MADAM, First, I'd like to say that I have no connection with Ross Rowing Club, and it is a coincidence that I write on the eve of the club's annual regatta.
As your newspaper's sport pages have illustrated throughout 2010, the club's successes and achievements have been considerable, including an impressive 120 wins in national competitions.
At the Stourport-on-Severn regatta recently, the 50-strong squad scooped 16 wins, and won the Victor Ludorum Trophy for the most effective club taking part.
Although the club's strengths cover all areas, thanks to their team of dedicated coaches, its 40-strong Junior Academy, affectionately known as 'the Blue Army', has really been making it happen.
Although one person does not make a team, the most successful, in my view, evolve through strong leadership, which provides vision and a caring culture to deliver well trained and motivated people, and in this respect Ross Rowing Club is fortunate to have Ian Howell as club captain.
Born and bred locally, this highly enthusiastic, selfless and effective individual is particularly skillful in creating the atmosphere to empower those in his care to 'be the best that they can be'. He works with local companies, schools and organisations that create win-win relationships, and this stimulates investment and growth, which ultimately puts processes in place at his club to make success inevitable, a very powerful cocktail.
Our town can feel proud to have Ian Howell in charge of its rowing club. He is 'simply the best'.
Keith Ray, Ross