Two clergymen from Evesham, Bishop Robert Paterson and Rev Ian Spencer, have been rowing up the Severn to raise money for retreat house, Holland House, where Ian is the warden.

In the boat ‘Maria’, which was repaired by Bishop Robert, they rowed a 20-mile stretch of the river from Bewdley Rowing Club to The King's School boathouse in Worcester.

They were sponsored to row, raising money for the Holland House anniversary appeal, which was launched to protect the retreat house so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

On completing the row, Rev Spencer said: “Our little boat Maria was only designed for tourists to row a few hundred yards around Stratford Upon Avon, so to go 20 miles was quite a task for all three of us!

"The windy weather hindered our progress in places, but I’m delighted to say we finished the course on time – although Robert and I had a few aches and pains the day after.

"Our thanks to Bewdley Rowing Club, the lock-keepers, Helen Williams, Barry Kent, and everyone else who supported us.”

 The bishop said: “When I took this on, I didn’t reckon on a low river level, resulting in a minimal flow, nor the very strong head-wind, but it was good fun and good exercise, and all for a very good cause worth supporting.”

 Holland House is a Christian retreat centre in Cropthorne, near Evesham. The anniversary appeal was launched last year on the house’s 70th anniversary.

Fundraising has already meant that the chapel has been completely refurbished, but the appeal remains open to help with the ongoing maintenance needed in a listed building and improve facilities for guests.  Ian and Robert raised £800 when they completed a similar sponsored row in 2017 and are hoping to match that again this year.      To sponsor Ian and Robert, visit cafdonate.cafonline.org/6046#