On Saturday 5 July 2014, a crew from Exeter Rowing Club will be rowing down the world famous Henley Royal Regatta Course by special permission of the Stewards of the Regatta. This row past is in recognition of the Clubs 150th Anniversary which is being celebrated this year.
The crew has been made up of a cross section of members of the Club, past present and future and ranges in age from 17 to 70+! The longest serving members of the crew are Club President, Ray Grigg and Club Chairman, Paul Wilson. Representing the men rowing at Exeter are Neil Hitt and Jonty Webber. Neil is a high performance rower and has rowed for England in the Home Internationals. Jonty was a member of the Exeter crew that raced at Henley last year and is currently achieving fantastic results in the WEARA regatta series where he sits in the stroke seat of the Senior A 4+. Lisa Cocks and Hana Lango Allen will be representing the womens squad. Both ladies have had a huge involvement in the club over the years, not only as high performing athletes but also in their contributions and commitment to the club. Hana was the ladies vice-captain last year and Lisa raced at Womens Henley Regatta last month. Anna Newton and Rachel Boyer are the up-and-coming stars of the club. Anna is one of the clubs top performing athletes and she has been attending the GB Junior trials this year. Rachel Boyer is achieving fantastic results at the WEARA regattas and is another of our very promising junior athletes. The crew will be coxed by Emily Boother, Emily only took up coxing last year and she is now coxing the successful mens senior A 4+. The crew will be rowing in the recently acquired Empacher Boat which was named after Paul Wilson earlier this year.
This is a great honour for the Club and the row past is to take place during the tea interval on Saturday 5 July which has some of the best racing of the Regatta.
By Kerri-Ann Upham