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