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HEXHAM REGATTA COMES AROUND AGAIN
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By Jane Upstill-Goddard
ONE of Hexham’s most popular sporting occasions, the annual rowing regatta on Tyne Green, takes place a week tomorrow.
The event has become increasingly popular in the last few years, helped in part by the excellent weather.
Hexham Rowing Club is fortunate to have received major sponsorship from Transco this year and representatives from the company will be present on the day to award the prizes.
Last year’s event saw a record number of 232 entries, and if that is anything to go by the event will again prove to be one of the most popular regattas in the region.
Those competing comment on the friendly atmosphere and particularly attractive setting of the Tyne, as well as the unusual medals, which are produced specially for Hexham Regatta.
Racing will start at 10am and takes place over a 750m course, finishing just before the weir at the town's Tyne Bridge.
All ages and abilities will be represented, from relative beginners to experienced crews.
Hexham’s own Queen Elizabeth High School Rowing Club was the winner of the Victor Ludorum Trophy last year and will be hoping to retain the title this year.
It is generally agreed that rowing is not always the best spectator sport, but Hexham’s regatta has an advantage over many others in that much of the course is visible from the banks, thereby providing onlookers with the opportunity to watch closely contested races as well as the occasional capsize.
Two spectators were so impressed with last year’s event that they joined HRC and have competed in and won events this season!
Although the event is primarily a rowing competition, the organisers recognise the important contribution made by members of the public to the success of the event.Therefore, Several other attractions are available for for those who tire of the racing.
A marquee housing the beer and refreshments will be situated adjacent to the boathouse, with the home-made cakes always selling well.
The rowing machine contest is usually popular, especially amongst the college crews, and attractions this year include a bouncy castle and sumo wrestling near to the children’s play area on Tyne Green.
As these are aimed at both adults and children, it will be well worth coming down just to watch children persuading their parents to have a go.
The Canny Crack folk group will also be playing at lunchtime and for those hoping for a little culture, there is the opportunity to preview the Art Tour.
A number of other organisations are sponsoring the Regatta this year, including ECFS Machine and Plant Hire, CSH Property Consultants, JBT Waste Services Ltd, Lloyds TSB Private Banking, Lifestile, Northumbria and Cumbria Estates and Tynedale Council.
Without the support of such organisations Hexham Rowing Club would be unable to stage this enjoyable event, now in its 118th year.
The organisers look forward to welcoming everybody for what should be an enjoyable day out.
Previously published by Hexham Courant
28 May 2004
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