COMMUNITY & SUPPORTERS

A community club

Community groups have long been part of the ‘family’ at the Club and we have had member groups regularly rowing from the Metropolitan Police, universities, London Transport, London hospitals and religious groups – some of whom still use the Club today. We are an open, friendly and diverse club and welcome everyone who wishes to row (subject to capacity). The Club and adjoining café provide a focal point for the local community, many of whom choose to have parties and weddings in the club rooms overlooking the river, and our club bar and is open to the public for Sunday lunches and live music events (for more information head over to Lea Rowing Club’s dedicated events website The Boathouse). Our Spring and Autumn regattas are highlights in the local calendar.

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Access for young people

We have excellent relationships with local authorities, charities and other groups aiming to introduce young people to the sport of rowing. We work closely with schools in Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest. Schools interested in offering rowing to year 8–12 students can find out more on our Schools’ Rowing page.

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Using our shared river and towpaths safely

The River Lea is one of the hidden gems of east London and a fantastic resource for the local community. Ensuring safety for everyone who uses the river, both on the water and the towpath, is crucially important to all of us. Information for canal boat users and rowers, to help keep everyone safe on the water, is available on our Navigation & Safety page. We also work closely with the Canal and River Trust (CaRT), British Rowing, All Party Parliamentary Group on Rowing, the boating community and local groups – such as Reclaim the Towpath and Hackney Police – to ensure the river and towpaths are safe for all. Contact information for our local police Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be found on our Navigation & Safety page.

Alongside CaRT, Hackney Marshes User Group, Pastic-Free Hackney and others, our members also participate in community activities such as weed-clearing and litter-picking to make the river and surrounding environment safe and pleasant for all.