AS a sporting institution gears up to launch its state-of-the-art new headquarters, a Marlow company is dedicating its fundraising effort to the cause.

Having been destroyed by fire in 2011, Marlow Rowing Club is due to reopen this Autumn and has provided an opportunity to base a number of local water activities in the same new building.

Marlow Rowing Club, Marlow and Longridge Canoe Clubs, Marlow Open Water Swim Club and Marlow Triathlon Club will all operate out of the new Water Sports Hub, allowing access to the local community and will be used by able and disabled athletes alike.

With a long history of producing Olympic athletes the Hub is hoping to set the standard in excellence and will partner other hubs around the country, as well as overseas.

Having been boosted by funding from Sport England and the National Lottery, some £250,000 is still required in order to complete the building – one Marlow business to provide support for the project is Quantuma, who held their summer event next door at the Compleat Angler hotel.

Marlow company Quantuma Restructuring held their Summer BBQ and drinks party on Monday, with  local professionals attending and raising money for the hub.

One raffle prize, offered by the Hub, is the opportunity for four people to experience a taster session in rowing.

Consisting of land-based training followed by a water session with a cox and coach, the lucky winners will need to be dressed appropriately and be able to swim at least 50 metres – just in case anything should happen.