Military veterans sought for new coastal rowing club in Minehead

A military wife is looking for people connected to the armed forces to become the first members of a new amateur rowing club.

Sandra Murison, 77, from Porlock, Somerset, is setting up the group in Minehead to bring together servicepeople, veterans and their families.

Mrs Murison, whose late husband was a naval officer, says the new club will take to the Bristol Channel in traditional wooden gig boats.

“Even if you’ve not done much rowing or anything to do with water before, it’s great to be out there with a nice bunch of people from all walks of service life,” she said.

She is aiming to replicate the success of a similar club in Cornwall called EPIC GIGability, which is supporting her plans.

Mrs Murison – who has been gig rowing for more than 25 years – was made an honorary life member of EPIC because of her fundraising work.

She now wants to create a “sister club” in Somerset for the county’s Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force communities.

She is initially looking for a group of more than a dozen people to join the Minehead club, with the hope of being in action by summer 2026.

Mike Selwood, EPIC founder, said he set up the original group in Falmouth to provide a “safe haven to veterans who were on the margins of life”.

EPIC – which stands for “every person is capable” – has about 50 members, including serving personnel and veterans from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

“A huge thank you to Sandra for wanting to continue our story in her area”, Mr Selwood said.

“As a club we will give her the absolute best support we can.”

Gigs are 32ft (10m) long, six-oared wooden rowing boats that were originally used to ferry pilots to ships coming in and out of harbours in Cornwall.

The traditional seagoing vessels are now primarily used for sport and leisure, with more than 100 clubs around the world.