THE Lezant lunch club diners met on Wednesday, November 30, in Trebullett Methodist Church Hall.

Brenda read a very amusing letter from mother to son written on toilet paper.

On a more serious note, notices included Trebullett’s ‘Nativity Pilgrimage’, which will take place on Wednesday, December 21. For more details call 01566 782286

Casseroled chicken thighs in mushroom sauce, with roast potatoes and greens were served, followed by apple crumble and custard.

The after lunch speaker was Kate Bourn, who accidentally started gig rowing while waiting in her car for friends to join her for a session of surfing.

She was asked to join a team of rowers who were short of a member.

Having never rowed before, she copied the rest of the crew and when asked for how long she had been rowing was immediately signed up in the team. She took part in all training sessions and soon found herself training other teams for the various races that take place in the Cornwall area.

Newquay began the tradition in the 1800s with heavy wooden sailing and rowing boats, which were used by coastguards to save boats in distress and as pilot boats guiding ships into harbour so earning the crews money.

This activity soon became a race, with the original aims over time defunct developed, into a rowing club with many teams of six.

They are divided into men and ladies, veterans over the age of 40, super veterans over 50 and other groupings. The rules are many and varied and work in a similar way to football leagues.

Now-a-days teams come from Spain, Holland and Ireland, among others, to take part in the races.

Kate not only trains local clubs but also disabled men and women in Help for Heroes teams, which helps with recovery and boosts their confidence.

Brenda warmly thanked Kate for her absorbing, useful and informative talk.

Anyone who would like to join the lunch club should call Ruth on 01566 782286 or Audrey on 01566 773062 for more details and to reserve a place.