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Handmade by Blazer Bear

Rowing Club Bear

Posted on May 9, 2013 By Blazer Bear


At Blazer Bear we have recently made one of our first Rowing Club bears. Our first was created as a unique gift from a very old club sweatshirt and rowing vest. When the material is so threadbare it is still possible to create a very handsome looking handmade bear and some of the wear and tear add huge character to the bear. We have also been asked to make a bear as a teacher present for a much loved rowing teacher and build a bear from a variety of sporting memorabilia including rowing colours.

We have spent some time in Marlow recently and have loved watching the rowers take to the river this spring. It has really inspired us to get into a boat, even though it is twenty-five years since we have rowed. Men and women of all ages, beginners and experienced competitors all enjoy this special place. Marlow Rowing Club sits overlooking the town next to the beautiful Marlow Bridge and over looking All Saints Church.

With the fantastic success of many of our British rowers, especially after the 2012 Olympics, rowing has become a very popular choice of sport for all ages. Walking through Higginson Park in Marlow there is a fantastic statue of Sir Steve Redgrave. The post box on the high street is painted gold in honour of Naomi Riches who won gold in the Paralympics in the mixed coxed four. Walking to the rivers edge you have a wonderful view of Marlow Boat Club and the meander of the river as it brushes past willow trees. The towpath is a great place to walk and watch the skulls and rowing teams enjoy this beautiful part of the river with the sound of the coxes encouraging their rowers.

A terrible fire hit the Marlow Boat Club in 2011. The fundraising for the new club is aiming to reach £2.2 million and there are many events taking place to help the cause. The clubhouse was devastated on the left hand side and many boats were lost. The vision is for a hub for water sports not just rowing and a fantastic place for the community for the next 100 years and beyond. Marlow has also been chosen to be a centre for training for Paralympians. The Marlow Regatta on May 6th was a wonderful event and brought the town out on a beautiful Bank Holiday Monday.

Historically the mention of rowing and the sporting element is referenced as far back as Egyptian times. In Britain, the ancient Britons used to weave basket like boats know as Coracles. The Coracle Race still survives today. Students at Bedales School, one of England’s top private schools, engage in the Coracle Race as a tradition at the end of each Summer Term. Competitive rowing in England centres mainly on the River Thames, with two of the main events in the traditional rowing calendar taking place along England’s longest river. The Henley Royal Regatta and the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race are amongst the oldest and most famous rowing events in the world.

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As the weather gets warmer why not take up rowing. British Rowing have courses and taster sessions around the country being run through Explore Rowing, or check out local clubs like Marlow Rowing Club who all hold open days. It really is easy for all ages and abilities. We have really enjoyed making our rowing bears from many different schools and clubs and look forward to making more bears as presents, unique gifts and keepsakes.

 

How did it start?

tplFriends since their first children were born, Pru and Kathy are two mums whose children are now at secondary school. As a special keepsake Pru made each of her children a teddy bear out of their old school Blazers. Kathy loved the concept so they joined forces and Blazer Bear. was born.  Find out more

How does it work?

Whether it be a blazer, school uniform, rugby shirts, precious clothing babygros, the list is endless. Everything is lovingly handcrafted entirely from what you give us. If it is a group school order you are after, we can often source the fabrics and even incorporate a school emblem Find out 

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