Roger Bean, pictured above, rows at Stourport on Severn and Bewdley and most enjoys the companionship, friendly rivalry and banter of masters rowing. His lovingly restored single clinker scull ‘J Hopper’ is on display at Henley’s River and Rowing Museum
What’s your secret to staying strong and supple enough to row?
Roger: My wife’s excellent cooking, Batham’s Best Bitter, solo and crew rowing two or three times a week (scull and sweep), singing in a local male voice choir (lung power!) and gardening and motorcycling. Oh, and the gym – but only when coerced by my crew, whose members include two at 85 and three in their mid-seventies.
How long have you been rowing and what has the sport given to you over the years?
Roger: My grandfather took me to his club, Ebchester, in 1958 when I was aged 11. I’ve been rowing ever since (with some gaps due to business) and returned full-time to Durham and the Northern Rowing Sunday League when I retired in 2010.
The Northern League was terrific fun and brought many friends from all over the country. Although I no longer compete at regatta level, it’s very sociably rewarding helping out at our regattas and other aspects of the club.