By Boat Club Captains Martha Ibbott and Emily Dyall

Last weekend, more than 50 rowers faced one of their toughest challenges in rowing - the 24 hour ergo challenge.  

This lively and exciting fundraising event for the boat club began on the afternoon of Friday 6th December and concluded during the festivities of the School’s Christmas Fayre on Saturday 7th  December 2024.  Although this was a challenging event to raise money for the school’s charities of United World Schools (UWS) and FACES. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for the entire BGS rowing community to come together, build connections across year groups and create memories as a team.  

We aimed to keep as many ergos running as possible throughout the 24-hour period, with groups of fours and fives managing one ergo for two-hour shifts with two-minute rotations of each group member. After completing their shift, they had a four-hour rest before their next turn. 

There was never a dull moment for the rowers, who stayed entertained whilst erging with the up-beat tunes played by Mr McEwen and Miss Moore. The rowers were supported and fuelled byThe Friends of Bedford Girls' School Rowing Club (FBGSRC), including the very important night-time snack of pizza. In total, the rowers completed 993 km. This is an extraordinary achievement that showcases both the physical and mental endurances our rowers demonstrated during the 24-hour challenge.  

Eva Blake (Lower Sixth) said: “It was really fun but also challenging and brought all the year groups together, creating a big sense of community.” 

Rosemary McGregor (Year 11) added: “Despite never getting much sleep, the 24 hour ergo challenge is always a fun and memorable event. Not only is it a great interval training but it's an opportunity to spend time with other year groups, a highlight being our 3-hour long game of uno.” 

Thanks to incredible generosity, we are thrilled to share that the current fundraising total has reached £1004. Should you wish to donate to the 24 hour ergo challenge and help raise money for our school’s charities UWS and FACES, please follow the link here.  

As captains, we are exceptionally proud of all the rowers' hard work and efforts. We look forward to seeing them all at the Christmas Holiday Training next week and we wish them a well-deserved Christmas break before we return ready and fuelled for the winter racing season.  

On behalf of our rowers, we would like to thank the coaching team, all parents, friends and staff who have supported the BGS Boat Club so far this season and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!