Free Spirits Rowing

I hope to stay with my friend in Manchester as I rarely make it that far North. Happy to bring some food with me if we want to put a buffet together, but would need coordinating to ensure we get a good selection, but equally happy to have takeout, although don't fancy rowing on KFC or Pizza! Unfortunately likely to be driving and will drive off in the evening so won't be able to drink at the celebration.

From experience of previous events, food prior to rowing is rarely ever touched so mostly a waste so KFC or Pizza or whatever the option is would definitely be "post" erging efforts.

For anyone considering this, the weekend of the 23rd/24th May is looking the favourite as things stand.

Still available. Gives a bit of time to recover from "Marathon Fortnight". Who else is thinking of coming? This is going to be the start of half term. I know most of us don't have kids at school anymore, but some might be looking after or holidaying with Grandchildren! On the plus side for those of us still working, Monday 25th is a bank holiday.

Grobi wrote: Thu Feb 12, 2026 12:35 pm Since Dave is willing to provide a venue for a physical get together for our anniversary, let's make planning easier for him and start a list of potential attendees:

Plummy (Dave)
Grobi (Peter) and Adina
Iain
Ian Bee (?)
webberg (Graham) (?)
Mike Channin (?)

Any more takers?

I'm trying not to read too much into not being a potential attendee

Depending on timing and work load I am in!

Plummy, if the anniversary is going to be held on the 23rd, then we would like to attend.

As you know, we have always been able to bring our erg but on this occasion, it will not fit inside our present car, an Audi Q2.

We'll figure ergs out Jill so don't worry about that. As long as we have 4, that'll be more than enough.

I also think that given the significance of the celebration (and how old some of us have become!) the rule of "if you go, you row" can be moved to one side - although for anyone willing, fit and able it is still a preference.

If anyone has photos/video of old get togethers/races, please bring them on USB sticks - it will be great to look back to the early days.

Updated list of (potential) attendees:

Plummy (Dave)
Grobi (Peter) and Adina
Iain
Ian Bee (?)
webberg (Graham) (?)
Jane and Nick Shuker
Tako (?)
Jill and Richard Underwood
Jon Taylor

Morning guys.

Sorry to report that I've picked up a significant injury - a partial tear of the Achilles.

Presently unable to even walk more than a few steps without sticks and likely that I'll be wearing a medical boot later today.

I'm told by A&E that I'll be out of action for a few weeks and then will have to build back slowly.

I very much doubt I'll be making the May date - my apologies.

(The injury was caused by spinning to vigorously and not rowing).

Ugh - that sounds awful Graham. Anything achilles related is a slow and careful recovery but at least only "partial" tear, not a snap as that's 6 months+ I think.

Best wishes for a full recovery though.

Regards
Dave

Sorry to hear it Graham and hope you recover well.

Hey - good news - not a partial tear but a strain.

More good news - some rowing just to keep it mobilised.

Bad news - it could be three months before normal service can be resumed.

I'll take this as a result though.

Grobi wrote: Mon Feb 16, 2026 11:08 am Updated list of (potential) attendees:

Plummy (Dave)
Grobi (Peter) and Adina
Iain
Ian Bee (?)
webberg (Graham) (?)
Jane and Nick Shuker
Tako (?)
Jill and Richard Underwood
Jon Taylor

Good news to hear Graham - but maybe one for the injuries thread for further progress updates.

Andrea Lewis Coker has expressed an interest in coming along and as a fairly local to me team member and FS medal winner, let's hope so.
Additionally - and I hope this is ok - I'm going to invite Stuart Thorp. He's not FS but has attended an event before. Given that he IS Crazy Bear and so many of us have smashed ourselves up attempting his challenge I feel a high affinity towards him coming along. Add to that, he lives only about 3 miles away AND has an erg!!!