June 22nd 2010. On a beautiful sunny day on Upton Warren Lake, 240 children from schools all around Worcestershire gathered together for the annual Bell Boating Regatta. All 24 teams had to row the whole length of the lake twice. Both times would be added together, with the quickest 3 teams going into the final race.

 

 

Before Holywell were due to race, the team had the opportunity  to climb the bell button pole. The first part of the climb was up a very tall ladder. Then they climbed the last 5 metres by using the small grips on the pole.

 

 

The terrifying final part of the challenge was to stand on the tiny top of the pole and wave to the people way below! Amazingly, all the Holywell pupils completed the challenge and were voted "Bravest School of the Day" by the instructors.

 

 

11:44am soon arrived and an excited Holywell crew put on their lifejackets and boarded the boat for our first race. We lined up at the start, determined to do a fast opening time. The starter shouted "Ready, steady" and as the loud horn blew, we started to paddle furiously. Suddenly, we heard a loud bang! Disaster struck! The boat next to us had made a steering mistake and crashed into us. We recovered well and finished our first run with a time of 1 minute 56 seconds. We were 11th fastest and a little disappointed, but really glad the crash had not cost us more time.

 

 

After a short break we prepared to race again, knowing that we would need to do something a little special to qualify in the top 3 and make the final. Once again we lined up and the moment the horn screeched, we pulled away. The whole crew rowed with all their might, as we pulled further and further away from the other boats. The gun sounded as we crossed the line and the excited referee raced over to tell us that we had achieved the quickest time of the morning, 1 minute 37 seconds. Mr. Harrigan was very proud of the Holywell team, who cheered on and encouraged the other teams who had finished behind us.

 

 

After a nervous wait, we finally found out that we had made it to the fastest three finishers, and that we would be in the final race of the day. Holywell proudly took their place at the start of the final race. Over 500 spectators lined the shore waiting to watch the outcome of the Grand Final. Once again, the starter blew his horn and all the teams started rowing, finding power and energy they did not realise they had. All three finalists were very even at the start, but by the halfway stage, it was just Holywell and Finstall left in it. Both teams gave their all, but as the finish line approached, Finstall just edged us to take top spot.

 

 

However, Holywell were not sad at all. We had finished second out of 24 teams and we had broken our personal best time in the final, with:

 

 

Holywell received a huge cheer and much applause from the spectators, as they were presented with their certificates and shield. Mr. Harrigan and Mrs Harford could not have been more proud of our pupils and their magnificent teamwork. They certainly earned their success.