WE look back to when an Olympian rowed the River Tone along with local school pupils to show his support for the now operational Centre for Outdoor Activity & Community Hub (COACH) based in French Weir Park, Taunton.

James Cracknell is a double-Olympic gold medallist who has secured everything from epic rowing victories to braving the Tour de France's Etape, and racing to the South Pole. 

But it was rowing the River Tone that he set in his sights to give backing to the previously proposed water-sports facility in the heart of Taunton.

The £600,000 Centre for Outdoor Activity & Community Hub (COACH) water-sports centre was well on its way to becoming a reality in the Taunton park, as planning permission was granted in November 2013.

On his mission to row the local river, James was joined by Taunton School, Lydeard St Lawrence, Lyngford Park, and North Town school pupils on a very wet flotilla from Firepool to French Weir, taking upright paddle boards, kayaks, and rowing boats.

"It's a fantastic thing to have a facility like this which will not be just for water-sports but also land-based activities," he said.

"And to have a cafe, and be the focal point of the county to keep people coming back."

The model for the state-of-the-art centre, fashioned by Taunton architects Reed-Holland, was on display to assembled supporters and 'water-mad' youngsters in attendance.

Once complete, it was promised that COACH's 'iconic, green and functional' centre linking Longrun and Firepool would have a rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and bike store, public toilets, changing rooms, and a raised cafe.

A large 'youth space' and meeting room was also pitched, and the design was specialised to meet Environment Agency criteria, featuring a 'floodable' ground floor.

David Fothergill, the then Chairman of the former Somerset County Council, said: "It's really marvellous that James Cracknell has got behind what will be a great facility for Taunton, and for developing water-sports in the area."

Cllr Norman Cavill (Conservative, West Monkton), said: "The plans and models are absolutely fantastic.

"It'll make a better use of the river, plus how many towns have a rowing club running up and down the river?"

At the time, GB rowing prospect, Amy Smith, aged 18, a member of Taunton Rowing Club, said: “It will change Taunton Rowing Club really dramatically.”