WARRINGTON Rowing Club’s annual regatta on the Mersey again attracted hundreds of oarsmen and women from all over the North and the Midlands.
The weather stayed fair and more than a dozen rowing clubs competed in more than 50 classes, with races finishing close to the club’s headquarters near Kingsway Bridge.
There were classes for men, women, senior, juniors and veterans and clubs taking part, in addition to hosts Warrington, included Trafford grosvenor, Liverpool Victoria, Hollingworth Lake, Runcorn, Mersey, Tees, Merchant Taylors, Trentham, John ‘o Gaunt and Derby.
A stiff breeze led to some choppy water, but nevertheless some good times were recorded.
Rowing is believed to have taken place on the Mersey at Warrington for nearly 200 years and the origins of the Warrington Regatta date from more than 150 years ago, when large crowds of spectators were attracted.
But the present club was formed in the mid-1980s, originally based at The Old Quay Tavern.
In the late 1980s the pub changed hands and the club was given notice. This provided the incentive for the club to acquire its own boathouse on land next to Kingsway Bridge, leased from the borough council.
The boathouse was opened in 1989 on the morning of that year’s regatta. It consisted of three old pre-fabs erected in a line.
During the 90’s a lottery grant helped extend the boathouse and gym and provided a good stock of boats.
The club now has strong links with Lymm High School and over the years they have produced some outstanding oarsmen and women. Membership is higher than ever and the club is about to embark on its next project – a new boathouse with state-of-the-art facilities for both the club and local community.
