by Simon Hinnigan

Happy New Year Bowmoor Swimmers and Sailors!

I hope you are having a fantastic start to 2025?  Last Sunday was a mix of no wind in the morning but very shifty in the afternoon which resulted in some sailors going for an unintended swim in a very chilly lake.  This always makes me admire Bowmoor’s very hardy and dedicated swimmers, who put in the effort to acclimatize and swim all year round.

Right now I’m looking forward to those blue sky, crisp, winters days; it’s just possible that this weekend could deliver.  Currently the forecast for Saturday’s Winter Squads training is pretty light (I think they will take a go/no go decision on Friday).  Sunday racing should have better wind than last weekend and possibly sunshine!

The Sailing Committee have published the 2025 Calendar here: https://bowmoor.com/documents/Bowmoor%20Sailing%20Programme%202025.pdf

You’ll see that they have changed the way Open meetings are scheduled to limit the number of Saturday’s that the lake is closed in 2025.  I think this will be really appreciated by all our members.

Reminder that the Galley is closed on Sunday 12^th as Helen and Dave are on holiday.

On Tuesday January 14^th we’re hosting the Lions Young People in Community Service Awards from 19:30.

Mike Read has also written to all our members on behalf of Lions Charity, and I’ve included his email below the Charity Auction Poster.

Happy New Year again,

Simon

From Mike Read

It is the season to say “Thank You Bowmoor” on behalf of Lions Charity for all the support you have given us over the years, in particular your support for  OWLS, our open water swim.

We have a number of events planned for early 2025 which involve The Club or may be of interest to our members.

1. Thank you for the use of the Clubhouse for our Youth in Service presentation on the evening of January 14. We will be celebrating the achievement of local schoolchildren who have served their community. These may well be Lions of the future!

2. The Lions Auction is taking place at Hatherop School on Friday 7 February, hosted by More Allen and Innocent auctioneers. This in aid of Gloucestershire Young Carers.

There are amazing prizes available including Wingwalking on a biplane, luxury holiday in Keswick, holidays Cornwall and the Cotswolds. Also Spa days at The Lakes by Yoo, lessons with a golf pro, photography training, paella meal for 6 cooked in your home and of course the clubs generous donation an afternoons sailing experience with gin & tonic to follow! For Man Utd fans there is a signed squad shirt from 2023! That’s when they won games!

3. Can’t believe I am writing this just after Xmas, but we will be raffling the fantastic Easter Egg again starting late February !

Saturday 11th January
Winter Squad Training
Sunday 12th January
Galley Closed!
11:30 Icicle Series AM
13:30 Frostbite Series PM
Tuesday 14th January
19:30 Lions Young People in Community Service Awards
Sunday 19th January
11:30 Icicle Series AM
13:30 Frostbite Series PM

The full calendar is published on bowmoor.com/calendar/