studies on the issue of professional
liability here in Oz.
Essentially it means a person of average intelligence with no specialist
knowledge of the issues under consideration.
Disgusted of Tunbriudge Wells has yet to attain any legal status, and how do
you think he feels about that?
Mike Sullivan
<rebecc...@pembridge.net> wrote in message
news:1137491916.4...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
snip
> it has now passed into the language as a euphamism for 'middle England'
> where middle class, middle age, stockbrokers live who spend their lives
> complaining that the country is not waht it used to be and is now going
> to the dogs.
thanks, Rebecca, I was completely lost on this thread.
Sounds like the old codger in the movie "The Four Feathers"
"They don't make soldiers like they used to"
"the walnuts here were the russian line of guns..."
James Elder
Mike Sullivan wrote:
> thanks, Rebecca, I was completely lost on this thread.
>
> Sounds like the old codger in the movie "The Four Feathers"
>
> "They don't make soldiers like they used to"
>
> "the walnuts here were the russian line of guns..."
I assume you mean the 1939 Alexander Korda version? Brilliant film.
Now I come to think of it there are a couple of very similar instances
of complaining old soldiers in great British films of that period...
The two old Chelsea pensioners in the wonderful 'The Way Ahead'
and
all the relics in the Royal Bathers Club in 'The Life and Death of
Colonel Blimp' (probably the best British film ever made)
"What do you mean comin' in here and makin' a racket like some...some
damn foreigner?"
Dom
MCQUIRE v. WESTERN MORNING NEWS COMPANY, LIMITED.
1903 April 29, 30; May 11.
COLLINS M.R., STIRLING, and MATHEW L.JJ.
Defamation (Libel) - Fair Comment - Literary Work - Honest Criticism -
Withdrawal of Case from Jury.
<much snipping>
"Fair," therefore, in this collocation certainly does not mean that
which the ordinary reasonable man, "the man on the Clapham omnibus," as
Lord Bowen phrased it, the juryman common or special, would think a
correct appreciation of the work; and it is of the highest importance to
the community that the critic should be saved from any such possibility.
JK
How very dare you! We'll have to venture out more and relieve a few
more pots from those that believe the above. Seriously, no real offence
taken and we like to keep the element of surprise up our sleeve (not
that AIOs have sleeves!) we may not have the likes or pedigree of
Leander/Thames RC/Imperial/Royal Chester etc. and may make do with
10yr+ Jano's but we got big hearts and the underdog spirit!
The above post also ignores a 100+ years of coastal rowing - a coastal
regatta is a must for everyone to experience, especially the handbrake
turn after 1000m around the buoys - and recently provided a World Champ
gold medallist in the form of Alistair McKean from Herne Bay in the
adaptive four.
Nick, you and your friend would be very welcome at any of the Kent (or
Sussex) rowing clubs. I have no doubt that Ian and his clubmates at
Bewl will do a grand job of welcoming you. And if you fancy trying out
Maidstone Invicta as well, come on over - our stretch of the Medway is
not overgrown, is locked so near constant water level and only has a
few challenging bends and the Kentish Lady to avoid, also has 24hr
access for members - get in contact with Roger Mobbs as already
mentioned or myself (ex-Captain of MIRC). Roger is also working hard to
develop touring rowing.
Also, Ardingly (pronounced Ar-ding-lie) are not too far either from TW.
And just for the record - there is rowing near Canterbury at Plucks
Gutter where Univ of Kent, Kent College Canterbury and Spitfire BC
train along with some of the coastal boys when they do some river
rowing (don't ever underestimate them!).
Not to mention Erith RC, Danson RC, Kings Canterbury, Kings Rochester,
Medway Towns RC, Gravesend RC, etc..etc..
Mike Sullivan
"James Elder" <jamese...@excite.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1137578451.0...@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Mike Sullivan wrote:
>
>> thanks, Rebecca, I was completely lost on this thread.
>>
>> Sounds like the old codger in the movie "The Four Feathers"
>>
>> "They don't make soldiers like they used to"
>>
>> "the walnuts here were the russian line of guns..."
>
> I assume you mean the 1939 Alexander Korda version? Brilliant film.
yes it was, the cinematography was incredible. When I get to
be an old old man, I want eyebrows like C Aubrey Smith.
>
> Now I come to think of it there are a couple of very similar instances
> of complaining old soldiers in great British films of that period...
>
> The two old Chelsea pensioners in the wonderful 'The Way Ahead'
> and
> all the relics in the Royal Bathers Club in 'The Life and Death of
> Colonel Blimp' (probably the best British film ever made)
I'll keep my eye open for it.