WSPC Meander 2011

06:30 Good Friday saw 4 double skiffs enter the water from the garden of The New Inn Lechlade with 4 crews and support boat raring to go. It was a beautiful morning to start our 2011 meander. However as the day progressed, with temperatures double the average for April sun cream and hats replaced the usual winter woollies and maintaining fluids was the order of the day. Despite the heat good progress was made arriving in Abingdon on time after 40 gruelling miles. The next 3 days followed a similar pattern with stops in Remenham and at WSPC.  In addition to the temperatures the lack of stream meant that approximately 30 miles more than usual had to be skiffed. 3 boats eventually made it to touch the lock gates at Teddington, well done to everyone involved. Despite the pain a good time was had by all. Dominic Price was the only skiffer to pull every stroke of the 124 miles, a fantastic achievement bearing in mind he is just 16. One of the youngest to do so.

As usual, an event like this cannot be achieved without organisation and support. Our thanks go to Carol, Jeeves, Phil and Smiffy for their organisation and Mark Stanley, Sarah Wooley and Andy Jenkinson for their work on the support boat. We are also grateful to Imo and Pam for our excellent meals in Abingdon and at WSPC.

Just 2 years to the next one…