Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of the Club on March 17th there have been joint meetings of the Management Committee and the Captain and Vice Captains of the Rowing & Coaching Committee which have focused mainly on the financial management of the club and preparations for a phased reopening following guidance to clubs issued by British Rowing on May 15th and thereafter.
After a UK Government announcement on May 13th allowing the resumption of watersports for exercise and recreation, plans for a phased reopening and a return to single sculling for limited groups of members were put in place, in conjunction with a risk assessment and adherence to social distancing guidelines, with the first stage commencing from May 21st. At this stage only the boathouse was opened for use in accordance with appropriate safety measures, other club facilities remaining closed.
British Rowing guidance issued on May 22nd to assist clubs with planning for the return to rowing added more detail about what to expect during future phases. Coupled with feedback from members this led to revisions to the guidance given to members by the Club’s Rowing & Coaching Committee, allowing small groups of members to book single sculls for use at stipulated times but with no formal group coaching.
Rowing & Coaching continues to monitor and respond to guidance, which has included updates issued by British Rowing on June 4th, 12th and 29th, and July 10th, 17th and 23rd in response to Government announcements.
The British Rowing advice, which is constantly updated, identifies phases, A to H, of the return to rowing process. The move from phase B to phase C took place on July 4th.
Progression to phase C, which was to have permitted the reopening of facilities such as gyms and bars, took place on July 4th, aligned to Step 3 of the UK Government plan for adjusting social distancing measures. However, in a Government announcement given by the Prime Minister on June 23rd there were a number of exclusions from the original list of facilities, including gyms and indoor sporting activities. In response British Rowing issued version 4 of its Coronavirus advice on June 29th.
A Government statement on July 9th allowed gyms to open from July 25th, and included guidance in relation to team sports. British Rowing included advice for consideration by clubs planning to reopen facilities in its guidance update issued on July 17th. It considered the use of crew boats to fall under the category of team sports and therefore submitted a plan to Government which required approval by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) before there could be any change to the guidance that only single household crews are permitted to row.
Indoor facilities have been reintroduced gradually. The clubhouse toilets were reopened for members and visitors to use in a Covid secure manner from July 20th. Members were asked to return borrowed ergos, the clubhouse was made Covid-secure and from August 17th the hall and gym has reopened for small groups. Members are asked to wear a face covering when moving around inside the buiding and to follow social distancing signage.
British Rowing extended the suspension of Affiliated Competitions until September 30th. As a result of feedback from the DCMS British Rowing issued version 5 of its advice on July 23rd. This included guidance in relation to crew boat rowing and coxing. The advice set out a phased approach to the re-introduction of crew boats starting with mixed-household coxless pairs and doubles before gradually moving up to eights and octuples. Clubs were asked to phase the reintroduction of crew boats to help minimise the risk of transmission of the virus as the number of infections in the community decreased.
Subject to a continuing reduction in infection numbers in the general population a move to phase D (mixed-household coxless doubles and pairs) was allowed from August 1st, phase E (also including coxed and coxless fours and quads) from August 15th and phase F (including eights and octuples) from August 29th. Clubs were reminded that their plans should be easily reversible so that they are able to respond to any changes enforced at a national or local level.
The British Rowing guidance also made provision for the number of rowers in a group to increase from 6 to 12 and allowed coaching in groups to take place. Rowing & Coaching therefore issued guidance for members on July 29th which was updated on August 29th, allowing up to 12 individuals to book a slot together. By wearing face coverings when getting into and out of the boat mixed household doubles and pairs were able to return to the water from Monday, August 3rd, and quads and fours from August 31st. More information about rowing in crew boats can be found in the guidance document.
With the Tyne Single Scullers Head (TSSH) on September 20th serving as a test event British Rowing’s plan for a phased return to competition was approved by the DCMS on August 26th and as a result there was a move to phase H, allowing the re-introduction of competitive rowing from October 10th. This was confirmed by the issue of version 6 of the British Rowing guidance, which was superceded by version 7 on September 30th following feedback from the TSSH.
River Wear in October 2020
While disruption to the rowing calendar continues valiant efforts have been made to maintain interest among members. Several DARC members took part in the first Tees Virtual Regatta on May 16th and Tyne Virtual Regatta on June 20th, and British Rowing arranged a series of competitions and challenges leading up to the BR Virtual Championships on June 27th and 28th.
The loss of the National Schools Regatta on May 23rd was a major blow to the Junior squad. Jess Eddie availed the NSR website of her memories of competing for DARC at the event in the past.
The 187th Durham Regatta was cancelled but instead there was a virtual regatta over the weekend of June 13th and 14th. The British Rowing Masters Regatta was another casualty over the same weekend.
Due to restrictions on large gatherings it was decided to postpone the popular Classics by the River event which was so successful last year. This was due to have taken place at DARC on July 6th. If another suitable date can be found in the calendar it may be rescheduled.
The cancellation of events and closure of the caravan site have led inevitably to considerable loss of revenue. The Club was pleased therefore to confirm that the CL Caravan Site would reopen on Saturday, July 4th. The site is open to Caravan & Motorhome Club registered members only at £25 per pitch per night. For bookings please contact caravans@durham-arc.org.uk.
Support gratefully received from Durham City Parish Council meant that as well as this our new riverside beer garden was able to open on Saturdays and Sundays from July 4th, with 2-hour slots bookable between 1pm and 7pm, and for afternoon teas on weekdays during August and September.
New Elvet Bridge repairs October 2020
Members and visitors should be aware that there will be some disruption as a result of the closure of New Elvet Bridge for repair from July 20th for 14 months, and that a number of diversions are in place affecting motorists, pedestrian and cyclists. Partial river closures will also be in effect at certain times.
The club continues to monitor all available advice. Public health remains the number one priority.
