A rowing club is working hard to get back on its feet after a difficult year.

The Talkin Tarn Amateur Rowing Club, in Talkin Tarn near Brampton, has been operating since they were established in 1859, however following the restrictions imposed by the Government to keep everyone safe from the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, it had taken a toll on their membership.

Mike Dodd, who currently holds the position of Club President, said that he has been a member of the club for 66 years, and that the club is in his blood.

However, being a member of the club for so long, and seeing it change from just being a more competitive club of rowers, to a more recreational style club today, the club is eager to promote the more casual side to the sport, and for newcomers not to be turned away from the fast paced, super-competitive image that has been painted of rowing clubs.

Mike spoke of recreational rowing, which is aimed at adults primarily to stay active and benefit the mind.

He said: "We've got about just over 20 members who come regularly on a [Monday and] Thursday afternoon for recreational rowing.

"It's nothing serious, they just go out and row and have a laugh."

He said that in that group, their oldest member is in his nineties.

The club also has a superb Juniors group, descried as the club’s ‘new blood’ to keep the club moving forward.

Jamie Judd, 13, one of the juniors, said: “The club is really good.

“I’ve made quite a few friends here.”

Melany Kleinjan, club and committee member at the Talkin Tarn Amateur Rowing Club, spoke more about another category of rowing, which she takes part in, and believes others would find it appealing as well.

The Adult Competition group exists for those who can compete, but as Melany describes, are not quite at the performance level.

This, she says, brings a balance to the club between the performance group and the recreational group.

Melany said: "I want people to know that you do not have to be in the races, and you do not have to be just rowing leisurely, you can train hard and do the occasional competition and that's fine.”

To find out more about the club, including membership prices, visit https://www.facebook.com/TarnRowing or email talkintarnarc@hotmail.co.uk.