"School Dad Scullers" smash rowathon target

School dads Ben Platts, Doug Withington and Rob Forbes help get Hugh Bowring ready for the start of their 24-hour rowathon for the Big Build

With sore bums, aching backs and blistered hands, the School Dad Scullers pulled through an impressive challenge on 3 May, completing a full 24-hour rowathon. Cheered on by scores of locals, the event also marked the lively start of the Coln Village Party.

Spectators didn’t just watch—they joined in the fun with a chance to throw wet sponges at the rowers and take part in a popular “guess the distance” competition. The atmosphere stayed buzzing right up until the final seconds, as the dads rowed a staggering 314,509 metres—195 miles in total.

Thanks to bar and barbecue takings, two tombolas and an extra £1,000 promised in corporate sponsorship, the event didn’t just meet its fundraising goal—it smashed the £5,000 target, bringing in more than £6,200 for the Big Build.

A huge thank you goes to Chris White, who once again gave up his time to run the barbecue, to The New Inn for generously donating a keg of Butty Bach, and to Yvette Kirk, Nick Brett and the whole Coln Stores team for their incredible support in making the village party such a memorable and successful day.

If you’d still like to donate, you can do so here: localgiving.org/fundraising/big-build-rowathon.