SPORTING achievement was recognised when Stratford Boat Club held a well attended AGM to elect new officers.
New senior officers elected included Paul Stanton as president and Stephen Haighton as chairman.
Stanton is a long-standing member of Stratford Boat Club of 55 years and has served on the club’s committees for over 20 years.
Haighton as chairman will oversee the club’s management including aspects of the planned, imminent refurbishment and the future coaching regime.
Stanton said: “To follow in the steps of Felix Badcock, our recent president, is a daunting and humbling task as he gave so much to the club in guidance, good humour and experience. He is sadly missed.”
Haighton added: “Oliver Smith as captain of boats has done a magnificent job of running the rowing side of the club and has led by example – getting stuck in, keeping the maintenance of the equipment, blades and boats up to scratch.
“My job do is to head up the management committee of the club and oversee the good governance of the organisation.”
The evening also gave chance to recognise ‘Personalities of the Year’. These are awards voted on by all members of the club – seniors, juniors, coaches and parent helpers.
The award for Junior Personality of the Year went to Becky Stokes for her willingness to cox throughout all levels of the club and her helpful good nature.
The Senior Personality of the Year went to Chris Straw, immediate past safety advisor, especially for his assistance with coaching and organising the morning daytime recreational rowers.
The pots for the awards were donated by Jane Badcock, Felix’s wife, from the vast collection that Felix had amassed over many years of competitive rowing which gave the awards special provenance and significance.
Stanton also unveiled a portrait of Felix Badcock, immediate past president, which has been presented to the club in Felix’s memory by local artist and past member Keith Kennedy.
The meeting finished with a briefing on the progress of the refurbishment and fund-raiser Helen Smith said: “We have now got several funding awards that have put us in reach of our target for the refurbishment.
“All we need now are some final donations to top up the balance and we can start the renovations and improvements.
“We do hope Stratford businesses and benefactors will come forward to help us complete our dream of bringing rowing and sport to more people in the Stratford and wider area.”
