Martin O’Neil reminded us about Nithsdale Regatta 2018 the day before. I documented the local crews from Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club racing other clubs across Scotland and North England in April 2015 but the event date (and month) kept changing and I hadn’t a chance to revisit the Greensands in the subsequent years.
As we knew the date for sure this time John and I decided to spend a couple of fun and relaxing hours outdoors, on the banks of the river Nith, amidst fans, dog walkers and other photographers.
Of course, these hours were that relaxing for us, the onlookers. The rowers were battling it out on water since 8 am till 6 pm. 10 clubs competing in 123 races, 113 medals to win!
I used my camera to document just a fragment of this annual regatta, to celebrate sportsmanship and the incredible tenacity these rowers of all ages and gender exhibited, and the house officials who did everything possible to run this massive competition smoothly.
As always, it was amazing to observe the easy camaraderie the crews shared and their enjoyment of their sport!
The sign outside Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club on the day of Nithsdale Regatta 2018Onlookers waiting for the next raceA member of Stirling ARC checking his boatEasy camaraderie and face pantingWar paint…Nithsdale Regatta in full swingThe boat number (detail)Setting the boat on waterOars bearing club colours on the greenOf course, the regatta is an event your dog will enjoy too!NARC girl crew just after finishing their raceFans and supporters on the bicycle bridge that serves as Nithsdale Regatta finishing lineRegatta official checking his notes and the crew from Castle Semple Rowing Club waiting for their turn at the dockTalkin Tarn ARC members preparing for their turnPlaying with the dog in between the regatta racesThe event runs smoothly as one crew after another taking their turn at the dockThe doubles team from Aberdeen Boat Club carrying their boat away of the riverAs always, no duck was harmed- this duck family swims along quite happily not minding the regattaSynchronicity with which the crew members move as they carry the boat is amazing!Two boats after their race on the river NithJohn was impressed how the crew stays together even at rest, all huddled in one truckOn the Greensands during the break in the series
The festive auburn-yellow dress on the Autumn Spire Rowan tree opposite the Starbucks caught my attention when I found myself wandering through Dumfries town centre early in the morning. All Glasgow trains were temporarily substituted with buses due to some railway failure and I decided to postpone the trip until the next day. Two guys…
‘There is not enough poetry in our lives,’ said John but could not make it to the launch of the Birmingham Literature Festival on National Poetry Day. I, on the other hand, was free and enjoyed every minute of the hour of poetry from Birmingham poets laureate, past, present and…
Joining a large crowd in communal revelry energises me so much and I only wish my photography can translate this excitement and festive atmosphere into images! Dumfries was celebrating the 2014 Xmas Lights Switch On in style with funfair rides, an ice rink and ski slope, stage performances and fireworks. Of course,…
It was a pleasure to see the historic eight-sided bandstand in Dock Park, disused only a couple of years ago, becoming once again a focal point for Doonhamers’ weekend entertainment. Young Dumfries musicians, songwriters and singers performed their own material along with some popular covers live on the overhauled stage…
Just as John was battling an over eight hour nightmare journey to Newcastle-upon-Tyne during Storm Emma, I set out for a nice snow walk around some Robert Burns Dumfries locations. Because our town is sheltered by Galloway hills, local winters are normally quite mild and snow storms are a rare…
