THE WEATHER was ideal as the Kitchens by Dexter Stratford Boat Club Regatta served up plenty of thrills on the River Avon on Saturday.
There was great participation from crews local and further afield including Stourport, Evesham, Derwent, Bridgnorth, Warwick, AB Severn and Hereford, as well as major entries from Stratford Boat Club and sister club King Edward VI School Boat Club.
This year’s regatta had three divisions, 29 events and 81 separate races starting at 9.30am and running all day through until a prompt close at 4.30pm.
Stratford BC secured more than 15 wins and chairman and regatta secretary Dawson Curnock was left delighted: “This year we were very heartened by the huge turnout from local and distant clubs and the interest from the public who also had the bonus of having the Stratford Town Food Festival close by.
“A massive thanks to all our sponsors, especially Kitchens by Dexter, hardworking Stratford Boat Club members, visiting crews, umpires and officials and the public for supporting the event.
“We were honoured to have Stratford Town Council Mayor Coun Kate Rolfe and her consort and Coun Christopher Kettle, chairman of Stratford District Council, attend the regatta.”
Treasurer Paul Hazelwood added: “It was a long day’s racing and we got through 175 beefburgers, 12kg of sausages, 4kg of bacon, 20kg of sliced onions and 300 buns, all from local suppliers, as well as dozens of cakes and snacks.
“It was a magnificent day topped by great racing! We decided to stay with the shortened 650m course to ensure the safety of all the competitors and river users.
“We were especially grateful for the help and tolerance of those operators who work and make their living on the river.”
