Surprise visit to celebrate launch of four new boats

Two rowing Olympians  surprised students at Putney High School yesterday when they arrived to help celebrate the arrival of four new rowing boats for the school, shipped in from China and funded by the Friends of Putney High School (FOPHS).   

Double scull Olympic medallist Elise Laverick, and Beth Rodford (GB Women's Eight and appearing in Beijing) made a special appearance to congratulate the students and FOPHS for raising the money to buy the boats - which will be used for upcoming events next season on the Thames. 

They also took time out of their busy schedules to officially name the boats along with the Headmistress, Dr Denise Lodge and two sisters from the Junior Department who won a school competition to name the fourth and final boat. Their winning entry, Just Add Water, followed the 'packaging' theme of the other three boats.

Elise gave an inspirational message to the Putney rowing team, parents, girls and staff who had gathered to see the ceremony:
 "It's great to see so many Putney girls here today celebrating the arrival of these new boats and thanks must go to the Friends of Putney High School for all their hard work in fundraising for them. I know that your regatta is taking place this weekend so I wish you all the best - I know that hard training brings results and there is nothing like standing on that podium to accept your medal - I hope to see some of you up there in the future." 

Emily and Louisa Craven (pictured above with Elise, Beth & Dr Denise Lodge) from the Junior Department at Putney High School were thrilled to be able to meet the Olympians and name one of the boats 'Just Add Water'. They came up with the name after sitting around the dinner table and checking the packaging on the food in the cupboards before deciding on the label they thought would most most suit the new boat.