MEMBERS of Hexham Rowing Club heaved a sigh of relief on Saturday evening as the Transco Regatta drew to a successful close.

Despite the tireless efforts of the organisers over the last six months, which had been directed to ensure that the event ran smoothly, everyone, especially club captain George Doody was concerned that something could have been forgotten.

He needn't have worried as the day went with barely a hitch, and although exhausting for organisers and race officials alike, it proved to be an enjoyable one for all those taking part.

With entries up again on last year (another record), the racing day had to be extended to accommodate the 180 or so races.

Regatta secretary Peter Hoare had the unenviable task of scheduling the races and sitting in the race control caravan from 9am until the end of the last race at 6.30pm.

Once again, university crews, many of whom had just finished exams, were well represented, as were all clubs in the northern region, with a few from as far afield as South Yorkshire.

Casual visitors came along to watch the races and to sample other activities on offer, including sumo wrestling, the Art Tour and the Canny Crack folk band.

Even the race programmes had sold out by lunchtime, thanks to the persuasive selling technique of Maurice Searle.

Spectators were able to get a good view of the races from the bank, with many close contests and some crews reaching the weir sooner than they'd anticipated!

Hexham Rowing Club can congratulate itself not only on organising such a well attended event, but also for having seven out of a possible nine crews winning medals on the day – more than the club has managed all season, and one of its best displays of recent times!

In the veteran men’s single sculls, John Mulholland had an exciting and exhausting race against old adversary, Andy Jaggard, of Durham, just beating him to the finish, and he won a further medal competing in an eight for Tyne Rowing Club.

Kevin Moates, a relative newcomer to HRC, had two races to complete to win the senior three singles event.

David Brown and Mark Christer triumphed in their two races for the senior four doubles event, Christer doing especially well having spent the morning at work.

The ever-changing mens coxless quad (Rob Upstill-Goddard, Maurice Searle, Andy Beattie and Quentin Campbell this time around) again defeated their Tyne rivals, with some interesting steering from both crews.

Rob had earlier competed and won in a mixed coxless quad with Laura Read, Geoff Wilkinson and Jane Upstill-Goddard.

George Doody, who did not compete on the day, consoled himself by polishing the silver trophies on Friday night, and it was left to son Sam to carry the family flag by competing in a fours event for Collingwood College.

He could be seen alone and in pensive mood before his final, no doubt anticipating possible defeat. Fortunately it was his lucky day.

Club juniors claimed the final medals, Claire Le Tissier forming a composite double with Alicia Moralee of Chester-le-Street to again win their J13 event.

James Upstill-Goddard and Michael Stevens provided the biggest surprise by winning the two races in their J16B event.

This was in spite of the fact that one of them hasn't been seen in a boat for well over six months.

Lastly, Rosie Upstill-Goddard and Laura Furniss celebrated their first win of the year in the J14B doubles event, this time competing for Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School.

QEHS has many talented rowers and the school again had numerous wins across the age ranges.

The points awarded to the club meant that QEHS had a clear margin of victory in the Victor Ludorum for the second year in succession.

The new Neil Lewis Memorial Trophy, specially commissioned in memory of Neil, who died earlier this year, was awarded as a veteran Victor Ludorum.

HRC coach and co-ordinating umpire Bob Manning paid a special tribute to the former club member before the presentations began.

Talkin Tarn Rowing Club eventually won the trophy, and several clubs, including HRC, took a share of second place.

HRC would like to thank the main event sponsor Transco, as well as the support received from other sponsors: Lloyds TSB Private Banking, CSH Property Consultants, ECFS Machine and Plant Hire, JBT Waste Services, Northumbria and Cumbria Estates, Lifestile and Tynedale Council.

Without the support of these and many other organisations and individuals, it would not have been possible to stage such a popular event.

All members of the regatta committee have contributed much to this enjoyable day but special mention must go to Jasmine Black, Sam Burnish, Bronya Read and Lucy Siddle, whose names have not already appeared in this report.

Lastly, the organisers would like to thank the race umpires, competitors and spectators for contributing to a splendid day.

For those who have visited the regatta and may be interested in joining the club, HRC continues to train throughout the year and always welcomes new members.

More information is available on the website – www.hexhamrc.co.uk

----Meanwhile, last Saturday saw the QEHS rowers return to local competition at the annual Hexham Regatta.For their home event they prefer to enter lots of events and, although some were denied races by lack of competition, they managed to win 15 events.In doing so won the Victor Ludorum, the cup for the club winning the most events. This demonstrates the strength of the club, the determination of all the athletes and the hard work of the two coaches, Alex Law and Dave Higgins.Those readers who remember the Hexham Rowing Club article a few weeks ago may recollect the account of Dave’s capsize while racing club member Chris Jacklin at Durham City Regatta.To avoid a repeat performance and to leave the question of who would have won still unanswered Dave and Chris teamed up in a double to win the Senior Three men’s double sculls event.It was an excellent day for Queen Elizabeth Rowing Club with lots of support from parents and friends.Engineering operations manager for Transco, the event sponsors, Peter Christie ,said: “The racing never stopped all day and it was a great event.“There were a great number of university crews there from across the region but I’m so glad that the local club won through.“There is some serious talent in the Queen Elizabeth side and some names to look out for.”