PREPARATIONS for Stratford Boat Club’s annual regatta on Saturday (June 20) all but complete.
Jobs have been allocated, the grounds and building have been tidied up, the rowing and sculling blades have been painted and boats checked to competition standard.
Regatta secretary Helen Heenan said: “A lot of hard work goes into planning the regatta. We’ve put up our marquees and organised the rota of volunteers.”
The regatta has been taking place in Stratford since 1879. As well as Stratford’s own crews, the event draws competitors and their supporters from clubs such as Kings School Worcester, Evesham Rowing Club, King Edward V1 Boat Club, Ross Rowing Club, Royal Grammar School Worcester, Worcester Rowing Club, Cheltenham Ladies College Boat Club, Hereford Rowing Club, Cheltenham College Boat Club and Magdalen College School Boat Club.
Racing is on the town stretch of the river from Holy Trinity Church to the club grounds by The Tramway Bridge. Racing will start by 8.30am and finish around 5.30pm, with over 115 races during the day.
Steve Wellstead, junior coordinator, said: “The regatta and also the Fun Regatta on Saturday 11 July are very weather dependent events and without all the hard work put in by our volunteers, we couldn’t risk holding the regattas. We are also amazingly lucky to have help from other river organisations such as the Avon Navigation Trust, Avon Boating, the Environment Agency, Bancroft Cruisers, Canal & River Tours, the Countess of Evesham and also the co-operation of those who make their living on the river.”
Club chairman Dawson Curnock added: “Stratford upon Avon Boat Club looks forward to welcoming competing crews, guests and especially Stratford and Warwickshire residents and visitors to the town down to watch and enjoy what is going to be an action packed day.”
