Team Building Day for Dataquest

It was an early start, with a team of volunteers from the club making ready for the day ahead. The weather, an all important element in these things, was looking menacing and the wind was up, but the rain managed to stay away, mostly. Five eights were put on trestles and checked, five launches were put in the river and fuelled up and a final inspection of the building was completed to ensure all was clean and shipshape.

Steve Parsons, who we can’t keep out of the kitchen, prepared sausages in a bread roll and a cup of coffee to the very grateful early crew. Ian Knight, Head Coach for the day and Bill Raspin, Race Management, were off up the river to carry out a risk assessment and report back.

We were expecting thirty six non-rowers who were going to experience our sport for the first time. A challenge for them and for us! Our client, Dataquest UK (Working with all business sectors to deliver print, scan, copy and telecommunications systems that integrate seamlessly into the office process), are a city-based, sales-driven organisation with a work hard, play hard ethos and we were expecting them to go all out to master the rowing side and enjoy the day. They did not disappoint!

Simon Kay, who managed the client relationship, also sorted out catering for the day. A breakfast was laid on for our guests on arrival and later a magnificent hog roast, for all to enjoy. After breakfast the briefing included the running order for the day. First, everyone needed to get in to their exercise kit ready for pre-boat training. The group were then divided into teams of nine, (7 recruits, 1 cox and 1 MBC stroke) ready to start the training.

We established five breakout groups which each team would rotate through lasting 10 minutes each.
1. Ted Bates – Club History, Olympic ambitions & a bit about rowing
2. Steve Parsons – Rowing jig in club room learning “the stroke”
3. Charles Bowman – on 7 Ergo’s learning rowing action
4. Runner – 200m Ergo time trial
5. Ian Knight – Meet an 8 and dos and don’ts of rowing.

Once completed and after a quick coffee, they were ready to get on the water!  Ian Knight briefed the crews on the rules of engagement. I particularly remember him enforcing that “When I say ‘Stop’… Stop!!”

Following the risk assessment, it was decided that side by side racing was a step too far, given the weather conditions, so the plan was to learn as much as possible on the way up to the top of Thornycroft Island and then take part in a short, timed run back down the island. Not everyone made it up to the top, given the windy conditions, but everyone had a challenging row and returned safely.

The coxing was particularly challenging given the windy conditions and novice crews. Angela Walker, Lucy Windsor, Pat Sinott, Jessica Nolan (Weybridge Ladies) and JP did a stirling job. All the 8s were shadowed by a coaching launch providing instruction and safety cover. The “stroke team” were Catriona Rogers, Dave Spencer, Dave Griffith, Sophie Faldo and Helen Brown. They certainly earned their lunch.

Ben Pugh spent the day with us and was persuaded to coach from one of the launches. It must have been an interesting experience coaching these guys and then moving onto rowing at Henley next week. All part of the new job as Captain of MBC.

After the boats and launches were put away it was time for the Hog Roast. The buzz around the club was unmistakable and it was clear that everyone had enjoyed what turned out to be a challenging row in difficult conditions. The bar was open for business and Ted, Davinda Bhatia and the team were busy poring beers and filling Pimms’ jugs for the thirsty throng.

After lunch, Sarah Winkless (double world champion and Olympic medallist), gave a presentation and talk on her career in rowing and what motivated her to succeed at the highest level. She eloquently drew many parallels between the approach to sport and business and how such lessons can educate and motivate individuals and teams to achieve more through a positive “can do” attitude. Sarah was well received by all and answered lots of questions before closing.

At this point everyone started “ripping into the tinnies” (Australian for having a couple of beers) and recounting their experiences of the day. Personally, I slipped out of the door at the point that Simon Kay got the yard of Ale glasses out! You may find they are still there on Sunday morning.

It was a great day. I would like to thank the MBC team who really got behind this event and made it happen.

Thank you

We have another one in a couple of weeks, so do get in touch if you would like to get involved.
 

JP

For more information and pictures, have a look at Team Building Days