Matthew was pleased to be asked to become the final member of the House of Commons rowing team in the annual race against the House of Lords. Matthew, who has never rowed before, agreed to take the place but was unable to take part in any of the early morning training due of prior constituency commitments.
“Having been press ganged into the team, I was determined that we should beat the Lords' boat but as I did not have the time to train in the week before, I entered the race a complete novice,” said Matthew. “While I only scraped two blisters I managed to avoid a ‘crab’ so it was good fun and, more importantly, we won convincingly and I got to know more of my Parliamentary colleagues, something that will be very useful in the future.”
The full list of the House of Commons crew was:
Stroke- Bill Wiggin - Leominster Con
Edward Leigh - Gainsborough Con
Duncan Hames - Chippenham Lib Dem
Eric Joyce – Falkirk Lab
Tom Brake - Carshalton and Wallington Lib Dem
Matthew Offord – Hendon Con
George Norfolk Con
Don Foster – Bath Lib Dem