On Sunday 8 October, more than 325 rowers from across the south east will race head-to-head on the 2000m downstream course.

80 volunteers from Bedford Rowing Club will be on hand to organise the rowers and the race, which runs from 9am to 5.00pm. Starting at Queens Park and finishing just after the Butterfly Bridge opposite Russell Park on the Embankment, members of the public are being invited down to support the boats.

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Bedford Rowing Club President Hugh Maltby said: "Bedford Rowing Club has a long history of rowing and we are once again delighted to host crews from schools and clubs across the south east of England competing across six divisions. I come from a family steeped in rowing history; my great grandfather won Henley Royal Regatta in1886, the year Bedford Rowing Club opened. Unlike many other sports, rowing is open to everyone, young and old, experienced or novice. The sport  rewards participants by giving them an array of life skills, as well as significant health benefits and lifelong friendships, made on and off the water. We are proud of the club and it’s place at the heart of the Bedford community and would love to see people on the embankment on Sunday cheering on the crews and enjoying bacon baps and a hot drink from the club house balcony opposite The Swan Hotel."

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Sunday’s Autumn Fours and Small Boats Head will see rowers from the age of 16 to 70 compete for a medal.

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