Officers
Amelia Wright
Director of Rowing and Chairman of 'Blenheim Palace Junior Regatta'
My passion for rowing started when I learnt to row at The Dragon School at the age of nine with Hinksey’s very own John Broadhurst as one of my first ever coaches. My rowing career continued after a short break at Headington School after being re-inspired trying on a friend’s all-in-one.
Thanks to HSOBC I was able to enjoy a wonderful time competing at a National level where I trained hard, and I fear played a little too hard but managed somehow to gain my Instructors Award in 1999.
I had a break from rowing while I studied Business and Marketing at Oxford Brookes University but soon after graduating I joined City of Oxford Rowing Club for a short time where I met some great new friends and enjoyed competing, just for fun, at a series of memorable summer events.
It was during this period that I became a professional coach thanks to opportunities at Hinksey Sculling School and Wolfson College.
In 2006 I launched Strokit Clothing, a supplier of rowing performance kit and casual clothes. We had a fantastic 2 years, travelling round the country selling our British made kit at events from Henley Royal Regatta, the World Championships and many local events as well as supplying clubs and schools with bespoke kit. However, we were sadly forced to close, after a frenetic, personally if not financially rewarding and fondly remembered 2 years where I was privileged to meet yet more fantastically devoted rowers, scullers and supporters of this amazing sport.
For the past 5 years I have been privileged to be involved with HSS as a Senior Coach and 2010 begins with my most important challenge to date as I take on my new position as Rowing Manager while continuing to build my skills by working towards the Level 3 Coaching Award.
I feel very proud to be involved with such a wonderful club and to be working with so many talented and dedicated coaches, athletes and supportive parents. Here’s to a great 2010 for Hinksey and everyone involved in the very important role it plays in our sport and our local community.
Ross Young
Head Coach
I have been coaching with British Rowing for the past three years. The first two years I was a Henley Stewards Scholarship Coach (HSCT) for the Yorkshire region. In this time I completed my UKCC level 2 for Rowing, Level 3 Certificate in Tutoring in Sports, coached on the J16 National Sculling camp and supported the GB U23 Squad in the build up to the 2009 World Junior Championships in the Czech Rep. I also completed a Master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning, which is where some of the slightly different training sessions you may encounter come from.
Following on from the scholarship I was offered to take up a Club and Coach Role in the Northern region. With this role I was tasked to mentor coaches who had recently completed Level 2 courses, try to find more potential coaches and to increase the knowledge of current coaches within the seven clubs I was placed. I spent some of my time working with Universities to increase participation in the 16-24 age group and delivered seminars and workshops on Weight lifting for Rowing and Conditioning for Rowing. I also completed the Accreditation process for UKSCA (UK Strength and Conditioning Association) and will receive my Accreditation confirmation within the next two months.
Alongside my work with British Rowing, I worked with athletes on a voluntary basis within the University of Teesside’s Talented Athlete program (TASS). This included work with World Class Start Rowers, England Middle distance runners, an England Junior Table tennis player, and an England Student Rugby League player. I also offered my knowledge to an Ex-Newcastle United Women’s Footballer, and Durham Collegiate Rowers.
I have helped athletes in my previous clubs achieve success at local, Regional, Junior Inter-Regional, Home Nations and GB trials. I hope to continue to help the athletes at Hinksey achieve whatever they want to over the coming years. Hinksey is about more than just the rowing and I hope to add my mark on the development of the club and the enjoyment of all involved in the club.
Anne May
Club Welfare Officer
2 of my 3 daughters started rowing with Hinksey in 2010, my only previous experiencing of rowing, was watching Wycliffe College and Gloucester rowing club on the Sharpness Canal just south of Gloucester, which dissects the farm which I was brought up on. I moved to Oxfordshire to train as a Nurse and never left, I am currently a Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist.
In a very short time rowing became an integral part of our family life, and I remain amazed what drive, dedication and determination it has given. I have seen the benefits of this enrichment, and would like to support Hinskey in offering this opportunity to more young people.
I have held various roles previously for charity and government organisations and have just resigned as safeguarding governor at a local primary school.
Mandy Myatt
Club Secretary
My four boys are all involved with HSS and it is my pleasure to support the club in any way I can. Prior to having children I rode event horses full time for an Oxfordshire-based owner so I understand the rigours of dedicated involvement in sport. I love the way HSS is making rowing accessible to everyone and I’m excited about what the future holds for this organisation if everyone is prepared to play their part. In 2008 I qualified as a Level 2 coach. My training is in farm management but for the last 18 years I have helped my husband, Andrew, lead the Oxford Vineyard Church.
Bob Swan
Club Publicity Officer
My son Tim is a keen HSS member, so I often take the opportunity to attend competitions and photograph all the crews in action. Images can be seen on the Events section. I forward some to the local newspapers when we have medal winners (which has been fairly often!).
Parents and athletes are invited to upload their photos - please follow the notes on the use of Flickr Photo Sharing in the HSS members area. Or contact me: bob.swan@dial.appleinter.net. As a graphic designer working in publishing, I'm happy to design promotional material for the club.
Andrew Myatt
Chairman of 'South of England Indoor Rowing Championships'
Married to Mandy, with 4 boys who all started sculling with this club through the work at Wheatley Park School. After helping with the famous Isis Adventure in 2006, I was asked to chair the Oxford Schools Dry Rowing Competition, which has now become the South of England Indoor Rowing Championships. This competition is run by the club, generates some income, but is also a great place for our athletes to get used to competition at a level where they have a good chance of getting a medal.
Alistair Brown
Head of Infrastructure for 'Blenheim Palace Junior Regatta'
I am the proud parent of one of the early members of the group of athletes from Wheatley Park School. Angus started with HSS in 2001 and I have been involved with the club since then, in a background sort of a way. This was a great initiative by the club as it gives Angus the exercise he loves and gives me the opportunity to help the community and have a great time with my son, and in the fresh air and excellent environment at Godstow.