Thames Tradesmans Rowing Club
Chiswick Boathouse
Duke’s Meadows
Chiswick
London
W4 2SH
Established in 1897, Thames Tradesmen’s Rowing Club has an impressive and unique history, with a reputation for producing some of the finest international and club oarsmen of the last 50 years. Thames Tradesmen is a friendly, open club which accepts all abilities and is always open to new members. The club runs a regular six week induction programme facilitated by trained coaches and experienced rowers.
Chiswickbuzz stop press (As per TTR website)
On Sunday 19th August, Hounslow Borough Council shut Chiswick Boathouse, denying rowers at Thames Tradesmen’s Rowing Club access to their clubhouse and boats. The next day, the Council changed the locks and took away their keys. With no prior warning, communication or negotiation, last month the club were given just four weeks’ notice of the eviction from the Council – leaving little time to appeal or relocate.
The Council’s plans are to demolish the clubhouse and use the land to construct another boathouse. The key issue is the current building will remain in place for at least the next two to three years until the necessary funds have been secured to build a new boathouse. So why the early action?
Hounslow council are challenging the club’s lease (that has been in place – uncontested – for the past 33 years and in theory runs until 2033). The council’s actions have forced the club to spend a past President’s hard-earned legacy to seek legal clarification from the High Courts. In the interim period Hounslow are denying the club access to the boathouse (unless they give up their existing lease and move to a rolling six-month license).
Contacts
captain@ttrc.org.uk
boating@ttrc.org.uk
To find out about our Learn to Row programme, please contact Peter Brewer: 07719 150924
