On Sunday 14 April, more than 690 rowers from across the south east of England will race head-to-head at the Bedford Rowing Club Spring Head. Members of the public are being encouraged to cheer on from the banks of the River Great Ouse in the centre of Bedford.

Starting at Queens Park and finishing just after the Butterfly Bridge opposite Russell Park on the Embankment, the 2000m downstream course will see rowers aged 12 to 78 years compete for a medal across seven divisions. 80 volunteers from Bedford Rowing Club will be on hand to organise the rowers and the race, which runs from 8.45am to 6.00pm.

Bedford Rowing Club President Hugh Maltby said: After a wet winter, during which numerous events were cancelled due to high river levels, it is fantastic to welcome crews from around the country back to the picturesque Embankment here in Bedford. Crews are eager to race each other again and test the fitness they've gained over the winter months. Our event provides the perfect opportunity, with seven timed divisions wherein crews go head-to-head against the clock to determine the fastest crews of the day.

Bedford Rowing Club's current membership includes juniors, women, men, seniors and masters, with everyone from former Olympians aged 80+ to juniors aged 13 who have just to learnt to row. The club runs regular adults and juniors Introduction to Rowing courses for anyone inspired by the British rowers in the Olympics, or dreamed of rowing the Oxford/Cambridge boat race course or the world-famous Henley-on-Thames.

The club has a great social side and regularly run events throughout the year both on and off the water. The dog friendly club bar is open to the public, and has one of Bedford’s best river views from the club house balcony. Serving coffees, breakfasts and drinks, the club offers venue hire and runs regular functions throughout the year, including the Annual Dinner & Dance, painting parties, fancy dress and barbeques.

Hugh Maltby added: "Spectators are warmly welcomed, and what better place to watch than from the balcony of Bedford Rowing Club, where you can enjoy our friendly hospitality."

For more information on the club please visit https://bedfordrowing.co.uk

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