The West-London suburb of Chiswick can lay claim to being the London rowing capital. The Boat Race finish at Chiswick Bridge, Tideway Scullers School – the cradle of British sculling talent – and ULBC (the most successful club at HRR in history) are all within shouting distance. Among these titans of the London rowing scene, nestled in an area of Duke’s Meadow is Barnes Bridge Ladies Rowing Club. One of only two all-female rowing clubs in Britain and given the quality of the clubs which surround them, it would be easy for Barnes BLRC to be a reclusive, un-competitive club with no real pedigree or program. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Barnes BLRC has only exsisted since 1997 but its roots go much further back. Founded in 1972 as the Civil Service WRC as a means of allowing female civil servants to compete with their male counterparts. The Club grew in popularity, and the present club was christened in 1997 in order to allow for non-civil service members to freely join (the club had maintained a 10% civil service membership quota up to that point). The Club had enjoyed massive success in the 1970’s, winning at least one national title per year from 1973-1979. From 1974-76, they also picked up the Victor Ludorum at the same event. As a result, the British Rowing squads for the 1976 and 1980 Olympics are littered with Barnes members. These include Linda Clarke , a World and Commonwealth Champion in the Lwt 2- who also competed in the W8+ in 1980 alongside fellow BLRC members Nicola Boynes, and double Olympic cox Pauline White. Past glory aside, BLRC has also had more recent success in the form wins in the 4x at HWR in 2010, at the Metropolitan Regatta in 2012 and 2016. BLRC’s squad structure is similar to many other clubs, inasmuch as they have a novice and senior squad. Having learn to row effectively, any new member will be thrown into a three session week [ Monday Night Erg, Wednesday and Saturday Water Sessions]. Stepping up, a Tuesday weight session and a further two water sessions are introduced when one hits the Senior Squad.
Barnes Ladies Rowing Club more than holds it’s own among its neighbours. With it’s rich history and bright future, it remains a club that may not have the greatest profile but stands toe to toe with other clubs as a centre for female rowing development in London.
Want to find out more about Barnes Bridge Ladies? Check out their website.
Interested in joining? Contact them here.
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