By Steph Johnson

Last updated at 09:52, Friday, 23 January 2009

A four-times Olympic gold medallist has become the patron of a £150,000 appeal to replace Talkin Tarn rowing club’s boat shed before it rots away.

Sir Matthew Pinsent

Rower Sir Mathew Pinsent will visit the Brampton country park next month to get a first-hand feel for Project 150. Talkin Tarn Amateur Rowing Club chairman Mike Dodd told The Cumberland News Sir Matthew’s support was an unexpected coup for the club and an extra special celebration for its 150th anniversary year.

Mr Dodd said: “For us to attract a name like Sir Matthew Pinsent is just fantastic.

“It’s obviously going to help when we’re going out looking for sponsors.”

TTARC has claimed more than 300 titles over recent years and its junior section is one of the most successful in the country.

But if the club’s triumphs on the water are to continue, members must find the money to build a new base.

The boat shed is a former agricultural building, which is too small to house all their equipment and it has neither meeting nor function rooms. It is becoming almost impossible to keep up with maintenance and within a few years the shed will have deteriorated beyond repair.

TTARC member Mike Bareham is helping co-ordinate Project 150 and he believes Sir Matthews visit will boost morale as well as funds. Mr Bareham said: “We’ve set aside some time for him to talk to members and weather permitting he’ll get out and about on the lake. Just to be alongside a medal winner like that will be thrilling.”

For more information visit www.talkintarnarc.com.

First published at 05:18, Friday, 23 January 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk