The BRC annual Dinner and other short stories...

Swapping their usual rowing attire for black tie and evening dress, the membership of Bedford Rowing Club gathered together last weekend to celebrate and honour its members achievements. The dinner was held at the Swan Hotel, just across the river from the clubhouse, so the invitations read 'boats at 12pm' instead of carriages! Special thanks should go to the Club's major sponsors David Wallis of Vauxhall Motors and Andy Wallis of Charles Wells Brewery for honouring us with their presence on the evening.

The following people were awarded prizes for their achievements:

Chairman's Prize - Tom Williams, for his outstanding contribution to the club. In his multi-faceted role as chef, gardener, decorator and international babysitter, Mr Williams has really made a difference to the club.

Rower of the year - Chris Goodsall, the stroke of the VIII and IV at Henley. His determination drove the crew in a hard fought race which was ultimately lost by only 2 feet. The race was much talked about and commended by the regatta chairman in his closing speech. Mr Goodsall suffered a collapsed lung two weeks after Henley, though he is now recovering well, and looking forward to the birth of his first child.

Most Improved Rower - Lydia Swift, a home grown talent, who took up rowing at Bedford RC two years ago. Her spirit and determination to excell have paid off with this award.

Hagan Jannich Award - A prize for the member who caused the most damage to club equipment went to Adam Wood for the second year in succession. The boat Mr Wood was steering was struck by a boat from another club during a race in York. The rescue boat which responded to the incident picked up Bedford crew and promptly sank with all hands aboard. Spectators on the bank called the police and fire brigade, who could not get to river bank without shunting illegally parked cars aside. There was extensive damage to the bumpers and front of the fire-engine. The offending cars were subsequently issued parking tickets. The total cost, in damages and time charged was in excess of £10,000. After all this Mr Wood, who previously coxed the GB junior crews at the Strathclyde and Munich World Championships, still claims it wasn't his fault!

Recognition should also go to Julie Bavington, Caroline Kirman and Adam Wood who competed as a composite crew with Nottingham & Union RC at Women's Henley and the National Championships. This crew would consider their season a disappointment based on their previous success (England selection 1996), however they were beaten in the final of both events only by the smallest of margins.

In fact, at the National Championships, the margin of victory was 0.34 seconds, Bedford won the silver medal, but not the coveted England selection, the difference being the last stroke of the race - Tideway Scullers School took it before Bedford.

A touching gesture by outgoing captain, Ian Pendall, saw him donate a flag, complete with club colours and badge to the president. The old Bedford RC flag was stolen several years ago, but its replacement is now flying resplendantly over the clubhouse.

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