Crowds turn out for Evesham regatta

10:35am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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THE rain held off long enough to allow relieved officials to hold the Evesham Regatta as visitors arrived in their hundreds to be part of the event.

The regatta is the biggest event on the Evesham Rowing Club calender and was in serious doubt up until Friday lunchtime with heavy rain making parts of the river dangerous. But Saturday brought fine sunshine and a shortened course was used as crews took part in sprint races.

Crowds lined the banks of the Avon to watch the showpiece event which is one of the biggest rowing events in the West Midlands, featuring more than 500 crews from all over the country and beyond.

Mark Dewdney, deputy chairman of Evesham Rowing Club said: "It was a bit of leap of faith but we wanted it to go ahead.

"We had to change the course as parts were not practical or safe for crews to row on. Our decision was supported by everyone and we received a lot of good feedback about how the weekend went.

"We changed quite a lot of things this year including putting the crews into two divisions. This allowed the rowers to clear the water quicker and ensure the river was clear for the next race; it worked extremely well.

"There were huge crowds in Abbey Park and we were very well supported. The crowds were very good and there was a lot of cheering to encourage the crews."

The winners of the prestigious Evesham Journal Cup came from across the border in Wales as Monmouth School Rowing Club swept to glory. However, there was disappointing news for one rower who travelled all the way from the ANA Club in Australia, only to lose out in the first round.