President’s Sculls Trophy Awarded

The frustration of not being able to get onto the river for water sessions continued this weekend but Stratford upon Avon Boat Club took time out from their arduous indoor training schedule to award trophies for some of the best scullers in the Club

The original trophy was initially presented by Ian Cartwright, the then Captain, to Derek Eardley in 2004 during his tenure as President of Stratford Boat Club to mark his many years of service to the Club and was to be raced for annually in coxed fours

Over the years, the competition faded from the annual calendar and this year was reinstated as an annual sculling competition in three categories – women, men and juniors. Paul Stanton, Club President took time out during the presentation of the trophies to thank Paul Hadland who had refurbished the much damaged trophy and also Dawson Curnock, Chairman and Colin Upchurch, Senior Vice President, who had made and fitted the trophy mounting

Paul Stanton further commented, “We hope that the President’s Sculls award will continue to inspire all members to continue with sculling at a high level and further contribute to all sections of the Club mixing and communicating with each other.” The President also thanked Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator, for his part in running and organising the competition

For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/sculls-awards-are-a-fitting-accolade and Stratford Herald page fourteen

Felix Awards Presentation for Fred

At Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Annual General Meeting, the Club recognised the great contribution that some of their members made to the Club by awarding the special Felix Awards, a legacy from the Club’s past President Felix Badcock who gave so much to the club: the tankard trophies were won by Felix Badcock during his long rowing career and are over engraved with the winner’s name and award. There were awards for the Junior and the Senior Personality of the Year

The Senior Felix Award went to Phil Marshall and his team who have strived over the last year to ensure that the Club’s fleet of boats are always in good repair and that all the Club’s equipment is safe to use. Over the years, Phil as Stratford Boat Club’s Boatman and his team have saved the Club many thousands of pounds: there has also been a very pleasing link with the Duke of Edinburgh’s award in that many of the Club’s junior members have worked under Phil’s guidance to help repair and maintain equipment for the good of the Club and the community

The Junior Felix Award this went to Fred Tyler for his all round contribution on and off the water: Fred was put forward for the award because of his cheerfulness and help that he gives to all at the Club

The award to Fred was given on Saturday during a farewell J16 breakfast for Fred to mark his departure from the Club as Fred has won a rowing scholarship to Shrewsbury School: Shrewsbury School is nationally recognised as one of the leading rowing schools in the country and boasts an impressive fourteen Henley Royal Regatta wins to its name. Said Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator and J16 coach, “The Club is very proud of Fred’s achievements which have been gained through his own determination and support from his parents. His scholarship also says much for the standard of coaching at Stratford.” The awards were presented by Dawson Curnock, the Club’s Chairman

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club also highlighted the recent awards of other high achieving past Juniors:-

Imogen North: represented Great Britain at the Home International Regatta

Peter Boyes: represented Great Britain at the Home International Regatta

Mya Kenny: awarded place at Hartpury College

Esme Booth: represented Great Britain in the Under 23 Squad

Maddie Gardner: represented Great Britain at the Home International Regatta

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page sixteen and online http://www.stratford-herald.com/101518-top-rowing-scholarship-stratford-boat-club-ace.html and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowers-valuable-contributions-are-recognised