Bedford Rowing Club is looking ahead to bigger and better achievements in 2026, after the previous year featured a pair of World Championship triumphs for two of the club’s big names, plus a British Empire Medal (BEM) for a long-standing volunteer.
With plenty to look forward to in the new year, the Club have now also become charity partners with ‘Love Rowing’, a national charity whose modus operandi is to “transform lives through the power of rowing” and help aid the next generation of potential world champions.
Bedford celebrated success on the world stage in 2025, alongside a stack of domestic and international titles.
Isaac Dean, a former junior at Bedford Rowing Club, celebrated an Under 19 World Championship as part of Team GB’s coxless four, alongside a silver medal at the Munich International Regatta.
Another former member, Ellie Cooke, was also in the medals as she claimed a gold in the World Under 23 Championship in Poznań, Poland, going two spots better than the bronze medal she won the previous year.
Cooke was also the guest of honour at Bedford Rowing Club’s end of season dinner; sharing how her humble beginnings at the Club helped build her career and propel her to future success.
Ellie shared her inspiring journey of relentless dedication during the dinner and revealed her next goal, representing Great Britain at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Charity partnership to open new doors
The first venture in the new year for Bedford Rowing Club is partnering with one of the sport’s best known charities in order to build on their success.
‘Love Rowing’ is a national charity “dedicated to transforming lives through the power of rowing”, a mission that deeply resonates with Bedford Rowing Club’s president, Hugh Maltby.
Through this collaboration, the Club aims to inspire and open doors for a new generation to discover and embrace the sport.
“Rowing is an incredible sport, but unfortunately, it’s not a cheap one”, says Hugh.
“Bedford Rowing Club isn’t just about winning – it’s also about community, offering something for everyone”.
Also on the horizon is the annual Easter training camp; this year taking place in Portugal.
“For our juniors, attending the annual Easter training camp is essential to prepare for the summer regatta season, yet it comes with significant expenses”, says Hugh.
To help make this opportunity possible, they Club have launched a crowdfunding campaign. Every donation, big or small, will make a real difference.
You can find out more and support their journey via our crowdfunding page here.
“We’re excited to see our senior men’s and women’s squads growing and developing.
“The men’s squad agonisingly just missed out on qualification at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta last year, but it is gaining momentum, and we very much hope to be racing there next year”, added Hugh.
Club Captain Ian Pendall, who has been a member for over forty years, is also keen to encourage new members into the sport – particularly juniors.
“We hope our junior squad will go from strength to strength, and we’re always looking for the next Ellie or Isaac,” said Ian.
BEM for club stalwart
In addition, the recent New Year’s Honours list saw club stalwart, Dave Pendall, a volunteer coach at Bedford Rowing Club for over forty years, awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to rowing and to young people in Bedford.
Hugh also commented on Dave’s BEM award:
“Dave’s contribution is extraordinary”, said Hugh.
“For more than forty years he has given his knowledge and care without thought for himself, building opportunities where none existed and inspiring generations to believe in what they can achieve. His example of service is a cornerstone of our club.
“As a founder of our Junior section Dave would have been proud to see two of our former juniors become world champions last year. Both are genuine role models, proving that hard work and dedication lead to results”, added Hugh.
The Club are also on the look out for new members, with anyone interested able to contact Ian Pendall at captain@bedfordrowing.co.uk or Hugh at president@bedfordrowing.co.uk.
