Stratford upon Avon Boat Club took time out of their training on Sunday morning to honour those who fell in the World Wars and other conflicts and observe a two minutes’ silence on Remembrance Sunday. The Club’s thoughts were led by the Club’s President, Paul Stanton

Wreaths were laid at the memorial in the Club grounds by the Club’s youngest member Freya Dawe and Peter Wyatt, the Club’s oldest member: seventy seven years separate their rowing experience! Peter was also one the Club’s 2012 Olympic Torch Relay runners together with the Club’s Camilla Hadland

All the crews and rowers came from their indoor training during a busy Remembrance Sunday to attend the act of remembrance. Said Abi Terry, Stratford Boat Club’s J15 coach, “The memorial is at the heart of the Club and our sporting life goes on around it: this was an opportunity to stop, reflect and remember those Stratford Boat Club members who had died so that we can live in peace and enjoy our sport.”

This year there was the added poignancy of marking of the eightieth anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. Amongst other members of the Club who died because of WW2, George Ball and John Dunlop Lambert had served in the Canadian armed forces: the Club was honoured to have visiting rower Dr Martyn Judson from London Rowing Club, Ontario lay a wreath at the Club’s memorial to commemorate the two members. Dr Judson also gave a short history of George Ball’s and John Dunlop Lambert’s life and achievements from extensive research by the Club’s Archivist and Adaptive Coach Mark Dewdney

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page twenty three and Stratford Observer picture mention https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/remembering-those-who-served-15818

On a day that saw most of the rivers in Warwickshire bursting their banks and club rowing sessions throughout the region cancelled, a number of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club crews were able to escape indoor training for a day’s racing on the Gloucester to Sharpness canal in the City of Gloucester.

In glorious sunny conditions contrasting the torrential rain of the day before, crews from all over the Midlands and South West of England enjoyed some competitive racing across two divisions for a full day’s racing finishing only as dusk settled over the 5km course.

On a course renowned for being fairly choppy due to its reinforced banks, conditions were made further challenging as flood water alleviation, saw the canal conditions become even rougher for the smaller single and doubles crews with boats being bounced around on the water leading to some interesting racing.

The course, although providing some long straight line racing, also threw in some challenging bends, narrow bridges and large motorised river traffic to keep crews on their toes from start to finish.

Racing in the afternoon division, Stratford had two crews in division events, first off being Heather Hayton and Tom Doherty racing in a combined masters’ double sculls event comprising three mixed (male /female) crews and six men’s crews from clubs as far afield as Dart Totness, Taunton, Worcester, Stourport and Upton on Seven.

A steady start in the choppy conditions saw Stratford settle into as much of a rhythm as the conditions would allow. Leading off the other eight crews, Stratford were able to push away from the crews immediately behind them to open up a gap and chase down two junior women’s coxed fours ahead of them from Worcester Rowing Club.

Racing towards a narrow bridge on the course saw Stratford overtake the first of the Worcester coxed fours boats to squeeze ahead through the bridge. By this time the field in their doubles event had began to sort itself out and Stratford began to come under pressure from the top quality Upton mixed crew containing Steve Redgrave’s ex rowing partner Julian Scrivener. Stratford working hard, held Upton, the eventual event winner, off until the 4km mark.

Having negotiated the last major bend, saw Stratford close right behind another Worcester women’s coxed four crew whilst in turn being chased down by the impressive men’s crew from Stourport. A neck by neck side by side race between the two crews over the last 500 m saw both crews cross the finish line level.

The final race result saw Stratford’s mixed crew finish fourth out of nine entries beating four men’s and one mixed crew, losing only to two men’s and one mixed crew from Upton.

The plaudits for the day’s racing however have to go to Kjersti Rogneflaten racing in a single scull which, in the choppy conditions, saw many competitors throughout the event struggle to complete the course in what are normally quite unstable boats.

Racing in a field of four women’s masters scullers against strong opposition, some of whom had beaten Kjersti in earlier races, made for very challenging racing. Using her experience of racing on rough water courses, Kjersti was able to maintain a very good consistent race pace to finish in a very respectable time of twenty seven minutes and twenty seconds which saw her gain a deserved victory in the event.

Said Tom Doherty, Masters’ Vice Captain, “A great days racing was topped off by seeing Kjersti gain a very well deserved win, a suitable reward for all her hard training, on what was a very challenging stretch of water in such an unstable boat as a single scull.”

Kjersti has had a busy season already this year having competed in The World’s Masters Regatta in Hungary in September: now that the head race season has started, Kjersti has to get used to racing in kilometres rather than sprinting over metres!

“The World’s Master’s Regatta was a great experience,” said Kjersti.”Racing was in eight lanes over 1000m. At the start block, hearing neither my name nor my club, but ‘in lane four: Great Britain’ – and that was me! Saying I was out of my comfort zone is an understatement! But I survived and managed to do a Personal Best even though I was far away from a medal.”

Last weekend saw Kjersti race at the Weybridge Silver Sculls which is on a non-tidal reach of the Thames. The Silver Sculls is a trophy that many famous scullers have won including Sir Steve Redgrave.

After some discussions about the conditions earlier in the week, it was decided to shorten the course to 3km.  The race is upstream from Walton to Weybridge.  Kjersti’s immediate challenge was to manoeuvre down to start in the strong current amongst cruisers and competing crews coming up stream crossing in to the marshalling channel. During the race Kjersti managed to overtake a younger woman but with the strong current it felt like Kjersti was racing against the tide!

Kjersti’s was up against nine women in her event. Unfortunately the two Kjersti was hoping to beat scratched before the race but Kjersti still ended up number five out of seven, being beaten by women from Tideway Scullers, Henley, Mortlake and Christchurch

Commenting, Kjersti said, “At both events I met some amazing masters’ women: there is a passion about what we are doing, so ‘if it’s there, it has to be done’. So we will continue to meet at various events and at training camps!”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald online http://www.stratford-herald.com/103188-masters-training-pays-off-stratford-bc.html and page fourteen and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/masters-training-pays-off-for-stratford

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club took time out on Sunday morning to welcome the Badcock family back to the Club and name the Club’s new launch after Felix Badcock, the Club’s former President

In 1972, life and work brought Felix, Jane his wife and their three children to Welford on Avon where they went on to farm for over thirty years. In 1977, he became local Scout Leader, then Group Scout Leader and finally Stratford District Commissioner, a position he held for many years.

Felix had a long and successful career with Thames Rowing Club in Putney, London, rowing in the Thames Eight in the ‘Grand’ at Henley Royal Regatta for seven years and sometimes doubling up in the Stewards’ Cup. In 1958 his crew won a Bronze for England at the Commonwealth Games in Wales. He remained active in the world of rowing, becoming an International Selector in the 1960’s, Captain of Thames and later Vice President.

Felix’s involvement with Stratford upon Avon Boat Club started in 1980, first coaching his daughter and her school friends and from there countless more junior and adult members. Felix’s women’s coxed four of 2008/9 won both at Henley and at the National Championships. He is fondly remembered by the Club and his crew as dedicated, passionate and deeply committed to every aspect of the training. His love for the sport was infectious, and the time spent with this crew led to some very great rowing and life-long friendships with both Felix and his beloved wife Jane.

In 2010, Felix was awarded the British Rowing Volunteer of the Year Award, immediately nominating another Stratford volunteer for the same award the following year, a gesture typical of his selflessness, and in the London 2012 Olympics was a Games Maker at the rowing centre at Dorney Lake.

Felix is still remembered by Stratford upon Avon Boat Club as a gentle ‘Father’ of the Club. He was much loved and respected, and his tact and diplomacy meant he was always able to see both sides of any discussion. His wisdom, knowledge and experience were called upon on numerous occasions!

Said Paul Stanton, the Club’s President, “What an honour to have so many of the Badcock family with us on what was a very special day naming our new launch after Felix: it was an unanimous decision to continue Felix’s presence with us both off and especially on the water.”

The naming ceremony was carried out by Felix’s three rowing granddaughters – Phoebe Bridges (University of Sussex and Thames Tideway), Helen Craven (Lancaster University) and Frances Badcock (King’s College, University of Cambridge): the new launch was ‘christened’ with a bottle of Fuller’s London Pride, reputed to be Felix’s ‘tipple of choice’ during his rowing days!

Commenting, Dr Graham Collier, J17/18 coach and former Club Captain, said, “The Club is most grateful to all who have contributed to the cost of the new launch which is essential for the safety and training of all our athletes and will replace equipment in our aging launch fleet. We are especially grateful to Warwickshire County Council who gave the Club a grant to towards the purchase and we were please to see Councillor Jenny Fradgley with us at the ceremony so that we could thank Warwickshire County Council face to face: their involvement in assisting with sport and recreation in the county is much appreciated.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald online http://www.stratford-herald.com/103016-clubs-new-launch-named-memory-much-loved-former-president.html and page sixteen and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/felixs-presence-is-still-with-stratford-boat-club

Over the weekend, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club went in force to the Ross regatta. The Ross regatta setting is perhaps one of the best in Stratford’s event calendar and it was further enhanced by the weather being very sunny and very hot.

The J13 crews raced in the morning and first on the course was the 2x double of Louis Beason and Charles Happel who had progressed through to the semi final race courtesy of a bye. They provided a first class demonstration of sculling and steering, the course bend proved to be the downfall of many during the day, winning against Queen Park High school easily.

Their final saw them up against Nottingham & Union Rowing Club, Louie and Charles got off to a great start but were pegged back by the power of the Nottingham crew who registered the win – easily.

The next up for Stratford was Grace Beason again rowing against Nottingham & Union Rowing Club in the WJ13 1x. The race proved not to be Grace’s best unfortunately capsizing shortly after the start.

Stratford’s  WJ13 4X+ Crew of Amalia Richardson, Maddie Hall, Uche Nwachukwa, Grace Beason and Emily Stobart (cox) were up against Ross Rowing Club. The ladies competed very well after losing ground at the start, picking up in middle of the course to be on the tail of Ross before running out of steam at the sprint finish missing out by only one length – a great effort by the ladies. Said Steve Marsden, J13 coach, “A great day and great experience for our young crews.”

On Sunday, the J14’s were out in force again. The J14 double of Toby Sartain and Owen Perkins were first up racing against a strong duo from the home club, Ross. The Stratford boys pushed hard but on this occasion it wasn’t to be and it was the Ross crew that progressed to the next round. The other double of Bella Chappelhow and Will Beattie also completed in the same event and were drawn up against a very strong boys’ crew from City of Bristol and despite a battle all of the way down the course, the Bristol crew were victorious by just two lengths.

Next it was the time of the J14 girls’ singles. Ruby Howells competed in only her second event in a single against a very neat sculler from Exeter Rowing Club. Ruby sculled beautifully down the course but the Exeter sculler was just too strong to be beaten.

Fleur Griffiths and Freya Watts both took to the water to race their first rounds against scullers from Queens Park High School. The Stratford pair were comfortable winners in this round and progress to the semi-finals. Here Griffiths met Harriet Holmes and in a very close race and it was Griffiths who took the spot in the final by just half a length over Holmes. Watts then took on another sculler from Queens Park High School which again was dominated by the Stratford sculler. Watts then took on Griffiths in the final and in another close race in which Stratford was guaranteed a win. On this occasion it was Watts that was victorious and picked up the tankard.

Beattie was up next in the J14 singles where he faced an extremely big sculler from Warrington. Beattie came down in the lead and took the win in the heat, his first in a single. Next he faced one of the boys from the Bristol double from earlier in the day. Unfortunately it was the Bristol sculler who took the place in the final.

The J14 girls doubles of Griffiths and Honour Keil and Howells and Chappelhow were both dealt challenging draws in their first rounds and despite pushing hard they were defeated. Holmes and Watts made it through the first round with a comprehensive win but unfortunately they were beaten in the semi-final by Exeter.

On Monday, it was Chapplehow’s turn to race in a single for the first time and despite a sterling effort, she was unable to overcome her opponent from Bristol. The WJ14 coxed quad of Keil, Howells, Griffiths, Watts and cox Toby Sartain powered to a five length victory against Ross in the semi final. Then in the final, they raced Bristol and with some expert coxing from Toby taking the fastest water, they finished two lengths ahead of their opposition.

The doubles of Griffiths and Watts and Howells and Keil again came up against crews that they couldn’t quite overcome as did Perkins in the J14s single. Said Abi Terry, J14 coach, “The squad now look forward to the new season as they move up to be J15’s.”

Bringing the season to a close, the J15 squad’s winning weekend began on Sunday morning with finals places for Amélie Sartain in the singles event and also in the doubles event with Abbey Meggeson later that afternoon.

The heats were aptly named as the sun beat down making for some demanding racing with both girls fighting through deservedly winning their finals places. In both the single and doubles events, the finals went right down to the line with victory escaping by only by the shortest of margins on both occasions.

Monday saw the course increase in length for the main regatta. Sartain, again in the single faced a local Ross girl for the heat and after a fast start comfortably won by four lengths for a place in the semi final. A tougher semi final race against Evesham, winning by less than a boat length had Sartain against Queens Park High School in the final. An inspired row from both saw the girls side by side as they passed the cheering crowds yet it was Sartain that dug deepest to take the win by two and a half boat lengths.

The afternoon doubles event saw Meggeson and Sartain back together to face a Wycliffe crew. Despite Sartain having raced eight previous races during the weekend and Meggeson three, the race was extremely close and hard fought all the way, coming a very commendable second by only three quarters of a length (eight metres). This demonstrated the sheer determination and drive of the girls throughout this race and the whole weekend

Commenting, Trevor Tiller, J15 coach said, “A wonderful conclusion to a successful season for the J15 squad: the determination and passion shown by the squad throughout the season, during both training and racing, has made for some great times and as a byproduct, great results.”

As the regatta continued into its second day and the temperatures continued to soar, Stratford’s J16 girls took to the water. Just two athletes took a break from summer holidays to light up the Wye in their single sculls. On opposite sides of the draw, the competition began with both Jasmine Mountney and Alice Baines sailing through the first round each with a win against Dart Totnes and Evesham respectively. In the semi finals Alice again took a win against City of Bristol however unfortunately Jasmine met her match and was edged out on the line. Alice went on to the final and duly avenged Stratford’s semi final defeat vanquishing Nottingham Union thus taking her second win is successive years in this event. Said Steve Wellstead, J16 coach and Junior Co-ordinator, “Top sculling by both ladies and a fitting end to the day’s racing!”

Also on day two of the regatta, Khloe Curnock and Molly Gill-Swift racing in the Senior Women’s double sculling event proceeded through the heats in magnificent style to reach the final and race against Upton Rowing Club. An amazing final: the first attempt ended in a dead heat with the two crews returning without rest to the start to do it all over again. Despite a combative performance, Upton just took the event.

Katie Wellstead sculling vigorously in a single in the Women’s Junior event was overhauled by less than ten feet at the finish by an Exeter sculler. The afternoon saw Mimi Hill, normally a coxswain, join the three girls (all only 17 years old) to take on the Senior Women’s quadruple sculls. More top class sculling by the girls enabled them to destroy the ladies from Ross and then Worcester Rowing Clubs. The final against an Evesham crew composed from university students was a brutal affair in which Evesham finished less than two lengths ahead of Stratford.

A composite Stratford/Derwent Master Women squad also travelled to Ross and showed endurance over the weekend. They were entered in a Women Master F single, Women Master E double, Women Master D Pair and Women’s Master E and Women’s Senior Coxed Four. Altogether they were on the river nine times over the weekend, where they won five races and lost two by small margins.

Commenting, Kjersti Rogneflaten, Stratford’s Masters sculler, “In my Women’s Masters F single, I won my semi-final and lost by a quarter of a length in the final, where I had to give my opponent five seconds head start over the course of 600m.  We also had a win in Women’s Masters D Pair and also in our Women’s Masters E coxed four. We were pleased to have got through one heat in the Women’s Senior coxed Four beating young women from City of Bristol Rowing Club.”

The composite Stratford/Derwent crew are grateful for being able to use Stratford Boat Club’s four and the help and support during the days at Ross. Now the composite Stratford/Derwent squad are looking forward to the World’s Masters Regatta in Hungary in September.

As the school term starts, all the squads move up one division. Said Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator,”There has been no ‘fall out’ this year again with all the squad members continuing rowing in the next category. We will be joined in September by a new J13 squad who have come through the August summer camps which saw nearly one hundred young athletes learn rowing as a sport: we would love to have taken many more on the new J13 intake but space, equipment and coaching availability are all at a premium at Stratford.”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page fifteen and online http://www.stratford-herald.com/101701-three-days-glorious-rowing-stratfords-crews.html and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/ross-trip-brings-decent-reward

For more great pictures of Ross Regatta, see Stuart Baines’ excellent selection https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiW2DAyn9tg9japp4IR8hhRWg3RN-w?e=ouWvWN