Who We Are
SVRC is a small, friendly club operating on one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Thames.
Overview
SVRC uses Shiplake College’s superb rowing facilities at times when the College doesn’t use them. These facilities include the state-of-the-art gym and ergo room and an extra-long floating landing-stage (which makes getting on and off the water stress free). Coaches use the College’s launches
SVRC has an extensive fleet of single sculls, doubles and quads and its own blades. It also has its own racks and trailers.
The fact that SVRC shares Shiplake College’s facilities means that it is able to provide an excellent rowing experience at affordable prices.
History
Shiplake Vikings Rowing Club was founded in early spring 1985.
It was conceived at the Baskerville Arms public house in Lower Shiplake over a convivial pint or two. Barry Walford voiced his long-held ambition to row to Adrian Morris, a regular in the pub. (Adrian was later to become the owner of Aylings Racing Boats).
Peter Hose, a rowing coach and housemaster at Shiplake College, overheard the discourse and took the idea that the College might allow others to share its facilities to the Head Master, Peter Lapping and the College Bursar, Jim Mansergh.
With a provisional “thumbs up”, Barry canvassed others in Shiplake who were interested in rowing and an inaugural meeting was arranged at the College. Shiplake Vikings Rowing Club (SVRC) was duly born, with Barry Walford the first Chairperson.
The new club attracted an influx of experienced members from Henley, Reading and Upper Thames rowing clubs. At the end of the first year SVRC was able to donate a new set of carbon fibre oars for the College’s first eight.
Having started as a club for Senior rowers, in 2013 SVRC broadened its scope to include Juniors when the College asked SVRC to take over the fledgling Juniors club they had created as a community initiative. SVRC Juniors has since gone from strength to strength.
Shiplake Vikings Now
Over the last 40 years SVRC has thrived as a small friendly club, independent from but with the support of Shiplake College, and we look forward to continuing to welcome members for many years to come.
Location
We row on the Shiplake reach between Shiplake and Sonning, one of the most beautiful, quiet stretches of the River Thames.
We are privileged to share Shiplake College’s excellent boathouse and facilities.
Our address is:
The Boathouse
Shiplake College
Shiplake
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 4BW
United Kingdom
Getting To Us
To find us, follow the A4155 between Henley-on-Thames and Caversham, and you will see Shiplake College at postcode RG9 4BW.
Approximately 200 metres beyond the main College entrance, coming from Henley, turn left into Church Lane, follow the lane for approximately 150 metres then turn left to park by the College tennis courts.
Walk along Church Lane past the church and follow the path down to the river and the College boathouse.
You can see exactly where this is by following this link:
https://map.what3words.com/swept.state.bulge
SHIPLAKE VIKINGS ROWING CLUB CONSTITUTION AND RULES
1. NAME
The club shall be known as the Shiplake Vikings Rowing Club hereinafter known as SVRC.
2. OBJECTIVES
The mission of SVRC is to provide a friendly and safe rowing environment in which Junior and Senior members can develop their skills and zest for rowing.
3. MEMBERSHIP
The following are the classes of membership:
a. Senior Members over the age of 18
b. Junior Members aged 13 to 18
c. Associate Members: volunteer coaches
Election:
Applications to be submitted to the SVRC Treasurer on the form provided. The SVRC Committee reserves the right to decline an application.
Restrictions:
A person who has been expelled from, or refused membership of, British Rowing, shall not be eligible for membership.
Renewal:
The Committee may at its sole discretion, decline to accept renewal of membership, from any person, without disclosing the reason.
Loss or damage:
The club does not accept liability for loss or damage to members’ property.
4. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
SVRC will ensure that no member receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, disability, marital status, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be relevant to performance.
5. CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES
SVRC subscribes to the policies and procedures relating to Child Protection and safeguarding as set out by British Rowing. A Junior Member’s Code of Conduct, a Junior Welfare Policy and an Anti-Bullying Policy are appended to this document. SVRC requires all members to accept them as a condition of membership.
6. SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions shall be determined by the SVRC Committee and shall be due on 1st September each year. Members joining partway through a year will pay pro-rata to the quarter in which they join.
New potential members are allowed three sessions free of charge. They are permitted to pay a one-off session fee for a further two outings. After this, they are required to become full members.
7. NUMBER OF MEMBERS
The total number of members may be restricted at the discretion of the SVRC Committee by agreement with the College. The nominal maximum number of members is currently 75.