The Abingdon Spring Head of the River rowing event took place today. It involved about 400 boats rowing a 2000 meter time trial from Culham Reach to Abingdon, and made a fine spectacle.
I would guess that the majority of spectators, however, come from rowing clubs, and were there to cheer on their team mates.
The results are worked out after everybody has rowed. So there is no way for an idle spectator to see who has done well – even if two boats finish close together.
We were asked by one club steward, why we had came, and what might attract more local people. I said more stalls, and some oddball fun events.
This weekend, at Abingdon Rugby Club, the Oxfordshire Scooter Alliance had organised an Oddballs Rally. Money raised went to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
People were having fun in various oddball ways, including the Space Hopper Grand National seen on their facebook page, .
Utterly utterly off-topic, and maybe there will be a post on this in due course, but it is good to see Backstreeter is standing for the Town Council in Caldecott Ward.
It has been too long.
…and to go back on topic great to see so many rowers out on Sunday on a beautiful sunny day on one of the best stretches of water around.
To get more viewers at the AbingdonHead of the River – advertise it more widely! With explanations as to what it’s about for us non-rowers. Admittedly we were away over Easter, but the only way we knew something was on was the faint sound of a distant tannoy system heard from the back garden! We went down to the river out of curiosity! Excellent cake stall on offer.
When can I vote for Backstreeter?
Gillian – I am sure the Rowing Club (and other events organisers) would be interested to know what sort of advertising you would find helpful I.e where you look or listen for local event ads? Most groups have very limited budgets/resources for publicity so need to target it carefully.
One place which many (including the Rowing Club) use is the free calendar on the town website http://www.abingdon.gov.uk/events and if you are on Twitter you can get information about upcoming events from WhatsOnAbingdon so it might be worth you keeping an eye on those. There is also an Abingdon Facebook Group and the new StreetLife forum, both of which have some events.
I found the Head of the River advertised in the Roundabout magazine.However it did say that racing started at 9.30 am, and we were there until about 11.15 with no sigh of racing, just general milling about. However the sun was out and we enjoyed the activity.
I’m a bit late, but Martin, if you see this: racing started promptly, so I’m guessing that you stayed on Rye Farm Meadow and did not walk down the Thames Path to the race course – as you can see in Backstreeter’s photos, the path opposite Wilsham Road or further down by Donkey Bridge (approx opposite the Marina development) will give you a great view. Can’t race under Abingdon Bridge – it would be carnage!