EVESHAM Rowing Club may look like a peaceful and sedentary venue to stroke away the hours on the River Avon, but there are some serious undercurrents that have hailed from within the four walls and members' eyes were on the University Boat Race on Sunday.

One of their own, Lance Tredell, who started rowing at the club and whose family live in Bretforton, helped stroke the Cambridge team to victory in the 162nd meeting of the rivals and broke the run of Oxford wins since 2012.

The race saw the worst conditions ever experienced by the event and specially fitted electronic pumps saved the boats from sinking in the choppy conditions.

Former Great Britain oarsman Tredell, 27, is in his first year of a land economy degree and hopes to return to the GB programme after finishing studying.

His mother, Sue Tredell, said: "Evesham has a lovely, friendly rowing club with great facilities and Lance enjoyed rowing there. It was wonderful to go down to London and watch him and the team win."

But you don't have to be a serious racer to enjoy leisurely time on the water and there are special classes for complete beginners to master the technique and enjoy the pastime while getting fit. There is also the chance to improve enough to enter local regattas and races.

"It's a sport for anyone of any age of ability," said coach Janet Summer who has been helping take to the water for 18 months.

"We have had people come here taking up sculling - where two oars are used - in their early 60s and become very good."

The learn to row group meets each Sunday, rain or shine, but row only when the river is safe. Sessions are held first on indoor rowing machines to master the rowing technique and then participants take to the water in boats of four, generally with two experienced members.

The course lasts for 12 weeks and costs around £105.

The cost of joining the rowing club is similar to gym membership - around £32 per month - and this gives access to the squash and tennis courts too, as well as the rowing machinery.

Local couple Scott and Cory Taylor went along for a taster day and immediately took to the sport. "It was great," said Mrs Taylor. "I think I'd like to take this up and maybe join the club. It was a lot easier than I expected. You don't have to be mega fit to start off and you are made to feel really welcome."

The club welcomes new members of all ages and has a junior section for teenagers to have a go. There is also an active social side based in the Boathouse Bar and there is the chance to visit many other clubs around the country.