Fourty members and friends of Sidmouth Gig Club met in the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel for their third annual Awards Night Dinner.

Sidmouth Herald: Gig Club members enjoying their meal at the Royal York & Faulkner hotel. Their evening dress makes a pleasant change from soggy shorts and a hoody.Gig Club members enjoying their meal at the Royal York & Faulkner hotel. Their evening dress makes a pleasant change from soggy shorts and a hoody. (Image: Archant)

Proceedings started with a glass of bubbly in Blinis Bar and were followed by an excellent four-course meal in the hotel restaurant.

After the meal it was back to Blinis for the awards ceremony, where the club marked members’ rowing prowess, their contribution to the life of the club, and one or two memorable ‘disasters’.

Recipients included Megan Rodgers, who took the Women’s Best Rowing Attendance record for the second year in succession, and Barry Morton who was a popular choice for the Clubman trophy.

The best performance of the year was that from the mixed crew in the Sidmouth Regatta, comprising Paul Clare, Megan Rodgers, Lynn Hall, Simon Greenslade, Linda Wheate and Mike Perrington, with Jeremy Cloke as Cox.

During the season there were no fewer then 20 new rowers join the club in the past year; the award for the best new men’s rower was Oli Hemson, and the best new ladies rower was Kath Morton.

The clear winners of the coveted Splash award (for the biggest disaster on land or sea) were a dozen members who found themselves locked into the hall where they had met for their winter keep fit session.

It’s surprising how small a window you can squeeze through when the alternative is staying there all night!

Sidmouth Gig Club rows on Wednesday and Friday evenings, and Sunday mornings, throughout the summer months.

New members are always made very welcome. There’s a terrific social side to the club and there are plenty of opportunities for those who are keen to do competitive rowing. Experience is not necessary.

People interested in joining and indeed finding out more, can call Colin Bartlett on 01395 516532 or use a search engine for ‘Sidmouth Gig Club’.