Stourport regatta is 'oarsome' spectacle
It started with two men in a boat in the 1870s, reputably became the biggest regatta of its kind in Europe almost 70 years later and is still a spectacular sight.
There were 472 entries for the 129 events rowed along the Severn in the annual two day Stourport Boat Club Regatta and Sprint at the weekend.
Single and double sculls, quads, fours and eights took their turn to battle it out as a torrent of races swept along the 1,000 metre river course. The competitors came from as far afield as Australia.
The youngest, Dan Rowley from Stourport, was 12 while the combined ages of the four men in two boats contesting veterans event on Saturday was an incredible 280 years.
Stourport High School pupil Dan took to single sculling like a duck to water after being inspired by watching our rowing stars on TV a couple of years ago and is now among 50 junior members of the club.
He explained: "It looked exciting and I decided to give it a go because I wanted a change from gymnastics. I discovered that I was pretty good."
Mary Bytheway, Vice President of Stourport Boat Club, said: "It is popular because it is a well run event on a big stretch of river where all those taking part know they will receive a warm welcome."
Sam Maher, a club member for 14 years and umpire at the regatta, added: "It offers a wide range of events covering all ages and abilities."
David Rendle and wife Lee, both 46, from Geelong, Victoria could not resist taking part while staying with friends.
