About Furnivall
The Furnivall clubhouse is located on the Middlesex (north) side of the River Thames, a short walk from Hammersmith Broadway tube and bus station. We cater for all levels of sweep rowing and sculling, with crews entering national competitions to those who prefer to row simply for fun and fitness. Furnivall is a supportive and friendly club and welcomes new members of all rowing and sculling abilities, from complete beginner to senior level. We are also always looking out for new coxwains and coaches who can help our dedicated team.
To find out more, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
A wonderful time-lapse video showing the comings-and-goings one afternoon from the FSC balcony.
Squads and Coaching
Our objective is to accommodate everyone. Organised into groups of different experience, commitment and ambitions, we have:
Women's and men's squads.
Senior squad.
A dedicated recreational sculling group.
Lean to row / scull opportunities.
Competitive Rowing
Our senior, women’s and men's squads compete in regattas and head races throughout the year. We take part in senior and masters events and in recent years we have had success at all levels of competition. We are extremely proud that some of our National Champions and Henley winners learnt to row at Furnivall.
Club Facilities
We have a wide selection of rowing and sculling boats for members to use. These include eights, coxed and coxless fours, double sculls and single sculls. We have a free weights room and an erg room with eight concept IIs and a Row Perfect.
Our clubroom is a great place to hangout and relax. The room has a balcony (wonderful for watching The Boat Race) and overlooks the Thames. It is very spacious with a comfy sofa area, a large table handy for dinners and meetings, and plenty of floor space for the weekly pilates class.
The clubroom is also available for hire, by members and non-members, to host your parties and functions. See Venue hire for more information.
Membership
All new Members are required to complete a membership form before boating from the club. You will have a month's trial period to decide whether Furnivall is right for you. If you choose to take up your membership, subscription payments will commence.
Management Committee
The club is run by its members for its members. It is organised by our management committee consisting of elected club officers and committee members. All elements of the club’s infrastructure are run by these volunteers. This includes the club’s finances, facilities, the purchasing of new boats and equipment, safety, social events, and the hiring out of our club room.
Club History
Furnivall Sculling Club was founded in 1896 by Dr. Frederick Furnivall who wanted to promote the cause of women in rowing. It was the world’s first sculling club for women. In 1901 men were admitted to full membership but until after the Second World War the captaincy was restricted to female members in honour of the original purpose of Dr Furnivall in founding the club. To this day Furnivall Sculling Club has a very strong women's squad, paying tribute to the ideals of the founder.