Dorney Lake rowing manager awarded accolade by British Rowing

A rowing manager at Dorney Lake said she is ‘incredibly humbled and proud’ to have received the Community Coach of the Year Award for 2023.

Hannah Vines was recognised by British Rowing at its virtual ceremony which was held yesterday (Thursday) and looked to celebrate clubs, people and crews throughout the rowing community.

Hannah contributes to Eton College’s partnership initiatives and delivers sessions to schools and community groups in the area, including Holyport College.

The sessions range from weekly PE lessons and reward programmes to intensive coaching for GCSE assessments.

During the summer term, Hannah and her team can be working with 200 people from schools in the area.

As well as overseeing the Dorney Lake Schools Programme, Hannah is also the course director at the Eton Dorney Rowing Courses.

Structured by Dorney Lake Boat Club and Eton College, the week-long courses take place in the school holidays and provide 40 free places to youngsters from state schools.

Hannah was put forward for the award by Dorney Lake Boat Club.

The nomination showcased her ‘pay it forward’ scheme which was implemented after the post-COVID lockdown re-opening.

The scheme encouraged members who were able to afford it to round up their monthly subscriptions, supporting those struggling with the financial implications of the pandemic.

Hannah also provides kit as a reward for winter training.

The initiative sees those reaching different milestones earn new items of rowing equipment.

She is also a mentor for emerging coaches at Dorney Lake and offers one-to-one support to help them through the early stages of their coaching careers.

Hannah said: “I am incredibly humbled and proud to receive this award, especially as it came from the Dorney Lake members.”

Rachel Hooper, learning, education and development Manager at British Rowing, said: “Hannah has shown that rowing is about so much more than just how people move a boat, but also about developing skills for life.

“Hannah creates an environment for incredible young leaders to thrive through creativity and enjoyment in rowing, all of whom are a credit to the values of Dorney Boat Club and the wider coaching team.”

Andy Saunders, director of local partnerships at Eton College, said: “Eton Partnerships are so proud of Hannah, this shines a light on all she has achieved working with the local community.”

Jo Lubbers, head of PE at Holyport College, said: “Hannah and the team run an excellent programme for our KS3 students.

“It is a progressive, challenging, inclusive and fun programme that the students absolutely love. It is the highlight of their week for some students, many of which have gone on to join clubs outside of school.

“The team maximises the amount of time the students have on the water, creating fan tasks throughout their learning.

"Students leave feeling confident that they have learnt new skills.”

Siobhan Webb, Dorney Lake adult club captain, who aided in putting the nomination together, said: “From the input you can see how much hard work Hannah puts into the club and everyone she is working with.”