Barham Cup rowing race draws crowds to Newton Abbot’s Town Quay

NEWTON Abbot’s Town Quay was abuzz on Saturday evening as crowds gathered in the sunshine for the 101st Barham Cup

The event is a lively and unique relay rowing race held annually on the River Teign Estuary as part of the Teignmouth Regatta festivities.

HMS Barham was one of five Queen Elizabeth Class battleships built for the Royal Navy during the early 1910s.

When anchored off Teignmouth in 1924, its crew found time to race local boatmen, starting the tradition which survives today.

Teams row dinghies more than four miles in relay format, starting at Teignmouth’s Fish Quay with the first half of the team rowing to Coombe Cellars.

After swapping personnel, the second half continues to Town Quay where the finish line awaits.

Community spirit and a celebration of the river are now as much a part of proceedings as winning one of the six categories which include Men’s, Ladies’, Mixed, Junior (under 14/16/18), Vets (over 50), Pub Teams and First Newton Abbot Crew.

Newton Abbot Town Council Clerk Phil Rowe partnered with colleague Tony Little and resident Nicola Yabsley to bring the town’s entry over the line with Tony rowing the entire course.

Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Colin Parker said: ‘The Cup is a long-term collaboration between our two councils and it’s great to see so many people here supporting the event.

‘Our thanks go to Teignmouth Corinthian Yacht Club for keeping the tradition alive and taking all the necessary actions for making it fun, competitive and safe.

‘We also keep in mind the freedom we enjoy today thanks to the selfless dedication of all who serve in our Armed Forces, including those who lost their lives on HMS Barham when it was sunk in action during the second World War.

Teignmouth Mayor Cllr Cate Williams said: ‘It’s a great thing to be part of, it’s historic and also has that camaraderie with our fellow town of Newton Abbot.

‘It’s fun and an important legacy that we need to keep going.’

HMS Barham was destroyed in November 1941 with the loss of more than 850 lives.

The huge explosion was captured on film by a cameraman working for Pathe News but initially kept secret.

The ship’s motto was All Good or Nothing.

Images below right Jean and Colin Parker with Cate and Peter Williams as the official launch docks at Town Quay