History of Trentham Boat Club
Trentham Boat Club was founded in the summer of 2004 after many years when there had been no rowing on the lake. Since then, rowing on Trentham Lake has grown steadily and healthily to the point where the Club is now very busy and successful at all levels. We now have more than 100 members of all abilities, with almost equal numbers of boys, girls, ladies and men – juniors and adults of all ages.
The Club is very lucky to have the continued support of Trentham Estate, where major developments have taken place over recent years. We feel very fortunate indeed that our rowing club is based at this stunning location.
2009 saw the completion of our new boat house, based at the southern entrance of Trentham Lake, near The Monkey Forest. That year also saw us run our very first Regatta. Over the past 8 years, the Regatta has grown from strength to strength. Trentham Boat Club is a ‘not-for profit’ organisation and therefore relies almost entirely on its membership fees, sponsorships and fundraising events. The club house and regattas could not have been developed without the very much appreciated support of donations, sponsorship and grants, not to mention the hard work and commitment of our members, families and friends.
We are particularly grateful for the support of DPC Chartered Accountants for their ongoing support with keeping our Club accounts in order.
Some Key Trentham Boat Club Documents:
Trentham Boat Club Constitution
Story of Building the New Boathouse
In 2005 the quest to raise funds for the building of the boathouse began. Alan Megan, the ARA facilities manager, led the project with support from the British Canoe Union. The main funding came from the CCDP fund (Community Club Development Programme); this was originally going to be £150,000. With spiralling costs, this increasing to over £200,000. Additional funds came from the Staffordshire Environmental fund, £30,000 and Eccleshall Scouts £25,000. Events organised by both the canoeists and rowers, raised a further £7,000.
The final building costs of the boathouse rose to over £350,000 This is a unique project, as the building is located on private land owned by Trentham Estates, as well as being a joint venture between the canoe and rowing clubs and Eccleshall Scouts, who together formed the Trentham Watersports Association.
The project would not have been possible without the unstinting hard work of Ken Walters, Treasurer of Trentham Boat Club, who seems to have devoted his every waking hour over several years driving the build forward. Thanks also go to St Modwen for managing the project and for making it possible for the Watersports Association to establish its permanent base at Trentham.
