Issue 104 - December 1997

To Tewkesbury-on-pleasure

Twenty-seven oarsmen and women took part in the fourth ARA Tour this summer from Stratford on Avon to Tewkesbury. Suncream and water were essential items of luggage as the tourers were once again blessed with glorious weather.

The ages of the participants ranged from 12 to 80 years, providing as much variety as the parts of England from which the tourers had travelled and the types of boats, which ranged from coastal galleys to Mondegos, and included other rare and unusual crafts such as skiffs.

The tourers met up at Stratford, in many cases renewing friendships from previous years' tours and forged friendships with the newcomers whilst being entertained by the town club, with hospitality provided by Derek and Shirley Eardley. The club treasurer Geraldine McColl happened to be working out on an ergo as the tourers arrived and whilst extending the club hospitality, enthusiasm overcame her curiosity and within an hour or so Geraldine was 'signed up' by a coastal galley crew for the three-day tour.

The first day took the tourers downstream to Evesham RC. A delicious buffet meal was provided and club members and officials turned out to extend the welcome for which Evesham RC are well known.

The following day the tourers continued downstream to the beautiful town of Pershore where they enjoyed a table d'hote meal at the Angel Hotel, followed by votes of thanks to the organisers and particular congratulations to tourer Pat Sherwin for his MBE in recognition of his services to sport in the period since the last tour.

The final day's touring took the group from Pershore to Tewkesbury where Cheltenham College Boat Club kindly provided disembarking and showering facilities which the tourers were able to use before being ferried across the river (11 miles if you go by road!) to the Lode Inn for a final get together and a grand buffet.

Touring rowing is steadily gaining popularity in England. The main ARA touring group are already running mini tours, and the ARA National Development Officer would be pleased to forward details of interested participants to the organisers or to publicise planned tours.

'The clothes are washed, the boat cleaned, the suntan fading. However, Robert and I are still telling stories and laughing about the many conversations, coupled with hilarious incidents that all made a brilliant cruise...'

'I had a lovely time and my rowing has improved 100 per cent. Oddly enough, the fixed-seat rowing has made me concentrate on what I do with my legs now I'm back on a slide.'

© Copyright A. Meegan, 1997.