Tag Archives: Paul Stanton

Stratford’s Juniors Conquer The Tideway and Storm Claudia!

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The inaugural Junior Fours Head was held on Friday under dark, damp autumn skies on the Tideway, the river lying relatively flat as junior crews assembled between Chiswick and Putney. The subdued murmur of final instructions underscored the significance of the occasion: months of training, early starts and technical refinement were about to be tested over a demanding championship course against many of the strongest school and club crews from across the country.

This year, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J18 squad fielded two crews. The mixed coxless quadruple scull of Martha Baines, Xavier Sissins-Roffey, Seth Vondrak and Maeve Dunn was first down the course, finishing an impressive seventh place. They were followed shortly after by the women’s J18 coxless quadruple scull of Martha Cooke, Alexandra Francis, Tessa Parkin and Poppy Baines who crossed the line in thirty fifth place, leaving a number of quality crews behind them.

Racing in the OJ16 4+ event, Stratford’s five J16 Performance squad boys of Seb Happel (stroke), Will Shaw, Euan Richter, Rory Rowan (bow) and Ed Appleton took the inaugural Junior Fours Head in their stride and rowed well from Mortlake to Putney, 6.8km, with Ed steering a great line. The one minute forty second average split time over the distance wasn’t enough for silverware but nonetheless all five got to experience this very special event on a relatively calm Tideway. J16 Coach Hugo Happel said, ” A great experience for the boys on this most special of waterways in relatively mild, if wet, conditions. Key take-out was to rate slightly higher next time. All in all, an amazing learning experience and fantastic to connect the dots between training on our river Avon and the Tideway requirements!”

Commenting further, Paul Stanton, Club President said, “Not only was this a great performance by the athletes but credit should also go to the coaches, helpers and supporters for getting the athletes to this dominant position and for towing the boats from Stratford to The Tideway and back again during Storm Claudia!”

Following the juniors down to London to compete at Veterans Fours head on Sunday 16 November, the mixed master’s C quad of Rebecca England at stroke, Thomas Doherty, Lucy Scarlett and Pete Spivey at bow, produced a solid performance, tackling the challenging, choppy conditions on the tideway well. Despite a punishing headwind, the Stratford crew were able to execute a couple of early overtakes, maintaining pressure well with long, patient strokes and a consistent rate throughout. An improvement in conditions past Hammersmith allowed the crew to settle into calmer water; they relaxed into a good rhythm which they held to the end. “It was a tough but rewarding row against some very strong opposition,” commented Doherty. The crew are now looking to build on this third place performance as they continue their training throughout the winter.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/stratford-juniors-impress-at-inaugural-junior-fours-head-9442084 and page thirty seven

Club Falls Silent as President Leads Act of Remembrance: We Will Remember Them

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Sunday was a busy and poignant day for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club with Club members taking time out from rowing to remember those who died in World Wars and other conflicts past and current

On Remembrance Sunday, the whole Club stopped to meet around the Club’s memorial: as is Club tradition, wreaths were laid by the Club’s oldest member, Donald Imrie and the youngest member, Hattie McGurk, to remember Club members who gave their lives in wars and conflicts. Seventy three years separate Donald’s and Hattie’s rowing and life experience!

The Club was honoured to have Louise Beardmore (née Hitchman) lay a wreath to commemorate Francis Percival ‘Frank’ Hitchman, a Club member, who died in World War One. Louise and the Hitchman family first noticed the memorial to Frank Hitchman during their marquee wedding celebrations at the Club in August. Mark Dewdney, the Club’s Archivist, researched Frank Hitchman and found that Francis Percival “Frank“ Hitchman was born in Stratford in early 1895 and grew up in the town. Frank started working for the local railway company Stratford and Midland Junction Railway as a clerk. He was also known to have played for Stratford Rugby Football Club as a forward in the 2nd XV. He started at the Boat Club as a cox and was known to have won in a large fours event at Ross in 1908. He was the third member of that crew to perish in WW1. Not destined to remain a cox, he grew to over six foot tall and weighed around fifteen stone! Frank joined up in November 1915 and served with 15th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (2nd Birmingham Pals) and went to France in February 1916 where he served during the infamous 1916 Battle of the Somme. Wounded in Sept 1916 and again in May 1917, Frank’s end came in the third Battle of Ypres – Passchendaele. On 6th October 1917, Frank was wounded close to Menin Road. He was evacuated from the front to a casualty clearing station where he died without regaining consciousness. Frank lies in Godewaersvelde British War Cemetery near the Belgian border with 1,000 other soldiers. During his brief resume of Frank Hitchman’s life, Mark Dewdney commented, “It is now eighty years since the end of World War Two and we should take this time to remember the sacrifice that Club members and local Stratford people made in the two World Wars and other conflicts”

Reflecting further on Sunday’s Act of Remembrance, Paul Stanton, Stratford Boat Club’s President said, “Whilst the Club is a forward looking organisation with its sights set firmly on the future, we take this time to look back, pause, reflect and give thanks for those who served and died for their country and colleagues so that we may live in peace and pursue our sport with happiness and joy. We were also pleased to have members of the public join our act of remembrance and be part of our community: we were especially happy to have Louise and the Hitchman family with us as it emphasises the connection between the past and the present”

For media coverage, see British Rowing online https://www.britishrowing.org/2025/11/club-falls-silent-in-act-of-remembrance, Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/picture-special-remembrance-sunday-in-south-warwickshire-2025-58963 and pages five, six and seven and also Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/remembrance-sunday-2025-south-warwickshire-pays-respect-to-9441484 and page twenty three

VJ Day: Stratford will remember them

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Friday was a busy day for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club with the Junior Summer Camp but members took time out to remember VJ Day with a short wreath laying and moment of reflection to remember those Club members who died in world wars, other conflicts and especially the Far East theatre of war: Masters’ member Graham Cann laid a wreath on behalf of Club members. Graham was a Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines Commandos during the Falklands War

Paul Stanton, Club President, said a few words and led the short act of remembrance and commented, “15th of August marks one of the most significant events in World War Two when Japan finally surrendered bringing WW2 to an end. We felt that it was fitting that the Club commemorate this occasion and remember former members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. With all the current conflicts around the world, it was good to take time out to remember and thank those who made the sacrifice so that we can live in comparative peace and enjoy our sport”

Paul Stanton also made mention of the Club’s former member Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf who was a Stratford Boat Club member in the early 1930’s and raced in fours. Arthur died on 9th December 1941 in the incident that led to posthumous award of the Victoria Cross: his Victoria Cross was one of only twenty-two awarded to the RAF in the Second World War and the only such award made to the RAF for service in the Far East theatre of war. Arthur Joined RAF in 1936 and his squadron was sent to Singapore in 1939 and in 1941, 62 Squadron were stationed in northern Malaya. In the early hours of 8th December 1941, Japan launched its invasion of what is today Thailand: part of Japan’s attempt was to seize the Malay Peninsula and Singapore. On 9th December Scarf’s squadron was ordered to attack Japanese aircraft on the ground at airfields in southern Thailand which had been captured by the Japanese. Arthur was the first to take off: an attack of Japanese bombers then destroyed or damaged the rest of his unit before they could get airborne. Scarf decided to proceed with the attack alone: he evaded Japanese fighters on the way by flying very low and completed his bombing run on the target airfield. He attempted to return flying at tree top height hoping to evade constant fighter attacks: sadly, he was not fully successful. Scarf was grievously wounded: one burst of fire shattering his arm, another ripping through the unarmoured pilot seat into his back. Scarf’s crew mates had to hold him tight to keep him upright in his shattered seat as he grimly struggled to bring them home. He eventually crash landed his ‘plane at a British airfield: he died a few hours later of his wounds. His crew survived.

Mark Dewdney, Stratford Boat Club’s Archivist, who prepared the notes for Paul said, “The closing words to the citation for Arthur’s Victoria Cross say everything, “On 9th December 1941, Arthur ‘displayed supreme heroism in the face of tremendous odds’ and ‘his splendid example of self-sacrifice will long be remembered.”’ Arthur’s VC is now owned by the RAF Museum Collection

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page eleven and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/stratford-boat-club-marks-vj-day-with-memories-of-heroic-vic-9430450 and Stratford Observer https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/commemorations-across-south-warwickshire-for-vj-day-57453 and page three https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/08/22&pages=24

Stratford Out In Force at Bedford and Henley

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At Bedford Spring Head on Sunday, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s youngest squads were out in force and able to display their skills on a stretch of river that was perfect for all to witness how far they have progressed. The J13’s, racing up a category as J14’s, put out two quads in consecutive divisions who both recorded solid times and impressed with intelligent race plans that saw them cross the line just seconds apart. The combination of Burt, Franklin, Heenan and Siwakowski ultimately claiming bragging rights on this occasion over Durance, Cruise, Jackson and Ford. The coxswains of those boats, Lilly Parsons and Islay Milles respectively, then raced-up again in the J14 double sculls and showcased some real promise with a composed performance and a highly creditable time.

The J14 squad were similarly well represented. Hothi and Mansfield competed early in the double sculls but were beaten into second by a strong Walbrook Rowing Club pairing. A mixed quad of Stanford, Lebordais, Birrell and Dunn, coxed by Mansfield, enjoyed the strong challenge from local clubs and also managed to record the second fastest time in that event. Tiring of second place finishes, Birrell and Lebordais took to the water again in a double scull and blew the competition away, recording the event’s fastest time and taking the gold whilst being chased all the way to the line by their squad mates Hammick and Shickle whose performance was no less commanding.

Both Stratford Boat Club J15 coxed fours were racing: first up were Seb Happel, Will Shaw, Euan Richter and Ed Appleton, coxed by Rory Jones, rowing neatly in the OJ16 4+ against three home crews from Bedford School in seven minutes and thirty seconds, beating all crews coming in as one out three. Next up were Orla Linforth, Maria Ntoukaki, Naomi Sime and Erin Appleton, coxed by Ed Appleton, rowing nicely in the W4+ and setting a great time of eight minutes and seventeen seconds, matching the Stratford WJ18 crew!

Finally, in the OJ15 2x event, Euan Richter and Rory Rowan sculled well over the 2k distance, in eight minutes and seven seconds which wasn’t enough for a medal. Commenting, Hugo Happel, J15 Coach said. “Credit to all three J15 crews, they all did a great job!”

A glorious spring day saw a total of thirty five crews from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club travel to Bedford for the Spring Head. Held over 2000m on the Great Ouse, the course runs through Bedford’s town centre making a theatre of rowing for the day. Stratford’s J16 squad competed in four events throughout the day. First to go was the women’s coxless quadruple scull of Martha Cooke, Tessa Parkin, Martha Baines and Bryony Francis who competed in the J17 event for the day and delivered a superb row scoring a second place against Walbrook Rowing Club. Next off was the women’s coxed four crew of Isla Dunn, Becca Smith, Tessa Parkin, Maeve Dunn and Bryony Francis (coxswain) who again rowed up a category to race against senior women and again demonstrated their quality to come home second against the Loughborough Rowing Club women. The racing continued thick and fast with the WJ16 double sculls of Martha Cooke and Isla Dunn sprinting home to fifth whilst Martha Baines and Bryony Francis took the win in style. Hungry for more, the J16’s then took to the water in the single sculls event.  Racing for a third time in the day Tessa Parkin came home a creditable sixth in a seventeen strong field, Becca Smith in fourth and Maeve Dunn took the win with a confident row in the late afternoon sunshine.

Racing first down the course for the Stratford crews were the boys J18 quads. Xavier Sissins-Rofey, Theo Richter, Jamie Wilcox and Seth Vondrak set off at a blistering pace, executing a solid race plan to put them in second place, although the fifth fastest overall crew of the day. Later in the day they returned to the water in Open Coxless Fours’ event, where they put down another strong performance against their older competitors to finish fourth.

In their first race of the day, Poppy Baines and Lucy Sartain paired up to race the WJ18 doubles in dominant style. They powered down the course taking an expert line through the bridges to claim a distinct win over the rest of the field. Also racing in the WJ18 doubles were Lily Warren and Aimee Appleton. They executed a strong race plan and raced tidily to come out third in their field. In the WJ18 1x event, both crews from Stratford put in good races to come second and third, chasing each other down the course. Later the WJ18 quad rowed an excellent race, brilliantly steered by Lucy Sartain, to win their event by over ten seconds. In Division Six, the crew of Alexandra Francis, Aimee Appleton, Scarlett Richardson and Poppy Baines took to the course in the Women’s Coxless Fours’ event: competing against older and more experienced crews, the four completed a powerful race to claim a win of over twenty seconds to claim silver.

The Bedford Course is a testing row over 2km, with the river becoming narrow in places and requiring crews to navigate numerous bridges. Commenting, Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain said, “This was the first race for several of Stratford’s Masters’ crews and the first time steering a race for a couple of the bow steers persons. A huge co granulations for all who raced today! It was wonderful to see so many masters rowers competing in the sunshine today!”

The MxD4x of Suzie Radley, Dan Simkins, Patrick Taylor and Amanda Bowden won the category with an adjusted time of six minutes and forty eight seconds. The crew raced hard and were consistent throughout the race, despite steering challenges and very choppy water conditions in places. The MD2- of Dan Simkins and Patrick Taylor stuck to their race plan and were delighted to complete the 2k race in an adjusted time of seven minutes and twenty four seconds, under rating the winners, coming in second place. There is definitely more to come from this crew!

The single scullers of Tom Doherty in the Masters’ E category and Nick Sartain in the Masters’ D category both rowed strong rhythms and completed the course in times of eight minutes and twenty one seconds and seven minutes and forty dix seconds respectively. Tom was nip and tuck with the Leicester sculler for the whole course, with choppy waters in the mid section adding to an eventful race. The Stratford sculler just prevailed by five seconds to finish in second place in a field of five competitors with local sculler Bedford using his local knowledge to run out the winner by nine seconds. The Mx2x of Tom Doherty and Rebecca England came fourth in their category.

The WMD2x of Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden had a great start then as they overtook another double, this competitors lost control and steered into the Stratford double. This resulted in a stop, resulting in a considerable time loss of thirty seconds. The result was second place for the Stratford double. The OpME4- of David Noyes, Rich Shepherd, Nev Hands and John Charlesworth raced hard gaining valuable experience on a challenging course. Unfortunately the WME4x including Christine Goodwin, Gina Fusco was hampered by injury and sickness, thankfully they had two subs of Rebecca England and Imogen North and were able to enjoy a row over the course for time only in seven minutes and fifty seconds. Thanks again go to Hugo Happel and Steve Wellstead for towing the trailers and to all the support from the bank.

Meanwhile, Stratford’s adaptive squad attended the annual Adaptive Phyllis Court Time Trial on the Henley Regatta course. The squad was largely made up of established competitors, the event coming a little too soon for a number of recent recruits. The best Club time of the day was achieved by the mother and son combination of Ian and Paola Ward. Best newcomer went to Ricky Clutterbuck. Gillian Middleton, competing for the first time in a single scull, won the Club Most Improved category. Commenting, Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “Phyllis Court is a useful precursor to the main regatta season. It was attended by the Henley MP, Mayor and Stratford Boat Club’s President, Paul Stanton. The next outing for the adaptive squad is Marlow Spring Regatta in early May.”

For great pictures from Bedford Spring Head, see Stuart Baines’ selection https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AAnHz3nIhATIuP8&id=3DD8F6A70C0CB625%21269548&cid=3DD8F6A70C0CB625

150 Years Young and Still Moving Forward!

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Some of Stratford Boat Club’s members take time out to consider the past but more especially look forward to the future after 150 years of existence!

Some reminiscences from Paul Stanton, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s President

“The Club was formed in 1874: the central part of the clubhouse dates from the 1890s and remained much the same until after WW2. The efforts of members, often building facilities themselves, has added various additional areas since then, the last being the Gym Pavilion in 2015.

Stratford Boat Club was formed as a men’s only club: only in the 1970s, one hundred years after ifs foundation, were women allowed to become full members. The Club has a varied history with some outstanding achievements dotted along the way: the crew that got to the final of the trials for the 1948 London Olympics, the Gold Medal at the 2012 Paralympics, and the Olympic Silver medal in Paris this year. A fine record for a club that has always had very limited resources.”

 Steve Wellstead: Junior Coordinator. Coordinates the activities of the junior squad coaches and organises the junior summer camps throughout August and serves on the various Club committees

“Junior rowing at Stratford upon Avon Boat Club has transformed over the last one hundred and fifty years. Our clubhouse walls display the early achievements of a few dedicated schoolboy rowers from the 1900s, yet today’s junior rowing scene in Stratford has grown tremendously. We now have a thriving squad of around eighty boys and girls alongside a growing number of adaptive junior rowers.

Our mission is to prepare young athletes for a lifelong passion in rowing. With that goal, our junior programme offers them the full spectrum of the sport – sculling, rowing, coxing, coaching and more. Competing across regional and national events, Stratford Boat Club’s juniors are a regular presence at some of the country’s most competitive races, bringing back medals and trophies that celebrate a tradition of success.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteer coaches, safety launch drivers and the many supporters who make it all happen. But perhaps the strongest testament to our junior programme is the legacy of our athletes: many go on to row at other clubs and universities, some become coaches guiding the next generation and a select few have even reached the heights of Olympic and World Champion glory. As we look ahead, we’re excited to build on our legacy and carry junior rowing on the Avon forward for another one hundred and fifty years!”

Julian Foster: long standing volunteer, former Club Captain and Masters sculler

“My first thought on being a volunteer at Stratford upon Avon Boat Club was of immense gratitude to the many people who have selflessly given their time and energy to Stratford Boat Club. I have never forgotten how Chris Morgan, the then Club Captain, drove me all the way to Trentham Regatta for my first race as a junior with the sculling boat strapped to the roof of his old Ford Escort.

My first serious stint as a volunteer was captaining the Club in the mid 1990’s when the Club had suffered several setbacks. I am eternally grateful to the many people who stepped up to do tasks such as repairing boats, helping with fundraising, coaching and acting as vice captains for the different squads.

Family and career limited my opportunity to give much support to the Club for a while but I remained a member of ‘Team Hamburger’ for many years, grilling burgers at the Club’s regattas which was great fun as well as a good fundraiser!

Approaching retirement, I learned to drive safety launches, enabling me to repay some of the support the Club has given me. I am privileged to provide safety cover and occasional coaching tips for the youngest members of the Club: it is immensely satisfying to watch these youngsters grow from nervous beginners to confident, capable young adults who show great team spirit.”

Camilla Hadland-Horrocks: Gold Medalist World Rowing Junior Championships 2010 Women’s Eight and rowing commentator

“It’s been fantastic to see the Club feature so strongly at every level of the sport, international, national, grassroots and also participating in brilliant community initiatives. What makes the Club so successful and special is its ability to support members and athletes with whatever their aspirations may be. To see Stratford Boat Club’s name feature amongst some of the largest clubs and events up and down the country still instils a huge sense of pride in me. The Club was instrumental in making me feel welcome and at home with a new sport when first taking it up at Stratford School and encouraged me to take it all the way to the highest level. Without the Club, I would not still be involved with rowing to the level I am today and it’s always wonderful to return home to visit and see the next generation of Stratford junior rowers falling in love with the sport in the same way I did twenty years ago! A highlight this year was to witness the 150th year celebrations at Henley Royal Regatta and seeing the diversity of the Club’s membership represented on this world famous course!”

Amanda Bowden: Masters’ Vice Captain and medal winning Masters’ sculler and rower

“The Masters’ squad has seen considerable growth in rowing membership post Covid: It is now a regular occurrence to see Masters’ crews taking to the river every day of the week and throughout the seasons in all boat classes.

The aim of the squad is twofold: firstly to enable members to row independently as single scullers, giving flexibility to enjoy the river when they have the opportunity and secondly to join the squad, connecting and meeting other members to form crews, thereby having fun rowing in a variety of boat classes.

Masters rowers at Stratford benefit from being part of a readymade community where members meet new people, make friends and join in with the Club rowing and social activities. Rowing is a fabulous sport that strengthens physical and mental health, offering the opportunity for competitive racing at all levels. The Masters’ squad at Stratford enters all levels of competition from novice to European level. The winter head races and summer regattas are a huge amount of fun, through which further connections with the wider rowing community are forged.

The Masters’ women have seen the most significant development over the last two years. The nature of the rowing stroke and strengthening work is particularly beneficial for growing bone density and women can feel hugely empowered by others in the crew which makes rowing particularly attractive as a sport for life. The highlight of this year was the Masters Women’s VIII racing at the Veterans Head of the River Race and we were further inspired when Esme Booth, our Silver Olympian, came to support her mother and the other women who were in that crew. The achievements of Esme Booth rowing for GB is hugely motivational for the Masters’ women as Esme role model shows all being the best version of what we can achieve oneself and dedication to your crew!”

Esme Booth: Silver Olympian 2024, World Rowing Championship medallist, physiotherapist and support worker

“Now as an Olympic Silver medalist, I owe so much of my success to Stratford upon Avon Boat Club. Growing up in Stratford, the Club was where I first learned to row, and it was here that my journey in the sport began. The supportive environment taught me essential skills and instilled in me the discipline needed to operate at the highest level. The Club’s training and team mindset set a strong foundation, preparing me to tackle the intensive training programme at Oxford Brookes University.

Rowing isn’t just about medals, it’s about enjoying the journey, seizing every opportunity and putting in the hard work. The support and encouragement from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s coaches and my teammates made those early years memorable and motivating. They showed me that success doesn’t just mean winning but taking every opportunity and always giving it one hundred percent!

I hope my story inspires young rowers at the Club to pursue their dreams, knowing they have a strong community behind them. Stratford Boat Club is where it all started for me and I’m grateful for the role the Club played in helping me achieve everything I have in my rowing career!”

Imogen North: Seniors’ Vice Captain and J17/18 Coach

“Rowing is an addictive sport which, for many like me, becomes not just a sport but a way of life! I have been a member of Stratford Boat Club since 2010, when I was just twelve years old. Over the years, my involvement with the Club has evolved from a junior athlete, to a university student training over the holidays and now as a junior squad coach and Senior Vice Captain. At each stage, there have been different challenges balancing training, study, work, social life and my coaching and committee roles within the Club but one thing always remained the same, my passion for the sport. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by friends and family, some of whom are also members of the rowing community and all are supportive of my commitments to the sport and the Club. Without this, I wouldn’t have had the incredible experiences rowing has given me.

Today, looking back at my time in the Club, I can say that what makes Stratford Boat Club is not the building or the equipment (although they do help!) but the people within it. Without the many coaches that have given their time and the other members supporting and pushing me over the years, I wouldn’t be the rower or individual I am today.”

 Mark Dewdney: Head Adaptive Coach, British Rowing Medal of Merit 2023, British Rowing West Midlands Lifetime Achievement Award 2021, former Chairman Club Adaptive Group/Adaptive Strategy Group and Ambassador for International Mixed Ability Sports

“Stratford’s award winning Adaptive Section started in 2015, is the largest most impairment diverse squad in the UK. Membership of some twenty athletes, the squad has an enviable competitive record. It is widely regarded as the most advanced provision in the country and, as such, it has an important role in mentoring other less experienced clubs on best practice, safety and other matters. The primary focus is delivery of an enjoyable sport to many but with the ability to support those with paralympic ambitions. The recent formation of a junior adaptive squad bodes well for the future.”

For media coverage, please see British Rowing: https://www.britishrowing.org/2025/02/stratford-upon-avon-bc-celebrates-150th-anniversary and Stratford Observer pages six and seven https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/02/14&pages=24 and also online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-upon-avon-boat-club-looks-back-to-the-future-54103

Boxing Day Scratch Regatta 2024

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s traditional Boxing Day Scratch regatta over 600m from the ferry to the Club grounds is always a superb attraction for the Stratford upon Avon townsfolk and visitors to the town over the Christmas break.

This Boxing Day Scratch Regatta was no exception as twenty rowers together with volunteer coxes took part in the coxed fours knockout racing with the bonus of get out on the river which recently has been hampered by high and fast river conditions.

It was an awesome morning of fun working off the roast potatoes and tins of Quality Street consumed on Christmas Day! Five crews took to the water: no collisions unlike last year and a great number of really competitive finishes! Crews were made up of the masters, seniors, novices, juniors and even a few returning family members who dusted off the cobwebs to show us how it’s done!

Commenting, Paul Stanton, the Club’s President said, “The start of 2025 is looking good and the Club looks forward to training and competing in local, regional and national head of the river races.”

The fog momentarily cleared to show the sun still existed before closing in again to the point where the ferry start line was barely visible from the Club! Luckily another dry, mild Boxing Day which meant plenty of family members and the general public were watching from the banks.

Commenting Gary Kinley, a crew member, “The event was really well supported and organised with a big thanks to Steve and Katie Wellstead on the safety launch, Tom marshalling the start, Dawson marshalling the finish line and Dave Edwards organising the day! Onwards and upwards to 2025!”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/rowers-return-for-festive-regatta-fun-9398102 and page thirty two and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-finish-year-with-annual-boxing-day-regatta

For more great pictures, see Stuart Baines’ excellent selection https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AKZfHblAh9FYYzw&id=3DD8F6A70C0CB625%21265687&cid=3DD8F6A70C0CB625

Stratford Boat Club’s Dewdney Wins ‘Unsung Hero’ Award

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Swapping the cold Stratford riverbank for the smart surroundings of @Sohoplace theatre in London, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Head Adaptive Coach Mark Dewdney found himself the recipient of the Variety Disability Sports ‘Unsung Hero’ Award for his selfless contribution to local, regional, national and international adaptive rowing, both as a coach and mentor over eighteen years. The award is organised by Variety, the children’s charity and celebrates the achievements of disabled sports volunteers and athletes

Stratford’s own adaptive squad has grown to some twenty athletes with the recent positive addition of several junior rowers. Mark commented, “Adaptive rowing is very volunteer led with the need for a whole team of helpers to assist the adaptive athlete to boat, buddy row, provide safety launch cover, bank-based supervision and coaching. This doesn’t just ‘happen’: it takes a lot of planning. Each person has different capabilities and we all work together to find the best way to adapt the boat, equipment and training protocols to meet the individual athlete’s specific needs. The award is recognition of this great team effort. Access to disability sport is a great thing for so many, physically and mentally contributing to their overall wellbeing”

Commenting further, Paul Stanton, President of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club said, “Mark’s well-deserved award not only brings kudos to Mark himself but also to the Club. Through Mark’s efforts and those of his adaptive squad, the Club have high hopes of some athletes achieving possible Paralympic standard in addition to those enjoying adaptive rowing for competitive as well recreational pleasure. We are very proud of Mark’s achievements”

Also receiving an award this week at the Adaptive Squad’s Christmas Dinner was Hattie Throssell, Stratford’s longest serving adaptive athlete. Commenting on Hattie’s award, Mark said, “The Club’s award for ‘Rowing Despite Adversity’ isn’t given lightly but the President and I were of one mind in the choice as Hattie’s true grit, determination and sheer ‘fight’ is humbling to see and an example to us all: a well deserved recipient!”

For media coverage, see Evesham Journal online https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/pershore/24765041.adaptive-rowing-coach-named-variety-disabilities–unsung-hero and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-head-adaptive-coach-dewdney-wins-prestigious-unsung-hero-award and also back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/12/06&pages=24

Olympic Silver Welcome for Boat Club’s Esme!

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Sunday was the day when Stratford upon Avon Boat Club finished their training for the day to welcome Esme Booth, Silver Olympian, back to her home Club of Stratford upon Avon after her GB women’s coxless four race at the Paris Olympics

Young and old and those from Esme’s past were there to welcome her including teachers from her primary school who introduced her to rowing, coaches from Stratford Boat Club and King Edward V1 Boat Club who had coached her during her years at the Club, friends, family and Club members. Commenting Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator said, “For the youngsters to see rowing at this high level and what can be achieved through hard work and determination was inspirational and will be a constant encouragement to engage in sport whether for competition, recreation or physical and mental fitness!”

Commenting further, Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain said, “For all of us to see a women achieve at such a high level and win a silver Olympic medal is an example to us all that women and girls through hard work and determination can reach excellence and Esme’s prowess is a beacon to us all!”

Summing up in his speech, Paul Stanton, Stratford Boat Club’s President commented, “Many years ago, a good colleague of mine and I saw Esme rowing in her early years and both commented that she was an Olympian in the making! We are so proud of Esme and the honour she has brought to the Club and to Stratford in general. We were delighted that Stratford’s Mayor Cllr Jason Fojtik was with us to emphasise this!”

Dawson Curnock, Stratford Boat Club’s Chairman rounded off the Welcome Home by awarding Esme Life Membership of the Club in recognition for her amazing achievement

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald centre pages twenty eight and twenty nine and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/welcoming-home-olympian-esme-51650 and page three https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/09/06&pages=32

Olympic Silver for Boat Club’s Esme!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club stopped their training for much of the morning on Thursday and unusually sat down to watch television. Over eighty members and athletes crowded into the Club Room to see Esme Booth race in the GB women’s coxless four at the Olympics

Watching with Boat Club members were over twenty young athletes from the age of thirteen to eighteen who were on Stratford Boat Club’s Junior Summer Camp learning the skills of sculling and watercraft. Commenting Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator and organiser of the August weekday camps said, “For the youngsters to see rowing at this high level with one of our own was inspirational and will live on in their minds for a very long time and will be a constant encouragement to engage in sport whether for competition, recreation or physical and mental fitness: their participation in the Junior Summer Camp is their first step the enjoyment of sport!”

Speaking further, Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain said, “For young people to see a women achieve at such a high level and win a silver Olympic medal is an example to us all that women and girls through hard work and determination can reach excellence: over fifty percent of Stratford Boat Club are female and Esme’s prowess is a beacon to us all!”

Summing up, Paul Stanton, Stratford Boat Club’s President commented, “We are so proud of Esme and the GB crew and the honour and kudos she has brought to the Club, the schools she has attended and to Stratford in general. Well done Esme, your achievement is amazing!”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald pages twenty four and twenty five and Stratford Observer page five https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/08/09&pages=24

Henley Royal Regatta Honour for Stratford Boat Club

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club celebrated their 150th year since inception with a row past at Henley Royal Regatta on Friday with a crew drawn from all the Club’s squads

Commenting, Abi Terry, Stratford coach and joint organiser said. “The crew did really well and we want to put out special thanks to James at St Edwards School, Oxford for his help in sorting out the boat as well as the suggestion from Zoe de Toledo. This set the day up well!”

Paul Stanton, President of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club, commented further, “To row at Henley Royal Regatta is a great honour for any rower: to be granted a row past at Henley to celebrate the Club’s 150th year is an accolade of which to be proud and will be remembered by those who were lucky enough to represent the Club and stand as an aspiration for young rowers to come. It is also stands as a memorial for those athletes and volunteers who have guided and worked hard to make the Club what it is today! We would also like to thank the organisers of Henley Royal Regatta for granting us the honour of this row past.”

Stratford’s row past crew were truly representative of the whole Club and comprised of two members of the Junior squad V Vondrak (J17) and Xavier Sissins-Roffey (J16); two members of the Senior squad Will Beattie and Imogen North (also J16 Coach); two members of the Adaptive squad Gillian Middleton and Mark Dewdney (also Head Adaptive Coach); two members of the Masters’ squad Suzie Radley and Tom Doherty and cox Jen Cary

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty four and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-celebrate-150th-anniversary-year-with-row-past-henley-royal-regatta

For more great pictures of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Royal Henley Regatta 150th Celebration Row Past, please see Kathy Baines’ excellent selection https://1drv.ms/f/s!AgY7EiDB2lCOhs9iGAzXxIFho-cvvA