A chance quest for coffee and cake has resulted in a brand-new adult training boat and strengthened community bonds between Durham Freemasons and the Chester-Le-Street Amateur Rowing Club.
Earlier this year, the Durham Freemasons Parkrunners visited Chester-Le-Street Parkrun, only to discover that their usual post-run café spot was unexpectedly closed. Determined not to miss their traditional coffee, cake and banter ritual, the runners wandered over to the nearby Chester-Le-Street Amateur Rowing Club, which happened to be open and warmly welcomed them inside.
Over steaming mugs and friendly conversation, members of the Parkrun group learned that the rowing club faced a major challenge. Despite growing adult membership, the club lacked an adult-sized training boat, an essential piece of equipment for safely introducing new rowers to the sport. Encouraged to apply, the Durham Freemasons Charity received a formal request and approved a £4,500 grant to fully fund the much-needed boat.
On Saturday, 29th November, the Durham Freemasons Parkrunners returned to the Rowing Club after completing their latest Riverside Parkrun to formally hand over the new boat and present the grant certificate. They stayed to enjoy coffee and cake, this time in celebration.
Martin Rankin, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons and Chair of the Durham Freemasons Charity, led the handover. Rankin, who had not been in a rowing boat since his days in the Sea Cadets, also took the opportunity to take the new craft out onto the water. He 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.”
Arran Lewcock, Captain of Chester-Le-Street Amateur Rowing Club, added:
“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.”
With smiles, gratitude, and many slices of cake, the collaboration born from a closed café has become a shining example of community spirit. It is truly Run By Coffee!
Martin Rankin concluded:
“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 new adult training boat is already supporting newcomers to the sport and will play a key role in growing the club’s inclusive rowing programme.
