Cumbria Sports Awards 2011

Mike Dodd

Service to Sport Award

Mike is always first to congratulate individuals on their success regardless of whether it is a member’s first regatta or their hundredth. But this time he is the one to be congratulated.

Mike first stepped into a rowing boat when he was just 12 years old (55 years ago), and he has rarely been away from one since. During the years 1966 to 1988, Mike held the position of vice-captain for 10 years and captain for nine years. Thirteen years ago in 1998 he was elected as Club Chairman, an office he still holds today.

Whilst sitting on the Club Committee, Mike has helped oversee changes within the club requiring extra time and attention, including the changes in ownership of Talkin Tarn. First from Boothby Estates to Cumbria County Council and then to Carlisle City Council; a move from the original boathouse on the water front in the 1970s, to a new boathouse and training room this year; negotiating a new lease with Carlisle City Council to name but a few.

Mike presided over the Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2009 and is involved in many fundraising events and functions each year and has devoted many hours of time behind the scenes which have largelygone unnoticed.
 
Steering crews to victory as a cox for several years, Mike soon learned the skills and technique rowing requires, and the club saw him move from novice status to elite very quickly.

As a club sculler, Mike has won the Club Championship on no less than 12 occasions and is the only person to have held both the Talkin Tarn ARC Championship and Brampton Golf Club Championship simultaneously.

Qualifying as a coach after realising his passion for the sport, Mike has been seen around the Tarn in all weathers coaching both beginner and elite crews for over 40 years. His coaching skills both on and off the water are second to none and have produced crews who have consistently won at regattas all over the north of England.

Proven to have the magic touch, Mike has learnt how to coax the unwilling into a boat and give the sport a try at many of the taster sessions he helps run. Many of the club juniors, past and present, have had a helping hand off Mike. All of those coached by him are pleased he’s received the long overdue recognition.

Mike will be leaving the club in the capable hands of Club Captain Graeme Mark over the Christmas holidays while he jets off ‘Down Under’ to visit family. It’s hoped when he returns back to England next year he won’t have lost his charm and charisma, and will slot right back into his place as Chairman of Talkin Tarn ARC.