In today’s globalized world, it’s easy to prioritize convenience when making purchases. But what if there was a way to get high-quality products and services while also strengthening your own community? Supporting local businesses offers a surprising number of benefits, not just for the consumer, but for the entire local economy. This is one of the core values of The Trafalgar Trust, where we source produce locally, work with local tradesmen to support and be part of our local community.

The Ripple Effect of Local Spending

A study in the USA [Small Business Economics][1] found that for every dollar spent at a local business, 68 cents stays within the community. This is a stark contrast to national chains, where only 43 cents typically remain local. This “ripple effect” occurs because local businesses are more likely to:

• Purchase supplies and services from other local businesses. This creates a network of interconnected businesses that support each other’s growth.
• Hire local employees. Local employees spend their wages at other local businesses, further circulating money within the community.

A report by [American Independent Business Alliance][2] highlights this point, stating that small businesses employ more than half of the private workforce in the United States. Supporting local businesses directly translates to supporting local jobs. we have a similar experience, our events manager is local, our event staff are all local, and we leverage local suppliers wherever possible! We truly live our value!

Investing Back in the Community

Local business owners are often deeply invested in the communities they serve. They are more likely to:

• Sponsor local events and charities. This strengthens the social fabric of the community and creates a sense of place.
• Reinvest profits back into the business. This allows local businesses to grow, hire more employees, and offer a wider range of products and services.

According to [Civic Economics][3], local businesses donate 350% more to charity than national chains. This translates to increased funding for local schools, libraries, and other community organizations.

Beyond Money: Building Relationships

Shopping local isn’t just about economic benefits. It also fosters a sense of community and connection. Local businesses are often family-owned or operated by people you know. This allows for:

• Personalized service. Local businesses often take the time to get to know their customers and provide a more personalized shopping experience.
• Unique products and services. Local businesses are more likely to offer unique products and services that cater to the specific needs of the community.

Making a Difference, One Purchase or event at a Time

The next time you’re considering where to make a purchase or looking for a venue to hire, take a moment to think about the impact your decision could have. By choosing local businesses and hopefully The Trafalgar Trust, you’re not just buying a product or service, you’re investing in the future of our community.

Sources:

• [1] Small Business Economics [invalid URL removed] by David Neumark, et al. (National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper No. 18092, August 2012)
• [2] American Independent Business Alliance [invalid URL removed] State of Small Business Report 2021
• [3] Civic Economics [invalid URL removed] “The Local Multiplier Effect of Independent Businesses” by Michael Shuman (2012)

Curlew Rowing Club is a rowing club based on the Tideway of the River Thames at Greenwich, London, England. It was founded in 1866 and has been in Greenwich without interruption for over 150 years, though not always called Curlew.

The first regatta at which a “Curley” crew is believed to have rowed was held at Greenwich in 1787. In the first half of the 19th century “Curley” was one of several crews, along with a crew called “The Argonauts”, who had their own boats in the Greenwich and Deptford reaches. The Argonauts grew substantially in numbers until some of its members transferred their activities to Putney, to form the London Rowing Club with the object of rowing at Henley.

The “Curley” crew remained in Greenwich and in 1866 a club was formed in order to rent the (now demolished) Crown Sceptre Pub in Greenwich. “Curley”, by this stage had become “Curlew” and had incorporated the residue of the “Argonauts” and another crew “Lurline” who had been unable to carry on independently. Curlew then occupied the “Crown and Sceptre” until the building was demolished in 1934. So after 68 years Curlew moved to the “Trafalgar Tavern” where Curlew had a Club room / bar and a small basement gym. These premises where leased at that time from the Greenwich Hospital Estates.

Curlew Rowing Club is now based in out of the Trafalgar Rowing Centre ^[2] only a few doors down from their old home. Curlew moved to the Trafalgar Rowing Centre in late 2003, and with the Trafalgar Trust (Curlew Rowing Club and Globe Rowing Club) now own a new boathouse and gym in Greenwich. Furthermore, on the water training takes place at the London Regatta Centre based at the Victoria and Albert Docks, where Curlew has access to a complete multi-laned buoyed 2 km racing lake. Recently some boats have been relocated to Greenwich to train on the River Thames again.

Curlew has had much success on the water qualifying and competing at Henley Royal Regatta most years since 2000. 2011 saw the club qualify two VIIIs to The Thames Challenge Cup, the first time in the club’s history and the first time a club east of Putney has done so. In 2016 Curlew Rowing Club won the Ampthill Cup for elite pairs at The Metropolitan Regatta, this is the first time and only time Curlew Rowing Club have won this event.

Further to the success of the Men’s squad, the Women reached the quarter final of Women’s Henley, and the Women’s Senior Double achieving Bronze at the National Championship of Great Britain.

COVID-19 UPDATE

In light of the recent governmental advice, we are now taking bookings for Summer 2021.  

Thank you to everyone who has worked with us over the past 12 very difficult months. It is thanks to our patrons who have been very patient, our suppliers and our local council who have all been very supportive which has allowed us to continue to operate and continue our charitable work.

If you are looking for a great venue with links with local businesses then look no further. Drop us a email and our friendly team will get in contact with you.

It is with great sadness, that the Trafalgar Trust reports the death in December 2020 of one of its longest serving Trustees, Phil Collins.  Phil was a very active Director and member of the management committee which runs the Trafalgar Rowing Centre in Greenwich.   His commitment to the sport of rowing and work to run the facilities provided generations of rowers the opportunity to row on the river Thames.

Phil was a life time member of Globe Rowing Club, joining in the late sixties. He was a first class rower and an excellent coach, who was responsible for coaching the first Globe crew to enter Henley Royal regatta.   Many club members – from beginners to performance level – benefitted from Phil’s coaching on the river and in the club gym. Phil was a qualified umpire, often seen on the river at Putney for the great ‘Head of the River’ races and at regattas up and down the country. 

Our condolences to his family, he is much missed by the rowing community. 

Trafalgar Rowing Centre

2021

COVID-19 UPDATE

In light of the latest government advice recommending that everyone avoids large social gatherings, and in order to protect the health of our members, guests and volunteers, we have decided to temporarily close the Trafalgar Rowing Centre as from 23th March 2020 in order to play our part in ensuring the country moves beyond this as swiftly as possible.

We will be in touch with anyone who currently holds a reservation for hire of the hall. If you have paid a deposit we will either credit you against a future booking, or refund any money paid – this will be your choice, and our Treasurer will be in touch to make arrangements. AT THIS POINT WE WILL NOT BE TAKING BOOKINGS FOR EVENTS TO BE HELD WITHIN A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS, ie UNTIL 1ST OCTOBER 2020. We will review this position in three months time.

For over 100 years the Trafalgar Rowing Centre, and its constituent clubs have provided a source of healthy outdoor exercise for the people of Greenwich. We are proud of what we have become over the last twenty years since re-launching as the Trafalgar 2001 Trust: a hub for social, eduicational and community activity, not merely a sports club. We will be back.