If you have found this site, it probably means your son or daughter has shown an interest in rowing at King’s College School.
King’s College School Boat Club Supporters’ Association (snappily abbreviated to KCSBCSA) is a lively and inclusive organisation, formed in 1974 to support the boys, the boat club and its supporters (especially on the chilly river bank).
In brief we aim to:
- Support rowing events across the year.
- Raise funds for equipment in addition to the significant amount contributed by the school. (Rowing is a very expensive sport and it is worth noting that KCS is one of the few schools that does not charge rowing as an extra on the school fees)
- Provide social events for rowers and their supporters.
The Boat Club Annual Dinner
There are a large number of rowing events each year, and these involve a huge amount of co-ordination by the School and our very dedicated team of coaches. The Supporters’ Association aim to help wherever it is needed and in addition to provide a place for parents and rowers to congregate and cheer on the KCS rowers. For example, our marquee at the National Schools Regatta in Nottingham in May provides such a focal point as well as a much needed constant supply of refreshment for the boys, their coaches and of course their parents/supporters!
In addition to providing marquees for the regattas, the Supporters’ Association raises money to provide many essential items for the Club. Although the school provides a significant budget to support rowing activities within the school, in order for our rowers to maintain a competitive edge the KCSBCSA raises funds to provide additional equipment over and above that provided by the school. Many of the schools that we compete against have much deeper pockets than KCS, or they charge rowers additional fees for participating in the sport. By raising funds the KCSBCSA can help to close the gap and maintain our position as a good 1st Eights level school. A list of equipment bought by the SA over the past few years can be found under the ‘Recent Purchases’ section of the website.
By becoming a member you will be able to participate fully in Boat Club events as well receive the invaluable Guide to Rowing and Rowing Blade Colours – an essential booklet for those who don’t know their sculling from their rowing or aren’t sure where to put their rigger jigger.
Take time to have a look at the many social events involving supporters, from Quiz Nights to Festive Racing at Christmas (mulled wine on tap for the grown-ups). Don’t worry if you haven’t met many parents yet as we aim to bring people together within their year groups and sometimes you are even allowed to talk to people in other years!
The highlight of the social calendar is the annual Boat Club Dinner, a superb black tie event which brings everyone together to celebrate the years’ achievements. Demand for tickets is high so keep logging in for updates. Members can receive a reduced price ticket as well as priority booking.
Details of all Supporters’ Association events are listed on the ‘Calendar of Events’ section of this website.
The Supporters’ Association is always in need of additional helpers. Getting involved is fun and rewarding. Seeing a friendly face on the towpath while waiting for a glimpse of your son or daughter will make it all worthwhile.
Please become a member so you can take part in all the activities.
A committee of members coordinates the KCSBCSA. The members of the committee for 2011 – 2012 are:
- Chairman – Henry Elkington
- Honorary Secretary – Caren Buchannen
- Minutes Secretary – Caroline Storey
- Treasurer – Paul Raines
- Head of Rowing – Chris Grimble
- Captain of Boats – Jack Elkington
- The officers of the committee are assisted by up to four reps from each age group within the club
If you are interested in becoming a member of the committee please contact Caroline Storey on caroline@storeys.plus.com and a member of the committee will get in touch with you.
We look forward to seeing you soon either at a social event or on the riverbank.
