MEMBERS of Penryn Rowing Club have resumed winter training at Penryn Quay after the Christmas break.

Several members travelled to London between Christmas and New Year to row in a 45ft long eight-oared gig-like boat. It is one of two built by Richmond Boat Builders from the design used for the Oxford boat in the first ever university boat race in 1830.

The replicas are due to be raced prior to this year's Boat Race to celebrate its 175th anniversary.

The original 1830 boat was built by Stephen Davies who worked for the Peters' Yard in St Mawes, before going to London, and it appears that he stretched the normal six- oar design to accommodate the eight rowers, but still included a pilot seat in the bow.

Mark Edwards, the replica boat builder, also has a Cornish connection, being descended from Curnows from Porthleven.

The Penryn Ladies are hoping to borrow one of the replicas to row in the Great River Race next September.

The Penryn Club presentation evening takes place at the Ocean Bowl at 7pm on Friday, January 23. The club AGM will be at Penryn Town Hall on Friday, January 30, at 7 pm.

A date for the diary is Penryn Regatta at Maenporth Beach on Sunday, June 13.