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⭐ Success at the Bedford Sports & Physical Activity Awards 2025 ⭐
Club of the Year – Star Rowing Club
The judges were deeply impressed by the strength, depth, and spirit of our club throughout the 2024–25 season. They highlighted a year of outstanding competitive success across all squads:
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Henley Royal Regatta: Qualification of a men’s eight and a junior quad
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Henley Women’s Regatta: Qualification of both a single and a four, demonstrating the growing success and depth of our women’s squad.
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National Schools’ Regatta: A bronze medal in the Championship single
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Henley Masters Regatta: Four impressive wins.
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World Masters Regatta in Banyoles, Spain: An incredible 55 individual medals,
showcasing our masters athletes on the world stage.
This award was not just based on competitive success, over the last 12 months, Star Club has delivered one of the biggest Learn to Row programmes in the country, according to British Rowing. More than 100 new participants, aged 11 to 70+, have been introduced to the sport for the first time, with many going on to formally join the club. This growth reflects the welcoming, supportive, and community-minded spirit that defines Star.
The award also recognised the commitment shown by many of our junior athletes who regularly support Tom in running our junior Learn to Row programme. The judges were impressed with their involvement which builds confidence, leadership skills, and technical knowledge, while also strengthening the club’s volunteer base for the future and teaching lifelong skills through sport.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. This award truly belongs to the whole Star community.
⭐ Success at the Bedford Sports & Physical Activity Awards 2025 ⭐
Special Commendation: Adult Personality of the Year – Ben Howard
We are also thrilled to celebrate Ben Howard, who received a Special Commendation in the Adult Personality of the Year category; Ben was no longer eligible for the junior award as his 18th birthday has passed at the time of award. To stand out in the field consisting of many nominees celebrating lifetime achievements is outstanding.
The judges recognised Ben’s exceptional progress throughout the year:
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Broke into the top 30 at the first GB Early ID Trials.
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Rose to 9th overall at the National Trials by April—an outstanding achievement reflecting unwavering commitment and belief in the training process.
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Victory at Bedford Regatta in the quad.
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Further wins at Star Regatta in both the quad and the single.
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A brilliant bronze medal in the Championship Single Sculls at the National Schools’ Regatta—the first Championship medal for Star in many years.
Ben’s results are a significant achievement for the club and highlight his immense talent, perseverance, and drive. We couldn’t be prouder. A further special mention goes to Tom Burton who’s outstanding coaching and unwavering belief in Ben has been instrumental in his success.
These awards are a wonderful recognition of the passion, community, and excellence that define Star Rowing Club. Whether you’re training, coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the bank, thank you for being part of a club that continues to shine on the local, national, and international stage.
Here’s to continued success in 2026 and beyond!
⭐ British Indoor Rowing Championships ⭐
Star Club Juniors Shine at the NEC
The British Indoor Rowing Championships returned to the NEC in Birmingham, bringing together athletes from across the country for one of the biggest indoor rowing events of the year. The atmosphere was electric throughout the day, and Star Club’s juniors rose to the occasion with a series of strong performances.
The day began with Isabelle in the Year 9 Girls category. Isabelle rowed with great determination, finishing 23rd in a highly competitive field.
Next up were Tom and Oliver, who delivered one of the most exciting races of the morning. The pair were neck-and-neck for the full five minutes, pushing each other right to the line, with Tom narrowly edging ahead to finish 14th, and Oliver close behind in 15th. Tom later returned for the 500m sprint, taking an impressive 12th place.
The Year 11 Boys 6 minute race followed, featuring Berkley, Val, Aaron, and Ben. Berkley produced a standout performance, storming to 4th place overall. Ben and Val had a brilliant internal battle, finishing 22nd and 25th respectively, while Aaron achieved a superb personal best, placing 28th.
In her first term of rowing, Rebecca made an excellent debut, securing a very credible 25th place in her race.
The Year 9 Boys event closed out the junior races, with Jacob and Alex representing Star Club. Alex delivered a fantastic row, taking 3rd place with a powerful 1:34 average split, while Jacob produced a strong performance to finish 12th.
As well as racing, our juniors alsohad the chance to meet the GB rowing team! Many left with signed kit, big smiles, and plenty of expert advice to take back to training.
A huge congratulations to everyone who competed. The results from the NEC show that the future of Star Club Juniors is looking very bright indeed.