LAST weekend saw the exciting launch of a new glass fibre training gig for Tamar and Tavy Gig Club at Bere Ferrers.
This tremendous news means that members will be able to train all winter in the gig as well as undertaking circuit training and indoor rowing which will be great preparation for the start of the new racing season.
The club were lucky enough to be awarded money to build the gig from part of a trust fund set up by the late Belinda O'Flynn, a resident of Bere Ferrers who sadly died in her 50s in 2008.
Belinda's wishes were for the fund to be used for the benefit of the Bere Peninsula community in general, and where possible with an emphasis on young people.
More than 150 people gathered on the waterfront at Bere Ferrers to witness a wonderful event.
Before naming the new gig 'Belinda O'Flynn', Sarah, a close friend of Belinda's, gave a moving speech in which she spoke warmly of Belinda's wish for young people to join together in local activities and how she would have smiled to see her name on the new gig.
The idea of the trust fund was born only a few weeks before she died which showed her incredible strength, bravery, courage and vision that youngsters could benefit from her death.
Everyone gathered beside the river must surely have felt a connection with this remarkable lady, her generosity embodying the unique and powerful team event that is gig rowing.
Rector Nick Law blessed the boat and the junior squad, coxed by Paula Haynes-Parry, took the boat out on her maiden voyage. So many juniors wanted to have a row that the boat was taken out a second time and then sea shanty group The Tavy Tars entertained the crowds.