Taking place on Saturday 4 December, Newark Head saw over 400 competitors from as far afield as Newcastle, take on either a challenging 5km (Division 1) or 3.9km (Division 2) course downstream from East Stoke or Farndon. Featuring many tight bends along the Trent, this event always makes for exciting racing.
Newark’s 20 crews raced competitively over both divisions, taking wins in the Women’s 8+, Women’s J18 quads, and Men’s Masters doubles. The Women’s 8+, consisting of Kay Southwood (bow), Andrea Woodhead, Jane Hindmarsh, Jill Ashley, Liz Cook, Helen Keating, Cathy Gilespie, Lucy Owens (Stroke), and Tony Helliwell raced their first race of the season strongly, winning the event by nearly 60 seconds.

Event organiser, Jane Hindmarsh, comments, “after the cancellation of last year’s event due to Covid, it’s great to be able to welcome so many competitors to our club and see some fantastic racing.”
“Newark’s crews shone through adversity,” comments Club President, Chris Bates. “The conditions on the water were challenging, however for our crews to remain calm and vigilant – they should be incredibly proud of how they rowed. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds for the Women’s 8+ who stole the show for the Club.”
The Club is now preparing for its next event, Star Head, Bedford, on the 16 January and so far has 26 crews entered across a variety of events.
Newark Head takes place each year, traditionally on the first weekend of December. The event attracts crews from the East Midlands, and as far as Newcastle.