Trafford Rowing Club has started its winter racing programme

The club which is based on the Bridgwater Canal at Walton Park, has been unable to train on the canal since December as it has been iced over.

The club had to set up a temporary base on the River Weaver at Runcorn.

The first race in the winter programme was the Runcorn Head of the River last Saturday, which saw the club enter three crews. In excellent conditions with no wind and some stream, all three crews acquitted themselves well, setting good times.

The focus this coming weekend turns to the Trafford Head on February 27. This year’s event has attracted a record 150 entries. The course starts near the Bay Malton pub at Oldfield Brow and finishes at Walton Park. Racing starts at 9am and continues throughout the day.

During the lunch break, the Mayor, David Higins, will be naming the club’s latest addition to its fleet – a men’s heavyweight boat formerly used by the Australian Olympic Squad.