CALSTOCK Regatta was held last weekend — the first year in many where it has been held separately to the Bike Show.

The rowing club maintained an excellent array of refreshments from the village hall and there was plenty of entertaiment for the spectators.

Clubs from all over Cornwall competing in traditional racing that has taken place in the village since the turn of the century. Points from the racing at Calstock will influence the overall standings in the Cornwall Rowing Association Championships.

There were more than 30 races held over the two day event. The highlight of the weekend was the U14s mixed four oar in 18ft flashboats where despite having a crash and ending up third on the day the Calstock crew clinched the Cornish Championship.

In the U14s Randan held in 15ft coxless skiffs, Calstock were just pipped to the championship by the crew from Saltash.

Other notable results for the home crews were Leigh Ann Alford taking second in the ladies' pair of paddles and second place overall in the championship.

Calstock ladies' four oar hung onto third for the season despite coming fourth on home water. The U18s girls' four oar taking second on the day and second overall for the year, missing out to a very dominant Polperro crew. In the mens' pair of paddles Jan Wilkins of Saltash finished in fourth place but still managed to take the championship — the winner on the day being James Howells from Saltash. In the U18s boys' four oar, Penryn capped an impressive season with yet another win, and the same crew came a fifth in the mens' four oar which was won by Saltash.

Following the end of the days racing a total of nearly 300 'pooh' sticks were released, the winner being the first through the viaduct. A loud cheer went up as the winner was local girl Bethany Dingle who received a cash prize.

The presentation of medals and cups to younger rowers was then made by club supporters Joshua Preston and Jeanette Stebbings to all the 'placed' crews.

All competitors and spectators agreed that it was 'one of the best' regattas in recent history.

Thanks must go to Tina North who worked tirelessly on fundraising and organising ably assisted by many members of the club; thanks went to Keith Ingram, for the starting of races, and all members and supporters of the club for all their hard work over the weekend.

Calstock Rowing Club is always looking for new members to compete in all age ranges, from 10 and 11 year olds up to Veterans (40+) and Super Vets (50+). It also offers a great way to keep fit, socialise and keen competition.

l For more details see its website on http://www.calstockrowingclub.co.uk">www.calstockrowingclub.co.uk — the club's membership is drawn not just from Calstock but from the Callington, Launceston and Tavistock areas.