Tag Archives: British Rowing

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

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 Adaptives Showered in Gold, Silver and World Records!

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Four of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive athletes attended British Rowing Indoor Championships at the NEC Birmingham on Saturday along with 1,800 other athletes. The day started with Jess Dowdeswell in her first indoor event: Jess went off strong and stayed strong right through to the finish with a convincing win taking Gold in the WPR1 4 Minute category with 729 metres.

Next up were Ricky Clutterbuck in the IAR5 Open 2k event and Curtis Dickens in the PR2 Open 2k event: sadly Curtis had to withdraw at the start line due to illness. Ricky, also in his first indoor event, dominated to take Gold in seven minutes and fifty five seconds and, in an epic show of sportsmanship, turned to his struggling competitor and cheered him through to the finish!

Isaac Clarkson took Gold in the PR3 Yr 10 Boys 5 minute category with 1299m which also placed him 24th out of 45 competitors in the mainstream Yr10 Boys’ competition.

In their final races, Isaac (PR3 Yr10 – 1 minute race) and Jess (WPR1 – 1minute) comfortably secured more Gold medals with Jess setting a World Record, beating the current World Record holder by 97 metres! Ricky (IAR5 – 1 minute) was ahead until the final ten seconds when he came off his ergo seat and, without hesitation, continued to row, perched on the rail with only his arms and won a well deserved Silver medal!

Summing up, Courtland Clarkson, Stratford’s newest qualified L2 adaptive coach said, “It was great fun for athletes and families, with big crowds, pumping music and plenty of well-earned metal to take home!”

For media coverage, see British Rowing online https://www.britishrowing.org/2024/12/world-and-british-records-smashed-at-the-british-rowing-indoor-championships-2024 (scroll down to Adaptive Events), Stratford Herald page thirty six and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-adaptive-squad-win-medals-and-break-world-record and on back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/12/13&pages=24

Adaptives Swap Avon for River Po!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive squad made its third visit to the international event in Turin in Italy at the start of October. In a combination team with Glasgow, the squad won the trophy for the Best Club over the two days of racing. The Turin Regatta is designed to be as inclusive as possible and included pararowing, mixed ability (able-bodied and impaired athletes racing together) and special Olympic type events: the Stratford rowers competed in the para and mixed ability events. The team was full of new competitors: however, this did not stop them winning medals throughout the weekend. Highlights were Gillian Middleton’s Gold on Saturday in a Mixed Ability Double and Ricky Clutterbuck’s win in a similar boat on the Sunday. Ricky, in his first regatta anywhere, took home four medals altogether.

Commenting, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach Mark Dewdney said, “It’s a great event: the best bit being the smiles of those competing! Winning the Trophy was a bonus: given the inexperience of the squad, this was an outstanding result. Stratford’s adaptive section is nearly ten years old and this kind of win reflects the knowledge we have gained over that period: a nice way to end the year”.

Stratford’s Curtis Dickens, on the paralympic pathway, is on a GB camp this coming weekend: Curtis has been invited to GB Trials in early November. The next major event for the rest of the adaptive squad is the British Indoor Rowing Championships in December.

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-adaptive-squad-win-trophy-on-the-po-in-turin and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/10/18&pages=24: also Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/adaptive-rowers-impress-in-italy-9387931, page fifty eight and also https://digital.imnews.app/app/STR931/editionguid/a79f77b1-63a1-4a18-85ee-faf675d2f3f4.See also British Rowing news online https://www.britishrowing.org/2024/10/adaptive-rowers-swap-river-avon-for-river-po

Stratford Boat Club takes steps to becoming a more sustainable club, fit for the future

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On Thursday 4 April, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club held a sustainability workshop for its junior members. Fifteen athletes from the under 13 to under 17 squads volunteered to take part in an interactive workshop led by coach and Masters rower Eric Appleton.

The workshop was organized and supported by a new Club sustainability working group, which includes Vice Chair Gina Fusco, Safeguarding Officer Lizzie Sartain, Co-Treasurer Jake Blatcher and Chris Belcher, Fun Regatta organiser of recent years.  Claudine Pearson, ordinary member and Rubbish Friend assisted with resources.

Over the course of the afternoon, the athletes worked in groups to answer a series of questions on sustainability, including “What does sustainability mean to you?” and “What are the consequences if we don’t act sustainably?”

Two short films were shown from the international and national rowing bodies.

World Rowing: World Rowing and WWF to partner until 2024 to improve global water quality

British Rowing: British Rowing launches Environmental Sustainability Strategy

The workshop took a brief outdoor break by the pontoon, where Severn Trent River Rangers demonstrated water testing for ammonia.  Too much ammonia can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.  Sewage effluent from treatment works is a major source of ammonia in rivers, along with diffuse run-off from agriculture. (Source: WCS Group). Testing on the day was found to be extremely low.

Olivia Boertje, River Protection Lead, Severn Trent, said: “River Health is important, and we all have a responsibility to drive positive change to ensure the wellbeing of our present and future environment. As the effects of climate change intensify, we witness a surge in extreme weather events—a phenomenon that reverberates not only through our lives but also across our waterways. It was great to engage with passionate individuals actively participating in discussions around Sustainability and River Health. I look forward to seeing their passion drive forward improvements to help protect our rivers and encourage others to do the same.”

Luke McCusker, Senior River Ranger, Severn Trent, said, “Our teams are committed to improving the health and biodiversity of the region’s rivers and watercourses. We are out on the riverbank’s day in, day out, resolving problems, and working closely with the hundreds of amazing customers, groups, clubs and associations linked with them – such as Stratford upon Avon Boat Club. There are challenges across all sectors, river health is a complex mixture of lots of things, and sustainability is huge key part to help improving them, so we are really pleased to see all the positivity, engagement, and interactions from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s new youth Sustainability group, looking forward to working together in the future, great work all round!”

In the final section, the athletes discussed how their club could be more sustainable and suggested ideas for a more sustainable regatta. Suggestions to reduce the event’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.

Concerns on waste and recycling were addressed. Local waste management company, Fortress, take mixed rubbish and sort on site. A visit to the materials recycling plant was proposed to the junior squad members by Dawson Curnock, Chairman who was also present for the day.

Dawson Curnock said: “Like everyone in the current climate, our Club is keen to ensure that its members and athletes have a clean and safe environment to perform the sport that they love so much on.

“We are all aware that there are external challenges that we cannot control as individuals or clubs. However, as custodians of our stretch of the River Avon, we can try to limit the impact that we have on it and its surroundings.

“Clearly, we, the current custodians, cannot control the ageing process.  It is therefore imperative we allow future custodians to lead the awareness, generate the initiatives and drive the process to cleaner rivers.

“Enthusiastic is an underestimation of the atmosphere generated by the workshop. Several of the initiatives can be implemented into our Junior Sprint Regatta on 15 June, which was agreed should be a starting point to showcase the great ideas from our younger members.”

To wrap up the session, a representative from British Rowing, Lily Fraser talked with the juniors about the importance of using communications to create dialogue with members and the wider community on the environment and to build momentum for change.

Lily Fraser, Head of Digital and Marketing , British Rowing, said, “With 90% of British Rowing members considering sustainability to be important, British Rowing is looking forward to working with grassroots clubs such as Stratford Boat Club, the rowing community and the nation as a whole to champion a cleaner, bluer future.”

The workshop concluded with networking over homemade cakes as junior squad members created a new Instagram account and reel to mark the day. Internships and work experience are sought after and students took the opportunity to make contacts.

Harriet Froom, J17 athlete said, “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.”

For media coverage, please see British Rowing https://www.britishrowing.org/2024/04/juniors-help-stratford-upon-avon-bc-become-fit-for-the-future

Stratford’s Dewdney Awarded British Rowing’s Medal of Merit!

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In his award citation, Alastair Marks, Chief Executive of British Rowing stated, “Mark also received multiple nominations from across his region for the work that he has done to raise the profile of adaptive rowing.

He coaches a substantial number of adaptive rowers at his own club at Stratford upon Avon and oversees a large group of volunteers, but his contribution to adaptive rowing has been much wider than that, with a major impact on a national level.

Mark has helped to develop the recent national strategy for adaptive rowing and has enabled coaches of adaptive rowers across the country to share ideas and good practice on adaptive rowing.

As Chair of the British Rowing Club Adaptive Group, which Mark helped to establish, he is in constant conversation with rowing and disability focussed organisations and gives up significant amounts of his time to assist other rowing clubs and competitions across the country in planning adaptive categories, providing guidance to safety considerations and logistical planning.

At international level, Mark has organised for Clubs in the UK to attend Para competitions in Italy and has met with international Para coaches to share ideas.”

Commenting further, Paul Stanton, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s President said, “The whole Club is very proud of Mark and his achievements and especially the recognition from British Rowing, the sport’s governing body: Mark’s dedication to the sport and the hours of dedication mirror the efforts of all Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s coaches, launch drivers, committee members, supporters and volunteers. We are so grateful to all of them!”

For media coverage, see British Rowing news https://www.britishrowing.org/2024/01/2023-british-rowing-awards-winners-announced; Stratford Herald page forty five and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/rowing-coach-presented-with-top-award-9351047 and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-dewdney-awarded-british-rowings-medal-of-merit and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/02/02&pages=24

Attending a special awards presentation in London was Mark Dewdney, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Head Adaptive Coach. Earlier in the month, Mark was awarded British Rowing’s Medal of Merit for his services to rowing

At the ceremony hosted by Fortnum & Mason, Love Rowing and British Rowing, Mark was presented with his award by Moe Sbihi MBE and with some of rowing’s ‘royalty’ of Dr Cath Bishop, Ellen Buttrick, Alastair Marks, Richard Phelps, Tanni Gray-Thompson and Ben Pritchard applauding at the award ceremony!

Paralympic Hopefuls for the Future!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club, for the first time, sent athletes to the GB Paralympic Rowing Trials at the weekend at British Rowing’s training facility at Caversham. The trials are invitation only and Jess Dowdeswell and Curtis Dickens were asked to compete

Jess won her event comfortably: she competes in Women’s PR1 Single Sculls. PR1 is where the individual is unable to use their legs – it is often called “arms only” or “fixed seat” rowing. Curtis was second behind the incumbent GB rower in Men’s PR2 Single Sculls. PR2 is where the person has some but very limited use of their legs

The trials test everyone against the Gold Medal Time (GMT), the time that won the last Paralympics in the event. Curtis is much nearer to the GMT in his event than Jess is in her event. As a result, Curtis has been invited to attend two GB Squad training camps: one, for a week, in the UK just before Christmas and the second in France, for a fortnight, starting in late January 2024

Mark Dewdney, Stratford Boat Club’s Head Adaptive Coach commented, “The trials were a first for our adaptive squad: we are pleased with how it went. Curtis is being seen as a prospect to join the GB Squad after the Paris Paralympics in 2024. Jess, at twenty years old is a long term candidate for the GB Paralympic Squad. Our core delivery is to our club athletes: we have sixteen other adaptive athletes who row with some kind of impairment. These are exciting times for us but we will not lose sight of what is our primary purpose which is getting people out on the Avon having fun!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page sixty and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-boat-clubs-adaptive-athletes-take-part-in-paralympic-trials and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2023/11/17&pages=32

A Week of Prizes for Stratford’s Masters’ Women’s Squad!

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Last week started well for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club with Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden attending the Pairs Head Prize Giving at Barnes Bridge Ladies Boat Club, London, on Sunday. Said Amanda Bowden, Women’s Masters’ Vice Captain, “We were delighted to receive our medals and a pennant plaque, for Stratford Boat Club, from the Great Britain sculler John Collins. John is the two times Olympian in the double sculls and currently training for Paris.”

Amanda and Suzie’s celebrated their win at The Pairs Head was in unimaginable glorious conditions with the two masters’ women’s double rowed on the 4.5km Championship Course from Chiswick to Hammersmith. Club Captain Heather Hayton and Liz Collins also raced in The Pairs Head in the WMB2x event and had a fabulous race thoroughly enjoying the occasion. Amanda Bowden and Suzie Radley’s win the WMD2x Club event at The Pairs Head was in a time of 16.26 minutes. Amanda commented, “This was first time I have rowed this event: it was great fun and I was delighted to have steered a good course. We all look forward to returning to the Tideway racing again soon.”

This last weekend was also a day of firsts, this time at Gloucester Autumn Head: the Club was hugely pleased to boat three masters’ women’s crews at this Autumn Head on Sunday.

The masters’ women’s novice four was stroked with length and strength by Jane Cryer with cox Celia Price steering from bow for the first time, navigating canal bridges and brambles from Cleopatra’s coffin seat with care. Katie Burman, Rebecca England and Claudine Pearson completed the novice crew. The crew, who had no points on their British Rowing licences, were pleased and disappointed in equal measure that only a second separated them from the significantly younger Evesham crew who took the win.

The afternoon division put the women’s masters’ coxless quad through their paces. Steered again from the bow, by Rosie Stone, with Jackie Joesbury, Kate Slater and Clare Pass (stroke), the crew got off to a good start. Maintaining a lead for half the race, they could not quite hold off the youthful opposition of a crew from the University of West England. Given that this was the first race the crew had attempted in a coxless quad, they were pleased to have finished the race in style and had a great day out!

Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden also had a good race. The bobbly water was challenging but they were happy to beat last year’s time and take the win!

Masters Women’s Vice Captain, Amanda Bowden was particularly impressed with Celia Price’s enthusiasm to bow steer for the first time after lowering herself into the bow ‘seat’. Amanda commented further, “This is not for the faint hearted and takes some time to adjust: Celia did this after only one practice! Katie Burman was racing for the first time and Rosie Stone steering a coxless crew for the first time. I was really proud of the squad: it was a fun day and a win for the novice crews is on the near horizon! Many thanks from all the masters’ women to Simon Price for trailering the boats!”

Also at Gloucester Autumn Head were Paul Collins and Mike Adkins who were against a crew from Taunton in the Masters’ H 2x category. Conditions were a bit choppy and challenging but they managed to catch and pass the Taunton crew, extricate themselves from a melee of eights, doubles and singles and row on for a win!

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page forty two and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-boat-clubs-masters-womens-squad-impress-at-gloucester-autumn-head and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2023/11/03&pages=32

Stratford Goes Paddling on the Po!

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The Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Mixed Ability Group attended an international rowing event in Turin, Italy last week. Mixed Ability is the name given to fully integrated rowing – crews being made up of competitors with a disability and their mainstream – able-bodied – Club colleagues. Stratford, who attended the event in 2022, were instrumental in encouraging other UK clubs to attend. In several events, the UK crews were made up of a combination of Ross, Glasgow, Stratford and Ross-on-Wye rowers

The regatta itself was made up of several parts over two days of competition. A Special Olympics section for those with an intellectual impairment, a set of straight adaptive/para events. There was also a section set aside for the rehabilitation of ex-prisoners from Italian jails plus the Mixed Ability races

All the UK teams, whether individually or in the combined crews, had a very successful weekend. Stratford rowers won several gold, silver and bronze medals competing in five abreast side by side racing on the River Po. Every Stratford Boat Club competitor came home with a least one gong!

Commenting. Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “It’s a great and unique event: we have sung its praises in the rowing world and the number of UK and Irish crews attending is on the rise. We went for a week to practice, race and enjoy Turin and the company of our Italian friends: in the end, the results don’t matter. What does matter is seeing everyone have a good time: a truly integrated regatta!”

For media coverage, please see British Rowing online https://www.britishrowing.org/2023/10/stratford-goes-paddling-on-the-po and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-mixed-ability-rowers-claim-glut-of-medals-at-international-event and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2023/10/20&pages=32. Also Stratford Herald page forty four and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/medals-for-all-at-italian-regatta-9335697 For more great pictures of Turin, please see the Adaptive Squad’s selection https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g8mkTDJYpf9Wv7pOZ0thbErYJrEay5cj?usp=sharing

Salts Healthcare To The Rescue!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive section is back on the water thanks to Salts Healthcare! Recently, Stratford’s disabled athletes couldn’t get out on the river because the engine on their specialised rescue safety launch Juno had irrevocably broken down after seventeen years’ service and funding for new one was urgently needed. Having the adaptive squad off the water was a major blow not only for Stratford Boat but also for the athletes’ wellbeing and exercise

Salts Healthcare is one of the UK’s oldest family-run companies that has grown to become a highly successful international medical device manufacturer. Today, the Salts Healthcare family of companies is more diverse than ever but their dedication to designing life-changing products remains the same.

Operating from headquarters in Birmingham, Salts is split into two divisions: Salts Stoma Care which designs and manufactures stoma care devices and additional products and Medilink, a national network of nineteen Dispensing Care Centres that supply and dispense stoma care and continence products by all manufacturers. Salts Healthcare invests heavily in research and development and works with healthcare professionals and educational facilities to improve and innovate, designing products that truly change lives.

Said Paul Stanton, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s President, “Salts Healthcare is a natural ‘fit’ with Stratford’s adaptives as we share common beliefs and goals: both organisations care, listen and innovate to improve lives, working to find better solutions, seize opportunities and overcome barriers”

Commenting further, Caroline Salt, Salts Healthcare said, “The link between Salts Healthcare and Stratford Boat Club is a long established one with many members of the Salt family having rowed with the Club and Philip Salt, the former CEO of Salts Healthcare, having been Captain of Boats at the Club: we know that the link is a strong one and will continue into the future”

The need for a new engine for the adaptive safety launch was highlighted by Stratford Herald who came to the assistance of Stratford Boat Club by publicising the plight of the adaptive section being off the water and this was picked up by Caroline Salt. Andy Veale, Editor of Stratford Herald said, “The Stratford Herald, like Stratford Boat Club, is at the heart of the community in Stratford and surrounding area and we were delighted to be of help and bring the two organisations together”

Getting the adaptive launch back onto the river was also helped by the speedy operation of Stratford Boat Club’s neighbours, Avon Boating, who ordered the engine and fitted it free in record time. Mark Dewdney, Head Adaptive Coach at Stratford Boat Club said, “Having Juno back on the water has meant a lot to our adaptive athletes in terms of their recreation and subsequent wellbeing: we are so grateful to Salts Healthcare for sponsoring the new engine. Stratford Boat Club has several ambitious projects in hand to enable us to offer rowing to a wider audience of disabled athletes to coincide with our celebration of one hundred and fifty years anniversary next year in 2024!”

For media coverage, please see British Rowing online news https://www.britishrowing.org/2023/09/salts-healthcare-gets-stratford-adaptive-rowers-back-on-the-water and Stratford Herald page thirty five