Author Archive: Chris Best

Stratford’s Adaptive Squad Triumph in Turin!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Adaptive Squad paid its fourth visit to the annual two day IMAS/Adaptive Regatta run by Armida Rowing Club in Turin, Italy. The Stratford “Plus” team consisted of eight Stratford adaptive rowers, two from Glasgow Rowing Club, a volunteer who flew in from Hawaii, three coaches, two trainee coaches and a fair number of family members and friends, thirty people in total!

Training on the very wide River Po was enjoyed over the several days leading up to the regatta: the event focuses on inclusion and the standard of rowing can thus vary widely. Some of the Italian competition on the first day, Saturday, was particularly tough. However, over the two days every single rowing member of the squad took Gold in either a single, a double or a quad with some squad scullers winning several medals with lots of Silver and Bronze medal too Congratulations to Jordan, Ethan, Gillian, Ian, Edward, Tristan, Ricky, Catherine, Joe (Glasgow), Katie (Glasgow), Arminda (Ross), Aron, Paola, Esme and even the ‘old codger’ Mark Dewdney!

The rowing highlights of the trip were perhaps a first outing of a scratch Stratford of a neurodiverse quad of Ian, Ethan, Edward and Tristan with Paola coxing, an experiment that led to a Bronze Medal; the Sunday 500m win of Tristan and Ethan beating their more experienced Stratford colleagues who finished second and third; Edward taking the overall (any age) PR3-ID World Ergo One Minute Record, beating the previous record by thirteen metres; Jordan’s two Golds on the first day, but there were also many more triumphs.

Head Adaptive Coach Mark Dewdney said, “The squad does like it’s bling and I was happy that everyone won medals. Those competing in their first overseas event performed very well. Everybody enjoyed it. One or two of the Saturday races show we still need to progress. You do not have to be a member of the adaptive squad to come on our trips: if you are prepared to “muck in” and help, it can be a lot of fun!”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty four and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-adaptive-athletes-strike-gold-in-turin

Stratford’s Juniors Excel at Gloucester Autumn Head!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s juniors competed at Gloucester Autumn Head at the weekend and after a tough 7km row up to the start line with a headwind most of the way, the U16 girls double crew comprising Martina Bruce and Lilly Parsons set off down the 5km course at a fast but controlled rate. As they passed the halfway mark, they were still looking strong, working together to maintain a good boat speed and a tight line around the bends. They unfortunately got held up slightly by slower traffic as they passed under a bridge but soon managed to overtake. In the last section, they picked up the pace and gave everything they had, motivated by a J18 pair bearing down on them at an impressive speed. They finished the race in good form with a time of 24:45 and managed a respectable fifth position out of eight competitors in their class amongst strong competition.

The wind persisted into the afternoon as the J16x2 crew of Reuben Stanford and Connor Birrell set off, ranked second and looking to maintain or better that prediction. A steady and fast pace kept them in touch with first place hopeful from Hereford and brought them side by side for the last 1.5 km of the course. Good river positioning throughout and pushing the pace led them to a first place finish in their category by thirty seconds as well as the fastest double on the water for the long course and seventh fastest out of one hundred and thirty one boats!

The sight of sunshine at Gloucester Autumn Head for the first time in years was a good omen however conditions soon worsened for the J17/18 squad in the morning division on the long 5km course with very gusty wind all morning. The WJ18 4x- of Martha Cooke, Maria Ntoukaki, Tessa Parkin and Martha Baines came second in their event. Seb Happel and Euan Richter rowed up a category in the OJ18 2x event and came third. Imogen de Pennington, trialling for GB in the W U19 1x event, sculled a fantastic race to win this key event, watched on by British Rowing staff.

In the afternoon, the conditions were much improved. The women’s J18 double sculls of Martha Baines/Tessa Parkin, and Orla Linforth/Erin Appleton sculled really nicely to take third and fifth. Finally, Ed Appleton rowing up a category in the OJ18 1x Band 2 event, sculled with great technique to take second place.

Commenting, Hugo Happel, J17/18 Coach said, “All athletes managed the conditions very well and displayed some great sculling: well done to all!”

Stratford masters Thomas Doherty, Pete Spivey and Rebecca England represented the masters’ squad at Gloucester Autumn Head. In quite blustery conditions, Tom Doherty and Pete Spivey competed first in the masters F double sculls beating the only other entry into the category from Taunton by three minutes over the 5km course. Following this, in the afternoon division, Thomas Doherty took to the water for a second time to row in a mixed masters double with Rebecca England, thus completing a mammoth 28km over the course of the day. While the duo felt disappointed in their time, having had to slow down through narrow bridges due to traffic in front, they too came away with a medal.

Although the rest of the country was experiencing the high winds, the course at Gloucester on the canal was relatively sheltered and the event was able to take place with fair racing for all and great results from Stratford Boat Club as a whole.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty three and Stratford Observer back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/11/06&pages=32#page/32

Boat Club’s New Eight Named After Stratford’s Silver Olympian

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Sunday marked a special day for Stratford Boat Club as they named their ‘new’ lightweight eight after Stratford’s Silver Olympian, Esmé Booth

Eric Appleton, Chairman of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club, welcomed the Club’s members and invited guests to the boat naming ceremony by highlighting Esmé’s remarkable journey from a Boat Club junior to Silver Olympian and the hard work that she and her coaches had put in over the years and how her positive attitude and perseverance were an inspiration not only to aspiring juniors but to members throughout the Club

The Chairman commented further by saying, “Naming a boat after someone is one of the highest honours that a rowing club can bestow: it creates a lasting connection between that individual’s achievements and the generations that follow. We hope that every crew who rows in this eight, or any other boat for that matter, will be inspired by the example that Esmé has set and embrace the values that helped Esmé get to her Olympic standard: commitment, perseverance, sportsmanship and ambition”

Stratford’s President Jen Cary echoed the Chairman’s sentiments and spoke of the strength of the Club, the people who made it what it is and thanked members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, donors and fundraisers who work tirelessly for the Club and benefit the whole local community

After the unveiling and naming of the boat by Esmé herself, the members and guests went into the Club Room for q and a session with Esmé and some refreshments

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page nineteen and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/stratford-s-olympic-medalist-esme-booth-has-boat-named-in-he-9487171 and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/boat-named-in-honour-of-medal-winning-olympian-rower-64989

Stratford in Force at Evesham Head

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s newly promoted J14 squad enjoyed a fantastic return to racing at the Evesham Head Race on Saturday 10 October. Following a break from racing over the summer, this was the squad’s first head race for almost a year. The athletes showed great enthusiasm throughout the day producing a series of spirited performances against strong opposition.

The standout result came in the J14 Open Single Sculls where Luke Spurling delivered an excellent race to claim victory. Safian Khan also produced a superb performance to secure second place.

There was further success in the J14 Open Coxed Quad where cox Enoch Stanford guided Ruben Hawkswell, Luke Spurling, Safian Khan and Eftychios Ntoukakis to an impressive second-place finish. The J14 Women’s Coxed Quad of Natasha Wallace (cox), Georgia Wheeler, Margo Paul, Harriet Wheeler and Hattie McGurk also raced strongly finishing fourth in a competitive field.

The squad was well represented across the regatta with Margo Paul and Georgia Wheeler competing in the J14 Women’s Single Sculls, Natasha Wallace and Harriet Wheeler racing in the J14 Double Sculls and two Open Double Sculls crews featuring Gregor Francis and Ruben Hawkswell, alongside Enoch Stanford and Eftychios Ntoukakis.

While podium places were hard fought in many events, every athlete raced with determination and commitment showing clear progress since last season. Commenting, Rebecca Paul, J14 Coach said, “Just as importantly, the squad demonstrated excellent teamwork throughout the day, helping each other prepare for races and working together enthusiastically during the post-event clear-up. The athletes represented the Club superbly both on and off the water and should be proud of their efforts as they begin the new season.”

On a cool crisp and ever increasingly windy day the J15 squad put up some great performances. Starting the day off in Division 1 were Arthur Burt and Archie Mansfield – 2x who had a solid row to finish five seconds off second place, closely followed by Ethan Siwakowski and Archie Eaton – 2x who also had a solid row to finish eight seconds off second place, quickly following on from them were Amelia Cruickshank and Islay Milles – 2x who had a great row and took first place, being a massive twenty one seconds ahead of second placed crew.

Conditions for Division 2 were windier than Division 1 and the J15 boys’ coxed quad of Archie Eaton, Archie Mansfield, Arthur Burt, Ethan Siwakowski superbly coxed by Raya Hothi (WJ16 ) rowed into second place, only to be later disqualified for a rule infringement which was disappointing for all concerned, as it was thought that this was the best that they been seen row in race conditions.

Division 2 was completed by the girls’ coxed quad of Charlotte Franklin, Islay Milles, Amelia Cruickshank, Mary Heenan and again superbly coxed by Bethany Hammond (WJ16), a very strong row saw them win by thirty five seconds which again was a great result for the squad.

Division 3, in probably the worst conditions of the day due to higher winds, saw Charlotte Franklin – 1x manage the weather conditions superbly well to take first place by nine seconds, a great performance. A performance also to note was from Mary Heenan – 1x, again with the weather worsening battled to the end to a credible fifth place.

Commenting, Dawson Curnock, J15 Coach said, “Overall, a very strong performance and one that we will build upon through the coming winter into regatta season: very well done to the squad. Onwards to Henley at the end of October!”

A great start for Stratford’s J16 squad at Evesham Autumn Head over the weekend with all finishes in top four signalling a strong season ahead. Starting off in Division 1, Connor Birrell in the J16x1 and W4x- crew of Abi Dunn, Meredith Paul, Lilly Parsons and Martina Bruce-Bonilla set a strong pace for the rest of the day. Birrell delivered a strong, composed row and was unlucky to miss out on second place by just two seconds.

The J16 4x women competed in a tight three boat race coming in second by only three seconds to our very own Stratford Women’s Masters crew! Division 2 saw three crews on the water and up first was OpJ16 2x Nathan Lebordais and Reuben Stanford, delivering a first place finish with a time of 08:12, showing consistency and confidence throughout the race. WJ16x2 saw two crews, Dunn and Paul and also Parsons and Bonilla-Bruce taking second and fourth respectively in a competitive field. The day rounded out in style for the J16 squad with two coxless quads hitting the water for the final time that day. Charlotte Mansfield, Scarlett Wheeler, Bethany Hammond and Raya Hothi in the WJ164x delivered a third place finish showing consistent rowing throughout the course. The day rounded out nicely with the coxless quad of Lebordais, Birrell, Tristan Hammick and Stanford delivering the second fastest junior boat on the river that day, clocking 7:40 to finish and the third fastest boat on the day overall.

Evesham autumn head was also very well attended by Stratford Boat Club’s masters and as well as the juniors and a fantastic day was had by all. First up to represent the masters in Division One was Rebecca England, Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco and Heather Hayton in the senior women’s quads. Their first race together went well and they took the win despite feeling that there were improvements to be made. They soon had the opportunity to address these when the crew took to the water again to race as master’s D in the afternoon division. They felt they had a much stronger connection in this second race and held a more controlled rate.

Commenting, Heather Hayton said, “We were really pleased with our line around the long, tricky bend. These alterations to our technique led the crew to our second win of the day and we look forward to building on this success in the weeks to come.”

Racing in Division Two Masters’ G Single Sculls, Thomas Doherty rowed a good course and he was pleased with his efforts, ultimately taking the win.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page sixty one and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/spurling-leads-stratford-success-at-evesham-9487142

World Masters Regatta 2026: Lake Bled, Slovenia

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At this year’s World Masters Regatta Stratford upon Avon was represented in different classes by Tom Doherty, Pete Spivey, Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco and Kjersti Rogneflaten-Woolley. Club members Dan Simkins and Suzie Radley were also attending the regatta but competing for Upper Thames Rowing Club in Henley.

There were more than 4,700 competitors at the event which was held between the 9th and 13th of September. Fifty one countries were represented from 860 clubs with 981 races over the 1000m course across the five days. For those who have never been to Lake Bled, it is one of Slovenia’s famous tourist destinations but also the home of Slovenian rowing and regular international rowing events. The World Masters being the largest.

It is common at these regattas for small clubs like Stratford to team up with other small clubs and compete in more events, using boats from a few clubs to make logistics easier. These entries are called composite boats or international entries if more than one country is represented.

There can be up to 200 entries into some of the categories and so each category is split into heats with eight lanes racing side by side. The winners of each heat are then classed as World Masters and receive their world championship medals after the finish. Each heat is highly competitive and athletes can range from 27 years of age to, this year, 92. Athletes compete against athletes of similar age.

Overall, Stratford represented themselves very well against the rest of the world. First off on Wednesday 9th was Kjersti, rowing with a friend, Eva, from Loch Lomond, in Women’s G (65 to 70 Age) double scull. They came a fantastic second place. Kjersti also competed with Eva and two ladies from Castle Semple Rowing Club in Scotland in the Women’s G and F quad sculls on Thursday and Friday respectively, being six seconds quicker on the Friday, which is progress in rowing terms and finishing in sixth place in each race.

Also on Wednesday was Pete Spivey rowing with an Austrian friend (Hannes Amon) in the Masters E (55 to 60) double scull event. They had won together in 2017 and repeated their performance with a comfortable win and one of the fastest times of the category which pleased both of them.

Pete also represented Stratford in the challenging Masters E single sculls event on the Friday. After being late for the start and receiving a warning, he just managed to get the boat straight to set off with the other competitors. His first 500m didn’t go as planned and mentally he was disheartened by the poor start, however he realised the other competitors were no longer pulling away and he had plenty of energy in reserve. He composed himself properly, put the hammer down and won the race by one second over the Portuguese masters champion: one of the highlights of his forty five years rowing!

Ellie and Gina were excited to be at Bled for their first international race. The venue was beautiful and it was quite something for them to be part of the 4000 + entries from around the world. The only downside was that the race they had been training for all year the women’s E double scull, got cancelled due to bad weather. The duo were gutted but showing great resilience, picked themselves up to get on with their other races .They had entered a double scull in age group D (50 to 55) and beat seventy of the one hundred crews on time in other heats so were happy with their performance against younger rowers.

The rest of their races were scratch crews, so had never raced with them before. They had a photo finish with Denmark for fourth place in a women’s  F (age 60-65) quad, only one second between third and fifth place which was very impressive given they were scratch crews: an exciting race to say the least!

Tom Doherty raced in a Men’s Double scull F with a friend from Bridgnorth, racing in the outside lane one and coming home towards the back of the field. However, on the Saturday both Pete and Tom teamed up with the rest of the Bridgnorth men and rowed in the Men’s Eight category F. They came a fantastic second place and each crew member was absolutely delighted and a little surprised on how well the race had gone: they left nothing on the line and completely emptied their tanks as a crew. Not bad for a bunch of old boys from the Midlands!

Dan and Suzie, rowing for Upper Thames challenged themselves, completing eighteen races between them, with Susie getting first place and a World Master title for the Women’s E Quad Scull. Upper Thames actually won the overall club trophy for the event, representing the UK at the highest level.

The Sunday of each World Masters regatta is always for the mixed boats and Stratford competed in the Mixed Eight and Quad Sculls, rowing with others from Bridgnorth, Warwick and Upton and just enjoying the last day of racing. Kjersti is quoted as saying, “It shows what rowing is all about, friendship and being part of a rowing community”

Ellie and Gina are planning on competing at next year’s event in Varese, Italy and others will commit to it also.

Congratulations to Pete and Suzie for their successes and for putting Stratford upon Avon Boat Club on the medal table and to all the others involved in this most enjoyable and amazing event.

At Worcester Small Boats Head, held on the 3rd of October, the honour of the Club was defended by Stratford Men’s 2x Masters F crew of Tim Lunel and Chris Edger. It had been four years since their last challenge for the Men’s Masters E/F title at Worcester SBH had been stymied by a handicap given to a crew from an older age category. Using Chat GTP, AI and a complicated algorithm to determine their optimal chances of victory in this blue-riband event, Tim and Chris determined there and then that after an enforced four year absence to move up an age category to give them a twenty four second handicap which would optimise their chances of success in this blue-riband event.
Four years later, on Saturday after an arduous aging process, interspersed with some light training coupled with coffee breaks, Tim and Chris lined up against a younger Hereford crew in a titanic battle. The result? Stratford overtook their mighty opposition in the first third of the race, their opponents having been clearly discombobulated by their twenty four second disadvantage. Going forwards, Tim and Chris intend to deploy this aging strategy judiciously, culminating in medaling in the over-80’s World Masters category in 2045 when medals will be handed out to everyone who competes, based on the fact that they have stayed the course for so long!
For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/10/09&pages=32#page/32 and Stratford Herald page forty five

Stratford Make Short Work of Wallingford Long Distance Sculls

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On Saturday, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J17/18 Performance squad had three crews in Division One and three in Division Three at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls head race. In the former, racing the 4k in the Open 4x- event, Will Shaw (bow), Seb Happel, Euan Richter and Ed Appleton came fifth overall out of two hundred and eleven crews competing and fifth in their event, pitted against strong crews from St Paul’s, Wallingford and Magdalene in a very commendable time of 15:58.7. The WJ18 4x- of Millie Smith (bow), Tessa Parkin, Martha Baines and Martha Cooke sculled very well and also came fifth in their event against strong scullers from Lady Eleanor, Henley and Wallingford in a time of 17:27.6. Finally, Imogen de Pennington sculled against twenty other WJ17 1x competitors and came third in a time of 19:32.0, a fantastic achievement for someone with only one year of sculling under her belt.

In Division Three, sculling in the Women’s 4x- event (4k), Erin Appleton (bow), Maria Ntoukaki, Imogen de Pennington and Orla Linforth came seventh in their event, putting in an excellent time of 17:18.4 on the board. In the WJ18 2x event, Tessa Parkin (bow) and Martha Baines won their event in 18:40.0, beating strong crews from Wallingford, St Edwards School, Headington and Thames Scullers. Millie Smith (bow) and Martha Cooke came fifth and sculled with great technique.

Commenting, J17/18 Coach Hugo Happel said, “The J17/18 boys and girls sculled really well on this great stretch of the Thames, really putting Stratford Boat Club on the map once more. Their attitude off the water and their determination and grit on the water is such a thing to behold. Lots to build on: well done to all athletes!”

The first race of the season for the J16 Performance squad brought beautiful rowing conditions: clear blue skies, no wind and no stream. The morning saw Connor Birrell apply himself well to the 4km course in a large field of high quality singles, finishing twenty two out of forty two competitors across two divisions. The boys double of Nathan Lebordais and Rueben Stanford had an excellent row, full of power and energy to finish second, only three seconds behind the Wallingford crew rowing on their home stretch and well clear of all the chasing boats. Such a result early in the season bodes well for the rest of the year.

In the afternoon, the girls double of Martina Bruce-Bonilla and Lilly Parsons rowed neatly and positively to finish seventh. By the time the girls singles set off, the temperature had risen unseasonably high and it was warm work for Abi Dunn who finished fourteenth and Meredith Paul who finished nineteenth and both scullers worked hard in a field of strong athletes.

For more great pictures of Wallingford LDS, see Kathy Baines’ selection https://1drv.ms/f/c/8e50dac120123b06/IgDL3-1WZD1eTb34ndqwKf3sAXiPyCK1VlATiX666n-rgfA

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty seven and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-performance-squads-shine-at-wallingford-long-distance-sculls

River Health Morning

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The morning began for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club with River Hope’s Martin Liddament giving voice to the River Avon, reminding us that “this is the only water on the planet – all there ever was and all there ever will be.”  Composed by Mary Manandhar, convenor of River Hope, Martin’s reading provided a powerful reflection on our shared responsibility to respect and protect it.

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club daytime rowers were delighted to welcome actors Janie Dee and David Tarkenter, River Hope, Rubbish Friends, Holy Trinity Church, Stratford Wildlife Friends and Cyril Bennis BEM.  Everyone commented on how enjoyable it was to come together, share knowledge and take action for the river.

The morning included a coxed outing supervised by Vice Captain Alfie Nash, litter picking on land and water and a wildlife walk led by Bill Wright of Stratford Wildlife Friends. Cyril Bennis BEM was interviewed by local photographer Charlie Budd, reflecting on how the health of the river is connected to our own health – and to the health of the planet.

Visitors were also able to see Stratford Boat Club’s adaptive rowing programme in action with coaches Mark Dewdney and Gillian Middleton on the water with Women’s Masters rower Suzie Radley and Alex, our new British Rowing GB Development referral.

There was plenty of time to enjoy the social side of the morning too, with pastries, teas and coffees and the wonderful views from Stratford Boat Club.

The event hinged on Stratford Boat Club volunteers, led by Chris Belcher, making boats and launches available, allowing activities to take place both on and off the water. Stratford Boat Club also took part in the Great UK WaterBlitz, using a free Earthwatch testing kit to measure nitrate and phosphate levels in the river. The results are now displayed on the Club noticeboard and sadly reflect the wider picture of poor ecological health in our rivers underlining the importance of continuing to monitor, understand and care for the Avon.

A special thank you goes to actor Janie Dee, whose enthusiasm helped catalyse the morning, and the Club members who freely gave their time to make the morning’s outing possible. Thanks also to everyone who made boats, launches, equipment and expertise available.

copyright Marcus Miggins, Stratford Observer

The feedback afterwards captured the spirit of the morning beautifully: “Everyone at the boat club was just great – really interesting and fascinating to talk to.” The river clean proved surprisingly addictive, with everyone getting stuck in, while the rowing was described as “an absolute joy”.

Commenting Claudine Pearson, Stratford Boat Club’s lead on sustainability said, “Perhaps most importantly, the morning reminded us to look up and out – to see beyond our own activities and organisations and recognise our place within the wider life of the river, the community and the natural world.”

For more pictures of the event, see Charlie Budd from Chin Badger’s selection https://chinbadgermedia.client-gallery.com/gallery/stratford-river-day-18sep26

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald’s Thursday edition page eight and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/rsc-actor-janie-dee-amongst-campaigners-at-river-avon-enviro-9484687 and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-rowers-swap-their-oars-for-litter-picks

Stratford Score Twice at Chester

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On Sunday, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club were represented by Thomas Doherty and Rebecca England at Chester Long Distance Sculls. As part of their training for the Pairs Head of the River in London, they raced the 5k course twice, both in the masters’ and the senior mixed double events. In both divisions, they were really pleased with their racing, having maintained a good rhythm and length throughout. The double was able to take the power and rating up when under pressure from chasing crews and they finished the day with a medal from the Masters’ event and a respectable third place in the Seniors’ race.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Stratford Boat Club was the venue for the ever popular Shakespeare Hospice Annual Dragon Boat event with twenty six crews from all over the region competing and a thrilling six boat final! The Dragon Boat Event raises much needed funds for the Shakespeare Hospice. Next year’s event is Sunday 19 September 2027

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page fifty two and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/doherty-and-england-impress-at-chester-long-distance-sculls-9484312 and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-pair-triumph-at-chester-long-distance-sculls and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/09/25&pages=40#page/40

Boat Club Newbies Succeed at Upton!

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Three adult Learn To Row crews from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club travelled to Upton Rowing Club Beginners Regatta on Sunday to race in four ‘round robin races’ in the warm sunshine.

First to race was the crew of Liz Robb, David Howells, Alison Pigdon, Ann Field with cox Richard Field. They won their first race by two lengths against a composite crew of Ross/Monmouth/Upton

Two other Stratford crews came up against each other for their first race. They were very well matched and it was very close but the crew of Ella Roper, Steve Barron, Carl Nolan, Claire Cunningham with cox Sally Bliss took the win by half a length over the other Stratford crew of Helen Heenan, Michael Court, Max Phillips-Mills, Rachel Burns coxed by Rochelle Jefferies.

In the ‘round robin races’, the Robb crew won one race by two lengths and the Heenan crew won one race by four and a half lengths: the Roper crew won three out of four races and came second in their group.

The final overall results after five races were the Robb crew eighth; the Heenan crew fifth and the Roper crew third. The winners were a brilliant crew from Ross. Summing up the day, Sally Bliss commented, “The Stratford crews all improved with every race and it was a fabulous day!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page forty six

Felix Awards 2026

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Recently, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club took time out to recognize ‘Personalities of the Year’: these are awards voted on by all the coaches and committee members of the Club. The pots for the awards were donated by Felix Badcock’s (a past President) wife Jane from the vast collection that Felix had amassed over many years of competitive rowing which give the awards special provenance and significance.

The Junior Felix Award was presented to Reuben Stanford, a J15 squad athlete. His award was given for his ongoing helpfulness and willingness to assist at all times. The Senior Felix Award for 2026 was awarded to Gina Fusco. Gina is currently the Women’s Vice Captain and has galvanised the squad into a force to be reckoned with at regional regattas and heads.

Commenting, Dawson Curnock, Chairman of Stratford Boat Club said, “Stratford Boat Club is built on the ethos of volunteering and Gina and Reuben exemplify this in bucket loads.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer page five https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/09/04&pages=32#page/4