Celebration for Mark Cross rower’s golden Olympic success

On 2 August, Emily Craig, whose family comes from Mark Cross, won the women’s lightweight double sculls event at the Paris Olympics

She was with her partner Imogen Grant. Emily began her rowing career at the local Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, and the pair have gone on to win two World and European titles since the Tokyo Olympics, remaining unbeaten internationally throughout the Paris Olympics cycle.

To celebrate this magnificent achievement, Rotherfield Parish Council, supported by Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, the Mark Cross WI and Wealden District Council, invites Mark Cross and Rotherfield residents to join Emily at a celebration on Saturday 28 September at Mark Cross Community Centre from 3.30-5.00.

Emily will be only the second local resident to receive the Freedom of Rotherfield Parish, to be presented by Parish Council chair, Robert Harris. Tea and cakes will be provided by the Mark Cross WI.

There will be an opportunity to relive Emily’s golden Olympic moment, and to try out on the rowing machines provided on the day at the Community Centre by Bewl Bridge Rowing Club. In addition, a new post-box topper will be provided by local Crowborough-based Sewing CrowBees group as part of their work to support local charities and events. 

Rotherfield Parish Council will be providing two cups for each of the primary schools in the parish to be named the “Emily Craig Sports Achievement Cup” to be presented annually.

The invite to the celebration is extended to members of the press to attend and report on how Emily’s home parish is marking her great achievement.