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

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’)

Stratford’s Masters Moment of Glory at Monmouth!

Having driven through the torrential rain and floods, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s two women’s Masters’ VIII crews were greeted with glorious sunshine at Monmouth Rowing Club for their annual Winter Head of the River Race on the beautiful River Wye.

The WMDVIII entered in the first division and expertly coxed in fast and murky waters by Jen Carey, was stroked by Fiona Schulz, followed by Lin Hansen, Jane Cryer, Katie Burman, Caroline Collins, Lucy Scarlett, Corinna Burger and Claudine Pearson in bow.

The crew set off at a steady rate of twenty eight strokes per minute and soon found their rhythm and in the remaining part of the race, taking the rate up to thirty strokes per minute and settling into a solid pace. They finished the 2,250m course in a time of seven minutes and fifty nine seconds. The race was summed up by Lin, “A great day was had by this crew of lovely women, we celebrated our very respectable race time with mulled wine and cake!”

The WMEVIII, Amanda Bowden, Suzie Radley, Rebecca England, Heather Hayton, Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco, Sue Brown and Kjersti Rogneflaten Wolley, coxed by Alistair Washbourn had a considered start in the head wind, gaining in momentum as they cornered the bend. Happy with the power and length of stroke, the middle four put in a push, causing the stroke rate to rise steadily. The crew were delighted to finish strong over the line to take the win in a time of  seven minutes and seventeen seconds, having enjoyed the fast ride provided by an incredibly strong stream.

By the afternoon the wind had picked up considerably, providing some challenging conditions for all crews entered in the second division. This was the first time the Masters’ Men’s Novice VIII had raced a head race and it was a baptism by fire given the river conditions. They coped remarkably well in the fast stream, grateful for the experience of the stern pair, Gary Kinley and David Timmins and the amazing cox, Jen Cary, who kept a calm head throughout.  To say there were a few race nerves would have been an understatement! The middle four powerhouse were Mark Kelly, Tom Stokes, Dawson Curnock and Andrew Lear, followed by David Triggs and Gavin Bliss in bow. The crew held a consistent pace for the whole of the race, giving it their all and are looking forward to the next one, to build on their encouraging performance in the Wye Valley. Mark Kelly added, “It was good to be in a boat, in a competition! It was a great race!”

The WM4+ crew of Rebecca England, Lucy Scarlett, Corinna Burger and Claudine Pearson having benefitted from the morning division in an VIII, were ready to race again, ably coxed again by Alistair Washbourn travelling especially for the race. In the strong head wind, Stratford started well and created an excellent rhythm that they were able to build on round the bend and maintain throughout. Responding to a fantastic call from the cox, the crew raised the rate for a final push at the end to take the win, negating the time handicap from a strong Bewdley crew.

The MWD4x of Heather Hayton, Suzie Radley, Amanda Bowden and Sue Brown had a great row, despite the conditions, to take the win in a time of seven minutes and nineteen seconds. Amanda Bowden, Masters Vice Captain, commented, “I am delighted that Monmouth Head was still able to go ahead, following the flood waters that had engulfed the whole valley earlier on in the week due to ‘Storm Bert’ and the remaining fast stream. The enjoyment and value gained by developing oarsmen and women is enormous. This is evident in the testimony given by Gavin Bliss who said, “As a novice rower, who only started rowing in April, what an amazing experience on a very fast flowing stretch of river.” In another comment from the Club Chairman, Dawson Curnock, himself recently learnt to row having first followed his daughter’s rowing career when she was a junior at the Club said, “We had a great race, the problem was it was over so quickly! I now understand what all the fuss is about regarding this rowing – I had a great time!” The Masters would like thank the coxes, Jen Cary and Alistair Washbourne and Dawson Curnock for towing.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-squads-celebrate-success-at-monmouth and Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/rowers-scoop-medals-at-annual-winter-event-9394821 and page thirty six.

Stratford’s Masters and K.E.S. Weekend of Triumph!

Congratulations to Heather Hayton winning the WMD1x trophy in style! Heather is no novice to the event: commenting on her win Heather said, “The River Severn is always challenging and Saturday was no different, fast stream and a cross wind. Worcester Spring Regatta was my first race in the 1x this year, it was a positive experience and a good benchmark to work from. Lovely to hear our women’s eight cheer for me on my way down the course!”

The Women’s Masters VIII was coxed by Jen Carey, stroked by new Club member, Californian Adrienne Abreu with Rebecca England making stern pair. Following behind them; Helen Helliwell, Lin Hansen, Charlotte Jones, Fiona Schulz, Gina Fusco, Claudine Pearson, taking bow seat. The crew were grateful for their experienced cox who expertly navigated the long queue for boating, as well as the race with a fast stream. The eight made a powerful and efficient start which settled into a confident rhythm to take the first race against a Worcester.

But river regattas can be unpredictable and Stratford’s opponents in the final were a Bewdley crew whose age difference gave them a six second advantage. The eight were hindered under the umpire’s command at the start costing them dearly; although they gained on their opposition, the advantage was too large to make up.

Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain, summed up the event, “I am delighted to see Stratford Masters Women beating the opposition so convincingly in the first round. Winning the event would have been the ideal, however I felt they beat the better crew in the first race. This was another valuable learning experience for all the crews today.”

The earlier division saw David Timmins and Lucy Scarlett race against Birmingham in the first round of the Senior Mixed Doubles. It is early days for this newly formed crew, they went out in the round but had a very good row and enjoyed the race nonetheless. The Masters would like to thank Club Chairman, Dawson Curnock, for towing so early in the morning and Eric Pearson for towing back again.

Also at the weekend, Stratford Boat Club’s sister Club King Edward V1 School Boat Club headed down to Dorney Lake for the Ball Cup Regatta. First down the course for K.E.S. was A. Appleton in WJ17 1x. She had a storming scull to finish second in her heat and comfortably progress to the final. In her final she got off to a better start and finished with a very credible silver medal. Later in the morning the J18 4x of W. Dalrymple-Baker, H.Hoare, A. Mathers and M.Cullimore raced down the course progressing comfortably to the final, in the final they put everything into it but couldn’t quite out perform some strong opposition finishing in fourth place. T. Shields and H. Perry went in the WJ18 2x, this was to be Shields’ first ever race: they put in a very respectable row finishing tenth overall from fifteenth crews.

In the Girls Ball Cup Fours, the K.E.S. crew of M.Rowan, E. Cooper, J. Long, A. Appleton and cox E. Mitchell put in a very impressive performance to pull away and take the win.

Next up were the Boys Ball Cup Fours, K.E.S. had two crews entered: both crews got off to a good start settling in well and put in great performances. The A crew of W. Dalrymple-Baker, H. Hoare, A Mathers, D. Shilvock and cox, E. Mitchell won to take the Ball Cup trophy with the B crew of M.Cullimore, H. Frost, F. Groves, T. Woodcock and cox A. Appleton took the silver.

Finally it was the turn of the WJ18 4x, the crew of M. Rowan, T. Shields, E. Cooper and J. Long had a great race narrowly missing out in the win by less than half a length to take the silver medal. Commenting Hannah Crone, Head of K.E.S. Rowing said, “It was a great day for the squad coming home with five medals and winning both the girls and boys Ball Cup Fours for the second year running!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page forty four and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/trophy-triumph-at-spring-regatta-9367278 and also Stratford Observer online https://t.co/tLQtd3dK1Y

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

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

Mammoth Day at Monmouth for Stratford’s Women’s Masters!

A strong squad of masters women from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club competed in both divisions at Sunday’s Monmouth Winter Head, winning medals in the VIII and Quads.

This was the largest number of masters women that Stratford has seen out in a while, boating two VIIIs, three quads and a coxed four. Despite a series of unfortunate events that could have derailed the plans for the day, including crew illness, mechanical failure resulting in two boats remaining at Stratford and some pretty awful weather, the adaptability of the squad members coupled with generosity from Monmouth rescued the situation and saved the day.

In the morning division, the first VIII composite had a very solid row in a time of 7.39mins, beating two other crews. The stern pair of Amanda Bowden and Suzie Radley set a strong rhythm for the crew. The middle four of Heather Hayton, Rebecca England, Ruth Poulten and Charlotte Jones, were called upon a couple of times for extra pushes. The response was felt and the boat lifted, supported with good timing from Rona Fitzpatrick and Susan Brown (Xpress Boat Club) in the bows. The crew was ably coxed by Keris McShane.

The second VIII of Jane Cryer (stroke), Ellie Davies, Emily Sayer, Lin Hansen, Geraldine Chorley, Lucy Kelleher, Claudine Pearson and Paola Arevelo Ward, were confidently coxed along the 2.25km by Jen Carey. The crew went off at a rate of 26 strokes per minute, settling to 24 after three minutes before finishing strongly at 27 with a respectable time of 8.22mins. This was an enjoyable row despite the cold wet conditions and challenges faced in order to get a boat on the water. Jane Cryer commented, “Great to see so many women representing Stratford Boat Club at this event and enjoying their sport.”

In the afternoon division, the winning Women’s Masters C 4x- of Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco, Christine Goodwin and Emily Sayers had a very good row. They beat Worcester by seven seconds. They were delighted with the win having stuck to their race plan and produced a good race.

The winning composite Women’s Masters D/E 4x- of Heather Hayton, Suzie Radley, Amanda Bowden and Susan Brown (Xpress Boat Club) had a fabulous row, in a time of 7.37mins beating Upton and Gloucester.

The novice Women’s Masters D/E 4x- was stroked by Lucy Kelleher and backed up by Jane Connolly, Mel Brown (substitute) and Claudine Pearson. Claudine was steering for the first time in a race. This developmental stage for a sculler is a positive step for racing crews. Mel Brown from Monmouth Boat Club, commented on what a great line Claudine had taken down the river.

The Women’s Masters C 4+ was coxed by Jen Carey, stroked by Rebecca England, was supported by Lin Hansen, Jane Cryer and Ruth Poulten. They came in 26seconds after the winners, Evesham Boat Club. This crew is recently formed and one to watch in the future.

Vice Captain, Amanda Bowden said, “The squad is developing to show real strength in depth. Crews are beginning to see rewards, or will do soon, for the effort they put in. Time on the water and in the gym is ensuring that we have strong and technically competitive crews. I am delighted with the progress this autumn, it bodes well for the summer racing. Thanks goes to Eric Appleton for trailering and supporting the crews on a rather cold, damp day and to the finishing coaches Dan Simkins and Sam Hill.”

Sadly, the juniors squads’ Wycliffe Small Boats Head on Saturday was cancelled at the very last minute after the crews and their boats had travelled to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

For media coverage of Stratford’s Women’s Masters’ triumphs at Monmouth Rowing Club’s Winter Head see Stratford Herald page thirty nine and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/medals-for-rowers-at-monmouth-meeting-9343383 and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-mammoth-effort-from-boat-clubs-womens-masters-at-monmouth and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2023/12/08&pages=24

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

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