5 wins for Stratford at our own Regatta and a further 8 crews into the final.
Division 1
Win for J13A.4x+ SUA-Keil
Lost in final J14A.1x SUA-Wiesheu & W.J13A.4x+ SUA-Mitchell
Division 2
Wins for W.NOV.1x SUA-Ciepalowicz & W.J14A.2x SUA-Neville
Lost in final W.J15A.2x SUA-Teakle & J15A.2x SUA-Evans
Division 3
Win for W.J16A.1x Esme Booth
Lost in final W.J18A.2x SUA-Buckley & W.J14A.4x+ SUA-Winsper
Division 4
Win for W.J13A.2x SUA-Wiesheu
Lost in final J13A.2x SUA-Flambert & W.J13A.2x SUA-Browne
The fantastic folk at Stratford upon Avon Boat Club managed 1,327,644 metres with four teams of eight rowers going right through the twenty four hours and a couple of Junior teams for a few hours on the Saturday. That’s just under 825 miles or 31.5 marathons!
Organised by Dr Ben Twiney and Gaby Walker who both did their three hour stints as well and through the night. Their reward was to sneak off at Saturday lunchtime to Twickenham to watch the rugby. Massive thanks to them for doing all this on top of their day jobs. We hope that they feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction of a job really well done!
There were some magnificent Club teamsters who volunteered to row straight through the small hours of the night: James Reeder, Jen Carey, Tom Doherty and Tom Coles who all did straight two or three hours at very unsociable hours in the dark as the fog was descending. Also there were some helpers that stayed on to supervise, especial note here for Trevor Tiller who managed to help out for all but a few of the twenty four hours and also supplied some very tasty cakes.
The weather was really good with an absence of rain throughout which meant we could keep the ergos set-up outside the clubhouse: the temperature was perfect once the rowers got erging although it did get somewhat chilly at 4am especially as the fog descended around 2am and stayed until around 7am.
The Senior Men’s crew were mostly keeping sub-two minute splits for hours and rowed considerably more distance than any of the other crews.
There were a number of people who managed to do personal marathons (42,195 metres) in their three hours which requires split time of less than 2 minutes 7.9 seconds. Tom Doherty had the unique distinction of doing his marathon over a single three hour sitting with one minute and twenty seconds to spare. This almost defies belief!
The Google Doc booking system threw up some anomalies with spaces where there should have been people so a number of folk volunteered to row to fill the gaps. Thanks to Ruth Winter and Will Macleod who stepped in to ensure we kept the four teams rowing for the full twenty four hours. Their reward was to set off rather late for Twickenham! Stephen Haighton also stepped in to cover gaps meant he ended up rowing for five hours and twenty minutes in total and covered 72,617 metres which is just over 45 miles or 1.72 marathons: everyone has their personal stories and achievements!
Although there were no Junior crews rowing for the twenty four hours, a good number rowed during the day on Saturday including their coaches and some parents. This helped boost our overall distance and hopefully we have recruited some willing volunteers for the next Ergothon. A number of the Juniors and their incredibly helpful parents also went onto the Tramway Bridge to rattle collection buckets and such was the interest of the public in what we were doing (they could hardly ignore the great music supplied by Lucy Weston!) that these impromptu fund raising activities netted over £300!!! Literally thousands went past voicing their support and we certainly got ourselves noticed.
Christine Goodwin, as a warm up for the ergothon, did a10k time trial in 41 minutes and 16.4 seconds which gives her a world ranking of three in her age category and was a PB from her last year’s PB of 41 minutes 18.0 seconds. Christine is now training for a 5k time trial in four weeks before the build up to The Indoor Championship.
A number of club members came down to show their support throughout the Saturday and this was very much appreciated by the rowers.
The general view of all those taking part was that it was brilliant fun, very challenging but very enjoyable. We are now collating sponsorship results and hope this has really pushed our Pavilion Fund skywards.
Big thanks to all who took part – organisers, rowers, helpers and supporters. It was a great new thing for our Club to do and although many don’t want to see another ergo for some time, we feel sure we will be doing that again sometime in the future.
For more pictures, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/125143270@N03/albums and https://www.flickr.com/photos/135872444@N08/. For press coverage, see Stratford Herald p4 (In Brief) and Stratford Observer p30.
Schools are back in more ways than one at Stratford upon Avon Boat Club at the weekend as a group of young people spent Saturday and Sunday learning how to run and supervise rowing sessions.
Said Andrew Roe, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Head Coach, “As people move on to university and leave Stratford’s Junior Squad, there is a constant requirement to train more of the older juniors to take an active role in running rowing at the Club. The course runs over two days and is quite intensive. Participants learn about personal and crew safety and taking responsibility for those who they are coaching.
The course also heightens the Junior Leaders’ awareness of safety.”
Andrew Roe commented, “Already, many of the members of the last course are assisting with the Club’s adult Learn to Row courses which are now full and running throughout the autumn. It was also good to welcome a member from Stourport Boat Club on to the course and hear about how they supervise and coach rowing. Apart from the course work, there are practical sessions out on the water.”
Said Will Bird, Junior Co-ordinator, “Having trained Junior Rowing Leaders in the Club is essential as they are a very useful resource for the Club and help the adult coaches immensely. They also used and develop other supervisory and life skills which will be useful to them in the future.”
Saturday 12 September was The Great River Race on the Thames and Stratford upon Avon Boat Club was again out in force representing Stratford in the capital. The crew consisted of Ruth Winter, Will MacLeod, Phoebe Winter, Stephen Rose, Cassie Bird and Tabitha Bird along with others from the Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club and Devil’s Elbow Rowing Club.
Said Ruth Winter, Stratford Boat Club’s Recreational Rowing Squad Organiser, “We broke an oar on the start so we were a rower down
and still managed to complete the course half an hour faster than last year! It was a very enjoyable, satisfying race this year. Phoebe and Cassie who are still part of Stratford’s Junior Squad did very well indeed and stroked the race most of the way: we’re all very proud of them!”
Stratford’s coaches Dr Graham Collier and Glyn Hawkins also took part in the race in other crews.
The Great River Race is 21.6 miles from London Docklands to Ham in Surrey. With entries now well over 300 boats carrying approximately 2,400 competitors racing for 35 trophies, The Great River Race has become the biggest and most prestigious event of its kind in Europe.
“Rowing at Stratford isn’t just about competitions,” said Oli Smith, Stratford’s Captain of Boats.”Recreational fun rowing is also very much part of the Club’s philosophy and we continue to develop this side and we especially welcome weekday and off peak rowers.”
See also Stratford Herald p19 and Stratford Observer p44 and online http://bit.ly/1FSADTw
Ross Regatta has always been a favourite away regatta for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club not only that it is a two day event but also because of the friendly atmosphere and high quality of completion. This last weekend’s away regatta at Ross on Wye was no exception though the weather was disappointing.
Said coach Dr Graham Collier, “Sunday started well with Laura Tiller winning her WJ16 1x category and then the Junior squad with KatiePhilips, Gracie Mitchell, Emily Browne, Jessica Wiesheu and cox Mimi Hill winning their WJ13 4x+ race. There were many of the finalists who came very close – WJ14 2x, Isaac Herring rowing up to J16 1x, some of the WJ15 girls and boys J14 2x, Autumn Keil WJ13 1x to name a few.”
The President of Ross Rowing Club, Ian Howell, commented on the great range of high quality crews at the regatta and how all the Stratford athletes put up a great show.
On Monday, the regatta continued well with Imogen North and Ed Lewry winning their Mixed IM1 x2: Imogen then won her WJ18 x1 and Ed finished the day with two thrilling races in his Men’s IM1 x 1 category just losing in the final with a very close race having been in a dead heat in his previous race and thus having to row twice. Victoria Ward came extremely close in the final of WIM3 1x but was beaten by Exeter Rowing Club. This was Victoria’s race at this level.
The Stratford Superstars (senior men) just beat the Stratford Delinquents (junior boys) in the fun competition Pointless Eights final! It was also rumoured that a Dakota fly past overhead was in their honour to celebrate the eight’s and Stratford’s success at the end of a brilliant weekend!
For media coverage, see The Herald p17
For more photographs of Ross Regatta, see pictures taken by Dave Phillips at http://bit.ly/1KLoLbQ
Stratford upon Avon Boat Club stayed local on Saturday 22 August with a short trip to rival neighbours at Warwick Boat Club. The rivalry was intense as Stratford won five finals in all with Esme Booth (WJ16 1x) winning two finals; Isaac Herring (J15 1x) and a WJ14 1x win for Amy Neville.
The other notable win was Stratford’s Mix IM1 4+. Said Ruth Winter, Stratford’s Recreational Squad Co-ordinator and crew supporter, “In the first heat, the four raced against Cardiff and Vale and we were easily the better crew. Shortly after, Stratford raced local rivals Warwick. We were in control of the race right from the start and we moved ahead just after coming under the bridge. Stratford continued to widening the gap right up to the finish.”
Commented Victoria Ward, rowing at two position, “We had one short training session before our races: we clicked really well and we were feeling happy going into the race even though we were racing up a category as IM1. Events got a bit stressful when Harriet our cox was pulled off the water just as she was about to race in her doubles final when the organisers thought thunder and lightning was imminent. As a result, we boated late and had to get Harriet out of her boat as soon as she had raced. However, we composed ourselves and won our semi-final against Derwent comfortably. We then had a quick turn around and race the final against home crew Warwick and we didn’t even have time to get off the water before our final! We had a much better start for our final and the boat really started to move so we managed to pull clear of the Warwick crew and win by a good margin.”
Stratford’s Mix IM1 4+ crew was composed of stroke: Oli Smith (Captain of Boats); 3: Ben Gittus Smith; 2: Victoria Ward; bow: Phoebe Winter and cox: Harriet Buckley. The Club will be out in force at Ross on Wye Rowing Club Regatta over the Bank Holiday weekend
Events entered at Warwick included:-
Open Masters Double Sculls.
Mixed Intermediate Double Sculls.
Open Junior 16 Double Sculls.
Open Junior 14 Double Sculls.
Women’s Junior 14 Double Sculls.
Women’s Senior Intermediate II Single Sculls.
Open Junior 15 Single Sculls.
Women’s Junior 18 Single Sculls.
Women’s Junior 15 Single Sculls.
Women’s Junior 13 single Sculls.
Mixed Senior Intermediate I Coxed Fours.
Open Masters A Coxless Pairs.
Open Masters D/E Coxless Pairs.
Open Intermediate I Double Sculls.
Women’s Junior 18 Double Sculls.
Women’s junior 15 Double Sculls.
Open Master’s G single Sculls.
Open Junior 16 Single Sculls.
Open Junior 14 Single Sculls.
Women’s Junior 16 Single Sculls.
Women’s junior 14 Single Sculls.
Alfie Nash, Stratford’s Junior J16 Lead Coach said, “On what was a very hot and humid day, racing took place over a challenging 500 metre course: the start having the wonderful backdrop of Warwick Castle, whilst the finish, adjacent to St Nicholas Park, proved to be a great draw and focal point for the spectators. Although shorter than many of the events in the rowing calendar, successfully completing the narrow windy course required both speed and a high degree of steering competency.”
The club was represented by men and women with a wide range of abilities and ages, some of whom were competing in their first regattas in their chosen event.
Whether successful or not, all of the Stratford members contributed to what was very hard-fought and exciting racing. The high level of competency and competitiveness of the Stratford members highlighting the breadth and depth of the talent at all levels within the club. Stratford members competed in more than twenty separate categories during the regatta and were represented by more than one athlete in many.
Stratford Boat Club will be competing over this weekend’s Bank Holiday at Ross-on-Wye in what will be the last event of the current rowing year. However, unlike other sports, it is straight into a new rowing year where the club will be focusing on competing in Head races – timed events raced over much longer distances – over winter and into next year.
For media coverage, see Stratford Observer online http://bit.ly/1KlcGK5, Stratford Observer back page and Stratford Herald p17
Stratford upon Avon Boat Club enjoyed a great day’s racing at the annual City of Oxford summer regatta held on Saturday 15 August. The Women’s Junior 15 Quadruple sculls crew were victorious winning comfortably by three lengths against a crew from City of Cambridge. The Stratford crew members are Claire Teakle (stroke), Olivia Hansen, Isabella Rosso, Sofia Ward (bow) and Emily Brooks (cox).
Stratford crews also made the finals in several other events including Women’s Novice double sculls Catherine Simpson and Danielle Raymond competing at their first regatta; Junior Boys Conrad Bird & Isaac Herring and Junior Girls Isabella Rosso & Claire Teakle J15 sculls.
Said coach Mark Holden, “All Stratford’s crews enjoyed some competitive racing over 1 km on the Isis, a picturesque stretch of the River Thames. The Club is now looking forward to this weekend’s local regatta at neighbouring Warwick Boat Club and a final regatta of the season at Ross on Wye on 29/30 August to close what has been a very successful season for the Club.”
Many thanks to all who joined us on Saturday 20th June 2015 on the banks of the Avon, opposite the RST for a great day of rowing.
Our Annual Regatta wouldn’t be possible without the support of our fabulous sponsors, listed on the left – THANK-YOU!
Sadly no pots but some really good performances across the board and a particular mention for Theo Mordaunt & Sofia Ward in a great final race against City of Oxford.
Conditions were very challenging with gusting wind and a strong field including several clubs from the Upper Thames region and the likes of City of Oxford and RGS High Wycombe. Some of our juniors were rowing up and some competing for the first time against senior crews and with three wins and valuable experience gained, with this being the final Head, we are now eagerly looking forward to Regatta season.
J13A1x, Jeffrey Flambert, 4th of 5, 12.02
WJ13A4x+, SUA-Hill, 1st of 2, 09.42 WIN
J14A1x, Nathan Wiesheu, 6th of 8, 10.23
J14A4x+, SUA-Gould Yates, 4th of 5, 09.53
WJ14A2x, Autumn Lily Kiel & Jessica Wiesheu, 13th of 13, 10.57
WJ14A4x+, SUA-Neville, 3rd of 8, 09.10
WJ14A4x+, SUA-Griffiths, 7th of 8, 09.57
J15A1x, Conrad Bird, 8th of 10, 09.46
WJ15A1x, Georgina Cherry, 4th of 5, 10.14
J15A2x, Khalid Ahmad & Max Beishon, 4th of 5, 08.47
WJ15A2x, Theo Mordaunt & Claire Teakle, 4th of 7, 10.00
WJ15A2x, Issy Finch & Lois Battersby, 6th of 7, 10.20
WJ15A4x+, Jasmine Key, Katie Evans, Lois Battersby, Robin Connolly, cox Izzy Moore, 5th of 5, 10.15
J16A1x Isaac Herring, 8th of 12, 09.34
WJ16A1x, Esme Booth, 2nd of 8, 09.33
WJ16A1x, Laura Tiller, 7th of 8, 10.33
J16A2x, Ben Evans & Alex England, 4th of 4, 09.25
WJ16A2x, Milly Flambert & Lamorna Jarvis, 2nd of 6, 09.22
WJ16A2x , Jessica Cann & Niamh Mackey, 4th of 6, 09.48
WJ16A4x-, Jessica Cann, Laura Tiller, Esme Booth & Niamh Mackey, 5th of 8, 08.33
WJ16A4+, Theo Mordaunt, Liv Hansen, Georgina Cherry, Claire Teakle, cox Emily Brooks, 3rd of 4, 09.22
WJ17A2-, Cassie Bird & Phoebe Winter, 1st of 1, 09.40
Nov4+, Conrad Bird, Isaac Herring, Khalid Ahmad, Ben Evans, cox Izzy Moore, 2nd of 5, 08.24
IM2.4x-, SUA-Smith, 1st of 2, 07.11 WIN
WIM3.2x, Harriet Buckley & Lucy Weston, 8th of 8, 09.53
WIM3.4+, SUA-Lodge, 6th of 8, 09.46
MxNov2x, Jane Connolly & Richard Nelson, 3rd of 4, 10.45
WMasD1x, Jane Connolly, 2nd of 2, 13.22
MasD2x, Jo Wyles & Phil Marshall, 4th of 4, 10.02
MasE2x, Tom Doherty & Gary Clay, 1st of 4, 08.40 WIN
MasE.Nov2x, Tom Doherty & Gary Clay, 2nd of 2, 08.36
MasF/G2x, Simon Moore & Joe Moore, 3rd of 3, 09.50
