Sue Thomas describes how easy it is to relive those Wind in the Willows fantasies, courtesy of one of the area’s best kept secrets: St Denys Sailing and Rowing Club.
My oars dipped quietly in the water as my near-centenarian wooden rowboat slipped gently under Cobden Bridge, and I fleetingly looked up at all the lorries and cars roaring overhead. I figured that some of the cars may have even contained people rushing off to work out in sweaty windowless gyms, while here I was, both exercising and scenery-gazing in one pleasantly combined jaunt on the Itchen river! Who needs a rowing machine!?
Faintly longing
After a childhood of rowing little boats on the Norfolk Broads, and then years merely reminiscing and faintly longing, nothing felt better than finally realising just how easy it was to go along to the St Denys Sailing and Rowing Club and join up. And from then on, how equally easy to fling on a pair of pumps and lifejacket in a spare hour, and finally relive those Wind in the Willows fantasies!
As the Club website explains further, a complete year's membership at the modest cost of £80 will give you the freedom of the river whenever you have an hour or two to get out and enjoy it, with a range of craft to suit anyone.
If you're a novice 'messer-about-in-boats' type who just wants to have a pootle up and down to get a different perspective on Bitterne Park and St Denys; or someone with a great enthusiasm for kayaking the day away; or even a salt-lashed sailor looking for some company of a weekend, the Club has plenty to offer.
Relaxed atmosphere
It has a relaxed atmosphere, where you can get together with others to plan a group expedition far afield, with people to teach you any skills you might be lacking. Or in contrast, you can stay in the local stretch of river, trail your Pimms bottle in the in water, put up your parasol, encourage a loved one to row you amongst the reeds and try and spot an elusive kingfisher!
I've found that the Club rules are sensible and simple to comply with, with no great demands or obligations, and members are encouraged to lend a hand where they can and generally 'do their bit'. Once you've shown you can keep yourself safe, and look after the boats and others around you on the water, you are free to enjoy the river at whatever level you like.
What a treasure on our doorsteps - was this such a good idea to tell others, or will I lose my own tranquil stretch of waterway to other Ratties now?!
Sue Thomas