Committee
Chairman
John Anderson
I started rowing at Tees Rowing Club in 2009. I spent many years as a recreational rower touring nine northern rowing clubs to take part in the BR- organised Northern League.
The taking part was arguably more important than winning, but I’d have to say that we became very competitive, winning the League in 2013.
I joined Deben Rowing Club in 2017 and became Chair in 2023 after two years as Treasurer.
Captain
Michael Streat
I have rowed on the Deben since 1997, starting with victory over the DYC (yeah!!) in DRC's re-founding one-off challenge match race for coxed fours at that year's Woodbridge (DYC) Regatta.
I learnt to row at university and did a lot of college coaching as well, and then coached at Shrewsbury School and St Paul's School, London, while incidentally teaching maths - the bit they paid me for. In between times, from 1988, I put in four seasons of crazily intense racing with the Lea Rowing Club. Happy days... glorious pain!
My wife tells me I am obsessed. Quite often.
I confess I still have a mildly competitive streak (ask the juniors, or the other racing adults), and don't struggle to find excuses to drift down to the clubhouse or 'drift' down the Deben (rating 30, heart rate over 170 for best fun. That max heart rate formula of 220 minus your age... pah).
Despite rarely sculling a stroke I am truly happy with, like an addict I keep coming back for more. Who wouldn't, on a river and at a club like ours?
Head Coach
Louise Kirk
I started rowing at Vesta Rowing Club some 30 years ago, taught by the legendary Paul Lorenzato. My racing highlights were the Head of The Charles Regatta, Boston and the Coupe des Dames, France. I was proud to be part of an VIII crew that moved our Surrey based rowing club up to its highest ever ranking for WEHoRR.
In 2010, I qualified as a British Rowing Club Coach.
I help motivate and develop senior crews' athletic and technical abilities and progress crews from the LTR courses. I also run the land training sessions, which my schnauzer Mollie sometimes attends too!
Honorary Secretary
Sarah Walker
I started rowing in March 2023 when I joined Deben Rowing Club with my daughter.
I am still learning new things each time I row, but rowing on the Deben estuary is a stunning distraction of the business of day to day life. I have been honorary club secretary since October 2023.
Safety Officer
Terry Davey
I founded Deben Rowing Club in 1990. The club was initially located at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club, then Woodbridge Cruising Club, moving to its present location in 1995.
A new clubhouse was built in 2010.
I have been a DRC Coach for 35 years. During that time, I have introduced the majority of beginners to sculling.
Junior Co-Ordinator
Heather Lizamore
I first started rowing (sweep) as a teenager on a very windy harbour in Wellington, New Zealand. At that time the local club was ‘male only’, so we started a new club thanks to the commitment of some determined adults keen to see women able to also enjoy this terrific sport.
Uni and then life in general took over but 30 years later, I learned to scull here in East Anglia and I’m hooked on rowing (again) - I’m delighted to be able to help with the co-ordination of the junior squad and hope that they all go on to love rowing throughout their lives.
When not rowing, I’m an HR Director. I have two teenage girls, a hubby (who tolerates a lot of rowing talk) and far too many dogs!
Membership Secretary
Graham Hill
I joined Deben Rowing Club in 2023 when we retired to Woodbridge, drawn by our love of the river - my wife is from Felixstowe and grew up sailing on the Deben.
Before that I rowed and sculled on the Medway with Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club for 12 years or so.
Paddling for pleasure, now my (not very successful) racing days are behind me.
Treasurer
Katy Wallace
I started rowing in 2024 when I joined Deben Rowing Club.
Sarah Hill
I joined Deben Rowing Club in 2022 as a total novice after years of using the erg (badly) at home.
I have much to learn, but really enjoying getting out on the water (mainly single or double sculling) and Lou’s fantastic circuit sessions.
Facilities Manager
Linda Woodard
Events Manager
Pip Alder
Primarily a cox, although can be tempted into a quad in the summer, I started my rowing career at university and then at Minerva Bath. Many weekends were spent at Regattas and Head races and I even have some pots to show for it plus some very good friends.
After a long gap due to work and family commitments, I joined the Deben Rowing Club when I moved back to Suffolk and rekindled my love of the sport. I cox a variety of crews but primarily the ladies and help out with Learn to Row and Juniors when I can, trying not to lose things in the river as I go. You’ll probably hear me before seeing me if you’re walking by the river on a Saturday morning!
As the Events Manager I organise the social events such as quiz nights, Burns Suppers, Cocktail nights and the Christmas Dinner.
Welfare Officer
Joel Early
Technical Manager
Jono Layton