Runcorn Rowing Club was one of many local buildings affected by the heavy rain and flooding of recent weeks.

Here, Club development coordinator, Sue Sljivic, describes the damage done, highlighting the need for a new clubhouse facility which might be less susceptible to the threat of future floods.

Runcorn Rowing Club, based on the River Weaver just below the swing bridge, suffered in the rain last week.

We had to mobilise quickly, to rescue our boats from floating around the boathouse and getting damaged, as the water levels rose fast after so much rain.

We managed to reposition them so that they were out of danger. The Canoe Club and Liverpool Boat Club boathouses were worst affected as their boats are stored are in the older buildings.

Luckily the gym and changing rooms narrowly avoided inundation. The waters have receded and club members - suitably socially distanced - have swept out the boathouses and assessed the damage.

Apart from a lot of mud and some damage to the pontoon, we seem to have survived.

The floods have reinforced the need to have new clubhouse facilities located out of reach of future flood events. Siting our gym, changing facilities and social area on the first floor seems like a sensible option.

We are still collecting donations in exchange for rewards via our crowdfunding event, which was launched last month.

We only have a limited time to reach out target of £5,000 to submit our planning application. The crowdfunding site will close on the 15th February so be quick, before the rewards are snapped up!

Hopefully there is something you fancy, whether it is the promise of cake, a learn to row session, family visit to the llamas or vouchers for local shops.

Donations of rewards have been kindly provided from local business and club members.