ELLESMERE Rotary Club has thanked all those who helped make the 2023 Regatta on the Mere a ‘huge success’.

A total of 23 teams across four categories in 27 races took part in the event on The Mere at Ellesmere on Sunday, July 2.

The event was held to raise funds for local charities Our Space and Flamingo Lounge, both of which organise activities for those with learning difficulties as one of their major programmes.

Spectators were treated to a very high standard of competition as the crews faced breezy conditions that caused considerable drift on the water.

Geoff Corfield, president of Ellesmere Rotary, thanked all of them and the many other volunteers and groups that loaned equipment for the day, in particular Cheshire Scout Group for the two Bell Boats.

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He said: “As with the Bell Boat crews, when we all pull together as a team, then results are so much more rewarding.”

Senior Race winners were Ship Faced who pipped last year’s winners The Firm in a very exciting contest.

The Ladies Competition was won by Mamma Mere in a welcome return to the event after several years.

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They held off Whittington Warriors in another close race and denied them a fourth winner’s trophy in a row.

Junior winners were The Boys, who held off Knot Sailors, while the Family Plate was won by The Dingles.

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The estimated crowd of more than 2,000 was also treated to some excellent entertainment on the adjoining Cremorne Gardens, with performances from The Shropshire Boatmen singers, Gracechurch dancers in period costume and Border Counties Dance Club, who also entered two teams for the Bell Boat racing.

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Thanks were given to all helpers on stalls and from other Rotary clubs in the area.

District 1210 governor for 2023/24, Dr Mukunda Chidrawar, of Walsall Rotary, awarded the trophies to all the winners.

Thanking Ellesmere Rotary for staging the Regatta, he said: “What a great privilege to enjoy such a day right at the start of my time as DG.

“The whole community of Ellesmere epitomises the aims of Rotary in having fun while demonstrating Service above Self.”