Bishop Robert Paterson and theRevd Ian Spencer, have been rowing up the River Severn to raise money forretreat house, Holland House, where Ian is the warden.
In the boat Maria, which was repaired by Bishop Robert,they rowed a 20-mile stretch of the river from Bewdley Rowing Club to the KingsSchool Boathouse in Worcester. They were sponsored to row, raising money forthe Holland House anniversary appeal, which was launched to protect the retreathouse so it can be enjoyed by future generations.
On completing the row, Ian said: Our little boatMaria was only designed for tourists to row a few hundred yards aroundStratford Upon Avon, so to go 20 miles was quite a task for all three of us! Thewindy weather hindered our progress in places, but I'm delighted to say wefinished the course on time - although Robert and I had a few aches and painsthe day after. Our thanks to Bewdley Rowing Club, the lock-keepers, HelenWilliams, Barry Kent, and everyone else who supported us.
Robert said: When I took this on, I didnt reckon on a lowriver level, resulting in a minimal flow, nor the very strong head-wind, but itwas good fun and good exercise, and all for a very good cause worthsupporting.
Holland House is a Christian retreat centre in Cropthorne,near Evesham. The anniversary appeal was launched last year on the Houses 70thanniversary. Fundraising has already meant that the chapel has been completelyrefurbished, but the appeal remains open to help with the ongoing maintenanceneeded in a listed building and improve facilities for guests. Ian and Robert raised 800 when they completeda similar sponsored row in 2017 and are hoping to match that again this year.
To sponsor Ian and Robert, visit: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/6046#
