Burnham-On-Sea’s gig rowing club has this week unveiled plans to launch a new fundraising campaign for a second boat.
The club’s Graham Wills told this week’s annual Town Council meeting that a new £15,500 boat is being sought due to the group’s popularity.
“We have been overwhelmed with interest since last year’s launch of our first boat,” he said. “We have around 70 members and need a second gig due to the interest.”
“We had huge support from the local community in fundraising for our first boat – including Sailing Club members who could see this as the future, and local people who wanted to get involved. Some people even donated their winter fuel allowance to us to help.”
“The Town Council was good enough to support us with grant funding which acted as the catalyst to buy the gig.”
“This time, we are looking to raise £15,500 for a second boat and we intend to approach commercial sponsors, plus Sports England and the Somerset Sports Partnership.”
He added that last Saturday’s open day at Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club attracted eight new expressions of interest to join the group.
