Author: Jacq Barnard

October 25, 2024

With the evening light failing fast we felt the need to squeeze in one more evening row. As you can see the cox and crew had slightly different views so a detour to the Maybush at Waldringfield while the storm passed was essential.

Luckily the storm passed over in just about enough time for a quick pint and chips before setting back.

We often see seals on the river Deben but on this night we watched a seal catch its own fish supper and swim alongside.

Another great summer on the water

A glorious sunny evening with both Whissock and Whisper on the water

Chips and beer from the Maybush whilst tied to a buoy and being basked by the setting sun

Every year we do our bit to entertain the children (and adults) along the Woodbridge waterfront. Here you can see us teamed up with Sæ Wyling for a cold but fun outing

This year, the AGM was held at The Bull Hotel in Woodbridge, with over half of the club members attending.

We followed the business section with a lovely meal and social in the newly refurbished pub. We will definitely go back next year.

Thanks go to the outgoing and incoming Committees who seamlessly run the club by working hard behind the scenes to keep everyone happy and the boats well maintained.

On Sunday, both skiffs were out on the water. The crews included two people having a taster session alongside our regular members. It was good to see the Felixstowe Rowing Club on a long trip up to Woodbridge.

It was surprisingly warm for an October day, but no one was complaining!

Anyone from the shore would have seen both boats enjoying some banter at the bottom of Martlesham Creek. The Whisstock crew made do with a quick KitKat but the Whisper crew had quite a picnic. No need to guess which of the two boats made it home first!

Great fun!

We joined this last year and launched both Whisstock and Whisper again to show a presence again this year.

It’s a good exercise in boat handling and is also encouraging to prove that those enjoying our river don’t leave a lot of rubbish.

Once again, we covered the area from the DYC to the top of Martlesham Creek armed with litter pickers and plastic bags.

Kyson Point provided the star items of a golf ball and a yellow plastic duck with a few bits and bobs over the rest of our pitch.

All items, including the litter pickers, were returned to the Scout Hut at the Tide Mill.

An enjoyable morning!

The event organised by Adrian Hodge from CRAB, Coastal Rowing at Blakeney was originally scheduled and postponed during Covid. The event was held Monday to Friday and covered the rivers and broads between Hickling and Coltishall.

The base was Barton Turf Adventure Centre, where many camped or stayed nearby at various locations of their choice. Twelve skiffs attended from six clubs these included five St. Ayles skiffs from Blakeney, Kings Lynn and Woodbridge and Adrian’s rather fine Thames skiff, well over 100 years old.

The boats were left overnight at various pre-arranged locations, parish staithes, boatyards and yacht clubs. Adrian’s organisation of the whole event was meticulous, particularly in getting crews back and forth to the boats.

An itinerary for each day was produced, together with maps and suggested points to visit. Most of our rowing was thus in the company of just a few boats, with a few more meeting up at the obvious lunch spots. A mud weight was provided, as the Broads Authority does not like anchors, and this was useful at lunchtime in the broads.

We had two evening events, a barbeque at BTAC and a ceilidh in Neatishead Village Hall with an excellent band and food.

We finished the event rowing back to Wroxham Broad, where the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club have good facilities for getting the boats back on their trailers.

A lovely week, well organised and some lovely rivers and Broads.