Tag Archives: Stratford upon Avon Boat Club

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 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

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’)

Olympic Silver Welcome for Boat Club’s Esme!

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Sunday was the day when Stratford upon Avon Boat Club finished their training for the day to welcome Esme Booth, Silver Olympian, back to her home Club of Stratford upon Avon after her GB women’s coxless four race at the Paris Olympics

Young and old and those from Esme’s past were there to welcome her including teachers from her primary school who introduced her to rowing, coaches from Stratford Boat Club and King Edward V1 Boat Club who had coached her during her years at the Club, friends, family and Club members. Commenting Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator said, “For the youngsters to see rowing at this high level and what can be achieved through hard work and determination was inspirational and will be a constant encouragement to engage in sport whether for competition, recreation or physical and mental fitness!”

Commenting further, Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain said, “For all of us to see a women achieve at such a high level and win a silver Olympic medal is an example to us all that women and girls through hard work and determination can reach excellence and Esme’s prowess is a beacon to us all!”

Summing up in his speech, Paul Stanton, Stratford Boat Club’s President commented, “Many years ago, a good colleague of mine and I saw Esme rowing in her early years and both commented that she was an Olympian in the making! We are so proud of Esme and the honour she has brought to the Club and to Stratford in general. We were delighted that Stratford’s Mayor Cllr Jason Fojtik was with us to emphasise this!”

Dawson Curnock, Stratford Boat Club’s Chairman rounded off the Welcome Home by awarding Esme Life Membership of the Club in recognition for her amazing achievement

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald centre pages twenty eight and twenty nine and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/welcoming-home-olympian-esme-51650 and page three https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/09/06&pages=32

The Pain and Pleasure of Rowing!

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Whilst the majority of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club were celebrating Silver Olympian Esme Booth’s return to her home club, Sunday saw Stratford Boat Club’s Masters’ rower take the long trip to West Norfolk for the epic long distance Great Ouse Marathon. The event currently the longest endurance river rowing event in the UK starts at the beautiful West Norfolk Rowing Club at Downham Market in Norfolk and winds it way to Ely in Cambridgeshire through glorious countryside for 21.5km and a total rowing day of 23km against the stream on the river Great Ouse.

This challenging bucket list event attracts clubs from all over the country with competitors from as far afield as Newcastle, Thames Valley, West Sussex and Southampton. Due to the long distance nature of the event particularly in single sculls where competitors are continually rowing for two hours, the standard is high with generally some of the best scullers in the country in attendance.

Stratford was represented by Tom Doherty for the second year running, competing in the Masters F age category single sculls event with an average age 60 to 65 years for the second year running. With conditions set fair and a light head wind and light stream, racing commenced with the slowest category crews off first these being single scullers of various age groups and gender. With faster people starting behind, the emphasis was on establishing a good early pace and rhythm over the first part of the course to maintain race position. With a very bendy first part of the course catching people out, navigation skills were required to maintain a good river position and avoid the banks and reeds.

After 6km with the day heating up and the race pattern well established, faster scullers began to challenge those in front of them necessitating continual pushes to maintain position. With the welcome sight of the Ship Inn on the horizon being the halfway point of just over 10km, this found Stratford in a four way battle with faster and slower scullers at the same time as negotiating some of the tightest bends on the course. Plenty of by now painful leg pushes established some order with no major incidents as the course began to straighten out.

A long hot straight 6.5km section which never seemed to end brought competitors to the start of the Varsity Boat Race course held here during Covid and the final 5km stretch to the finish. By this time in the race competitors were beginning to concertina with slower scullers being caught and passed by faster ones leading to some tricky steering which, coupled with the presence of pleasure cruisers, also using the river made for an exciting if stressful last few kilometres and no let up until the finish as scullers gamely fought to hold their positions waiting for the finish hooter. A mixture of relief and pain signified the end of another gruelling contest with only a final 1.5km row to the landing stages at Ely.

Said Tom Doherty, “I was very pleased with only my second competitive single sculling race up against some of the country’s most experienced scullers. I manged to hold a number of them off for the majority of the course which was very satisfying and I beat my previous years’ time which was my goal which made the pain at the finish worthwhile!”

Whilst Tom was going through the pain barrier on the Great Ouse, several members of Stratford’s adaptive squad were in Paris at the Paralympics cheering Team GB on to their multiple successes: some less lucky squad members had to make do with watching the action at the Paralympic Fanzone in London!

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page fifty two and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-masters-athlete-competes-in-long-distance-ely-head-race

Olympic Silver for Boat Club’s Esme!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club stopped their training for much of the morning on Thursday and unusually sat down to watch television. Over eighty members and athletes crowded into the Club Room to see Esme Booth race in the GB women’s coxless four at the Olympics

Watching with Boat Club members were over twenty young athletes from the age of thirteen to eighteen who were on Stratford Boat Club’s Junior Summer Camp learning the skills of sculling and watercraft. Commenting Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator and organiser of the August weekday camps said, “For the youngsters to see rowing at this high level with one of our own was inspirational and will live on in their minds for a very long time and will be a constant encouragement to engage in sport whether for competition, recreation or physical and mental fitness: their participation in the Junior Summer Camp is their first step the enjoyment of sport!”

Speaking further, Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain said, “For young people to see a women achieve at such a high level and win a silver Olympic medal is an example to us all that women and girls through hard work and determination can reach excellence: over fifty percent of Stratford Boat Club are female and Esme’s prowess is a beacon to us all!”

Summing up, Paul Stanton, Stratford Boat Club’s President commented, “We are so proud of Esme and the GB crew and the honour and kudos she has brought to the Club, the schools she has attended and to Stratford in general. Well done Esme, your achievement is amazing!”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald pages twenty four and twenty five and Stratford Observer page five https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/08/09&pages=24

All Fun At The Fun Regatta!

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Although the wait of a year seemed a long time, all the expectations of the Fun Regatta were met and even bettered! The Fun Regatta attracted competitors from local companies, villages and groups of friends and twenty three crews with just three hours’ training produced some quality rowing, ably coxed by skilled members of Stratford Boat Club’s junior squad and watched by crowds and friends from the Club’s grounds, the Bancroft Gardens and the Rec

Fun Regatta organiser Adam Franklin said, “We were heartened by the huge numbers who came to watch, cheer the competitors on and enjoy the spectacle even though the weather wasn’t ideal: it may not have been Henley Royal Regatta but we like to think that it was more fun to watch!”

Fancy dress was again a major part of the day, with crews dressed in multi coloured outfits, Superwomen, Owls and Pussy Cats and black and white gangsters!

Commenting further, Adam Franklin Fun Regatta organiser added, “Through the hard work and all the efforts of Club members, we have been able to raise funds for replacing equipment, repairs and maintenance. As always, we are especially grateful for the tolerance of those who make their living on the river and to our sponsor Crowne Plaza Stratford.”

Dawson Curnock, Boat Club Chairman also commented, “The wait was worth it! A fun day was had by all and Stratford Boat Club was happy to contribute to the vitality and atmosphere of the town and give visitors and residents a cause for celebration! We were so grateful that Stratford upon Avon’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Dani Hunter and her daughter visited us and presented prizes to the winners: Stratford upon Avon Town Council’s support is essential for the encouragement for sport and recreation in the Warwickshire area and community.”

Whilst the Club members were running the Fun Regatta, the Club’s masters’ squad were competing in a fantastic two days of racing at Henley Masters Regatta with another win for the masters’ women from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club. In glorious weather conditions, Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden won gold medals at Henley Masters Regatta. Racing as part of a composite VIII, the crew went off the start rating forty strokes per minute. They dominated the Oxford University Alumni with a beautiful rhythm and powerful, long strokes. The crew pulled ahead with the rate coming down to thirty three stokes per minute, resulting in a win of three lengths.

Further down the country, Curtis Dickens from the Boat Club’s Adaptive section, has won selection for the England Squad for the Home International Regatta. All competitors at the England Trials at Nottingham on Saturday had to set a time over a 1500m course. The best in each category were then selected to represent England. Curtis competes in the PR2 pararowing category, commenting, Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “We were fairly confident before the day that Curtis would set the required time but he still had to do it and he did!. A great day for Curtis and the team! The Home International Regatta will take place on the lake at Strathclyde on the 27th July. Ireland are expected to be Curtis’s toughest opposition. The club are sending a large number of crews to the British National Championships this coming weekend: this includes Curtis, Andy Morris and Isaac Clarkson from the adaptive squad.”

At Llandaff, Cardiff, on Sunday pararower Andy Morris was the sole Stratford competitor. In an event with two strong young Llandaff rowers Andy, in his 50s, came out on top winning the close final by a length!” Again, Mark Dewdney said, “We have had a very successful last month or so. We have an event now every weekend up to and including the August Bank Holiday: we hope we can have a strong end to the season!”

Stratford’s junior squads were back on the water on Sunday after coxing at the Fun Regatta, putting in more training for the British Rowing’s Junior Championships at National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham this coming weekend. Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator commented, “The junior squad will be heavily represented with crews from J14, J15, J16 and J17/18 categories all there for their chance for glory against some of the best schools and clubs in the country: we wish them luck! The logistics of getting multiple boats, trailers, coaches, athletes, coaches and supporters to National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham is immense and I’d like to thank all who have given their support, time and effort to make this complex exercise possible!”

For media coverage see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/11-pictures-of-crews-in-fancy-dress-from-stratford-s-fun-reg-9374810, front page, centre spread pages twenty four and twenty five and page forty five. See also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-host-successful-fun-regatta and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/07/19&pages=24

For more photographs see Mark Williamson’s selection from the Stratford Herald https://stratfordherald.zenfolio.com/p677240005 and Martha Baines’ excellent folio https://1drv.ms/f/s!AgY7EiDB2lCOhtEOvwgTjfEV1P2KRQ

Stratford’s Juniors and Adaptives Score at Nottingham!

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Competing for the first time in the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta (JIRR) at the Holme Pierrepoint National Water Sports Centre, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J14 Open double of James Greenwood and Rory Rowan sculled well in the 1000m time trial and made it into the C Final (1500m), which they subsequently won. The coxed quad of Seb Happel, Euan Richter, Will Shaw and Ed Appleton, coxed by Orla Linforth, sculled well in the time trial and made into the B Final, in which they finished fifth. Said J14 coach Hugo Happel, “Fantastic work ethic from the J14s here, in their first event at this venue. They are taking away lots of fine learning points as well as new connections with the boys from George Watson College!”

Having qualified two boats at the recent West Midlands trials, Stratford’s J15 squad also headed to Nottingham’s National Water Sports Centre to represent the region at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta. A national level event, the athletes competed against regional teams from Scotland to Wessex and everywhere between. The women’s J15 coxed quadruple scull of Tessa Parkin, Martha Baines, Maeve Dunn, Sophie Franklin and Martha Cooke (coxswain) powered down the course in the time trial to firmly secure a place in the A Final. Lining up in the lane beside the eventual winners from Great Marlow School, the crew exploded from the stake boat and set about attempting to ruin their competitors’ day. Sadly, it wasn’t to be and the girls came home in sixth place after a mighty row. The women’s J15 coxed four of Isla Dunn, Becca Smith, Millie Smith, Bryony Francis and Josephine Cooper (coxswain) performed equally well in their time trial to cement their place in the A Final. The plucky crew treated the Nottingham crowd to a fabulous display of sweep rowing with not a small amount of grit thrown in. Storming down the course, the Stratford outfit found themselves engaged in a ding dong battle for bronze with the East Midlands as the advantage with each stroke. The battle continued to the line where, on the surge, the East Midlands clinched the medal by just 7/100ths of a second! The battle may have been lost but this crew will be back to race again.

The Junior Inter-Regional Regatta once again showcased the remarkable talent and determination of Britain’s young rowers. The West Midlands’ trio from Stratford’s junior 16 squad made their mark on the event. Xavier Sissins-Rofey missed the bronze by a whisper of time, finishing just four seconds shy of third place. Poppy Baines battled through to a commendable sixth place. Alexandra Francis clinched the silver medal in a finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats, a mere two seconds from gold. Commenting Colin Bell J16 Coach, “Their performances have certainly raised the bar for the regattas to come!”

Also competing at JIRR for the adaptive squad was Isaac Clarkson racing at his second JIRR. Just past his fourteenth birthday, Isaac is still two years younger than all of his opponents in the adaptive event. Expending minimum possible effort in the opening Time Trial, Isaac focused on the Final: Isaac rowed superbly over the 1000m course and pushed the race leaders all the way to the line. Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “Isaac kept to the plan and has worked hard in recent months: the Bronze is a just reward!”

The next day at The National Water Sports Centre, Stratford’s Pararower Curtis Dickens attended his second GB Squad development camp of the year: two plus days of hard work culminating in a 2000m race against his rival from Scotland. Curtis impressed the GB coaches with his development over the winter. The race proved to be his first win over his more experienced Scottish opponent: it was also the first time that Curtis has beaten ten minutes for the distance and a forty four second improvement since GB Trials in November. Commenting further, Mark said, “We are more than satisfied with how things are going: Curtis’ next big target is to represent England at the Home International Regatta in July!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page sixty one and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-junior-and-adaptive-squads-win-medals-in-nottingham

For great pictures of JIRR, see Stuart Baines’ excellent selection https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AO9bx%2DvFRmRxCMg&id=3DD8F6A70C0CB625%21259269&cid=3DD8F6A70C0CB625

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