Donations put club on track after flood

TAKING SHAPE: Heavy machinery was trucked in to help with pontoon repairs at Aramoho-Wanganui Rowing Club this week.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 160915WCSMCRANE1

THREE months down the track and flood repairs at Aramaho-Wanganui Rowing Club are beginning to take shape.

Committeeman Ken Pawson said the $25,000 insurance excess had almost been raised and content insurance had now been approved, allowing more work to begin.

"We have almost got the $25,000 through the Givealittle page we set up and other generous donations from individuals and businesses. We also received money from the Westpac Bank and the Mayoral Relief Fund," Pawson said yesterday.

"We have received donations from all sorts of people here and overseas. It's been quite humbling, really."

He said eight skiffs had been repaired and three coach boats had been refitted with new motors.

"Those repairs came from our marine policy. We have also put other work out for quotes, but have yet to find out how much that will cost.

"Meanwhile, the club shed has had the lining and carpets stripped to allow drying and our two pontoons are in the process of being repaired.

"That's why the crane was brought in. One of the pontoons got swept downriver and up on to the bank. It sustained damage, so needs refitting. The other one is taking on water and begins sinking when several people stand on it, so that needs work."

Pawson said much of the hard graft done since the June 19-20 flood had been carried out by members and supporters, but now insurance issues had been resolved, experts could be contracted to complete more specialised work.