WHEN a community rowing team set off along the winding Colne Estuary next week, they will carry a wreath with them.

The Wivenhoe Corsairs Community Rowing Club team is undertaking a poignant journey in the name of remembrance, with many services scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic this year.

In their Harkers’ Yard gig, Defiance, they will utilise GPS technology to trace the shape of a large poppy in the water during their coastal row.

The journey will cover ten nautical miles and will be an intensely personal experience for each of the six-strong team.

Crew member Iain Finch served in the Royal Navy until 2012 and lost friends during active service.

“We know charities are struggling to raise money during the Covid-19 period,” he said.

“This is the time of year we would typically be raising money for the Royal British Legion.

“Pretty much all of us in our club, particularly those rowing do have family members involved in some way or another.

“One had three out of four grandparents serving in Second World War, I served myself and lost friends while serving.

“A friend of mine is an ex-tank regiment officer, now a solicitor working in Colchester.

“Four of the group have family members in the armed forces.

“Wivenhoe has a proud history and connection with the serving military community - it was a ship building yard for the Royal Navy.

“There is a symbolism to this challenge and we are hoping it will capture the imagination.

“We have set a target of raising £500.”

The team will set off on Saturday, November 7, rowing along the Colne River towards Brightlingsea and Pyfleet Creek.

During the journey they will row the shape of a poppy, tracked and visible via GPS, before laying a wreath and carrying out a short service.

They will return home to Wivenhoe at sunset.

Iain said: “The famous reading is ‘at the going down of the sun, we will remember them’.

“Hopefully that is exactly what we will be doing as we lower the wreath over the side as the sun drops over the horizon.”

The row has already raised more than £800, winning sponsorship from businesses and supported by Michaels Property Consultants, Thompson Smith and Puxon Solicitors and The 18 Club

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/wivenhoe-corsairs.

The crew will be sharing their GPS track online, details of which will be published on Wivenhoe Corsairs Community Rowing Club Facebook page, together with a live stream.

The tracker will enable supporters to watch from the shore along the banks of the Colne.