10th March 2010

BRIDPORT: �BuckyDoo� set to hit the waves

THE Bridport Gig Rowing Club (BGRC) will hit the waves on “BuckyDoo” this spring after naming their first boat last week.

Blue Vinney, Fudges Fire Water and Tess were all names discarded from the 16-strong long list before the group decided upon a name.

BuckyDoo will be a fibreglass training gig and is currently being built by boat builder Trevor Deakin.

As well as the name, chairman Mike Carter also unveiled the club’s new colour scheme and logo at the clubs social.

The new logo, shown above, was designed by a club member and combines the rope-making heritage of Bridport with the traditional livery of the gig rowing scene. The crossed oars of gig rowing are set against a representation of a “Bridport Dagger” or hangman’s noose.

Mike Carter explained: “Since the club’s next boat – a wooden racing gig – is likely to be named ‘Dagger’ it seemed fitting to include a Bridport dagger in the club’s logo.”

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Sally Vaughan added: ”It was a difficult decision, letting go of the original logo. We had become very fond of it, but if we were ever going to change our logo or colours it would be now or never, to coincide with the launch of the new boat.

“When you look at the logos and colours of other clubs you really need to have something that will make a statement, and make us stand out from the crowd - and this one certainly will!

“We had a very healthy debate about whether or not to include a noose, and in the end a majority voted for it.”

The club looked to the Bridport town crest for inspiration about club colours and have decided to go with claret and blue (with gold and white embellishments).

Some items of kit using this colour scheme will be provided by Palmers Brewery as part of their corporate sponsorship package.

As well as making preparations for the launch, BGRC are currently concentrating on recruiting new members and as part of this have been doing a round of presentations for local schools and organisations.

Rowing captains Mimi Gulliford and Dan Rowe recently spoke to sixth formers at Colfox School where they received a very enthusiastic response, and member Nancy Short is planning a community arts project involving a number of local primary schools.

Nancy said: “There is a terrific amount of positive interest about the club and the arts project which aims to have pupil’s models of gig boats planted on the beach in West Bay for a display.

“There are lots of learning opportunities in a project like this, and of course it will be quite a spectacle.”

The club are offering to do presentations to any local organisations who may be interested in supporting the club in some way or becoming members.

To find out more and join BGRC visit www.bridportgigrowingclub.org.uk or email info@bridportgigrowingclub.org.uk

PICTURE: Club members at last week’s social event