Flood-hit rowing club's regatta sponsorship plea

An appeal has gone out for sponsorship for a regatta after organisers hit a cash-flow crisis.

Evesham Rowing Club cancelled last year's event because of flooding, and it left the committee facing "real business challenges".

Organiser Tony Rowland said the annual event, held each May bank holiday weekend on the River Avon, was still going ahead but appealed for anyone who could sponsor a race to get in touch.

Other local events, including Hereford Pride and Light Night Worcester, have been cancelled this year because of the economic climate.

The two-day spectacle sees hundreds of rowing crews take part in races, competing in singles, doubles, fours and eights.

Last year, when flooding hit the river, the club had already paid for everything, Mr Rowland said.

"The tentage was up, the toilets were out, the platforms were built and the water just didn't go down.

"The currents were very fast because we'd had extraordinary levels of rainfall."

This year, after a dry March, river levels are normal, but the club faces a different challenge.

"We have high business rates, high energy costs. Employment costs have gone up. It's all got to be found out of income to cover the costs - so we have had a cash-flow crisis," he said.

He explained cancelling a regatta meant the loss of money that would usually be used to run the club throughout the year.

He asked anyone who could volunteer or sponsor a race to get in touch with the club.

"We've been very lucky. People have been kind," he said. "Any help is gratefully received."

The event attracted about 600 to 700 people, he said, with the main regatta on 1,000m (1,093 yd) of river on the first day and a 500m (546.8 yd) sprint on day two.

"It's fast and furious. It's good fun," he added.

"Just come down watch the racing and buy a beer or non-alcoholic drink and watch some good sporting activity."

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