THE?weekend saw a return to action for Bude Pilot Gig Club, following a quiet spell for members. Seven of the club's adults ventured to the capital to compete in the The Great River Race, which saw them row a substantial 21.6 miles upstream along the Thames, starting from the London Docklands and meandering their way to sunny Richmond. Bedehaven and her crew of Anthony Denford, Dave Bates, Sam Weston, Steve Coles, Molly Jones, Richard and Jenny Parker, and Terry Yelland, were one of 300 boats to embark on this challenge, alongside a variety of vessels — including dragon boats, skiffs and other pilot gig boats. In amongst the pilot gig boat category were the familiar faces of several north coast clubs — Ilfracombe and Rock were among those present, and bought with them an array of colours adorning beautiful traditional pilot gig boats rarely seen in the grey hustle of London. For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.