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