Homeless - but looking to the future

The tiny boathouse on Channel View which was for year their base has been razed to the ground and the bare patch of land presents a forlorn view to anyone walking along the seafront.

Bexhill Rowing Club is looking to the future however and fundraising for the new clubhouse has started in earnest.

The first event coming up is a barn dance held by the Catsfied Streamers on Saturday November 13 at St Stephens church hall in Woodsgate Park.

The barn dance starts at 7pm and tickets cost £8 each which will include a ploughman’s supper and a soft drink. Ticket holders can bring their own alcohol but there will be none for sale. Anyone who wants to buy tickets can do so by calling 01424 219843/211658/730929.

All funds raised on the night will be split equally between the Bexhill Rowing Club and the Bluebell Ridge Cattery.

Almost a month later will be this year’s Civic reception on December 10.

This will be a formal evening to celebrate the year’s success but also to impart information about the development of the club.

Club member Matt Hellier commented: “It will be the first opportunity for potential sponsors of Bexhill Rowing Club to have a complete breakdown of our plans to develop not only the boathouse itself but the Rowing Club as a whole.

“The night will cover the comprehensive plans of the new build. A breakdown of all costs for internal works, and the outline of current Sponsorship packages. There will also be a short presentation on ‘Being part of Bexhill Rowing Club’.

“As with all our Civic receptions the night is by invitation only, but for the first time in the club’s history we would like to offer an invitation request service. To request an invitation please email [email protected] Places on the night are limited so we will unfortunately only be able to allocate invitations to members of the public who feel they are in a position to support the new development in some way.”

Bexhill Rowing Club is currently negotiating with Rother District Council the terms of its new lease but in the meantime spokesman Matt Mitchell is keen to clear up misconception about the clubhouse.

He said: “One thing that seems to have been misread by some members of the public is that the Rowing Club was leased out by Rother District Council and never owned by the club. “This has lead to some confusion by the public in that they have thought that the council are paying to rebuild a property that is not their own.

“In fact, as we stand at the moment, the new lease for the club has yet to be finalised and signed by both parties and some reservations are still being held over the new lease. This is hoped to be resolved over the next few weeks by both RDC and BRC.

“Anyone wishing to receive a monthly newsletter email from BRC, informing them of club developments and up and coming events, please visit www.nextwaveboathouse.com and fill out the ‘subscribe to newsletter’ form.”