<p>Since our foundation in 2004 the IoERC has opened up rowing to the local community and we now have in excess of 200 members. The club is entirely self-funded and relies on efforts of members and supporters to keep afloat. Fees have been kept low so cost isn't a restriction to membership. Through hard work and dedication we have transformed a stretch of Ely riverside, into a thriving public rowing club making the sport accessible to all including seniors, juniors adaptive rowers and local schools. 18 years ago, when the club was established we inherited three run down porta cabins which became our 'clubhouse' and storage facilities. These were replaced three years ago by new portacabins kindly donated to us. (We now have a clubhouse, changing rooms and an inside loo!) Our existing landing stage which was built by members in 2004 has now come to the end of its life. Due to the dry summer it has been difficult to launch boats as the river levels have been too low. Our current pontoon is unsafe as the river bank is eroding. We need to reinforce the river bank and replace this with a floating pontoon which will enable us to launch boats year round regardless of challenging fluctuating water levels</p>