Below are just some of the letters and emails of support we have received for the Bedford Rowing Lake project. If you want to add your support, please send an email to: support@bedford-rowing-lake.com Latest emails of support in pink.   I am the Bedfordshire County Council Executive Member for Cultural Services, a diverse new Portfolio which includes sport and the Countryside Access Service. I am also a Bedford Borough Councillor, resident in Bedford and lived for 10 years in Cople, close to Willington. I am delighted to support publicly Willington Rowing Lake , which will enhance our world class reputation for producing Olympic standard rowers in Bedford. Bedfordshire County Council are strongly promoting this project as a wonderful asset for the 2012 Olympics. Bedfordshire County Council is actively supporting this project by submitting a bid to the ODPM for £200k under the Growth Area Funding Round 2. Tim Malynn, our Director of Environment, also promoted Willington Rowing Lake last week at the East of England launch of the Big Lottery Fund.     Lynne Faulkner - Conservative County & Borough Councillor Executive Member for Cultural Services     The County Council has a vibrant vision for Bedfordshire. In principle the County Members want to see substantial "Olympic" and associated preparation activity taking place in Bedfordshire over the next few years and I for one would like to see this venture, among others, succeed.     Rhys Goodwin - Conservative Councillor for Toddington     This is a fantastic opportunity to create a first class rowing facility that will have lasting benefits for generations to come. Historically rowing has played an important role in our town, the Willington Rowing Lake would ensure it has an even greater future.     Cllr Peter Hand     As Events Secretary of Bedford Rowing Club, the Committee and I organise the four biggest rowing events on the river at Bedford at present. At a recent Head of the River Race, we received over 600 entries and regretfully had to turn away a third of them as we could not fit them on the river! This last May and July Regattas which we were involved in, we had a race every 2-3 minutes over a 10 hour period! You will see from this that Bedford is a major centre for rowing in this country. Our success has been built on putting the oarsmen and women first. To expand even further, we need urgently, a rowing course which can accommodate even larger numbers. We have the infrastrucure, we have the 'manpower', we have the enthusiasm. All we need is a course!     John Mingay - Events Secretary, BRC     As a local businesswoman, whose son has the advantage of, and recently become passionately involved with rowing, I have become aware of how much this Sport can do for young adolescents - often proving to be the saving grace for those who, perhaps through their physique, (the very small and the tall and lanky) - do not easily fit into the mould of Football and Rugby players. This opportunity should be available for more teenagers, and not be limited by space on the River, or the school attended. Further, with innovative thought, it can attract a wide variety of business and income to Bedford and the surrounding area, so that Bedford ceases to be "that place that you pass through" on the way to London or Milton Keynes! - and in the process provide a beautiful environment. .     Pauline Wilkes Fitzpatrick - Wilkes & Co     Re Proposed Rowing Lake in Bedford I am writing in support of the proposed Rowing Lake in Bedford. As a newly appointed Specialist Sports College and lead school in Project Oarsome we are excited that this proposal would potentially allow us to support the development of Rowing at the school and within Bedford. Biddenham Upper School gained Specialist Sports College status in July 2003. The bid was fully supported by local schools, clubs and organisations including Star Rowing Club. There are fifteen major objectives in the bid of which five are directly related to local community sport. The sport of Rowing has not always been associated with state schools, however through project Oarsome and the commitment of the Bedford Education Action Zone rowing is developing into a sport that all young people can access. It would also be a strong link between a local club and a Sports College. The Specialist Sports College project is concerned with providing students with positive Physical Education/Sport experiences, linking students with clubs who can provide coaching/development and facilities and, the ultimate ambition of helping young people become life long learners through sport. With the creation of a rowing lake the resources and infrastructure would enhance the links between schools, clubs and community. In conclusion, I would like to support the development of a Bedford Rowing lake and feel that it would completely support our aims and objectives as a Specialist Sports College but also as a close partner school with a developing sport and its facilities.     Richard Drew - Director of Sport/Assistant Headteacher     To everyone concerned I should like to support the rowing lake project wholeheartedly. Bedford needs a facility like this to 'put it on the map'. The town and county should never forget all the POSITIVE national publicity they have received over more than the last ten years from the sport of rowing. If this project does not succeed the town will have missed a golden opportunity to have a very special facility for ALL the community.     Sylvia Gillard     Dear Sir The proposed rowing lake is an excellent idea. Apart from being a much needed asset for Bedford in terms of the facilities it will offer to everyone and the revenue it will generate, it will also be a great place to take children for picnics, walks and bike rides whilst watching people take part in rowing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing and lots of the other sports on offer. Who knows, with such a lovely place to go to, it may inspire some children to take part in sports instead of sitting at home in front of the telly?     Debbie     I was very interested to read about the scheme for a rowing lake at Willington. I do hope that you are successful on 13 February and I look forward to learning more about the project thereafter. The lake would create a huge amenity for the whole community whilst producing a rowing lake which will make Bedford a rowing centre with significant benefits for the town.     Jack Stenhouse - Bursar, Bedford School     Dear Sir Having read the proposals on the website I would like to lend my full support to the rowing lake project. I am not a rower but live locally in Great Barford and feel the area is desperately short of attractive open space. A facility like this would give an ideal venue for dog walkers with small children, like myself, to enjoy open space away from the perils of village traffic and the land at present as an open quarry is unattractive and of no benefit to any member of the community.     Sally Haworth - Great Barford.     Good luck with getting the lake built. I know that it will prove to be a massive positive influence on the area both economically and socially. We will be able to provide a much better service to the local water clubs, as well as appealing to some of the great and the good high performance athletes around the country. It can only serve to raise our profile and confirm Bedford as one of the premier rowing locations in the country. With the East rivaling the Thames area for participation and with the arrival of Project Oarsome, Go Row, World class Start and Project Oarsome Plus I think that it is vital that we be involved in supporting the surge of popularity that is surrounding water sports at this time. Best Wishes and let me know if I can help.     Gail Foster - ARA Community Coach - Bedford Junior Rowing Group, Star Club     The Bedford Rowing Lake proposal is a very exciting development. Sharnbrook Upper School's commitment to and involvement in rowing is growing and going from strength to strength. The potential to promote rowing at all levels would be considerably enhanced by such a facility. At the same time, it would provide wider opportunities for students at the school in a number of subject areas including physical education, environmental science and geography. The key contact for rowing at the school is Debbie Jones, Head of P.E. who, coincidentally, was in discussion yesterday with Celia Hetherington regarding future developments at the school. I hope this is helpful.     John Clemence - Head of Sharnbrook Upper School     To whom it may concern I wanted to offer my support to the development of the proposed rowing lake as highlighted on the web site www.bedford-rowing-lake.com. I believe that if this proposal is not supported by the local community and more specifically the local council that this will prove to be a great loss for the people of Bedfordshire both current and in the future. We are constantly bombarded with messages in the local paper about how Bedford is trying to rejuvenate and offer itself as an attractive place to work, live and indeed to visit. We also see messages of despair from similar people bemoaning the fact that Milton Keynes is causing the downfall of the Bedfordshire area and that the town is unable to compete due to the superior facilities that MK offers. Well it would seem that in the rowing lake that Bedford has an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage over the "big bad bully boy" that is Milton Keynes and to offer something different to that offered in the surrounding area - an opportunity to Innovate not Imitate (usually on a smaller scale). And this, I guess that is the rub. For the leaders and pathfinders of this world, innovation is the key to onwards development for the less skilled, able and visionary public servant - imitation is a far less risky, albeit less potentially rewarding, path as it has already been proven by someone else. I realise that rowing is regarded as a minority sport and as such the councillors will argue that it is not in the interests of the general public - however, even in a local perspective remember the pride in the area following the Olympic Gold medal winning exploits of Redgrave (including local boy Tim Foster). Likewise, the meteoric rise of our own Paula was met with huge local pride, even giving her the dubious honour of naming a road after her - to my knowledge Marathon running is not a sport supported or undertaken by a large majority of the local population. I would like to draw one more parallel, and that is the historic belief that rugby was for the upwardly mobile members of the community, football being the working mans game - and yet look at the national pride as the recent winning exploits of the England rugby team in Australia. It would also appear that outside of sport the rowing lake, the area will also create some stunning local landscape while will benefit all in the local area and who knows may even bring a few people into the local area, who may even "spend a few quid" while they are here, benefiting local business. Should the local people and their representatives take the easy way out on the rowing lake, then it is likely that this stance will capitulate on other issues. In the short term, this will mean that rowing, locally at least remain an elitist sport and the opportunity to get involved for the next potential generation of world champions will not come from Bedford. I trust that the views highlighted in this email, which are my own (and I should point out that I have never rowed in a boat - so it can not be condemned as the ramblings of a core activist in the sport), may strike a note with the policy makers within the local area and will highlight the road upon which has been embarked for too long and must now be redressed before it is too late for Bedfordshire and "big bad MK" has taken all. I leave you with these words "PRIDE IN BEDFORD".     Andrew Haworth     Dear Support Team This is just a brief email to offer my wholehearted support to the project on behalf of all at Bedford Modern School. I am aware that the Harpur Trust has a sent a response on behalf of the four Schools, but in order to further support I will put copies of the web page statement up around School at at the Boathouse, and will copy the information to be sent home to all parents of BMS rowers and request that they contact you personally. I wish you all every success. The facility if long overdue and sorely needed. I am sure those who make the decisions will see that the benefits of the project far outweigh any minor short term problems which will inevitably be overcome for the good of all concerned.     Richard Follett - Director of Rowing, Bedford Modern School.     I have been in support of the new lake ever since the new plans were introduced. Bedford is a superb place to row but has become over crowded and now dangerous due to the high volume of rowers and other boats. I have rowed on the river through the town for the last 5 years and seen in that time the river become unusable for high class athletes. Bedford in the last 3 years at junior level alone produced at least 12 junior internationals, including 2 bronze medals at the junior world championships and many more at the coupe. This year there will also be 2 people who learnt to row in Bedford involved with the boat race. These are fantastic achievements and will continue to occur due to the great coaching set up in Bedford but is under threat due to the poor facilities on the river. It is becoming harder for people to learn due to the lack of space, this is why the new lake would be perfect, better standard people would benifit dramatically, the knock on effect would be the river would be less busy and perfect for learners. Having rowed internationally and now coaching full time in bedford I think the problems need adressing for bedford long term future and the lake is the solution. The hapur trust schools would benifit but I also think the clubs would really improve with better assess to better facilities which they have not really had before, this would help increase the clubs sizes as it draws more people ensuring the clubs survival and GB rowing as a whole. I pledge any support I can give.     James Hiatt     Dear Sir/Madam As a former rower at Bedford High School I wish to inform you of my wholehearted support for the rowing lake proposal. I wish to underline the huge recreational and economical benefits that a rowing lake would bring to Bedford. Rowing as a sport has gained huge popularity internationally particularly since our success in the last Olympics (including Tim Foster former Bedford Modern School pupil). It is a sport that is enjoyed at any level by 15 year olds through to 60 year olds. The lake would be easily accessible for crews from all over the country and indeed from abroad. As greater and greater demands are put upon open and green spaces in the South of England a rowing lake would be a highly valued asset by local people one which could be enjoyed by all.     Miss Claire Barker     Dear Sir / Madam We have the opportunity to do wonderful things for Bedford at what appears, finally, to be a time of proposed renewal in the town centre and alongstretches of the Embankment and also, outside with this super rowing lake and park. If handled right, our generation could really do something great for the Town and County, instead of always watching other towns be creative and seizing opportunities. I support the lake for several reasons: School Sport: Firstly Bedford has a strong rowing history, my mother was a founder member of the Bedford Women's Rowing club and my sister rowed for her school. I took up coxing at Polytechnic and participated in events in Bedford. Indeed, when Pilgrim school still existed they started a rowing club. With the success of Tim Foster (ex Bedford Modern School) at the last Olympics (and Stephanie Cook - Gold for Penthalon, ex Bedford High School and former College Rower at Peterhouse College, Cambridge) - Bedford was really put on the sporting map - we really should build on this and make the most of these links. The lottery is now funding rowing training and talent spotting for the National Squads so that we can maintain the reputation that Britain has earned for Rowing achievement. Rowing is a peaceful, environmentally sound activity that fits in well in the countryside as well as the town. It can be enjoyed by young pupils of 13 through to veterans in their sixties and older and increasingly from all backgrounds. It can be a very exciting sport to watch. Good access: The lake would be in a central location in England with good access from the M1 and A1 and so could become a very popular National venue. Therefore it could be used for high profile National training as well as teaching local youngsters. All the above would bring positive PR to Bedford. Other important spin offs: It would be excellent sense to make good use of flood land leading from the Marston Vale Forest and Priory Country Park. Therefore this would reflect good planning by linking up existing leisure and recreational areas. The lake and park would be a valuable green lung next to bypass and on the edge of town (long associated with polluted air from the Brick Works). The site is right next to the most historic part of the village of Willington with its fabulous 15th century dove cote (the largest historic dovecote in the UK with links to Henry VIII) and an added 'pull' for visitors to the lake and any events. The lake would also be a fantastic space for serious conservation work (the RSPB is about four miles away) and naturally could be used for fishing, walking, ecology etc. In conclusion Bedford should maximise this chance to develop sympathetically a superb area for sport, leisure, conservation and heritage.     Miss Fiona Barker (Age 32, Ex Bedford High School)     To whom it may concern Having experienced and observed first hand the value of a lake, not only as a water sports facility, but as a social focal centre and as an environmentally friendly green area, the chance of having one in any community is unmissible. It would provide for many sports, improving the quality of life for all inspired to take up rowing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing and all the possible sports provided for by a simple body of water. This would be in line with the UK's sports drive, it would attract young people to worthwhile activities, giving the focus, ambition and drive. The next national champion or olympic medalist could be growing up in the Bedford area and only needs the opportunity to shine to realise their full potential. Of course the use of the area may not be li limited to water sports, a simple path surrounding the lake could be ideal for walkers, runners, cyclists, fishermen,the opportunities are endless. The centres that would spring up around the lake, the rowing clubs, boat houses and even bird watching clubs would create a sense of community, of belonging, which in turn could only be good for the area. These organisations would take pride in the running and maintenance of their facility and create a thing of envy for any district. The habitats created by a lake, the water itself, the green banks and associated plant life would allow many species of wildlife to flourish in saftey. The sight of a neat, clean lake is calming, relaxing and often inspiring generating happiness through nothing but a view. I urge the people involved in the making of this decision to carefully consider their options. To weigh up the multitude of potential developments and advantages included with a lake against any other mundane options with limited scope and low inherant community value. Give something back to the people, let them give themselves something back to those who need it.     Chris Wilson - Legal Assistant, Nabarro Nathanson     Dear Sir I note that on February 13th the Planning Officers of Bedfordshire County Council will make a decision on whether to support the Bedford Rowing Lake project. Three of us in my family are keen rowers and we strongly support the Rowing Lake Project. Bedford has a long rowing history and consistently produces an impressive array of national and international oarsmen and women. The River Ouse, with its twists, turns and several bridges is far from being ideal as a training and racing course. It is frequently crowded with boats, in competition with the anglers, who have just as much right to use the river as us rowers. The strong currents and rapidly changing water levels throughout the winter period considerably reduce the safety levels a number of times to a point where rowing has to be suspended. If, in due course, the Grand Union Canal link comes to fruition, with all its undoubted benefits to leisure and commerce in Bedford, then the increased motorboat traffic will have a considerable impact on the rowing community, with little room for crews to pass. The Rowing Lake project will not only solve all these problems at a stroke (no pun intended) but will provide such enhanced facilities in a superb and natural environment that Bedford cannot help but become an internationally known centre for rowing and other watersports. But not only that - the Lake Project will also provide a multitude of other facilities and opportunities for leisure activities for Bedford and the surrounding communities and a much needed habitat and haven for wildlife. I urge everyone involved in the planning and decision-making process to grasp this exciting opportunity and make sure Bedford gets the full benefit from Bedford Rowing Lake.     Dick Peake - Star Rowing Club member     Dear Sir or Madam I would like to offer my support of the proposed new rowing facility at Willington, Beds. I have been a resident in Bedford for the past 40 years and to date I cannot recall the Borough, or County for that matter, proceeding with any application that has enthused the public and led to national recognition. In my present employment I am constantly challenged to be inventive and have vision. I was always led to believe that people in positions of authority were there because they were deemed to be innovative, have vision and were prepared to take chances in order to achieve the goal. I am afraid that in my opinion both the Borough and County have been sadly lacking in these qualities. We constantly read about 'ideas' emanating from those on high. How often are they put in practise? How slow are they to recognise the potential and move projects forward? It takes a very special character indeed to take up the challenge. I would like to say to our councillors - 'Are you one of those?' If not then perhaps you should question why you are doing the job. With this proposal we have the opportunity not only to develop a facility for public use but also to begin the process of putting Bedford on the map. I go to places like Nottingham, Peterborough, Norwich etc, all because they have a facility that is not available in or near to Bedford. In addition at this present time the government are 'trying hard' to put money into sporting facilities for the public. Millions are being allocated by the Lottery, New Opportunities Fund, Football Foundation, to name but a few. There is a national recognition that more and more of the youth of today are suffering from obesity. I could go on... Let's stop the talking and get back to the basics. Remember, you are there to do a job to serve the public in their interests. Get on and do it. The old saying ' Action speaks louder than words' should be at the forefront of anyone with visionary powers. Where do you stand in all of this? Do you have the action or just the words? You have the opportunity to make that difference and I would ask you to grasp it and proceed with the development while you still have the chance.     Mr A Callow     As a Bedfordian born and bred I am surprised that it has taken so long for this project to get to this stage and congratulate those who have been working so hard to see this ambition fulfilled. The issue here is not really better facilities for water sports with a sensational park for the enjoyment of all Bedfordians, this is far more important than that. It is one of opportunity to enliven the economy of the area. The Lake will bring jobs and industry to our area and be a boost to the aspirations of local people. This Lake will bring to Bedford a status of excellence not only in the UK but internationally . The town is already known for John Bunyan, its football team, its rowing and its schools but this Lake far exceeds anything that we have had the chance to enjoy before. There must be no more ambivalence, those making this decision should be proud of the new opportunities they are bringing to the Town, those thinking negatively should bear in mind that they are denying local young people a new future with nothing as an alternative. "No you can not have the lake and we have nothing else to offer you as an alternative" is not a slogan for anyone's manifesto, it will be seized on by opposition parties should this chance go begging. Heaven help any planning officer denying our young people a better future. Heads up Bedfordians our town now has a great future.     Richard Groom     We fully support the use of the land in Willington to be used as a rowing lake and park facility. Facilities like this are very few and far between and we could make Bedford the envy of many others by having it in our own district. Bedford has long been known as a rowing town and this park will make Bedford a rowing capital . Our town always seems to lose out on the facilities and parks front to other neighbouring counties. I look forward to taking my children there and making them proud of their town. Lets just get on with it!!     D. Milligan     I believe that Bedford, where rowing is/has and always will be part of our heritage would hugely benefit from the rowing lake. MK has the snow dome, why can't we have the 'wet bowl'. Good luck for the planning aplication.     Alan Harper Smith - Director, RAS Data Support Ltd     I am writing to let you know of my strong support for Bedford Rowing Lake. There is a clear need for a world class facility that will elevate the region's status in the sport and complement the facilities and reputation of Bedford Athletic Club. Bedford's premier asset is it's stunning river location and it seems not just logical but essential to build on this asset, as well as to provide a sporting facility for local residents and UK sportsmen and women. I sincerely hope that this project will go ahead, and that we can all look forward to a new jewel in Bedford's crown.     Elizabeth S Clark     I would like to add my support to this rare opportunity to add something of great worth to the citizens of Bedfordshire, whether rowers specifically or people interested in their environment more generally.     Simon White     I'd like to register my full support for the Rowing Lake. The area is increasingly popular with local families already (Cycling from the 'Marina' to Danish Camp is a great way to spend a Sunday Afternoon). Having the lake and surrounding area to explore and picnic in will be a fantastic addition to Bedford. It will attract tourism to the area as well as Major Rowing events. Anyone with any doubts as to the benefits should take a look at the areas around the Rowing lake in Peterborough. Not just Thorpe Park itself, but Ferry Meadows nearby is a beautiful place to visit. If we could mirror this, and include tastefully-planned Children's play areas, then that would be the icing on the cake. The potential for the town, not just the Rowers, is huge.     Duncan Goodes     Since the crass decision to bring the canal into Bedford at Kempston will destroy river rowing in Bedford and replace it with noisy dirty diesel boats, it is important to have a rowing centre to replace it. I trust the planners will allow the application     Keyth Richardson - MA FHCIMA M Inst TT Cert Ed.