We have both been lucky enough to have had easy access to all sorts of sports and activities from a young age.  Rowing, in particular, has been important to both of us, and has provided us with some of our best (and worst!) experiences.  We know that not all kids have the same access to sport and leisure activities, so we have decided to use our ‘wedding list’ to help provide others with some of the opportunities that we have enjoyed.

So instead of a traditional wedding present, we would like to invite you to support our fund-raising efforts for an activity centre called Longridge in Marlow that was established with the specific intention of providing access to affordable sports and activities to young people from all walks of life.  Via our wedding list, and other activities, we are aiming to raise a minimum of £10k specifically to design and equip a gym, and purchase rowing boats and equipment.  So any donation to this cause, instead of a traditional wedding present, would be most welcome (please note:  ‘instead of’, not ‘as well as’!)

Thanks to those who choose to support us - we really appreciate it!  For those who want more information about Longridge, and our objectives, please read on… 

Longridge is a charity that runs a 12 acre activity centre on the banks of the near Marlow in Buckinghamshire.  It was established in 2006 with the aim of providing affordable outdoor activities for young people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. 

As well as providing sport and recreation for all, the charity also works closely with children services teams to identify young people who would benefit most from their activities and runs a number of programmes that train teenagers to become outdoor activity instructors.  They have some great stories of under-privileged children, and young offenders whose lives have been transformed by the opportunities and experiences Longridge has provided them with.

What has specifically interes us is Longridge’s recent involvement with rowing.  In 2009 the charity identified rowing as a sport that can cater for those who have struggled with 'traditional' school sports, and set up a 10 week programme that was swamped with applicants.  This trial led to the formation of Longridge Rowing Club, but because of the associa costs, the club requires support for the purchase of boats and blades.

Furthermore, Longridge is part way through the development of a training centre to provide changing facilities and a gymnasium, but they have run out of funds to equip the gym, so our objective is two fold:

-          to provide additional funding towards the purchase of rowing boats and blades

-          to design and equip the Longridge gymnasium

Whilst Longridge Rowing Club does not aspire to become a top performing club in terms of winning trophies, it does aim to become a leading centre to introduce youngsters from all walks of life to the sport that has been so important to both of us.

Thanks for your support!  Piers & Ingrid