Rowers return for festive regatta fun

THERE was a chance to work off the excess Christmas pudding for 20 hearty rowers who took part in Stratford Boat Club’s traditional Boxing Day Scratch Regatta, reports Chris Best.

The event, which is run over a 600m course from the ferry to the club grounds, traditionally attracts a crowd and this year’s event was no exception.

Five crews consisting of masters, seniors, novices, juniors and a few returning family members happy to dust off the cobwebs together with volunteer coxes took part in the knockout racing with the bonus of being able to get back on the river.

The fog momentarily cleared to show the sun still existed before closing in again to the point where the ferry start line was barely visible from the club.

Stratford Boat Club’s junior and adaptive squads are on the lookout for more volunteer coaches to help with its ambitious plans for 2025. The coaches work with their squads one evening during the week and one or two morning sessions on the weekend.

Thorough tuition, mentoring and support, volunteers can work to a worthwhile professional coaching qualification and assistance is available with course fees.

Anyone interested should contact https://www.stratford-rowing.co.uk/contact, putting ‘coach’ in the subject box.