The Paddock at Phyllis Court Club was full of people enjoying activities both on and off the river for 2024 Regatta.
Guests enjoyed river boat trips including those in wheelchairs on Rivertime which has a hydraulic lift to give access into the boat. In the paddock, guests could enjoy soft archery, a hand-on farm, a climbing wall, jewellery making, Punch & Judy, bubbles, circus skills, rowing ergos and live music from Sam Brown’s Ukulele Band and singer Lauren. New for this year were drumming workshops by Berkshire Wellness Circle and newly elected MP, Freddie van Mierlo officially opened the Regatta for the first time.
Bellboating is always a highlight of the Regatta where six disabled teams battled it out to become the overall winner. Teams this year were from South Oxon Mencap, CLASP, Bishopswood School, The Chiltern Centre, Style Acre and Bowley Boaters. In the final it was neck and neck between Bowley Boaters and South Oxon Mencap with Bowley Boaters just inching out to get the win at the finish post. Afterwards, Team Captain of Bowley Boaters, Polly said, “The final was a really hard race. I didn’t think we were going to win. I thought because we had loads of people in my team, I thought they were going to help me and they did help me. It did happen and I’m really happy.”