Monmouth Autumn Head 2025

Sunshine, Small Boats & Smiles

The A (Autumn) Team

After a four-year break (thanks to a mix of COVID and some very uncooperative weather), Monmouth RC’s Autumn Head finally made its return yesterday – and what a return it was! Instead of wind, rain, and river rage, we were treated to glorious sunshine and perfect rowing conditions. Not a soggy welly in sight!

The boathouse in full sunshine

The Autumn Head is all about small boats and junior crews, and this year we were delighted to welcome over 150 entries and around 400 people, either competing or cheering from the banks. With the sun out and the river sparkling, it felt more like a festival than a head race.

Juniors collecting their medals

Monmouth crews did us proud. Phil T showed once again that he’s unstoppable, keeping his 100% winning streak alive in his single scull.

Phil crossing the finish line

Alex B teamed up with Hereford to storm to victory and bag the Pennant for fastest double. Our 4- ( George, Alex B, Tim M and Jamie C) were agonisingly close to glory, missing out to Evesham by just half a second – the rowing equivalent of losing on penalties!

A special cheer must go to our brand-new Learn to Row graduates – Linda, Claire, Sarah (an old pro) and Anna, coxed by Bonita. They turned their training into a terrific race performance.

Our LTR graduates Linda, Claire and Anna, joined by Sarah and Bonita

Meanwhile, Ewart produced a cracking scull that showed all the hours on the water are paying off.

Full results and a link to crew photos by Oarstruck are available on our Autumn Head page. We have also published a list of the all the Pennant Winners there.

Heads are like buses...you wait for ages and then they all turn up together

Behind the scenes, it takes a whole club to pull off an event like this, and it was brilliant to see so many hands pitching in. Too many to name here, but special thanks go to Eric, Bonita, Maggie and all the umpires for their tireless work. We were also chuffed to have so much support from the Juniors at Monmouth Comprehensive Boat Club – you lot were absolute stars.

The day ended with smiles all round, some very tired legs, and plenty of good feedback from visitors – another reminder why Monmouth’s Autumn Head is considered one of the best-run events on the circuit. Well done, everyone!

President John Jenkins enjoying a light refreshment with Colin C

Now, before you hang up your blades for a well-earned rest, don’t forget: Winter Head is just around the corner on Sunday 7th December – only 69 days to go. Many hands make light work, so please keep the date free.

And in other news, while all this was going on, two of our scullers took on the Sculler's Head on the River Thames. Jonathan F smashed it with a second place in Masters H, and Sarah W in the Woman's Novice Masters also delivered a strong performance – proof that Monmouth speed stretches well beyond our home water.

Jonathan F coming Second in Masters H at the Sculler's Head

Sara in Women's Masters Novice category

See you on the river! 🚣‍♀️☀️