Chairman – Tony Gath
I took up rowing as a spry 55 year old around a dozen years ago in 2008. It is fair to say it has changed my life. I enjoy recreational rowing although there are still some members who can remember my taking part in the occasional race.
My role as chair involves leading the committee and helping to develop the club both in terms of its members and the facilities it enjoys on the beautiful lake at Trentham.
Send Message chairman@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Treasurer – Ken Walters
Ken attended his first committee meeting in May and became Treasurer in October 2006 when the original treasurer resigned. He attended meetings every 2 weeks at that time to get the boat club – and boat house as we know it today – under way.
Ken doesn’t row (his wife does) but he wanted a “sort of” hobby as he had recently retired! His contribution and dedication to Trentham Boat Club has been invaluable ever since.
Send Message treasurer@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Club Secretary – Helen Hughes
Rowing is still very new for me, almost as new as being Club Secretary! I’ve always been active (but with a huge dislike of running) and was looking for a new challenge when I found Trentham.
Having completed learn to row during the spring of 2022 and joined the ladies’ squad in the summer, I now know the real work is just beginning. The Secretary part is an added challenge!
I would highly recommend rowing to anyone who enjoys the fresh air, coupled with camaraderie and challenge. Regardless of ability, rowing is a great activity and we are fortunate to have such a wonderful location to exercise the body and mind.
Send Message secretary@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Membership Secretary – Deb Withington
As Membership Secretary, I’m one of the people new members first come into contact with, either as experienced rowers or complete beginners.
I didn’t take up learning to row until 2018. I’d hoped it would complement my running and would help me to meet new people. Becoming a member at Trentham Boat Club has been one of the best decisions I’ve taken. Club members are friendly and supportive and we’re so lucky to be rowing on the lake and seeing Trentham Gardens and the wildlife from a different perspective. It’s a tough sport and much more technical than I’d ever imagined but I’m hoping that I’m gradually getting to be a better rower and have the feeling that I’m going to keep on learning each time I go out on the water.
Send Message membership@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Head of Adult Coaching – Ian Bousfield
Send Message adultcoach@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Junior Squad Coach – Darren Barton
Send Message juniorcoach@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Ladies’ Captain – Olivia Rowley
Having rowed for Keele University from 2015 to 2018, I joined Trentham Boat Club in early 2022. I found a true passion in rowing which is both fantastic for my physical and mental health. Since joining Trentham Boat Club, I have made some lifelong friends and a supportive network of women who encourage myself and the rest of the team to do their best, whether it is on the lake or in day-to-day life.
The women’s squad works as one team and combines our skills with the men’s squad to give every member a variety of experiences. I work with each of the ladies to ensure that their aspirations are met; whether you are building up your skills, a recreational rower, or competitive rower. Or you could be all three (I am.)
If you would like any more info regarding the women’s section, please drop me an email. We’re always happy to welcome new members.
Send Message womenscaptain@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Men’s Captain – Leon Warrington
I’ve been a member at Trentham since the very earliest days, having joined in the summer of 2003 a few months after the club was formed. Since then I have rowed at a number of different universities, competing at a national level whilst always remaining an active and committed member of Trentham.
As Men’s Captain I am responsible for organising the Senior Men’s squad and aim to help everyone from beginners to experienced athletes achieve their potential.
Send Message menscaptain@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Welfare Officer – Anne Williams
My role is to act as the first point of contact for young people, parents/ carers, coaches and volunteers who have any concerns about child welfare or poor practice in the junior section of the Club.
The Club Welfare Officer (CWO) is responsible for acting as a source of advice on Child Protection matters and for co-ordinating action within the Club on receipt of any concerns or referrals. They should have an understanding of British Rowing’s Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy and be the evidence checker, verifying the identity of individuals completing criminal records check (DBS) prior to working with the Junior section of the club. It is also the responsibility of the CWO to keep records of all those within the Club who have been vetted, to ensure DBS checks are kept up to date, and record any training and qualifications of those working at the Club.
Send Message tbcwelfare@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Club Water Safety Adviser – Jon McAteer
I started rowing in 2017 as an alternative to cycling and swimming, after watching my children row with Trentham Juniors, making it look so easy. I soon found out it was the opposite.
I took over the role of CWSA in November 2021 after a year as the assistant CWSA. Our objective is to make rowing at Trentham as safe and as enjoyable as possible in our unique lake setting.
If there are any safety related queries or issues, please contact either me or the assistant CWSA Len Williams.
Send Message safety@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Ladies’ Vice Captain – Judith Blackband
Send Message womensvice@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Men’s Vice Captain – Matt D’Arcy
Send Message mensvice@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Assistant Water Safety Officer – TBA
Send Message assistantsafety@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Regatta Secretary – Naomi Ellis
Send Message regatta@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Parent Representative – Sarah Whelehan
Mum of two girls, who are both active junior rowers! My eldest daughter joined the Club in 2018 and the youngest in 2021, the Club has become a huge part of our lives with training sessions four/fives times per week and regular racing events at weekends up and down the Country.
Appointed as Parent Representative in 2021, we hold regular parent meetings to support and develop the Junior section.
If any parent has a query of any kind, please get in touch.
Send Message parentsrep@trenthamboatclub.co.uk
Facilities Officer – Nick Aldridge
My role as Facilities Officer is to ensure the boat house is safe and kept shipshape. We are always striving to improve the club’s facilities for the benefit of our members, to make the boat house and lake an inspirational place to row.
Send Message facilities@trenthamboatclub.co.uk