Ducks, Oars and a Lasting Legacy: Trent Rowing Club’s Big Burton Fundraiser

There are many ways to support a Burton institution. Buying a pint. Turning up to cheer at a regatta. Sponsoring a duck and racing it down the River Trent…

Yes, you read that right.

 

Trent Rowing Club is aiming to raise £30,000 to build a brand-new boat barn on the banks of the Trent – and the campaign comes with a healthy dose of Burton spirit (and rubber ducks).

 

 

A club woven into Burton’s history

 

Founded in 1863, Trent Rowing Club is one of the town’s oldest sporting institutions. Volunteer-run, family-friendly and fiercely proud of its roots, the club has been part of Burton’s river life for more than 160 years.

 

You’ll spot its rowers training on the Trent, pounding the paths through Stapenhill Gardens, and competing at the ever-popular Burton Regatta each July.

 

And they’re not just making up the numbers.

Recent highlights include:

• 10th out of 107 clubs at the 2025 British Rowing Championships

• East Midlands Regional Champions

• Five national medals this year from just 10 junior athletes

 

Not bad for a club of around 30 members.

As they put it themselves: small club, big heart – and a determined competitive streak.

 

 

Why they need help

 

Rowing might look serene on the water, but behind the scenes it’s a logistical puzzle. Boats, launches, oars, rowing machines and safety kit all need storing – and right now, Trent is at capacity.

 

On busy nights, boats are wheeled outside just to create enough floor space for land training. That limits numbers, reduces training time together, and makes it harder to say “yes” to new members.

And that’s the real issue.

 

There’s growing interest in rowing locally – from juniors, adults and families – but without more storage space, the club can’t expand.

 

The plan? Build a new boat barn costing £27,100 plus VAT. Planning permission is secured. The base is ready. Crowdfunding is the final push.

 

The new barn would:

• Free up the existing building for a full ground-floor refurbishment

• Create a proper indoor training and maintenance space

• Allow more juniors and adults to join

• Support school and community introductions to rowing

• Keep membership fees affordable

 

In short: more Burton people on (and by) the river.

 

 

Every pound could be doubled

 

Here’s the bit that makes accountants and optimists equally cheerful.

The campaign has secured conditional match funding of up to £15,000 from Sport England’s Movement Fund.

 

That means every pound donated – up to that amount – could be matched.

 

In Burton terms, that’s like getting two rounds for the price of one.

 

 

Enter… the Duck Race

 

To help raise funds, the club is hosting its very first Duck Race on the River Trent on Saturday 4 April 2026, 10am–1pm, at the clubhouse.

 

Businesses can sponsor a large duck for £500 – ideal for a competitive company willing to dress it in corporate colours and battle for bragging rights. There’s even a trophy described as “once in a duck-time”.

 

Families and individuals can get involved too, with mini-duck options starting from £25.

 

It promises to be part fundraiser, part river party – and entirely Burton.

 

 

A personal mission

 

Leading the campaign is Rachel Hayward, who is supporting the project in memory of her late father, John Hayward.

 

Rachel said:

“I’m supporting Trent Rowing Club with this campaign in memory of my late dad, John Hayward - president of TRC for 35 years and a proud Burton businessman. He believed in this town and in sport that changes lives. If he were still here, he’d be leading this effort - and I know I’d have been roped in too! So, in his memory, let’s race ducks, rally Burton, and build a barn that keeps Trent thriving for generations.”

 

It’s hard to think of a more fitting tribute than ensuring the club he championed continues for another 160 years.

 

 

Why it matters to Burton

 

This isn’t just about storing boats.

It’s about belonging.
It’s about mental health.
It’s about giving young people confidence and direction.
It’s about keeping our river at the heart of town life.

 

Trent Rowing Club has watched shy teenagers become leaders, students gain discipline and focus, and families find a shared passion.

Now they’re asking Burton to get behind them.

 

So whether you’re a business ready to unleash a champion duck, a family keen to back a mini-quad, or simply someone who believes in keeping our river thriving – this is your chance to help.

 

All donations and duck entries must go through the official crowdfunder to qualify for match funding.

 

👉 Support the campaign and race your duck here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ducks-in-a-row

 

 

Chris Towland

 

 

Why This Barn Matters - Rachel Explains...