LBC haven’t visited Chester to race in their Head of the Dee race for a few years, but with Burton Head being cancelled due to the weather, a number of club members were keen to test their racing prowess on a new course.

And it turned out to be a good choice, with the sunshine warming those not unfortunate enough to be waiting for the race to start in the shade in the morning, and shining on all for the afternoon division on a beautiful stretch of river finishing in the heart of Chester itself. We even had a Kingfisher keep us entertained for a while.

On a wide river with what is known as a ‘bend’ (but not to us River Soar rowers who are used to much more significant bends), the course was successfully completed by a range of LBC boats from singles through to eights.

The highlight of the day was Natalie returning from the results area clutching a handful of medals, and being asked by the stroke of the Women’s masters 8 crew “who are those for?”, only to be told “us” (the Women’s masters 8 crew). At least our rowing was better than our results checking or medal collecting!

Now anybody for Chester regatta 2025?