Rowing isn't just a great physical activity, it's also a very sociable sport. See the diary for details of the currently planned social events.

The most high-profile events are undoubtedly the Boat Club dinners - a three-course formal meal, with plenty of wine, and a celebration of the results thus far. In Michaelmas term, there are two formal dinners, after the University IVs and Fairbairns races, for everyone that participated. During the Lent and Easter terms, there is one dinner per term, after each set of Bumps races - in 2004 and 2005, a boat was burnt on the Quad to celebrate the Women's Lent Bumps Headship.

Michaelmas and Lent see two cocktail parties, held in college, with music and an original theme. During the Easter term, the better weather generally allows us to hold a Picnic, Pimms and Punting regatta up towards Grantchester on the Cam. There's generally more of Picnic and Pimms than the Punting part of the "regatta", but it's a great way to spend an evening. Perhaps add to the Snog-Web?! (email the Webmaster for the password)

As well as all the scheduled events, our crews often arrange meals or nights out with other crews that have been spotted out on the river. Curries, formals, pizza, clubbing, pubbing - there's no format, so choose what you want to do.

For the senior men, there's the Downing Tribe, a social group with around 3 or 4 nights out per term, as well as the highlight of many people's May Week - the Tribal BBQ, hosted by the Tribe. It's a summer evening of Pimms, BBQ and Spanish music in the gardens of college - the best way to start anyone's May Week.

Aside from going out and doing things, the team aspect of rowing guarantees that you'll end up making friends across all the year-groups, as well as within your year, and really feel part of something. Soon after getting into a crew, you'll be in the pub, in a punt, or at the cinema with crew-mates (not everything involves alcohol!).

If you've got any questions about the Social aspect of the Club, or perhaps some ideas to suggest for the social events, email Saskia, Lil and Esther , the Social Secretaries.