A few weeks ago, a group of volunteers came together to refurbish the community Gig. The gig was stripped, repainted and fixed up using hundreds of volunteer hours and lots of elbow grease with the aim of preserving the sport in the town for years to come.

Video provided by Newhaven Gig Rowing Club

"We are an ever growing group of people who love the local area and waterways. We enthusiastically come and row a fantastic 32ft long wooden Cornish gig boat called Amélie. Rowing regularly here in Newhaven, Sussex all year round. And yes, even through the whole winter. It's an amazing way to feel fresh and alive in the winter! We are applying for charitable status and all the people who run our events are volunteers. 

We are a part of Ouse Valley Adventures, that is an organisation, committed to regenerating this beautiful place because there is so much potential, so much that can give meaning and purpose to all of us. 

We do this so that local people can learn to row, have fun and get fit whilst enjoying the beautiful area of the Ouse Valley and Seven Sisters coast. 

First time rowers very welcome. We specialise in teaching people to love being on the water and learning the skill of Cornish gigging!

Why not come and get involved in our rows up the Ouse river from Newhaven to Lewes and out into Seaford Bay and beyond?

All abilities welcome... including children on junior row days. 

So if you're ready and keen to get involved... we would love to see you. 

Contact us via our website @ www.ngrc.co.uk or join the Facebook group, look up the events and click "going" on a learn to Row event and you're in. 

You could just come down and see us rowing too and have a chat on any of our events to find out more too. 

We look forward to rowing with you soon."

Newhaven Gig Rowing Club have also raised thousands of pounds for local charities including Newhaven RNLI.