Fears for 138-year-old Hastings rowing regatta
CONCERNS are growing that the Hastings Rowing Regatta may be cancelled for the first time since 1868 after organisers resigned en masse.
As a result the planning of the much-loved event, which attracts 10 rowing teams and more than 200 competitors, has been thrown into turmoil.
The regatta is provisionally scheduled for June 17 but members of the Hastings rowing fraternity are worried the resignations could cause a lengthy delay or even cancellation.
Stephen Barnard, chairman of Hastings Rowing Club, said: "There is a real chance the regatta may not go ahead this year.
"This normally takes around five months to organise and so far preparations have not started.
"We need a regatta chairman, a secretary and a treasurer - without them there will be no regatta."
"Ideally some of the more experienced members of the rowing club would come forward and take over the responsibility.
"If this event is cancelled it will be such a shame for not only the rowers but for the town - it is traditionally a great day."
The main duties of the regatta committee would be organising first aid, co-ordinating entries and drawing up a programme of events but any volunteers would need to come forward quickly in order to save the day.
The resignations, which were made at the annual general meeting of the rowing club in February, are not the only threat to the event.
On-going roadworks on Hastings seafront could also cause problems.
Mr Barnard said: "Normally we would unload the boats from on the promenade but with all the work being done we might have trouble getting the trailers through.
"This would prevent us unloading the boats which would obviously cause problems.
Mayor of Hastings Pam Brown was equally upset at the prospect of cancellation.
She said: "It would be such a shame for the people who like watching it but especially for those who train all year to be ready to compete.
"We should be encouraging our rowers and making sure the Hastings Rowing Club goes from strength to strength."
Anyone who can offer their help should contact Stephen Barnard on 01424 714814 or visit: www.hastingsrowingclub.co.uk for more information.
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Weather for Hastings
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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