Category Archives: News

Stratford Cruise Home at West Midlands Junior Championships

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club J13 squad were enjoying their first away fixture on Sunday at the annual West Midlands Junior Championships in Hereford, demonstrating just how much they have learned in a few weather-afflicted months. The reputation of the boys’ quad had clearly preceded them, their opposition elected to withdraw before the race leaving them free to proceed down the course in an impressive time. The girls’ quad was equally composed, just missing out on gold to a home crew who they chased all the way to the line.

After so many cancelled events the J14 squad were also out in force to demonstrate that the many hours of training had prepared them well. The J14 boys’ quad were in imperious form, sweeping aside the competition to win comfortably and earn the chance to represent the region on the National stage. Not to be outdone, the girls’ quad was equally impressive amongst strong competition, missing out on gold by just 0.7 seconds over the 1.8km course. In the WJ14 single sculls, Abi Dunn raced straight and strong to claim a deserved gold, followed by Meredith Paul (bronze) and Scarlet Wheeler just seconds later.

Competing for the first time as J15s, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club juniors had a very successful event on a beautifully sunny day. In Division 1, Maria Ntoukaki claimed a bronze medal in the WJ15 1x event, beating some strong opposition from Ross and Hereford Cathedral Rowing Clubs. In Division 2, the might of Royal Shrewsbury School Boat Club proved too much for Stratford’s OJ15 4+ boys consisting of Seb Happel, Will Shaw, Ed Appleton, Rory Rowan and Rory Jones (Cox), nevertheless a tidy and composed row in their first ever sweep event. In Division 3 in the WJ15 4+ event, Maria Ntoukaki, Orla Linforth, Erin Appleton, coxed by Ed Appleton and joined by Evesham rower Daisy Wilkes, beat strong opposition from Royal Shrewsbury over the 1800m course to claim gold and will be representing the West Midlands at JIRR in April, as a composite Stratford/Evesham crew. Also in Division 3, Stratford’s OJ15 2x of Seb Happel and Will Shaw saw off a raft of strong scullers and will be representing our region at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta. Commenting, Hugo Happel, J15 Coach said, “Overall, a superb day with our juniors rowing with fine technique and panache.”

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club fielded a record twenty seven crews across the age groups with athletes from J14, J15 and J16 squads competing to represent the West Midlands at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta in April. Stratford’s J16s competed in three events over the 1.8km course on the River Wye. First to race was Martha Baines in the WJ16 single scull: sculling well in the Herefordshire morning sunshine, she recorded a solid sixth place. Next to race was the women’s coxless quad in which Bryony Francis, Tessa Parkin, Maeve Dunn and Isla Dunn scored a creditable Silver Medal narrowly missing out to Hereford Cathedral School for the West Midlands jersey. Double sculls of Poppy Warren and Sophie Franklin plus Tessa Parkin and Josephine Cooper recorded sixth and seventh respectively in their event. Lack of opposition gave the WJ16 coxless four a place in the West Midlands team however the crew of Millie Smith, Becca Smith, Martha Baines and Martha Cooke used the event for race practice ahead of JIRR later in April.

The J17/18 squad turned up in numbers itching to put a long winter of training and no racing behind them and turn the hard work into winning races. They didn’t disappoint!

First up in Division 1 were the men’s and women’s coxless quads. The men’s boat of Vondrak, Wilcock, Rowlands and Albrighton, competing for the first time in this highly competitive boat class, sculled well and narrowly missed out on a bronze medal by just three tenths of a second, showing lots of promise for the season ahead. In the women’s event both Stratford and Royal Grammar School Worcester were fielding two boats each but it was a clean sweep for the Stratford girls of Baines, Francis, Warren and Sartain securing gold and Appleton, Cooper, Davis and Jones the silver medal.

Division 2 first saw the men’s pair of Sissins-Roffey and Vondrak up against Kings Worcester in a one on one match but the Stratford boys were too strong for them and took the gold easily. Next, the double scull combination of Albrighton and Rowlands fought hard in a tight bunch of four crews competing for the bronze but in the end narrowly missed out on a medal by just two seconds. The women’s double scull pairing of Vondrak and Richardson were up in a field of eight boats including the GB U19 represented Royal Grammar School Worcester crew. The Stratford girls showed how competitive they are by securing the silver just eight seconds behind RGS and were a clear twenty seconds ahead of the third placed boat.

In Division 3 Stratford fielded three single scullers across the men’s and women’s event. Wilcock and Sissins-Roffey competed in a popular event with eleven boats and secured ninth and fourth respectively.  In the women’s race Francis also secured a 4th place in a field containing the Royal Grammar School Worcester girls from the doubles event. The final race of the day for the J17/18 squad brought the women together to compete in the eights race against Kings School Worcester. The scratch crew showed great form to row a tidy and strong race and took the gold medal by five seconds, rounding off a successful day in the sun for the squad.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-scullers-excel-at-west-midlands-junior-championships and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/03/07&pages=24

For pictures of the West Midland Junior Championships, please see Stuart Baines’ great selection https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AHkTu3llJrwcWSA&id=3DD8F6A70C0CB625%21268907&cid=3DD8F6A70C0CB625

Stratford Storm the North!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s mixed master’s double escaped the wild weather this weekend to head north and race at Trafford’s Head of the Bridgewater. Racing together for the first time, Rebecca England and Tom Doherty enjoyed a calm paddle to the start in beautiful conditions.

On a narrow canal where overtaking is difficult, the Stratford crew knew they had to get a fast start as the only mixed boat in a men’s event. Their lively stroke rate enabled them to make water on the senior women’s crews in front and execute an overtake at the half way point. With the final kilometre of the course being a straight run to the finish, Stratford were able to increase their power and sprint home, taking the win by twenty seconds.

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-pair-triumph-at-head-of-the-bridgewater-race and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/02/28&pages=24 and Stratford Herald page thirty nine

Stratford Boat Club Celebrates Win for the Environment at British Rowing Awards

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club has been awarded the inaugural Environmental Sustainability Award at the prestigious British Rowing Awards 2024 held at the River & Rowing Museum at Henley on Thames. The recognition highlights the Club’s dedication to making environmental strides despite limited resources.

Stratford Boat Club, with its thriving junior, adaptive, and growing masters’ sections, has emerged as a winner in sustainability in taking proactive steps to reduce its environmental footprint. Like many volunteer-led grassroots sports clubs, Stratford Boat Club faces the daily challenge of managing operations, funding necessary repairs and equipment which can make it difficult to prioritise environmental action. Nonetheless, the Club’s management committee agreed to establish a Sustainability Working Group in February 2024. With no budget, the initiative grew organically, developed by a cross-section of committee and ordinary members who shared a passion for their Club and the environment.

A survey of the Club’s members indicated strong concern about climate change and its impact on the River Avon, the wider environment and their sport. Informal conversations around environmental action led to a discussion on cleaning products. A quick win was identified on washing up liquid which is harmful to aquatic life. All sections were consulted and the decision taken to use only water to clean boats and an eco-friendly product in the kitchen.

To give a voice to the Club’s junior section, a workshop was organised in the Easter holidays to enable the juniors to brainstorm ideas for more sustainable Club practices and make space for nature. A British Rowing representative spoke about using communications to create dialogue with members and the wider community on the environment and to build momentum for change. Severn Trent River Rangers conducted ammonia testing and shared insights into their work to improve river health.

Suggestions to reduce the Club’s regatta’s carbon footprint included encouraging lift shares, not purchasing single use plastic, sourcing local and homemade food, choosing to support local businesses, separating food waste collection, improving signage around waste and recycling, choosing recycled glass for prizes and selling reusable cups.

One participant reflected, “The workshop helped to explain how things can’t just happen straight away. Even though we may be a small club, just doing our bit for the river or local environment, even though it may seem as if it has little impact, it does add up to something bigger when a lot of places do similar things.” A ‘bee café’ at the Club entrance now greets visitors to highlight the importance of pollinators. Guidance was sought from local “gardening for wildlife” designer Lucy Hartley and plants were donated from members gardens.

The Club’s collaborative approach allows members to contribute to the development of comprehensive environmental and communications action plan. Projects that align with Club priorities – and have environmental co-benefits – opens up new avenues for funding and partnerships. “Winning the British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award is a testament to the passion of our members and the positive impact that can result from small, intentional actions,” said Dawson Curnock, Chairman of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club. “Taking the lead in sustainability not only aligns with our Club’s values but also strengthens our reputation as an inclusive and progressive organisation. By allowing members to lead on these initiatives, we’ve created meaningful change without incurring additional financial costs.”

A second hand kit sale and “Club clean-up” timed with the Great British Spring Clean will kick off 2025. Claudine Pearson, Sustainability Lead for Stratford Boat Club says, “We are looking forward to using our prize from Delphis at the Club Clean-Up Day. Delphis’ cleaning products are professional award-winning, ecological cleaning products, made from renewable, plant-based ingredients that aim to significantly reduce both plastic waste, water pollution and carbon emissions. We can all reduce the number of harmful chemicals being poured down the drain and into the natural environment. This award highlights how a small club like Stratford can punch above its weight by adopting sustainable practices and serves as a model for other grassroots sports clubs looking to make a positive impact on the environment.”

Sport England’s club support website, Buddle, has interviewed Stratford for a case study on its environmental strategy and action plan.

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-boat-club-scoops-sustainability-award and British Rowing https://www.britishrowing.org/2025/02/british-rowing-award-winners-recognised-at-celebration-lunch

For pictures of the award ceremony, see https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1f3YGelfzZ9wBhEzqku7ju-eiXp8c0cuP

Stratford & K.E.S. Score at Worcester

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J16 squad were in action last weekend for the second weekend in succession. This time the might River Severn in Worcester provided the course with 4.5km between start and finish. Worcester Head attracts top crews from the area as the traditional warm up to March’s Tideway events. This year did not disappoint with Stratford’s crews up against the region’s finest.

First to go was the women’s coxed four of Martha Cooke, Becca Smith, Maeve Dunn, Poppy Warren and Josephine Cooper (coxswain). The girls were “rowing up” to compete in the senior event and delivered a superb performance to record second place in the Band 2 event just six seconds behind Cardiff University. In Division 2, the WJ16 coxless quadruple scull of Millie Smith, Martha Baines, Isla Dunn and Tessa Parkin sculled well with Parkin positioning the boat to make maximum benefit of the stream conditions. The crew recorded a third place behind City of Bristol and Hereford Cathedral School whilst leaving Kings School Worcester and Cheltenham College behind in the process.

Also at Worcester Head were Stratford’s sister club, King Edward V1 Boat Club. The K.E.S. Rowing 4+ squad comprised of S.McMahon, A.Stevenson, A.Xifaras, S.Richardson were racing on the water for the first time with the club. With the aid of cox P.Baines, the crew rowed along the 4.5km course to set a stunning start to their rowing careers. In an open event contested by nothing but university squads, from as far as Sheffield to as close as Birmingham, there would have been no disgrace in a crew at least three years younger falling behind. In the end however, the squad blasted through to beat Sheffield University, leaving K.E.S. in a one second neck and neck race with Birmingham University. With a total time of 16:37 minutes and a fifth place position, the five K.E.S. squad members returned home having positioned themselves proudly.

Also on Saturday, Stratford Boat Club’s adaptive squad were on the water at home with Gillian Middleton undergoing an external assessment for her L2 Coaches’ Certificate by British Rowing assessors. Commenting, Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “We are all very proud of Gillian being awarded her L2 BR Coaching qualification: whilst the squad has had other adaptive athletes gain their L2 award, Gillian is the squad’s first ‘home grown’ disabled athlete to gain the qualification. Gillian’s true grit and determination got her to where she is today and she is an example to us all!”

Meanwhile on a British Rowing’s Paralympic training camp in France, Stratford’s adaptive squad athlete Curtis Dickens who is on British Rowing’s Paralympic Pathway scheme, continues to have his technique and fitness honed by his pararowing coaches: Curtis hopes to be selected for GB’s Paralympic rowing squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.

On Sunday, in a slightly less exotic location, Stratford’s Masters squad travelled to Gloucester to get some long distance training in for the remainder of this head season and to be ‘race fit’ for the coming regatta season.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/crews-compete-against-the-region-s-best-9404088 and Stratford Observer back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/02/14&pages=24

For more great pictures of Worcester Head, see Stuart Baines’ selection https://1drv.ms/f/s!AiW2DAyn9tg9kKZRoxSMvjkQfvx31w?e=576bQP

Racing at Last for Stratford’s J16 Squad!

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After an extended break due to high and fast river conditions and cancelled head of the river races, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J16 squad were back in action racing at Wycliffe Big Head. Held over 4500m on the Gloucester – Sharpness Canal, the event provides an excellent standard of competition in the junior head racing season.

In a departure from normal events, Stratford fielded an VIII comprising Bryony Francis, Sophie Franklin, Josephine Cooper, Becca Smith, Tessa Parkin, Martha Baines, Martha Cooke, Millie Smith and Poppy Warren (coxswain). Commenting, Steve Wellstead, J16 Coach and Junior Coordinator said, “The crew delivered a strong performance throughout to finish a creditable second place just ten seconds behind Kings School Chester.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/crew-secures-second-place-on-their-return-9403133 and page thirty seven and also Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-junior-squad-return-to-the-water-at-wycliffe-big-head and also back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/02/07&pages=24

For great pictures of Wycliffe Big Head, see Stuart Baines’ excellent selection https://1drv.ms/f/s!AiW2DAyn9tg9kKVWi-QhE2c6RjH_Ng?e=d8AYdD

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

Stratford’s Participation Squad Crowned at King’s Worcester

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club sent a small team of rowers from the Club’s Participation Squad, the majority of whom have only been rowing for three months, to the annual Kings School Indoor Rowing Competition in Worcester on Saturday. Stratford took on more experienced rowers from seven other clubs and schools with over three hundred competitors using twenty indoor rowing machines

Stratford’s squad produced five personal bests and came close in two individual races with fourth places before finally getting a bronze medal in the Girls’ Year Nine Mixed Relay when teamwork came through to almost get silver.

Commenting, Ralph Johnson, Stratford’s Participation Squad Coach said, “The squad were understandably very pleased with their day’s work and look forward to more events.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page thirty seven and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-participation-squad-win-bronze-in-worcester and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/01/24&pages=24

Stratford’s Junior Adaptive Athlete Gets Place on Portugal Intensive Training Camp 2025

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Isaac Clarkson from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive squad has been selected for this world-class training camp that will bring together eight para rowers from across the globe, offering top-tier coaching, expert sports psychology and a collaborative environment for athletes to thrive.

This year’s line-up brings together athletes from Kenya, Canada, The Netherlands, Lithuania, England, Latvia, Ireland and Germany. With a focus on building skills, enhancing performance and fostering a global community, this Intensive Training is a game-changer for athletes of all levels, from high-potential to elite Paralympians.

Commenting, Mark Dewdney, Stratford Boat Club’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “Hearty congratulations to Isaac: he had a very strong case. This year he is the one in the squad who met the criteria but he has earned this opportunity through his own efforts.”

The Para Rowing Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusivity in rowing by expanding global opportunities and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. With an unwavering ‘can-do’ attitude, PRF supports those passionately interested in overcoming barriers in pursuit of their sport and is a growing group of passionate people who believe everybody has the right to enjoy rowing. To be successful, para athletes need exactly what all athletes need: Opportunities, Accessibility and Expertise. PRF’s first training camp was held in Portugal in 2019 for para athletes from any nation. The goal was to maximise each participant’s potential by addressing the needs of the whole person.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page forty five, online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/young-pioneer-has-paralympic-medal-hopes-9400150 and Stratford Observer on line https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-adaptive-sculler-clarkson-earns-place-in-para-rowing-foundations-intensive-training-camp and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/01/17&pages=32

 

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

British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award: … and the winner is….

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club are proud to announce that the Club has been named winner of the British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award 2024. British Rowing cited the Club’s concern about climate change and the impact it has on grassroot sport that led to a Sustainability Working group being established.

With no budget, the initiative has grown organically but has led to a number of successful initiatives. Specific reference was made to the Club using only water to wash boats and ecofriendly products in the kitchen to reduce the impact on aquatic life. The citation also mentioned the junior workshop that had give a voice to the junior section, a more sustainable approach to the Club’s regatta, the creation of a bee café and a second hand kit sales app to promote the reuse of clothing.

Dawson Curnock, Stratford Boat Club’s Chairman said, “The Club is keen to take steps to become a more sustainable organisation and to try to limit the impact we have on our river and surroundings. Each small step adds up to something bigger. Thank you and well done to the working Group consisting of Claudine Pearson, Gina Fusco, Lizzie Sartain, Eric Appleton, Jake Blatcher, Chris Belcher and Jenn Birrell for suggesting and running the second hand sales.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page thirty: see also British Rowing https://www.britishrowing.org/2024/12/winners-of-2024-british-rowing-awards-announced (scroll down to ‘Environmental Sustainability Award: Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’)