We need your help
Our mission is to build a new boat barn on the banks of the River Trent
Right now, we’re at capacity: about 30 active on-water members, with new enquiries coming in that we can’t always accommodate because our boathouse is full.
Rowing isn’t only about being on the water. Our land training - fitness, strength, technique on rowing machines - is one of the reasons Trent juniors and seniors achieve so much, but we’ve run out of space. On busy nights we literally wheel boats and launches outside just to clear enough floor for around a dozen rowers to train indoors.
That doesn’t just cap numbers. It stops Junior and Senior squads training together, reduces knowledge-sharing between experienced and new rowers, and makes it harder for whole families to be involved side-by-side.
A new boat barn fixes that by moving boats into proper storage and freeing the existing building for full ground-floor refurbishment into a real training and community fitness space.
We’ve sorted planning permission and have the barn base ready. Crowdfunding and the Duck Race is the final push to get this barn built.
We are holding a TRENT DUCK RACE to raise funds
SATURDAY 4TH APRIL 2026 AT 10AM
Get Involved and Race your Duck!
Saturday 4 April 2026 - 10.00am to 1.00pm
On the 4th April, ducks are released into the river and spectators line the bank to cheer them downstream. Families, businesses and supporters will be able to enjoy the riverside atmosphere as the race unfolds at a relaxed and accessible pace.
Once the race is complete, everyone is invited back to the Trent Rowing Club boathouse for hot drinks and refreshments.
Inside Trent Rowing Club, the boathouse gathering offers a chance to:
Look inside the club
Meet club members and volunteers
Learn about our ambitions for the future
The winners of the Trent Duck Race will be:
Cheered and celebrated by the whole crowd
Permanently recognised, with their name displayed on our website
Shared widely on social media
An array of prizes to say thank you for racing with us
£500
Business owners!
Make a splash for your business while supporting a local club and celebrating the River Trent.
Our Corporate Duck Race Package is designed for Burton businesses who want visible community involvement, meaningful local impact, and a bit of fun along the way.
Your Own Large Corporate Duck
A standout duck entered into the Trent Duck Race, representing your business on the river. The duck will be delivered to your office ahead of the event so you can add your company branding. All materials must be environmentally safe and secure, we care deeply about the Trent and its wildlife.
Free Rowing Experience for Your Team
Nominate up to 5 people from your business to come and try rowing at Trent Rowing Club for FREE — a unique team-building experience and a great introduction to the club.
Social Media Recognition
Your entry will be announced and promoted to Trent Rowing Club followers in the run-up to race day, building visibility and anticipation ahead of 4th April.
Website Feature & Thank You
Your business will be featured on the Trent Rowing Club Thank You page, with a direct link to your website, recognising your support of community sport.
Family and Community!
Get involved, have fun, and support your local rowing club, all while celebrating the River Trent.
The Trent Duck Race is open to families, friends, and the wider Burton community. Sponsor a duck, cheer it on down the river, and be part of a relaxed, joyful day by the water.
Winning Duck owner will receive a Free River Experience!
Enjoy either a family land-based training session at Trent Rowing Club or a trip up the Burton Regatta course on our launch boat, giving you a unique chance to see Trent Rowers in action and experience the River Trent from the water.
A Big Thank You
All entrants will be thanked on the Trent Rowing Club website, recognising your support for the club and the river.
Winner Social Media Feature
The winning duck’s sponsor will be featured on Trent Rowing Club social media, celebrating your success and sharing the moment with the wider community.
Raffle prizes for our top ducks across the finish line
Raffle prizes for our top ducks across the finish line!
Single duck £25
Double duck £40
Quacking Quad £60
Why Take Part?
By entering the Duck Race, you are:
Supporting a local, volunteer-led sports club
Helping young people and adults access rowing
Celebrating positive use of the River Trent
Creating a fun memory for the whole family
Pick your duck. Cheer it home. Enjoy the river.
How we’ll use the money
We’re aiming to raise c.£50,000 to pay for:
£35,000 + VAT for the new boat barn
The remainder for safe racking and fit-out, so our boats and kit can be stored securely and accessed easily.
This barn will also unlock phase 2: refurbishing the entire ground floor of our existing boathouse into a versatile indoor training and maintenance space so we can train more people, more safely, in all weathers.