In 2025 we sponsored Dawn Smith, a local, internationally famed rower, in her challenge to row across the Atlantic and back again to Burnham quayside. Hence “Home Town Row”.
We support this venture through a donation to her chosen charity “Phoenix Heroes”. This is a charity based in Colchester providing vital services for Armed Forces Veterans and their families through a network of support for those who have served our country. See: Veteran Community Support
Dawn is rowing with Paul Lore.
They set off at 12.00 noon on 12th December in a Burnham-built Rannoch Adventure boat.
On board is our letter addressed to Paul’s club – the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club Rotary Club in Florida – together with our own Club pennant. Dawn expects to give this to them on arrival (via Antigua). in February 2026.
As she prepared to launch, Dawn said: “I will send you the odd message when I can. Then I will be sure to link you in everything when we deliver your pennant and letter.” She will row back with a present to us from the Fernandina club.
She flies back to the U.K. for a couple of months before starting the final leg in June 2026, rowing from Canada to Burnham on Crouch. We expect her back in August to meet her on the quayside in Burnham. The return gift from the Fernandina Rotary Club will be presented to us by her rowing partner Paul Lore.
Now a resident of Fernandina Beach, Paul served eight years in the Marines which explains why to quote, he “wants to make a difference in a veteran’s life because they make a difference in my life by protecting us every day.”
To find more about Home Town Row, and track her progress, see Dawn’s website: https://www.rowaurora.co.uk/
