THE GREAT OUSE MARATHON 3^rd September 2023

137 Crews competed yesterday in The Great Ouse Marathon which runs from West Norfolk Rowing Club to the Ise of Ely Rowing Club. It included 6 entries from BBRC and all successfully completed the 22Km course. Our entry included 4 doubles, 1 IV and an VIII.

Congratulations to all our members who took part in what turned out to be sunny and hot conditions on a course where times for all 137 crews ranged from 1 hour 29 minutes to the 137th in 3 hours 52 minutes. Our competitors' times ranged from 1 hour 37 minutes to 2 hours 7 minutes.

Our large entry was much appreciated by the organisers who hope we shall return next year! Congratulations on great results.

RESULTS:

14^th James & Mike

15^th Hagen & Jess (win - Mx.MasC.2x)

21^st Richard, Annie, Stephanie, Graham

26^th Mika & Lou (win – W2-)

47^th Peter, David, Andrew, Warren, Ian, Mike, Anne-Marie, Diane & Liz (Cox)

121^st Nadine & Sarah. Their first time for such a long race.

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DANSON DASHES

SATURDAY 19^TH AUGUST 2023

Thank you to the organisers of Danson Dashes; Erith and Gravesend Rowing Clubs. Wow what a fantastic day we all had, supporting our local South East Rowing events. This is how the end of season and the summer months of rowing should be. Sunshine, friendly sprint events, lots of fun on the water competing with local clubs and friends and families supporting.

We took 2 trailers with singles, doubles, quads and an eight on board. BBRC had 30 crews entered, ages from J13 to Masters D.

Danson Dashes is held at Danson Park Lake over 500 metres, with a dramatic end where the crews have to do a hold it up the finish to prevent hitting the lake wall. Proud moment for BBRC, our first Victor Ludorum, well done everyone.

Fun Stats:

• 127 races were held between 9.00am and 18.17 – congrats to the organisers – races went off early!!!!
• BBRC entered two eights with Student Men (plus Andy!) completing the course in 1.17 and our Student/WJ18 Women in 1.27 – so a real Danson Dash!
• BBRC had 42 members competing on the day.
• Most wins Hattie – WJ15 2x; WJ16 4x & cox for WJ13 4x+ J15 4x+
• Hitchhiker of the day – Wendy with rides with the Op 8+, W 8+ & Op 4+
• Gravesend kindly loaned us a boat for the 4+- our thanks

Thank you to Dave and Jamie for towing, and to everyone for supporting the day. A great end to the season.

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Peterborough City Rowing Club Summer regatta

A mixed ability group of Bewl masters and some of their rowing offspring and families went for a mini break to Peterborough over Aug 12th and 13th. Saturday’s races were over 1000m and Sundays were over 500m, with a stiff tailwind all weekend. There was a mood of excitement bordering on terrified among many of us, knowing it would be a weekend of challenging firsts, not necessarily of the pot variety! For many of the masters sculling squad this event was their first lane racing experience. Another first was for Anne-Marie making her debut under Bewl colours.

First up on Saturday was Harry in OpJ15 x1 who did well to progress to his final in his first ever race in a fine single.

His Dad, Andy and our other experienced masters’ racers, Mike, Crawford and Ben brought home two sets of pots for winning their MasD 4- and 4x-.

Not normally in the same boat were our three student sisters Ottillie, Phoebe and Jemima with Saskia making up a W4x-. They made it confidently through to their final, finishing in third place.

Rob and Alastair beat Graham and Alistair comfortably in the MasD 2x but lost to a faster crew. Lisa and Sarah made it to their final thanks to a scratched crew.

Sunday’s races saw no pots for Bewl but huge personal wins and squad wins for providing the environment of mutual support that enabled them to give it a go:

Graham bravely raced his first ever MasF 1x race in worsening conditions on the Saturday but clearly got into his stride on day 2 to win his heat, then met Mike in the final but even he missed out on a win.

Nige bravely competed in MasC 1x, Katie, Nadine and Alistair in various 2x combos, Christa and Ann in various 4x combos with Kirsty then Alastair in bow.

There were two Bewl crews up against

each other in WMasD 2x which made for an especially loud amount of cheering, not so much battling for first place which was out of reach but for first of Bewl! Kirsty and Anne-Marie just pipped Sarah and Lisa.

Umpires commented upon our great club presence and exceptional support for each other both at boating and at the finish line. Thank you, Peterborough City Rowing Club, for hosting us so well. A great experience that it will be hard not to repeat!

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MIKA’S report on the Euro Masters Championships

2 big wins ?Euro Masters Championships Munich on the single and mixed quad.

What a fantastic ?fabulous ?wonderful? experience!

Thank you to my beloved sister Baja Bajeczka for coming this long way to be with us! Thank you to Louise Allen my best rowing partner, thank you to the dear friend Neil Ellwood for a great time and MOKRE SPODENKI. Thank you to Aleksandr and Boris for a truly unforgettable race and win! Thank you to FUN BUS that brought us to Munich! Thank you, Michael, for driving! Thank you to Tim for interesting chats about rowing! Thank you, Matthias, for organising so many things for us and a race that we lost but I liked it a lot! Thank you to Empacher for truly amazing boats!

Thank you to many Bewl Bridge Rowing Club friends that were supporting us, believing in us and wishing us well. Thank you to Mia, Lea and Basia for being the best cheerleaders! Thank you to Hagen Jahnich , Matilda Leyser and Roger Druitt for being who they are for me.

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BRITISH ROWING JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023

July 14^th – 16^th

The finale of the Junior rowing season took part at The British Rowing Junior Championships, Strathclyde Park, Scotland. The junior squad have had a great season and we took our largest ever squad to Nationals with 15 crew entries and 23 juniors.

The conditions at Strathclyde Park were challenging over the weekend, with rain, wind and the ever risk of thunder. Friday and Saturday saw a roaring head wind and on Sunday when the time table was shortened due to the weather, a gusty tail wind. Our crews all rowed fantastic in the conditions, although sometimes frustrating when the lane draws weren’t in our favour. One onlooker mentioned how mature all the juniors conducted themselves, getting boats on and off the water on time with efficiency. A big thank you to Jamie who towed to Scotland, all the coaches and parents who supported the weekend. Well done to all the juniors.

Results:

Jack - J16 1x GOLD

Jack & Ben - J16 2x Gold

Fraser & Harry - J14 2x SILVER

Sophie - WJ4x (composite) BRONZE

Sophie & Ella - WJ2x 4^th A final

Rosie, Saskia, Emily, Ottilie – WJ18 4x 6^th A final

Fraser, Harry, Zac, Jack, cox Agatha - J14 4x 3^rd B final

Angus, Oscar, Alex, Henry – J18 4x 3^rd B final

Zac & Jack - J14 2x C Final

Bea & Hattie - WJ15 2x C final

Lara & Maddy - WJ2x D final

Olivia & Anna - WJ162x E final

Angus & Henry - J16 2x E final

Martha - Time trial

Oscar & Alex - Time Trial

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KINGSTON REGATTA 9^th July 2023

Day 2

2^nd day at Kingston Regatta was the turn of the younger rowers J13 – J15. Bewl took 8 crews, they raced over 500 metres. Some of the crews were using Kingston as racing experience for the Junior Nationals next weekend, and for some of our development group this was their first ever event. We all had a great day, lots of fantastic racing, most getting through the heats into a semi-final, we had 3 wins and two 2^nd places.

Martha started the day first in her J15 single, she had a great race winning her heat. She did herself proud coping with the bouncy water in the semi-final, gaining lots of experience for next weekend at Nationals.

Skye and Annabel J13 2x, are part of the junior development group, they rowed well in the heat gaining a place in the semi. They gained lots of valuable experience about starts, racing, steering and umpires.

The boys J14 4x+ quad was divided into doubles in the morning, they both got through the rounds to meet each other in the final. Bewl v Bewl was an exciting final, Fraser and Harry (the more experienced rowers by a year) edged away from Jack and Zac to win. Both crews gave each other thumbs up at the finish, showing their respect.

The boys then came together in the afternoon, coxed by Agatha. They continued their success gaining a place in the final against Great Marlow School. What an exciting race, full of drama. Fraser got his blade caught and got hit in the mouth, the crew then had to pull back a length to get in contention. As they approached the finish both crews were level, with only one finish beep given. After a long wait the umpires gave a dead heat, and crews were returned to the start for a re row. The tension and excitement in the enclosure was palpable. This was the boy’s 7^th race of the day. In the re row both crews entered the enclosure level, with lots of shouts of encouragement the Bewl crew just edged past by a canvas in the last 5 strokes. Well done.

Mack and Theo J13 2x, who have had a great season, with lots of wins under their belt, continued their success. Winning the heats easily, they went on to win in the final.

In the afternoon the Development J13 girls, Gabi, Iris Mia, Skye, cox Annabel, raced in the quad. The girls gained lots of experience at their first event, losing to the eventual winners. They have an exciting year ahead as they continue to develop their rowing skills.

The J15 2x girls Bea and Hattie had a great day. This event being used as a warm up to the Junior Nationals next week. The girls got through the heats and semis easily. They faced Headington in the final, the girls raced and rowed well but were slightly outpowered by the Headington girls. Well done in coming 2^nd in a field of 18.

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KINGSTON REGATTA Saturday 8^th July 2023

Day 1

Jamie arrived at Kingston on the Friday with a trailer load of 10 boats ready for 2 days racing at Kingston’s Amateur and Borough Regattas.

A hot muggy day with ever-present threat of thunder and spell of heavy rain began on Saturday with an 8:30 start time for WJ16 2x Anna and Olivia. The girls after GCSE’s looking for narrow lane racing experience as they complete their preparations for the Junior Champs in Strathclyde next weekend. The unusually calm conditions brought along an unlucky fly at the precise moment of the start and disrupted one of the crew’s breathing all way down the course.

Next came J15 2x Tom and Edward who had an excellent start but had the race recalled for a restart due to the other crews colliding with each other, and were unable to repeat the quick getaway coming in 2nd out of the 3 in a strong field.

WJ 17 In-shore and coastal rower Ebony who has been visiting from Bexhill Rowing Club to train with our junior squad via the BR Women’s Development Program was keen to get fine single sculling experience. Using the Swift Elite single scull and blades recently contributed by Lene Northwood, she powered through the final to take a splendidly glittering trophy in the WJ18 1x event via a photo finish, a great result.

Without a WJ18 2x event on offer WJ 17’s Heather and Kaelah had a crack at the Women's open 2x group and were pleased with a strong start and solid row down taking 2nd behind eventual category winners Tiffin School.

J16 ’s Angus and Oscar teamed up in a double with an eye on refining their side-by-side steering skills ahead of next week's Glasgow visit, but were somewhat thrown by the infamously bouncy Kingston course from passing pleasure craft.  

In addition, Ebony jumped in a scratch open women’s 2x with junior Alumnus Jemima Burden who battled bravely through to the final and took a thrilling second by just a canvass in the final against Putney High School.

Well done everyone, a great day at Kingston.

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Peterborough Junior Championships 24^th June 2023

Bewl took 12 crews to Peterborough Junior Championships which is open to J13 – J15’s girls and boys. The event had its largest ever entry of 350 crews competing across 152 races, with 34 visiting clubs and 669 athletes. We had a fantastic day and came 8^th in the overall Victor Ludorum ranking for the day.

The racing was over 1000 metres, all crews were in a 4-lane time trial followed by A, B, C finals. The conditions were fair with a tail wind, but the afternoon proved difficult with extreme heat. All the Bewl crews did themselves proud, gaining lots of experience in racing and steering.

Bewl Crews:

Fraser J14 1X:  Bronze

Harry & Ed J15 2x: 3^rd in the B final

Ollie & Harry J15 2x: 1^st in the C final

Jack & Zac J15 2x: leading position by a good margin, until steering  issues. Lane 1 proved difficult for many crews, especially where the buoys were missing.

Martha J15 1x: First race in a single, just missing out on the finals.

Otto J14 1x:  3^rd in the B final

Skye & Gabi J13 2x: leading position in lane 1, until steering issues at the missing buoys!

Theo J13 1x:   Bronze

Harry, Fraser, Jack, Zac, Cox Agatha J14 4x+: 4^th in the A final

Hattie & Bea J15 2x: 4^th in the A final

Theo & Mack J13 2x:   Gold 

Skye J13 1x:   Silver 

Thank you to all the parents and supporters who helped on the day, and to Dave who towed and Wendy and Jamie who supported the day.

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Women’s Henley regatta 16^th - 18^th June

4 Bewl Crews took part in Women’s Henley Regatta (WHR). WHR is run from Temple Island for 1500 metres along the Henley Royal Regatta Course. Everyone entered had a time trial to qualify for their events, with on average only 16 places available to get through to the next set of races.

Mika was first to race for Bewl in her Single, in ‘The Bernard Churcher Trophy’,

the time trial on the Friday. Mika finished with a time of 6.16.9. Mika said after her time trial, “Today made me want to row even more”.

On Saturday it was the Bewl’s Junior 4x- and 2x turn to Time Trial.

The 4x-, Lara, Emily, Saskia, Ottille were in ‘The Bea Langridge Trophy’. This event is heavily entered with competitive rowing schools, 12 of the 16 qualifiers were schools. The Bewl girls crew were the 5^th fastest Club junior crew in this event. They finished just short of qualifying in a time of 5.12.8.

Maddie and Sophie took part in the Junior 2x ‘The Rayner Cup’. The girls had a great Time Trial, finishing in the top 16. This event had a mixture of schools and clubs, with 3 overseas crews from Spain and Australia taking part to. The girls were drawn to race Norwich School.

Off the start the Norwich School crew had some steering issues, which gave the Bewl girls an advantage of half a length. Maddie and Sophie battled hard the whole way down the course but were unable to hold off the Norwich girls in the last 200 metres. The girls finished in a time of 5.53.10.

Thank you to Brooke, Dave R and Miles for organising the day for the juniors, and all the parents for supporting the girls.

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BRITISH ROWING MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS 10^th -11^th June 2023

Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham

11 Bewl Masters Crews attended the Masters Championships in Nottingham. A great weekend of racing and many medals. The crews raced over 1000 metres; conditions were sunny with a slight cross wind. Bewl came away with 2 bronze wins and 4 silver wins. Well done everyone.

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JACK AND BEN RIBBENS

J16 2x (Marlow Bowl trophy) NATIONAL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS 2023

The National Schools Regatta held at Eton Dorney, over the weekend of 26-28^th May is one of the leading events in the schools/junior calendar. Brothers Jack (J16) and Ben Ribbens (J15) came together in a J16 2x. This was the first major event that the brothers have raced together.

The day started for the brothers with a time trial over 1900 metres, they finished with the fastest time of 6:57.82 in a field of 38 crews. Following the time trial crews were put into finals races based on the time trial times. The final races were run over 2k with Jack and Ben placed in Final A. The conditions were tricky with a cross wind, and as the fastest crews were placed in lane 2 with Jack and Ben’s closest opposition Hartpury in lane 3. The race was described as one of the best races over the weekend. During the first 1500 metres there was barely a second between both doubles, with the brothers sitting half a length off the Hartpury double. This continued until the 1k mark when the Bewl double edged closer. At 1500m the Bewl crew edged past Hartpury in a noticeable push. Jack the more experienced sculler sitting at stroke showing great courage and technique, with his brother Ben backing him up broke the Hartpury crew with this move and continued to edge ahead to the finish line, winning by 3 lengths in a time of 7:20.90. Well done.

Both brothers have come through the Bewl ‘Learn to Row’ program. Jack started in the Spring of 2019 aged 12, with a break for Covid restrictions when they arose. This might seem like a disadvantage, but when the restrictions began opening up, single sculling was the only option so all the juniors single sculled in small groups. Supervised by Dave and Wendy, the small groups of 6 went out regularly with intensive coaching, and of course the fun and freedom after lockdown! During the Autumn of 2021, Jack now J15, was showing signs of being a very good sculler, winning at J15 in the Head events (Maidstone/Docklands/Walton Heads). He has done fantastic since then, under the coaching team of Miles and Brooke, gaining medals in the British Rowing Junior Championships, Junior Inter Regional Championships, gaining a place on the GB J16 camp and is working towards trials selection for the J16 GB France match.

Ben joined Bewl’s ‘Learn to Row’ program in Spring 2021 after Covid restrictions eased. Ben is an all-round athlete who also excels at basketball. Ben has also progressed well in his sculling, winning the B final in J14 1x at the British Rowing Junior Championships 2022, he has also been selected to represent the Thames South East region at the Junior Inter Regional Championships. Showing great potential, he is targeting the National Junior Championships in July this year.

We look forward to following their progress in the coming years.

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NATIONAL SCHOOLS REGATTA 26-28^TH MAY 2023

The National Schools Regatta held at Eton Dorney, over the weekend of 26-28^th May is one of the leading events in the schools/junior calendar. The races are run over 2K, all Bewl crews did fantastic, improving on last year’s results.

Bewl took 4 crews:

WJ 4x Lara, Emily, Saskia, Ottille

WJ 1x Sophia

WJ 2x Rosie, Maddie

J16 2x Ben and Jack

First up on the Saturday was the girl’s quad. Coming 4^th in their time trial heat, resulted in a repechage race. The girls did themselves proud by coming 2^nd in the repechage, in a time of 7:42.02, which placed them in a A/B semi-final on the Sunday. On the Sunday the girls raced the A/B semi, securing themselves a place in the B final, where they finished 7^th.

Sophie in the single, had a hard 2 days, with a time trial, repechage, semi-final and final. This was a big entry event, Sophie came 27^th out of 49 in the time trial. After the semi-finals she just missed out a place in the C final, but had a great D final where she won her race, in a time of 9:21.57.

Rosie and Maddie had a fantastic day on the Sunday, racing a year up in WJ2x, giving themselves lots of experience to come back next year. This was a busy event with 3 races over the course of the day. The girls had a great time trial, the came 16^th in a field of 34, securing themselves a place in the B semi-final in a time of 8:02.24. Rosie and Maddie came 16^th overall after the finals, well done.

The day started for the brothers Jack and Ben with a time trial over 1900 metres, they finished with the fastest time of 6:57.82 in a field of 38 crews. Following the time trial crews were put into finals races based on the time trial times. The final races were run over 2k with Jack and Ben placed in Final A. The conditions were tricky with a cross wind, and as the fastest crews were placed in lane 2 with Jack and Ben’s closest opposition Hartpury in lane 3. The race was described as one of the best races over the weekend. During the first 1500 metres there was barely a second between both doubles, with the brothers sitting half a length off the Hartpury double. This continued until the 1k mark when the Bewl double edged closer. At 1500m the Bewl crew edged past Hartpury in a noticeable push. Jack the more experienced sculler sitting at stroke showing great courage and technique, with his brother Ben backing him up broke the Hartpury crew with this move and continued to edge ahead to the finish line, winning by 3 lengths in a time of 7:20.90. Well done.

Thank you to Miles and Brooke who supported the event.

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WALTON & WEYBRIDGE REGATTA 20^th May 2023

BBRC Masters had a great day at Walton and Weybridge regatta. The Masters squad continues with great success with everyone coming away with at least one pot. The conditions were pretty choppy over the 1000 metres course, but the sun shone. The regatta is raced downstream on the River Thames. Well done everyone.

Winners:

WMas B2x (Mika and Lou)

Mas D2x(Andy and Angus),

Mas E2x(Rod and Dave),

Mas D4x (Angus, Andy, Rod and Dave)

Mas D4- (James, Lu, Crawford and Mike)

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OARSPORT SCULLERY REGATTA

1^st May 2023

6 Junior crews were selected to race at the Scullery Regatta. The Regatta was held at Eton Dorney, the order of the day commenced with time trials over 1900 metres, followed by A & B multi lane finals over 2000 metres. This Regatta is one of the top performance events in the Junior calendar. All our crews did themselves proud. The conditions were ok, the tail wind getting stronger as the day progressed, producing fast racing times.

J14 4x+: Harry, Fraser, Jack, Zac, cox Agatha in their first season gained an A final place. They came a close 4^th, in a field of 17, battling right to the line, in a time of 7:35.53, just missing a bronze medal by 2 thirds of a length. This crew have had a great season so far, with lots of exciting times to come.

J15 2x: Hattie, Bea, had a great day, progressing from the time trials into the B final in a field of 19. They smashed their target, by finishing 2^nd in the B final, in a time of 8.24.60.

J15 1x: Ben, progressed very well in a field of 12 into the A final. He finished 5^th in a time of 7.52.55

J16 1x: Jack (see below)

WJ17 1x: Maddie, also had a great day progressing into the A final in a field of 9, she finished 6^th overall in a time of 8.53.90.

WJ 4x-: Sophie, Ottilie, Rosie, Saskia, in a large field of 22, gave their best in a time of 7.00.97.

Thank you to all the supporters up at Eton, and at home watching the you tube live races. Thank you to Dave for towing and the coaches for making the day happen, Dave, Wendy, Brooke, and Miles.

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JACK 1^ST  PLACE

AT THE SCULLERY REGATTA

In a field of 12, Jack progressed through the time trial as the quickest sculler.

By the time the A final was being run, the tail wind had got up, as had the waves. Jack in lane 4 was beside a J16 GB camp friend (Isaac Dean) in lane 3. There was a very competitive battle through the 2K race. At 1K Isaac was up by 2 seconds, by 1500 Jack was up by 2 seconds. It became apparent not long after the 1500 mark that Isaac had given his all, and Jack quickly took advantage, winning by 15 seconds in a time of 7.30.51. This time is a New Course Record. Congratulations Jack.

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JUNIOR INTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

HOLME PIERREPONT, NOTTINGHAM

APRIL 21^ST 2023

22 Bewl Juniors were selected after the trials in February, to take part in the Junior Inter Regional Championships April 21^st 2023. 12 Regions from around England and Wales were represented, with events ranging from J14 - J16, Bewl Juniors were part of the Thames South East Region. The Juniors raced over 1500 metres on the multi laned National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. This was the first time many of the Juniors had raced in a multi laned event. The weather was fair with a moderate cross head wind for most of the day.

We all had a fantastic day, lots of exciting racing and great experience gained. Jack racing in J16 1x, had a stunning race winning gold the A final. Our other medallists were Harry and Jack in the J14 2x, winning a bronze medal, well done boys. Ben J15 1x and Fraser J14 1x did well and both gained places in the A finals.

The boys J15 4x+ and the J16 4x- raced well in the B finals, they showed great determination, and lots to build on for the coming season. Aggie and Aryanna, J14 2x enjoyed a close race in their B final. The girls composite 8+ had a great day. The 8 came together for 5 outings with Gravesend girls. This was the first time the Bewl girls had done any sweep rowing, and adapted from sculling superbly, winning their B final comfortably.

Everyone gave great performances, learning lots about multi lane racing, multi lane starts and stake boats.

Bewl Crews:

J16 1x:  Jack

J15 1x:  Ben

J14 1x:  Fraser

J14 2x:  Harry & Jack

WJ14 2x:  Aggie & Aryanna

J15 4x+:  Harry, Ollie, Tom, Ed, cox Zac

J16 4x-:  Angus Henry, Oscar, Olly

WJ16 8+:  composite with Gravesend (Katherine, Keeva, Matilda), Hattie, Martha, Olivia, Bea, Agatha, cox Amelia

A big thank you to everyone who travelled to Nottingham to support the Juniors, and the coaches who helped organise the Juniors, and to Jamie for towing the trailer.

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BRITISH ROWING - WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 16^th April 2023

4 BBRC Juniors girls Martha, Bea, Hattie and Olivia, gained places to attend the British Rowing Women’s Development Program days. Coaches: Wendy, Jamie and assistant coach Anna also gained places to attend. These days are great fun for the girls and offer access to some great coaching and the latest British Rowing training and technical guidance. Since the New Year the girls have been given access to great advice through monthly webinars, e.g., ‘Fuelling and Energy’, ‘Small Boat Technical Development’.

This was the 3rd day of the program held at Bewl, with Richard Poole leading the day, and Wendy assisting. Bewl Juniors girls, and Yasmin from Brighton University took part in the day. The day was broken into: The Leg Drive and Hip Hinge on the ergo followed by a skills water session focussing on these aspects. After lunch they were incorporated into a longer paddle with emphasis on low rate and high intensity drive. The weather was fantastic and everyone had a great day.

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ADULT LEARN TO ROW APRIL 2023

BBRC held its first 2023 Adult 'Learn to Row' sessions over the Easter holidays. 10 LTR adults with the help of experienced senior rowers started the  day with a land session on the ergo. This is a valuable start, focusing on the sequencing and body posture of the hands, body, and slide.

This was followed by a water session, the senior rowers mixing in with the new rowers. 4 more sessions are planned in the coming weeks. A big thank you to everyone who helped with organising, rowing and safety launch driving. We hope everyone enjoyed the day?

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JUNIOR LEARN TO ROW APRIL 2023

Junior ‘learn to Row’ began over the Easter holidays. There are 6 sessions in the LTR program, where the LTR juniors (aged 12-15), mix with the BBRC juniors. They are given the opportunity to have a try on the ergo, singles, doubles and quads. We cover the basics of rowing technique, safety aspects, ergo technique, blade and boat care. The weather was mixed, but we had a few good days. Some of the LTR progressed well, even standing up in the boat, and doing 360 turns standing up.

The sessions were run by Jamie with the help of Dave, Wendy, Brook, Miles, Dave R. Lots of launch cover needed to ensure safety and rowing guidance. Thank you to Junior parents for pontoon help and Jo for photographs.

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LOU AND MIKA

CLUB CREW OF THE YEAR

FRONT COVER ON THE BRITISH ROWING ALMANACK

Vesta Vets Head – 19^th March 2023

The Vesta Vets Head took place on the Championship course on Sunday the 19th March 2023, and raced on the ebb tide between Mortlake and Putney.

The Race was “invented” by the late Richard Burnett and the late Derek Dunckley of Vesta Rowing Club in 1982. The Men’s Head of the River Race had grown beyond the maximum number of crews that could be accommodated over the course, and it was decided that veteran (masters) entries could no longer be accepted.

The Race started very modestly and unofficially, but quickly developed into an event attracting a very high number of overseas crews, many of whom now come every year.

Bewl entered a Masters D 8+ crew, finishing 32 overall in a time of 19.29.98.

Another great day at the Vets Head.

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SPRING BEWL HEAD 26th March 2023

Congratulations to those of you who braved today’s unpleasant weather and competed in the Head of  Bewl Race. Good results and seemingly enjoyed despite the rain.

Many thanks to those who not only braved the rain and the cold being mainly static during the race, but helped with time keeping and marshalling duties and provided the essential safety cover at the start, finish and along the course. Thanks also to the team who calculated the results and those who organised the presentation cups.

Many thanks also to mainly ladies who organised and provided tea, coffee and cakes and put up the canopy and tables, and to those who contributed sausage rolls and cakes.

Of course, a big thank you too, to Rob Purves who masterminded this and many previous Bewl HORs. His comprehensive and diligent preparation and organisation enables it all to happen.

The events of today included for the Club farewell, although we hope it will be Au Revoir, to Rowena who armed with her single and double sculling boats is setting off to live in France. Rowena has been a member for several years and served on the committee for many years too. Her cheerfulness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by us all and particularly the other three who she rowed with regularly. We look forward to hearing about life and rowing in France.

Rowena, good luck and  best wishes.

Thank you to all who took part today.

Chris Wynne

Captain

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OARSPORT SCULLERY HEAD – 20^th March 2023

The Scullery Head at Eton Dorney was the finale of the Junior Head season. There were 562 junior entries, ages J14 to J18. This is the largest Junior Head in the country, at the fantastic location of Eton Dorney. A great experience for all our junior crews. The event is run as 2 x 1800 metre time trials, the times then added together.

BBRC took 6 crews, 9 of the juniors started with last year’s ‘Learn to Row’.

Crews:

WJ18 4x- Sophia, Minna, Emily, Saskia. (21^st out of 31 crews, in a time of 14.35.8)

WJ18 4x- Lara, Ottile, Maddie, Rosie. (23^rd out of 31 crews, in a time of 14.43.4)

WJ16 4x- Hattie, Bea, Olivia, Anna. (37^th out of 51 crews, in a time of 15.47.0)

J16 4x- Henry, Rohan, Oscar, Olly. (41^st out of 51 crews, in a time of 14.27.0)

J15 4x+ Harry TC, Ollie, Tom, Ed, cox Lara. (25^th out of 61 crews, in a time of 14.44.2)

J14 4x+ Harry G, Fraser, Jack, Zac, cox Theo. (5^th out of 47 crews, in a time of 14.37.7)

This is a national event; The J15 4x+ did very well finishing in the top third. The J14 4x+ did exceptionally well finishing 5^th, this is our highest ever result at the Oarsport Scullery Head.

Well done to all the crews, we hope you enjoyed the day? Thank you to everyone who helped on the day, and to Dave for towing.

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JUNIOR INTER REGIONAL TRIALS

DOCKLANDS 26^th February 2023

The JIRR Trials at Docklands was run as a time trial over 1000m. This event is for the Thames South East Clubs to compete for a place in the JIRR final, 22^nd April at Nottingham. The final will comprise of all trial winners from around the country.

Bewl took all juniors who were available, we had 18 crews entered. It was a cold blustery day.

The Bewl selected crews are as follows:

J16 4x: Olly S, Oscar, Angus, Henry

J16 1x: Jack

J15 4x+: Ollie, Edward, Tom, Harry

J15 1x Ben

J14 2x Harry, Jack

J14 1x Fraser

WJ14 2x Aryana, Aggie

WJ16 8+ Composite with GRV Matilda, Keeva, Kathryn; BBRC Agatha, Martha, Olivia, Bea, Hattie.

Cox/Res for J14/J15: Zac.

A big thank you to everyone who helped with the day, especially parents and senior juniors for helping with the time keeping. Coaches for supervising the day, and Dave for Towing. A big thank you to Jamie who organised the event, and the volunteer umpires.

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MAIDSTONE HEAD

5^th MARCH 2023

Bewl took 27 Junior crews and 8 Masters crews to Maidstone Spring Head. The Head was run over 2500 metres; the conditions were very good all day. It’s always a good day, with 4 divisions, and lots of racing.

The fastest Bewl Crew of the day was Jack and Ben in the 2x in a time of 09.08.3. They also got the fastest Junior Pennant.

The fastest Masters Crew, was Lou and Andy in a Mx Mas C 2x, in a time of 09.51.5.

The fastest Bewl  junior girls crew was, WJ18 4x+ Saskia, Heather, Emily, Sofia, cox Anna. In a time of 09.47.4.

The J16 4x+ did very well, winning their event. 3 of the crew being part of last year LTR, Olly, Oscar, Angus, Henry, Cox Emily. In a time of 09.27.3.

The J14 2x also had a fantastic row and win, Fraser and Harry. In a time of 09.54.4.

Great credit also goes to the J13’s. Last year’s LTR, rowing in a mixed quad, Gabi, Skye, Theo, Mack, cox Hattie, finishing in a very respectable time of 10.55.5.

Thank you to everyone who helped with rigging and derigging the boats, and Jamie for Towing.

Full results:

https://maidstoneinvicta.co.uk/msbh/

QUINTIN HEAD 29^th JANUARY 2023

Quintin Head took place on the 29^th January 2023. There were 300 entries racing the 4.4K course from Chiswick Bridge to Fulham Reach. Conditions were fair but freezing cold.

Bewl Master’s G 8+ with:

Cox: Diane

Stroke: Peter, Jan, Rob, Mike, Bill, Gordon, Neil, Bow: Paul.

Bewl finished 5^th in Master’s G in a time of 14:05.92, placing them 246^th overall.

The Master’s G squad train at Bewl on Tuesday and Thursday morning.

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BRITISH ROWING

CLUB CREW OF THE YEAR 2023

MIKA AND LOU

BRITISH ROWING'S FESTIVAL OF INDOOR ROWING

Bewl Oarsomes (ages 12 – 16), were invited to take part and support British Rowing’s ‘Festival of Indoor Rowing’. We incorporated the event into our regular Tuesday and Thursday evening training, some juniors also took part at home. We had some great results, well done to everyone who took part.

Results:

JACK              2^nd        Year 9             500m               (field of10)

JACK              1^st        Year 9             1 minute          (field of 14)

JACK              4^th        Year 9             4 minutes        (field of 244)

HARRY T-C   7^th        Year 10           5 minutes        (field of 76)

EDWARD      10^th      Year 10           5 minutes        (field of 76)

MARTHA       3^rd        Year 10           5 minutes        (field of 42)

BEA                5^th        Year 10           5 minutes        (field of 42)

OSCAR           1^st        Year 11           6 minutes        (field of 9)

ROHAN          5^th        Year 11           6 minutes        (field of 9)

SOPHIE          1^st        Sixth Form      1 minute          (field of 3)

LEO                24^th      Year 9             4 minutes        (field of 244)

Aryana, Harry G and Skye also took part during training, and worked hard. (didn’t submit times).

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WALTON SMALL BOATS HEAD - 10TH NOVEMBER 2022

BBRC set off in force on a frosty cold morning to Walton Small Boats Head. The trailer was full with 21 boats in tow. We had 33 crews that raced, ranging from J14 to Mas F.  Walton Head is a large event for singles, doubles and pairs only. It runs 3000m downstream from d’Oyly Carte Island, Weybridge to Miskins Wharf. The conditions were good, if not a bit cold, but a bit of low sunshine gave a tiny bit of warmth.

Bewls fastest boat on the day, and winning their event, was a composite with Walton, Dave and Rod: Op MasD 2X  in a time of 11.15.8. In a field of 9, Bewl also gained 2^nd place, with Ben and Angus, in a time of 11:29.0.

Other Masters wins:

Mx Mas E 2x:       Jonathan and Sarah,   12:04.2

Mx Mas F/G 2x:   Jonathan and Sarah,    12:02.4  

W Mas B 2X:        Mika and Lou,            12:16.9 

For many of Bewls Juniors this was their first event steering a double, and only their second ever Head race. Most of the recent outings have focused on steering, and how to tackle a 3K race. They all did fantastic; rowed, raced and steered well.

The fastest Junior was Josh in Op J18 1X in a time of 12:33.9, placing him 7^th in a field of 12. Josh was followed closely with our next fastest Junior crew, Op J16 2X: Olly and Rohan in a time of 12:35.9.

In WJ18 1X: Sophia won in a time of 13:22.7 in a field of 7, and Minna gained 2^nd place in a time 13:44.3.

The Junior squad had a few good competitive results:

Op J14 2X:  Jack and Fraser came 2^nd in a field of 12, time 13:11.1

WJ17 2X: Amelia and Maddy came 3^rd in a field of 10. Time 12:46.7

WJ16 2X: Bea and Anna came 3^rd in a field of 10. Time 13:52.6

Another notable performance was the WJ15 2X, Bea and Hattie, who came 5^th in a field of 32, in a time of 13:06.9.

We all had a fantastic day, busy as always at Walton Head. Lots of great results and racing. Thank you to Dave and Jamie for towing, and the Masters for help loading the boats. Coaches for assisting on the day, Wendy, Dave, Jamie, Miles and Brooke. Thank you to parents for your support and cheering on the day.

Full results:  

http://www.waltonrowingclub.co.uk/walton-small-boats/results/

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VETS FOURS HEAD 2022

The Veteran Fours Head took place on Sunday 20^th November 2022. The race was run from Mortlake to Putney on the ebb tide, with 233 crews competing. Conditions were good, with a bit of chilly sunshine.

Bewl Masters gaining size and strength took 4 crews:

Bewl’s fastest crew finished 45^th, Mast D 4X, 6^th out of 13 in a time of 20.33.8:

Crawford, Lucian, James, Mike.

Mast D4-, 4^th out of 7 in a time of 20.47.3:

Rob, Ben, Angus, Dave.

MxMasC 4X, 2^nd out of 6 in a very respectable time of 20.42.6. Finishing 51^st.

Hagen, Andy, Lou, Mika.

MxMasE 4X, 3^rd out of 4 in a time of 21.49.9:

Annie, Ro, Neil, Richard.

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BRITISH ROWING - WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

19^th November 2022

4 BBRC Juniors girls Martha, Bea, Hattie and Olivia, gained places to attend the British Rowing Women’s Development Program days. Coaches: Wendy, Jamie and assistant coach Anna also gained places to attend.

The first day was held at Bewl with Richard Poole (BR Coach), Abbi (Sports Science Coach) leading the day. Bewl Juniors girls, (including Rosie and Kaelah), and girls from Bexhill and Brighton University also joined the day. The day was broken into 2 parts:

• Land based skills on the ergo: developing the fundamentals of the rowing stroke, hip hinge, leg drive, finish, power per stroke.
• Water based skills: translating the land session onto the water skills.

A big thank you to Richard, Abbi, Wendy and Fiona (Shoreham) for supervising the day, and Dave for Safety cover.

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11 KM SILVERSKIFF RACE, TORIN, ITALY

NOVEMBER 2022

Hagen, Alex and Mika travelled from BBRC and met up with Emily at the 11K Silverskiff Race, Torin in Italy.

A high calibre event with many Olympians and World Champions racing. The course record got broken by an Italian LTW Gabriel Soares in a time of 40.16.748, who overtook Martin Sinkovic at the finishing line to the cheers of the Italians.

Emily won her event, Women’s Lightweight in a time of 46.15.322.

Alex, Mas D raced for his Italian Club (IDROSCALO MI) in a time of 48.52.38.

Mika, WMas C 7^th in a time of 52.38.585.

Hagen, Mas E 8^th in a time of 48.18.004.

Their finishing times good enough to be seeded in next years event.

Hagen said: “Three days of sunshine and no wind. Lovely food and great company”.

This sound like a lovely event.

CAPTAINS BLOG

Dear Members,

It was an unexpected privilege to be elected Captain of Bewl Bridge Rowing Club again. In the eyes of most members, I am probably an old boy who turns up on Sunday mornings and rows in the Veterans’ VIII and enjoys tea and cake, and a chat afterwards! In fact, I can claim to be the only Founder Member still rowing at Bewl. Probably few know that in 1979 I was appointed Captain and later became Secretary until 1990. BBRC was a significant rowing club from the start, but what we have now is a vastly expanded organisation and clearly one of the most successful rowing clubs in the Southeast and beyond. Both my daughters have coxed and learnt to row at Bewl (my older daughter Catherine reminds me she was dumped in the cox’s seat when she was 8 and could swim) and my younger daughter Anna hopes to return to rowing soon. My wife, Mary used to enjoy organising fund raising parties for the Club at our house in Lamberhurst too. Although for a while Tonbridge and Sevenoaks Schools rowed here, in those early years encouraging local schools to take up rowing was always thwarted by the need for juniors venturing out in boats to wear bulky life jackets. GB’s Olympic successes demonstrated that with safety launches present life jackets were not essential and so it is particularly gratifying to have our thriving Junior Section in which Emily Craig began her rowing career.

Angus has seen the Club through a challenging time and kept it together during the Covid Pandemic and I am looking forward with the Directors, Committee and Members to building on what has been achieved since 1977.

Chris Wynne

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BEWL HEAD 16^th OCTOBER 2022

Bewl Head was run over 4K from the bottom of Hook Straight to Rosemary Dam, in glorious conditions of perfectly flat water with warm Autumn sunshine.

There were 30 crews racing over the course, aged 13 to 80, in singles, doubles, quads and eights.

The fastest crew overall was the Mas D 8+: Crawford, Warwick, Damien, Andy, Sam, James, Lucian, Mike, cox Diane, in a time of 14:07.1.

The fastest Junior crew was the J16 4X-: Olli, Alex, with Angus and Henry, who were part of this year’s Learn to Row group, in a time of 15:43.7.

The fastest Junior girls crew was the WJ18 2X: Sophia and Minna in a time of 16:36.3.

The shield was given to the MxMas E 4X-: Annie, Ro, Neil and Richard, in a time of 16:05.9.

The trophies were handed out by Bewl’s World Champion Emily Craig.

Thank you to Rob and Lawrence for organising the event. A big thank you to everyone who organised the tea tent and provided such lovely teas and cakes, £170 was made in donations. And to everyone who marshalled in the launches and pontoon, time keepers and supporters.

Results:

www.raceclocker.com/61e7fd02

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MAIDSTONE HEAD 25^th September 2022

BBRC Juniors and students had 38 entries at Maidstone Head. Maidstone Head is run over 2500 metres from Allington to Maidstone under British Rowing Rules of Racing. There were entries ranging from J14 to Open, in singles, doubles and quads. We had 17 Junior rowers from our April Learn to Row taking part in their first event. Maidstone Head is an ideal event for their first event, it is local, with a friendly inclusive feel. The more senior juniors looked after our new members well by coxing, and guiding them through the event.

BBRC had 12 wins. Our fastest boat coming 4th, the J18 2X Jack and Ed in a time of 8:47.2 minutes. They were 0.9 of a second from being the fastest Junior men’s Crew.

Other winners were:

• J16 2x Olli and Angus, this being Angus’s first race.
• J15 2X Ben and Fraser
• WJ18 2X Sophia and Ottile
• J15 1X Ben
• J14 4X+ Mack, Jack, Zac, Leo, cox Anna. (Great name combination)
• WJ17 2X Maddy and Innes
• WJ15 4X+ Agatha, Martha, Hattie, Bea, cox Lara
• W1X Grace
• WJ18 1X Minna
• WJ17 1X Maddy
• WJ15 1X Hattie

Well done everyone, it was a great day out with the sun shining and calm conditions. Thank you to Jamie for towing, Miles, Brooke, Dave R, Dave and Wendy for organising and supporting on the day. And to all the parents for their support and cheering of the racing. Thank you also to Maidstone for their hard work and warm welcoming.

BBRC BBQ 18^th September 2022

We had a good turnout of over 100 members, friends and families to the BBRC BBQ. It was a lovely way to see the start of the Autumn season. Adults and juniors alike enjoyed the Dodgems, great fun to have exclusive use for 4 hours.

Thank you to Annie for organising the food. Richard, Neil and Eric for setting up, cooking and clearing up. Dave, Lawrence and Wendy for the background organising.

And Peter at Arena Pursuits for the venue:

https://www.arenapursuits.com

It was a chilly 6 degree start picking up the trailer at Bewl with the largest ever BBRC entry for the Scullers Head. A total of 11 Bewl scullers were entered - some old hands, some newcomers to the race, and some returning after a long break - out of a total of over 500 for the usual 6km Tideway Head course, with the date moved from the previous December date to a more palatable September one. The 11 were Jack Ribbens, Crawford Burden, Lucian Lauerman, Dave Ribbens, Angus Bogle, Jonathan Morris, Mike Maunsell, Richard Suthers, Mika Rosenfeld, Sarah Morris and Rowena Suthers. The weather quickly warmed up so that by the 10:00am start, it was a sunny and pleasant 15 degrees, with a good tail wind over much of the course. The water was also pretty flat for a Tideway race, so conditions could only really be described as “set fair”! Jack set the pace with a remarkable scull, almost breaking into the top 100, and coming in 3rd in his highly competitive category. He definitely has bragging rights over his dad! The other sculler of particular note was Sarah, who won WMasF/G comfortably. After some good racing, we all had to endure the long slog back to Mortlake against the tide and into the headwind, so the time spent on the water was around 3 hours. But was it worth it? With conditions like that, we all thought - you bet it was! Roll on 2023!!!