Stratford Boat Club's return to action made sweeter by donation from town's Rotary Club

STRATFORD BC had an Easter weekend to remember as rowers made a welcome return to the water while the club also benefited from a generous donation.

Under the easing of the latest lockdown restrictions for organised outdoor sport, members were able to enjoy the glorious weather on Saturday to get back on the River Avon.

The feel-good factor was added to by a £400 donation from Stratford Rotary Club.

In what has been a difficult few months for the boat club, president Paul Stanton said the donation was welcomed.

"Financially and mentally this has been a very challenging year for Stratford Boat Club and its members, however, we are very aware how lucky we are compared to so many other people and organisations," he said.

"The Rotary Club’s donation to Stratford Boat Club is part of Rotary’s far reaching charitable outreach to Stratford’s and Warwickshire’s communities.

"Our donation came from the entry monies from the last two cancelled Shakespeare Rotary Marathons which runners had left with Stratford Rotary to distribute as they felt fit rather than ask for a refund.

"We are so grateful for the participants’ and Rotary’s generosity.”

For junior-co-ordinator Steve Wellstead, who is also the J17/J18 performance squad coach, the return of young athletes on the Avon was a "heartening" moment.

He added: "The squad athletes have followed their coaches’ home training exercise plans during the lockdown periods.

"Stratford Boat Club also lent out our ergos (static rowers) to club members so that they could their keep up and exceed their physical fitness targets.

"Seeing the athletes’ performance to date, athletes have kept themselves trim. Getting back to sport has also contributed much to all our mental wellbeing.”