BUDE Pilot Gig Club enjoyed a festive Christmas Dinner on Friday, December 12, writes Emily Whelan.

Not only was the event a good opportunity to get almost the whole club together for a drink, there was an awards ceremony held before the meal.

From the adults, Steve Coles was awarded Best Male Rower. Steve has been rowing for over two years now, and in that short time has become a phenomenal rower, as shown by his recent marathon success which took him to first place in the UK and fourth in the world.

Jenny Parker was awarded Best Female Rower, and was extremely deserving of the award. Jenny’s consistency and dedication to the club is outstanding, and she has had a fantastic racing season.

Baz Stow received the award for Most Improved Rower. Baz has just finished his first racing season and has performed better and better throughout. Baz’ first race was an epic 40-minute escapade, at Appledore. No one thought to tell him the race was 20 minutes longer than he was probably expecting, until he was actually in the boat.

Most Improved Female Rower was awarded to Donna Griffiths. Despite having never rowed before, Donna immediately performed well at the sport and only improved from there. Donna’s first race in the sea was very much a trial by fire; she rowed in bow at the Women’s Gig Club Championships in conditions which were so horrendous the event was cancelled a few heats later.

Club person of the year was also awarded to Steve Coles. Besides being a phenomenal rower and Steve Redgrave’s long lost younger brother — don’t quote me on that, it’s just a theory — Steve’s dedication to the club is admirable; he rarely misses a training session and has also started running gym sessions for the Club.

Bude Pilot Gig Club Juniors have had a fantastic year, winning the majority of their races. With such success it was hard to choose who should receive which awards, but after long and hard deliberation decisions were finally made.

Chloe Rookes won Most Promising Newcomer. Chloe joined the gig club just this year, and has, like many of the juniors, had a very successful season.

Elyse Humber received the award for Most Improved. Elyse has made significant progress this year and we are looking forward to seeing her performance next racing season.

Maddie Weston and Dan West won Most Committed Rower Awards; both juniors rowed in the 21-mile-long Great River Race along the Thames, and look forward to an even more successful upcoming season.

The crew of the Great River Race; Emma Hawking, Maddie Weston, Linus Uhlig, Dan West, Damon Bell, Dan Ferris and Ben Sleep, won the Courage Award for partaking in such an esteemed event.

Dan West was also awarded £10 from Cox and Junior Coach Tony Denford for his work on the Rowing Machines. Unfortunately, the money was encased in glass, preventing him from actually spending it.

Emma Hawking received Best Rower. Emma has been rowing for the club for many years, and during the last racing season has been leading the juniors as Under 16s Captain. Almost 17, Emma will be rowing with the Gig Club adults for the upcoming season, and has already made a brilliant start training with the adult crew.

Bude Pilot Gig club have enjoyed a successful year, and, with a growing number of members, they look forward to the upcoming racing season.

If you’re interested in rowing contact Bude Pilot Gig Club secretary Molly Jones on 01288 359867.