Stratford take the glory in the final West Midlands Explore Series event

Stratford BC take the win on home waters in the final West Midlands Explore Series of the summer

The final event of the West Midlands Explore Series went out with a bang on Sunday (30 October), and not just when one of the crews rowed into a barge on the Avon.

The event, held at Stratford BC, saw beginner crews from around the West Midlands competing for the overall honours and the end of the seven event series and it was the home club who came out on top.

Stratford’s A and C crews claimed four wins to finish ahead of Bewdley in the overall standings in the series, which started back in May.

“All that hard work pulled off! We put on a really good event yesterday and everyone who attended seemed to be enjoying themselves – which is what it’s all about after all! Great stuff and a fitting finale to the Explore Regatta 2016 season,” said Rosie Stone of Stratford BC.

It wasn’t all plain sailing on the water, however, with one of the Ironbridge RC boats going a bit off course and into the path of another vessel, but even that mishap wasn’t enough to diminish the smiles on the faces of those taking part throughout the day.

British Rowing’s Explore Rowing Programme started as part of the 2009-2013 Whole Sport Plan, since when more than 10,000 people have tried the sport. Explore Rowing clubs are making new links with their local communities, with rowers finding fun and more flexible ways to enjoy rowing.

If any clubs are interested in attending or hosting a round of the West Midlands Explore Series next year, email British Rowing’s area manager Jo Atkinson, contact her on Twitter, or call  07818 576147