From the Headmaster, Mark Tomkins

Since July 2012 MGS has been affiliated to British Rowing. This means that the school is categorised as a rowing school and can compete at rowing competitions as MGS. We have already had a number of successes at Sudbury Regatta in August and at the Maidstone Head in October. A growing number of students attend training on a Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning, but what we really need now are boats. The Judd School, where I used to work, are selling their rowing boats. Since I left, the sport has been in decline and they have made the decision to wind the rowing club down. I have been in consultation with them over the last few months and they have agreed to sell all of the equipment to MGS at a cost of £4000. This includes 7 boats, numerous blades/oars, a rack (which racks four of the boats), cox box and life jacket.

In order to take over the ownership of the boats I am in the process of raising the funds from private donators. Currently I have raised just under £3000 from parents of students who row. This is a fantastic amount and I am immensely grateful for their generosity. I am now asking any Old Maidstonians to see if they would like to make a donation which takes us a lot closer to the target of £4000. A number of the current students who row will become OMs next year and they are keen to return and row as an OM/Alumni squad. Some OMs who left before I arrived, and who I know through my own rowing club, are also keen for MGS to develop the sport.

If you are interested then please email me directly on mark.tomkins@mgs-kent.org.uk

I really hope that with the purchase of these boats MGS can develop as a recognised rowing school and encourage more students to enjoy the sport as much as I do.

Many thanks.
Mark