News Beat
Freemasons fund training boat for Chester-le-Street rowing club
A chance visit by the Durham Freemasons Parkrunners to the Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club led to the donation of a brand-new adult training boat, thanks to a £4,500 grant from the Durham Freemasons Charity.
The surprise connection was made earlier this year when the Parkrunners, whose usual café was closed, ended up at the rowing club after a Chester-le-Street Parkrun.
Martin Rankin, assistant head of Durham Freemasons and chair of the Durham Freemasons Charity, said: “This is the perfect example of how unexpected community connections can turn into something lasting and meaningful.
“What began as a search for coffee has grown into a partnership that supports grassroots sport and strengthens local opportunities.
“We are delighted to help the Rowing Club expand its adult training and to see this boat already making a difference.”
During their café visit, the Parkrunners learned that the club faced a challenge—while adult membership was growing, it lacked an adult-sized training boat to introduce new rowers to the sport safely.
Encouraged to apply, the club submitted a request to the Durham Freemasons Charity, which approved funding for the new vessel.
The formal handover took place on Saturday, November 29, following another Riverside Parkrun.
The Freemasons gathered at the rowing club to present the boat and grant certificate, celebrating with coffee and cake and Martin Rankin also took the new craft out onto the water.
Arran Lewcock, captain of Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club, said: “When the Freemasons Parkrunners dropped in for a coffee, it gave us the unexpected chance to talk about the club’s aims and the growing appetite for adult rowing here in Chester-le-Street.
“What really struck me was how quickly they understood our challenges and how genuinely interested they were in helping us move forward.
“For many years, the club’s focus was on junior rowing, so all our starter equipment was designed for young people.
“As adult interest has grown, we simply didn’t have the right kit to support newcomers safely and confidently.
“This boat changes that completely.
“It gives us the ability to welcome adults of all ages and abilities and offer them a proper introduction to the sport.
“The support from the Durham Freemasons Charity has come at exactly the right time.
“We’ve seen membership increase by 50–60 people over the last year, and the new training boat will help us build on that momentum.
“What’s been most impressive is the ongoing encouragement and guidance we’ve received.
“It’s clear they care about the community, and their willingness to share their time, skills, and experience has been every bit as valuable as the funding itself.”
The gift has already begun to make a difference, helping the club support new members and expand its inclusive rowing programme.
Mr Rankin said: “This is another example of Durham Freemasons supporting local good causes through the Durham Freemasons Charity.
“It demonstrates how charity can become service when like-minded communities come together, strengthening the bonds that make a real difference.
“If you want to get involved and make a difference in your community, don’t wait to be asked.
“Come and join us.”
The partnership, born from a simple coffee run, has become a lasting example of community spirit and collaboration—truly “Run By Coffee!”
