Pictured: Ellie Piggott with Bedford High School alumnae (second from right)
The 2018 Rowing Ball (Friday 2nd February) was an excellent celebration of all rowing past and present. Our special guest speaker Ellie Piggott (Bedford High School, 2009) World Champion Lightweight Sculler, spoke openly about her experiences of her rowing career. She was an excellent role model to the girls showing what is possible with sheer determination and hard work. Ellie spoke about her experiences growing up and her memories of Mick Deards who taught her to row but more importantly how to be the person she is now.
Through Ellie’s talk, she gave the girls and guests a fantastic insight into the mind-set and lifestyle of an elite rower. She spoke of her successes and her learning experiences. Ellie was very honest in her answers and explained what strategies she uses when things don't go to plan.
It was a very special night for all past and present members to be able to share in the memories of Mick Deards. The Mick Deards trophy donated by Zoe Bruce (parent of rowing alumnae Jordan and Lottie Bruce) in memory of Mick was awarded to Katie McDonagh (Upper Sixth) who has made the difference to rowing BGS. Katie has not just helped the younger rowers but has also encouraged them and taught them how to fend for themselves.
Awards were given to Years 9 to Upper Sixth, ranging from club girl, top performer to most improved. These were novel trophies each one symbolising what it was being awarded for. The coaching team talked about the individual girls who were awarded the prizes but also the achievements and developments of the whole club.
Following the meal there was an auction of events and experiences, which were aimed at helping to provide an eight called The Mick. On display was the stern section of the new wintech eight, the funds will help us towards buying the whole boat.
A big thank you to the BGS community who raised £7,500 from the auction and ticket sales from the ball towards the boat. A JustGiving page has been setup for The Mick, we would very much appreciate your support.
Donate to The Mick here.
Award Winners
Club Girl – Velvet Few-Wiegratz
Velvet has impressed the coaching team this year with her commitment to the crews she is working with. She is attentive to all the feedback given and she has made a difference to the Year 9 rowing at BGS.
Top Performer – Rosie Doherty
Rosie has taken the spirit of rowing on and gives 100% into everything that she is doing. She is without doubt the most committed during training and a result has become the top performing Year 9 girl on the water.
Most Improved – Ellie Ewen
Ellie has taken every opportunity this term and last to make the difference to her performance. We as a coaching team have been impressed with her progress.
Year 10
Club Girl – Ruby Webb
This was a difficult decision as the Year 10 group have a strong sense of team however Ruby Webb has fully committed to the sport and to the club. She looks out for her team mates and the equipment. We have all been impressed with Ruby’s attitude this year.
Top Performer – Karis NH
Without doubt Karis has been the top performer in Year 10. She has produced the top ergo on percentage in the whole school. We have been exceptionally impressed with when she swapped from stroke side to bow side, she did this exceptionally well that within a few strokes you wouldn’t have noticed that she had swapped sides.
Most Improved – Kharis MM
Kharis is the most improved girl in Year 10. She has been exceptionally committed to the training programme and shown remarkable progress. I have been impressed with Kharis’ attitude to the sport. One to watch for the future.
Senior
Club Girl – Bella Trobe
As a cox you often have to work outside the box and our coxes at BGS do just that. When they are not competing they are cycling with the rowers or helping sort out boats. Bella has made the difference to both the senior training sessions and the Year 11 PE group.
Top Performer – Emily Baker
I have been impressed with Emily this year not just performances but the way she has worked to achieve them. Emily has taken the idea of training and racing/testing to a new level.
Most Improved – Erin Knight
Erin has had to work very hard at her technical application both on the ergo and on the water. She has gone through a very frustrating phase to then coming out the other side and performing well in both rowing, sculling and ergos on sliders.
