Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project - July 2010
After 18 Months of Consultation, Meetings and Planning the Final Application for funding “The Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project” has been accepted by Groundwork Open Spaces. Unfortunately, because of legislation regarding Grant Funding, the City Council, acting as the Accountable Body for the project will not be able to recover VAT on our behalf causing a shortfall in funding. Much of this has been supplemented by Match Funding from various sources but still leaves a shortfall in our budget. This will mean that the purchase the planned Removable Flood Barrier will have to be deferred until additional funding can be found.
In all other respect our planned programme of regeneration will go ahead, assuming we are successful with our Lottery Application. This will include a refurbished slipway that will be one metre wider than that existing and five metres longer, replacing the existing concrete surface, which becomes almost impossible to stand on during the Summer month due the rapid growth of weed, with compacted shingle taken from the existing down river bank, which will then be re-graded to given better river access. The existing beach wall is to be extended with piers built either side of the slipway to accommodate the Removable Flood Barrier when funds allow. The Memorial Garden will be totally replanted, with a new wood surround and plinth, and the Memorial, stolen in 2008 will be replaced. Two additional new seats will be located near the garden and the paving will be overhauled and replaced where necessary.
It is hoped that an Information Board will be located in the Garden, welcoming people to the “Itchen Ferry” and giving a brief history of the site and the flora and fauna associated with it. It is also planned to include columns within the garden to which engraved Family dedications can be attached.
To complete the programme, the existing railings and bollards along Hazel Road will be refurbished and repainted and the beach will be cleaned and replanted where necessary.
Should we be fortunate enough to be awarded the funding we have work so hard for, the programme could be started in August and hopefully completed by November but, regardless of the outcome, we would like to thank all those who have made a contribution and given their support.
Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project - March 2010
The Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project passed another hurdle today when Planning Permission was granted at the Southampton City Council Planning and Rights of Way Panel Meeting today.
The only outstanding Licence requirement outstanding is from The Marine and Fisheries Agency for permission to carry out work between High and Low Water.
Our next stage is to seek quotations for work packages and to finalise our Stage 2 Application to Groundwork Open Spaces Lottery Fund to secure the grant. This has to be presented mid April.
There are one or two details to be sorted out with the replacement Memorial. A letter to Heritage Magazine by former Mayor and Councillor of Southampton Jack Candy located the existence of the Mould Patterns for the original Plaque and a quotation has been obtained for a replace casting. This will now have to be discussed with Ludlow Road Junior School who are working on an alternative design. A Public Viewing of Plans and Photographs is to be held at Southampton Amateur Rowing Club,Hazel Road, Woolston, on Saturday 27th March between 10am – 1pm.
All welcome.
John Bailey
Project Coordinator
Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project - 12 December 2009
Southampton Amateur Rowing Club is proud to be playing a leading role in the Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project, supported by Local Residents Groups and Housing Associations, Scouting Groups, Southampton City Council Parks Department, Councillors and Groundwork Solent funding is being sought through the “Big Lottery Groundwork Open Space Fund” to repair and refurbish the slipway, level the foreshore, clean the beach, renew the garden surrounds, re-plant the garden and restore the natural habitat. It is also planned to provide removable flood barriers at the top of the slipway, additional seating and litter bin, refurbish the metal railings, repaint the bollards and resurface the paved areas where necessary.
Ludlow Road Junior School are working on a design scheme for a replacement for the Memorial Plaque that was stolen August 2008 and it is planned to provide an Illustrated History of the Itchen Village and an Information Board highlighting Birds and Plants natural to the area. Engraving the names of prominent Itchen Ferry Families on the garden surrounds is also being considered.
With First Stage Funding Approval and Development Funding already secured, a Planning Application is to be submitted for this £50k project by the end of the year, when it is hoped to satisfy Stage Two Funding Approvals for work to start in late Spring 2010.
John Bailey - Project Coordinator
SARC Club development Plans Update - 30 November 2009
Despite the encouraging progress made between 2006-2008 which culminated in us gaining Outline Planning Permission and our plans for expansion being accepted by the ARA for 2010 – 11 programme completion, the world recession has taken its toll. The unexpected revision of the Sport England / Amateur Rowing Association five year plan saw drastic cuts in expected grant funding, requiring us to search for unprecedented levels of Partnership Funding at a time when conglomerates World wide and especially in the UK are cutting back to stave off closures.
Our plans, originally based on the Community Club Development Programme which Grant funded projects to a maximum of 95%, were part of the Wessex Regional Development Plan and, totalling £400,000, accepted in the new Sport England / British Rowing 2009-2013 Capital Plan as a Major Project, with a targeted completion of 2011. Initial projections of 50% funding were never confirmed and even a proposed 25% input was never confirmed in writing. Every effort has been made to secure Partnership Funding but, with no concrete evidence of support from our National Body and the deteriorating state of Company Finances, it became obvious we were never likely to be able to meet the 2011 target completion date that had been imposed and, regrettably, we have had to relate this to British Rowing Facilities Director Alan Meegan. This doesn’t mean that our Plans have been withdrawn, but merely set aside, leaving the Club to concentrate on a growing membership and in developing it’s leading role in the Community through the Itchen Ferry Regeneration Project, which is in the final stages of securing funding through the Big Lottery Fund, Community Open Spaces Programme and soon to be submitted for Planning Approval.
The Project will provide better, safer, access for our members on to the River Itchen and a safer environment for local Resident and their Families to enjoy one of the few remaining open river front sites on the Eastern Bank of the River. This £50K project also seeks to renovate the Itchen Village Memorial and Garden that have been vandalised in recent years, and provide flood protection for Hazel Road in extreme conditions with a Removable Barrier.
John Bailey - President
British Indoor Rowing Championships - 22 November 2009
Our J14,15,16 and 18 rowers bundled into the club minibus at 6.30am with as much enthusiasm as you would expect for that time in the morning.
The day was spent at a very well organised and enjoyable event. Competitors came from every corner of the British Isles.
Our rowers did us proud by utilising their well honed technique and positive attitude to achieve a good finishing place in the top half of their respective classes.
Our J18 rowers excelled themselves by bringing home Silver in the team event.
A record entry of 3203 competitors, aged between 10 and 84, took part in the 17th British Indoor Rowing Championship, at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena.
Photos from the day are available on the gallery page.
New Boat Arrives - 7 June 2009
You can read about the New boat for recreational and junior rowers here ...Calcutta Reunion - 28 March 2009
You can read about the Calcutta Rowers reunion and see photos here ... Captain's Boxing Day Row - 26 December 2008
Rowers were invited to head for the water on Boxing Day.
The Eight together with onther boats took to the water; complete with rowers wearing their christmas hats.
After a 'gentle' row everyone was invited back to the club house for Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.
You can see the Boxing Day row photos here ... SARC Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance - 20 December 2008
A fantastic evening was had by all.
Forty six members and guests attended the evening which was the last social event of the year. It was suggested that the club hold a Summer Ball at the end of the regatta season.
Watch this space for more news!
You can see the Christmas Dinner photos from the night here....
Veteran Rowers head to India - 26 November 2008
Southampton Oarsmen returned from India on 4th Dec tired but none the worse for their experience.
The 1st International Friendship Regatta hosted by Calcutta Rowing Club was a great success with the combined GB Squad heading the medal table.
You can read the 1st International Friendship Regatta report here...
Win or Bust for SARC Rowers - 10 August 2008
Our competing rowers and helpers are currently spending every weekend at regattas. Unless we have something different to tell you, our news will be displayed on the
results pages until the end of each racing season.
Posted 10 August 2008
Cadets Take the Plunge at Capsize Drill - 11 May 2008
SARC cadets completed their annual capsize drill at Wildern School, Hedge End. The drill is a vital for all cadets wishing to row at the club.
Carrying out drills like this train them to handle their boat and stay calm in an emergency.
The children who attended had a great time but especially enjoyed their free time to play in the pool at the end of the serious stuff.
Posted 11 May 2008
SARC rowers turn their hand to Gig racing - 10 May 2008
Eddy Fleet, Trevor Gay, Jake Frith and Roger Hames accepted an invitation by Andy Cunningham, from Hamble Sea Scouts, to compete in The Hamble River Raid.
Our crew rowed in a Bursledon Gig (four oars and fixed seats). Jack Stacey also competed in a single sculling boat . The forty minute race saw many crews from the Hamble area race upstream from Hamble Quay to the Jolly Sailor pub and back. Our crew came 4th overall.
It was the hottest day of the year, so far (wishful thinking), which helped the post race Real Ale go down perfectly!
Posted 10 May 2008
Rowers blown away at Nottingham - 19 April 2008
Crews from around the country were forced to call it a day and head home!
White tips could be seen on the water at the National Watesports Centre in Nottingham. Umpires and safety officials suspended racing by one hour to see if things would change.
Single skulls races were cancelled whilst quads tried their hand at battling the strong currents but after the first couple of races of the day it was decided enough was enough. Our three regional rowers were disappointed to be sent home but understood safety was more important than a prize. Photos of the event can be seen on the racing page of the gallery.
Posted 19 April 2008
Latest addition to the Club fleet - 13 April 2008
Club members met at the club boathouse on Sunday 13th April to launch Persevere IV on the water which gives the club a new Marlin Coastal Four a state of the art racing shell.
Members old and new celebrated the launch with Champagne being poured over the bow of the boat.
This is the latest of five new boats that have been added to the club's fleet over the past five months. The club's Ladies Junior Crew will be racing in Percy IV, the name it will be known as, during this years racing season.
Gales Hit SARC - 10 March 2008
A gust of 95 mph was recorded at the Needles off the Isle of Wight - just shy of the highest ever for the south coast, which was clocked at 103 mph during the storm of 1987.
Sea levels reached record highs when spring tides combined with strong winds. Many experienced power cuts while waterside properties were flooded and sea walls breached along the coast.
Our club slipway was unrecognisable due to the high spring tide.
The road outside was closed for some hours whilst sea levels subsided. Fortunately we did not experience any damage.
Posted 13 March 2008.
Club Development - Latest Update March 2008
Outline Planning Approval brings our ambitious redevelopment plans just that little bit nearer to reality. The Plans which seek to provide better facilities for existing members with new changing rooms for our ladies, new facilities for the less able, additional boat racking space to accommodate equipment dedicated for schools and the less able and for improved ground floor access by relocating existing community facilities on to a New First Floor.
Link to our latest update ....
Posted 11 March 2008
SARC Cadet rows for Gold
Cadet Jack rowed like a 'pro' at the Southampton Schools Indoor Rowing Championships.
He romped home to pick up first place in his age catagory.
With a standard of rowing like this Jack can only expect a great season on the water.
Well done Jack!
Posted 9 March 2008
February 2008 News
Three cadets qualify to represent Wessex Region in 2008
Hollie (J16), Jess (J16) and Thomas (J15) worked hard at this year's Wessex Selection event on Sunday 24th February 2008.
The qualifiers were held at Itchen Imperial Rowing Club in Southampton.
As a result of their good rowing all three qualified to represent the Wessex region (Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight).
They have lots of training ahead of them which includes attending a Wessex training camp at the beginning of April.
We are very proud of their achievement and wish them all the very best at Nottingham on 19th April 2008.
Photo to follow
Posted 29 February 2008
January 2008 News
'Active Southampton' Launch
Active Southampton is a partnership of organisations who want to promote sport and physical activity across the whole city.
Whether you are new to sport, would like to become more active or are already active, the activities outlined in
the Active Southampton website will provide something of interest to you.
To find out more information just follow the links below ...
Active Southampton Briefing Notes and link to Active Southampton website
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