Fours Head of the River

The 44th annual Fours Head of the River on Saturday 8th November saw the largest single-start rowing race in world take place over the 4.25 mile Boat Race course. For the four Bedford RC crews it proved the start of a successful weekend's racing.

The top results were recorded by the womens Senior III coxed four, containing Leslie Clinton, Lydia Swift, Michele Emsley, Julie Merrick, and cox Tich Herald which placed 3rd of 23 crews in their category in a time of 23:18, only 9 seconds behind the winners. Also placing third in their category was the Senior I coxless four of Gwyn Williams, Blaine Castle, Jon Lemon and Adam Wood who finished 82nd overall after starting 363rd, significantly they beat all other club crews, as the two faster crews were from Imperial College and Brookes University.

The Senior II coxed four of Mark Hammond, Patric Doyle, John Melrose, Andy McLauglin and cox Jo Thompson finished fourth of forty two crews in their category, only 5 seconds behind the winners. Another high finishing position was achieved by the Elite coxless four of Stuart Storey, Steve Breed, David Pinkney and Michael Hardy who started 352nd and ended up 88th.

Due undoubtably to the intense training regime they have been following this season, the Bedford crews were able to race and win the next day at the Kingston Head of the River. The fastest Bedford crew was the Senior I coxless four containing Gwyn Williams, Blaine Castle, Jon Lemon and Adam Wood who were third overall and clear winners of their category. Also winning was the Elite coxless pair of Dan Pounds and Michael Hardy, plus the Senior I coxed four containing Stuart Storey, Spencer Nicols, David Pinkney and Michael Hardy.

The Womens Senior III coxed four was third as was the Mens Senior II coxed four, proving that Bedford RC is experiencing a resurgence across the spectrum.

To underline the new mood at the club, there are currently 24 novices regularly training, which has proved a problem for the coaches. There is a shortage of skilled coxes at the club, and this could be your opportunity. Are you too young to drive, but fancy steering a boat at the dizzying speed of 14 miles per hour? Could you control eight oarsmen or women plus their equipment, valued at £10000, for a 20 minute race? If you think you are up to the challenge, Bedford Rowing Club would be pleased to introduce to the noble art of coxing. Visit the club on Duckmill Lane any evening for a warm welcome.

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