On Thursday 1 August, threemen will be taking to the river Avon in a rowing boat to complete a 24.5 milerow from Stratford upon Avon to Cropthorne, just outside Evesham.
They will be completing thissponsored row to raise money for our diocesan retreat house, Holland House. Theoarsmen will include Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Worcester, RobertPatterson, Revd Ian Spencer, warden at Holland House and Canon RichardThorniley, Rector of Church Lench w Rous Lench & Abbots Morton &Harvington and Rural Dean of Evesham. The journey will be completed on Mariaa rowing boat, which started its life in Stratford and was completelyrefurbished by Bishop Robert in 2017.
This is the third sponsoredrow that Bishop Robert and Ian have completed for the retreat house, rowingfrom Cropthorne to Tewkesbury in 2017 and Bewdley to Worcester last year.Bishop Robert said: Holland House is a beautiful old retreat house which isenjoyed by many throughout the year. However, its building and delightfulgrounds need constant upkeep and continual process of improvements is alwaysunder way. All this comes down to the need of financial support and our annualsponsored row is a good way to raise some money to help.
The three men in a boat willstart from Stratford upon Avon riverside at 8:30am on 1 August, where they willbe waved off an blessed by the Bishop of Warwick, John Stroyan. They are hopingto reach Holland House by 5pm where there will be a party with live music towhich everyone is invited!
Bishop John said: I ampleased to be blessing the start of the sponsored row. I pray that Robert, Ian,Richard and Maria have a safe and enjoyable trip down the River Avon toHolland House. Holland House is a wonderful retreat house that I have had thepleasure of visiting a number of times and I look forward to returning there inSeptember to take part in their Bishops in Conversation series.
Holland House is a retreatand conference centre in the village of Cropthorne, between Evesham andPershore on the south bank of the River Avon. The house is resource for thenearby Anglican dioceses, for churches of all traditions and for people ofother faiths.
For more information contact:Ian Spencer, Warden at Holland House on 01386860330. Tickets for the afternoon celebration to welcome back the rowers can be bought on the Holland House website.
