Scullers Head 2025

This year’s Scullers Head saw a fantastic turnout from Putney Town Rowing Club, with 31 of our scullers joining over 500 competitors from across the country. The event, one of the highlights of the Tideway racing calendar, is held annually over the 4.25-mile Championship Course. Raced on the ebb tide, it starts at the University Stone in Mortlake and finishes downstream of Putney Pier – a true test of sculling skill, endurance, and river knowledge.

For some of our members, this was their first ever head race in a single, a huge milestone in their rowing journey. For others, it was one of many trips down the course, drawing on valuable Tideway racing experience. Seeing such a mix of new and seasoned scullers side by side was a great reflection of the depth and spirit of our club.

We were also delighted to host 22 visiting scullers racing from PTRC, further adding to the lively atmosphere around the club.

A huge thank you goes to the many volunteers who gave their time to support the event, from marshalling and safety cover to helping on land and in the clubhouse. A special shout out to the development men for leading the day and the efforts in the kitchen!

It was brilliant to see so many Putney Town scullers out on the Tideway competing in this prestigious race – congratulations to everyone who took part.

Senior Men REPORT

Daniel Gillway  /  Ned Timms  /  Heinrich Venzke

This year three senior men athletes competed in the first of the head race calendar all first time participants.

Daniel Gillway in the club open category, Ned Timms in the open novice and Heinrich Venzke in Masters A. Notably, Ned completed the course in an impressive 23:55. 

All enjoyed the good conditions and are now gearing up for fours head, special mention to Heinrich who’s sculling gate fell off and still managed to stay dry

Senior Women REPORT

Eva Knight / Tahira Taylor / Tilly Oswell Wheeler

Eva, Tilly, and Tahira flew the flag for Putney Town at this year’s Scullers Head of the River Race, all taking on the legendary Championship Course from Chiswick Bridge to Putney.

Racing in the Women’s Club, Women’s Novice, and Women’s Masters Novice, categories, the trio lined up among nearly 600 scullers (in positions 525, 585 and 589). Once the start came, it was all focus as each settled into their rhythm on the Tideway.

For Tahira and Tilly, it was their first ever Scullers Head — and a memorable one. As the cheers of the crowd faded, Tahira switched into beast mode (powered by Rhinestones) to overtake Tilly on the Chiswick bend, both fighting for the middle of the stream before Tahira pushed through to clean water. Tahira crossed the line in 26:49.28 with Tilly following in 28:00.75, strong finishes they were both proud of. Neither were able to catch Eva, who was racing her second Scullers Head and her first representing Putney Town, having previously competed for Tideway Scullers. She showed her experience in the Women’s Club category, finishing in an impressive 26:37.70. Shortly after the race, she joined the Senior Women’s squad from the Development squad.

It was a brilliant milestone for all three, and especially for Tahira and Tilly, who only learned to row and scull at Putney Town a few years ago. A first Scullers Head for some, and certainly not the last for any of them!