Straughans put a Welcome Oar into Local Community!

Date: 27-05-2011

County Durham chartered accountant firm show their support for local junior rowing team via new sponsorship deal.
The relationship between Chester le Street Amateur Rowing Club (CLSARC) junior squad and Straughans has thus far seen the firm provide new kit.
The Chester le Street based firm’s Director of Business Services Mike Tait, pictured, explains why they decided to get behind the club:
“I had noticed rowers practising on the river in Chester Park on occasion but it was when we heard one of our employee’s daughters had begun rowing aged only 10 that it really got our attention. We hadn’t realised that the sport included this younger age-group, so after learning a bit more we decided it was a really worthwhile cause to engage with and support. We think it’s great that the kids have a hobby such as this that keeps them fit, that they enjoy and that has such a good age spectrum."
Speaking of future plans, Mike commented:
“We hope to continue to sponsor the CLSARC juniors and will be backing them in the coming Regattas and competitions happening throughout the summer.”The squad consists of a number of talented youths aged 18 and under; 10 of whom have been selected to represent the region at the inter-regional Nottingham Regatta.

Bob Young, CLSARC Chairman, has high hopes for his juniors:
“As this season has only just started we are expecting the junior squad to compete in most of the local regattas as well as travel to Scotland to compete in Dumfries Regatta and down to Yorkshire to row at Doncaster. The junior squad had 45 wins in last year’s at regattas and a medal at the English Indoor Rowing Championships at Manchester. We’ve gotten off to a good start this year with several wins at our home, Chester le Street, Regatta.”
However Mark Ashcroft, CLSARC Captain & coach, pictured with Mike Tait, admits that it’s not all plain sailing and success doesn’t come easy: “They train 4 nights a week and sat and sun mornings at Chester le Street to maintain fitness levels.”
And to anyone thinking about trying it or supporting the club, Bob says:
“We appreciate all support we receive from the local community as rowing is not a sport that receives much press coverage and are grateful for Straughans involvement. We would encourage people to come and try it, in particularly youngsters.”