AMATEUR rowers raced each other at the rescheduled Goring and Streatley Regatta.

Twenty of the 48 crews which were due to take part in the original event in July, which was cancelled due to poor weather, competed at the Oratory Boat Club in Whitchurch.

Competitors ranging from beginners to competent rowers and in age from 16 to late sixties raced in a variety of boats, canoes and dongolas in six classes for men, women and mixed crews.

Many had received coaching from Goring Gap Boat Club, which organises the annual regatta.

Club chairman Hugh Barker-Smith said: “It was important for us to give people a taste of competitive rowing. Lining up with another boat in a competitive situation is completely different to rowing for fun — everyone is nervous when they step into that boat.” Crews had two opportunities to compete and some of the races were so close they required an umpire’s decision.


David Bermingham, of Manor Road, Goring, has competed in the regatta for several years and said: “It’s a great experience getting out on the water and very theraputic.”

The regatta is designed to be a social occasion and usually includes music, entertainment and a funfair but these were scrapped for the rescheduled event.

Captain of boats Andy McKenzie, of Ferne Close, Goring, said: “We couldn’t recreate the summer regatta and we weren’t able to reschedule the dongola and canoe races for children that are one of the highlights.”

Published 15/10/12