May 012014
 

By Bob Smith.
Cove boats

A weel aff mannie ca’ed Kohle
Stairtit a row maist unholy
Jist move aa yer boats
An pit ‘em on floats
An tak ‘em awa ti a storie
.
Ess chiel his decreed
His letters fowk heed
Dinna dee fit he wints
Wull the bugger charge rints?
As access ti shore he dis need
.
Fisher fowk fae Cove Bay
View aa ess wi dismay
They’ll kick up a stoor
Agin ess bliddy boor
His gemme they’re nae gyaan ti play
.
Auld Jock Ritchie fae Cove
Micht hae said noo by jove
“Wi canna hae ess,
Yer jist takkin the piss
An ma boatie a’m nae gyaan ti move”
Is Mr Kohle in transition
O destroyin a tradition
Fishers aye used the shore
Their gear fer ti store
Are they tae bow in submission
.
Ma wife is Cove bred
An ess maan be said
Fin she heard o Kohle’s scheme
Oot her lugs cam the steam
Sayin Cove culture’s noo dead
.
Cove fowk are fair wishin
We aa sign their petition
Ti show Prahlad Kohle
His ideas they are folly
An tae keep the fishin tradition
.
Use yer moose or yer pen
An a’m sure ye aa ken
The fisher fowk o Cove Bay
They shud hae their day
Ess message ti Kohle we sen

© Bob Smith “The Poetry Mannie” 2014
Image Credit: Boats on the shore at Cove Bay by Ewen Adam.
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Mar 032014
 

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

20140301_BOAT_007

Robert Gordon University has won the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Boat Race for the third consecutive year.

They won with a record breaking time of seven minutes and 47 seconds, beating rivals Aberdeen University by two lengths.

Despite losing the race, Aberdeen University also broke the original record of eight minutes and one second with their time of seven minutes and 54 seconds.

Encouraging cheers could be heard from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club as supporters lined the banks of the River Dee to watch the universities battle it out on the water.

Gillian Paterson, president of Robert Gordon University Boat Club, says,

“Yes we did it! We secured a hat trick for Robert Gordon University with three consecutive wins! I am so proud of everyone who rowed this year, there were a lot of cold early mornings and late nights but we got there. Thank you for the continued support of Aberdeen Asset Management, Bob Newton on the Boat Race committee, our coach and crew members for making our success possible. Lauren is a fantastic president and her crew were excellent challengers as always. The whole experience was so much fun and I am already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

The Alumni boat race was won by Robert Gordon University by two and a half lengths in a time of eight minutes and 15 seconds. The Universities’ second crew boat race was won by Aberdeen University with a time of two minutes and 18 seconds.

The media challenge cup was won by the Evening Depress in a time of one minute and 20 seconds, beating Original FM by three lengths. They raced 300m in coxed ‘tub’ pairs for the media challenge cup.

Hugh Little, Head of Acquisitions at Aberdeen Asset Management says,

“I would like to give our huge congratulations to the winning crew, Robert Gordon University. I would also like to express my admiration for each of the crew members who continue, year after year, to show dedication and determination in the lead up to, and on the day, of the race. As always, each crew put their heart and soul into the competition and both are truly worthy competitors. The atmosphere on the banks of the River Dee was electric with supporters uniting to cheer on their respective university. At Aberdeen Asset Management, we are proud to continue supporting Scotland’s oldest and possibly most fiercely competitive boat race.”

For further information contact:
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR
Email: jkelly@trickerpr.com
Telephone: 01224 646491

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or on Twitter @2014BoatRace.

Feb 272014
 

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

boat_race1

(L-R) Gillian Paterson, RGU president, and Lauren Cammaert, AU president, head up their final crews

A superb day out for all the family, the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will take place this Saturday, 1st March 2014 with the title race taking place at 1.45pm on the River Dee.

With just days to go, the competing rowers are training furiously to prepare for the annual showdown, often referred to as the Scottish equivalent of the Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race.

The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will see the University of Aberdeen go head to head with Robert Gordon University for the 19th time in a cut throat 3.5km race, from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, to take home the coveted trophy.

The day begins at 11.35am with the toss for stations followed by the universities’ 2nd crew race at 12.20pm and alumni race at 12.40pm. Local media celebrities will take to the water at 1.25pm in the media challenge race before the main title race at 1.45pm.

The race is supported by Aberdeen Asset Management and spectators can show their support at a number of locations along the course on the banks of the River Dee. To cheer on the university crews, the best locations are considered The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or WellingtonSuspension Bridge.

For students seeking to support their peers, free transport has been organised by Aberdeen Asset Management for all rowing fans heading to the race. The courtesy buses will allow students to travel from each university campus to the River Dee, with a free return journey also available.

To find out more about the courtesy bus, or to keep up-to-date on the day with exclusive updates, follow the AberdeenAssetManagementUniversities’ Boat Race on Twitter www.twitter.com/2014BoatRace and Facebook www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace.

For further information contact:
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR
Email: jkelly@trickerpr.com
Telephone: 01224 646491

Courtesy Bus Timetable
AU spectator bus timetable:
11:00: Spectator bus departs from Hillhead Turning Circle, Hillhead Halls, Aberdeen.
11.15: Spectator bus departs from Aberdeen Sports Village, Linksfield Road, Aberdeen.
11.30: Spectator bus departs from the Tilted Wig, Union Street, Aberdeen City Centre.

RGU spectator bus timetable:
11.15: Departs Holburn Street at Union Grove, Aberdeen
11.30: Departs Union Terrace at Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Aberdeen
11.35: Departs RGU Schoolhill, Aberdeen
11.45: Departs Marischal College, Aberdeen

Return buses:
15:00: Departs Aberdeen Boat Club
15:45: Departs Aberdeen Boat Club

Feb 182014
 

Image 1With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

The final crews for the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race were announced on Monday 10th February, following months of training from the eager students involved. To celebrate their selection, and test their united strength, the crews gathered on the banks of the River Dee to take part in a tug-of-war.

The annual boat race will take place on Saturday 1st March and will see Aberdeen’s two universities, Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen, go head to head to claim the title of boat race champion. Aberdeen [University] Boat Club president Lauren Cammaert and Robert Gordon University president Gillian Paterson carefully selected each crew member, each hopeful that their tactics will lead their university to victory.

The Robert Gordon crew comprises:

Richard Hills (26) from Nairn, Scott Purdie (27) from Dumfries, Adam Luczak (19) from Warsaw, Poland, Morven Shaw (19) from Newtonhill and Holly Reid (19), Iona Reilly (21), Lewis McCue (18), Christie Duff (19) and Emily Geddes (19) from Aberdeen.

Competing in the Aberdeen University team will be:

Lauren Cammaert (23) from Newfoundland, Canada, Ian Walker (19) from Edinburgh, Eilidh Manson (19) from Midlothian, Fiona Bell (18) from Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, Tom Coles (20) from Callander, and Elliot Bruce (18), Henry Gieseler (21), Catriona Bain (22), Jamie Steel (21) all from Aberdeen.

Andrew Laing, Deputy Chief Executive at Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

“We are proud to continue to sponsor the annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. The boat race is a celebrated sporting event in Scotland and both crews have displayed tremendous dedication and passion for the 2014 event, with intense training taking place in all weathers.

“The crews show admirable stamina in their ability to juggle their studies, work and rowing responsibilities and I’m sure, on 1st March, these last few months of hard work will pay off.  I wish the best of luck to both teams.”

Hoping to lead her team to claim the 15th boat race victory for the University of Aberdeen is president and cox Lauren Cammaert. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Lauren moved to Aberdeen in 1998 and is now studying Medicine. Lauren has been rowing for four years, initially starting as a rower and then moving on to become a cox, and has taken part in the boat race on two previous occasions.

This will be Lauren’s first year of competing as president for the University of Aberdeen and she believes she has created the perfect team to make it a winning year for the University of Aberdeen.

Competing against the University of Aberdeen is Robert Gordon University president Gillian Paterson, who is originally from Melrose.

Gillian moved to Aberdeen to study Forensic and Analytical Science at Robert Gordon University, and has been rowing for three years. This will be Gillian’s second boat race appearance, and her first time in the role of president.

Gillian is hoping to add to her crew’s two-year winning streak and has chosen her team carefully to ensure that they have the recipe for success.

Follow the 2014 Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or Twitter @2014BoatRace

Feb 142014
 

Can You Predict The Winning Crew For The 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race? With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

wincrew (2)Rowers from the opposing crews in the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will unite this Saturday, 15th February 2014, at three locations – the Bon Accord Centre, Aberdeen Sports Village and Robert Gordon University, as they ask the public to place their votes on who will take home the trophy.

Crew members from Robert Gordon University (RGU) will come face to face with their rivals from Aberdeen University (AU) as they take a break from their hectic rowing schedules to encourage supporters to attend the Boat Race on Saturday 1st March 2014.

Members of the public will be asked to offer their predictions on which university will claim this year’s title of rowing champion. There will also be free balloons on offer, and visitors will have the opportunity to quiz rowers about the sport, ahead of the anticipated race day.

Last year saw Robert Gordon University win the boat race for the second consecutive year, with a time of 8 minutes 18 seconds. While Robert Gordon University is hoping to make it a hat trick this year, Aberdeen University is also eager to take the lead, to secure their 15th boat race win.

Cheryl Smith, Marketing Manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centres, said:

“Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centres are dedicated to supporting local community events such as the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. This will be the 19th year that students and members of the public have come together on the River Dee to support Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

“The pre-race event in the Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centres is a great opportunity for both crews of rowers to unite and showcase their talents to members of the public. On Saturday 15th February, shoppers will have a unique opportunity to speak with the rowers and hear all about the valiant efforts they put in in their attempt to secure the trophy.”

President of the Robert Gordon University crew, Gillian Paterson, said:

“The crew has been working exceptionally hard, in the hope that 2014’s race will see us claim our third win in a row. It is a pleasure to be able to take part in any activity that allows us to demonstrate our dedication to our sport and drum up support from members of the public. The public will have an opportunity to vote for who they think will win, so it will be interesting to see if their predictions prove to be right.”

Lauren Cammaert, president of Aberdeen University boat club said:

“Saturday will see us come face to face with our rivals for the final time before the long-awaited boat race. With only two weeks remaining, we welcome any opportunity to get out there to share our progress and encourage the public to come along on the day. The boat race is always a great family day out with an atmosphere like no other, so support in our quest for victory is always welcomed.”

The race will take place on Saturday 1st March 2014, from 1.45 p.m.  It runs from the Bridge of Dee to Aberdeen Boat Club.

To follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter go to www.twitter.com/2014BoatRace and become a fan of the race on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace.

Jan 102014
 

Three Aberdeen students studying at Robert Gordon University are hoping to make the cut and compete in the 19th Annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford Cambridge boat race, in March. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Tricker PR.

COMPRESSED Christie DuffAberdeen students Christie Duff (19), Iona Riley (21) and Lewis McCue (18) are all eager to be a part of the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

The event will see the University of Aberdeen go head to head with the Robert Gordon University on Saturday 1st March.

Despite having career ambitions outside of sport, the three hopefuls would all love to take their rowing careers to the next level having attended the World Championships and even trialled for the Great British rowing team in 2013.

Christie, who studies Architecture, says:

“2013 was a fantastic year for me. Being able to witness such significant UK rowing events will stay with me for many years to come.  

“I first started rowing in secondary school after spending my youth doing gymnastics and trampolining.  These sports gave me a solid foundation and understanding that strict, controlled training often secures great results.  

“My proudest achievement in rowing so far is winning at the Henley Royal Regatta, and I would love to be selected to compete in the 2014 Boat Race team.”

Applied Sport and Exercise Science student Iona also began with another sport, in her case netball, before turning her hand to rowing.

A Silver Medal winner at the World Under 23 Rowing Championships, she says:

“When I was in Primary 7 my teacher took the class down to the river to try rowing.  I was hooked from there and have been on the water ever since.

“To encourage other young enthusiasts, I coach at every available opportunity.  It can be difficult to balance studying with coaching but it’s just so rewarding that I can’t give it up.”

For Sports Science student Lewis, there is a history of rowing in his family. He says:

“My grandfather rowed for Oxford in the Boat Race, so it would be fantastic to carry on the family tradition and represent Robert Gordon University in the Aberdeen Boat Race.  Sometimes it’s difficult to keep university work and rowing both up to scratch, but it’s all about learning that balancing act.”

COMPRESSED Iona RileyThe final crews will be selected in early 2014 by each team president – Robert Gordon University Boat Club’s (RGUBC) Gillian Paterson and Aberdeen University Boat Club’s (AUBC) Lauren Cammaert – who will look at performance, ability and determination of potential team members when making their decisions.

To prepare for the March race, both clubs have already undergone months of gruelling training, including 6a.m. starts on the river.

Each of the 16 rowers will take just under 300 strokes in the course of the 3.5km race and, along with the crew coxes, will push their physical and mental endurance to the limit.  The race stretches along the River Dee in Aberdeen, from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club and in 2013 (RGUBC) won the race against (AUBC) by two and a half lengths in a time of 8 minutes and 18 seconds.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

“The University boat club presidents have a difficult job ahead of them, with a number of talented individuals in both clubs vying to compete in what is Scotland’s oldest and possibly most fiercely competitive boat race.

“Aberdeen Asset Management continues to show its dedication to fostering young talent, and we hope that the 2014 Boat Race will inspire more future athletes to take up rowing.”

You can follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or on Twitter at  @2014BoatRace.

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