PORT Isaac Rowing Club held their annual gig push on Sunday, December 30 with many new members enjoying their debut at the charity event.

Every year, the club traditionally ‘pushes’ one of their gigs on a trailer up to the Cornish Arms at Pendoggett and back to Port Isaac, collecting funds for charity along the way. 

Before the gig push, the club served mulled wine and bacon baps to gathering crowds in Port Isaac harbour and a cheque for £600 was presented to their chosen charity of 2018, The Invictus Trust, which is a Cornish-based charity which helps provide support to children and young adults experiencing mental health problems.

The rowing club has also raised funds throughout this year at many events for other charities, including £100 to the Fishermen’s Friends for the charity of their choice.

Port Isaac Rowing Club’s chosen ‘charity of the year’ for 2019 is Concern Wadebridge, a small local independent charity which provides a Community Hub, supporting local people who are over 50.

Club spokesperson, Emma Miller, said: “Many thanks to everyone who has supported the club this year and to those who donated towards the ‘barrel of beer’ raffle prize for the gig push including Tom Bray from Haywood Cider Farm, Nathan Outlaw, Sharps Brewery and Port Isaac Co-op.

“Special thanks today to The Golden Lion pub in Port Isaac for their generosity in proving some delicious and much-needed refreshments after the push! 

“And not forgetting a well done to Liz from the club for winning the sweepstake! We managed to push to Pendoggett in a respectable 51 minutes and 23 seconds!”