REVELLERS flocked to Marlow Regatta today as the sun shone on one of Buckinghamshire’s top summer events.

Lady Redgrave, wife of Sir Steve Redgrave, who is on a charity cycle trek, opened the event at 10am, two hours after the first rowers took to the Thames.

She said: “It was, as usual, a great honour. It has a good reputation and it is vital it continues.”

Visitors enjoyed stalls and a funfair in Higginson Park and those with passes entered an enclosure to enjoy Pimms and racing.

Rower Francesca Scambler, 18, was named sports personality of the year for 2009/10 at a reception hosted by town Mayor Councillor Roger Wilson in Court Garden Leisure Complex.

The Sir William Borlase’s School pupil has competed in the national schools regatta championship and is currently in trials for the British under 18s.

The Marlow resident said: “When you are training, you wonder why you are doing it but when you win something like this then it is worth it.”

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Cllr Wilson presents the award to Francesca Scambler.

The community award went to James Campbell, who has organised the regatta event.

“I will endeavour to keep it empty,” he joked when presented with a decanter.

Cllr Wilson announced that the Chilterns MS Centre was his chosen charity for his Mayoral year.

His wife Christine died from pneumonia aged 60 after suffering from MS for almost 30 years. The charity provides therapies for those with the disease.

Cllr Wilson said: “It is splendid centre. Please give generously to it if you can.”

Last year’s Mayor, Cllr Neil Marshall, then presented a cheque for £3,680 to the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children.

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Cllr Wilson presents the community award to James Campbell.

The Lord-Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, paid tribute to community groups at the reception.

He said: “We can help people through this difficult time if we all do a little bit more and persuade others to do volunteering.”

Wycombe District Council leader Cllr Lesley Clarke said: “Marlow is the jewel in the crown with it’s beautiful location.”

And there were laughs when she said it was a ‘day away from a lesser sporting activity’ ahead of England’s World Cup 2010 debut against the United States.

Races finish at 6.30pm tonight. Entertainment comes from the Society Jazz Trio, Marlow Town Band and The Borlase Big Band today and the trio The Magic of Abba and The Bruvvers tomorrow.

See The Bucks Free Press website on Monday for a photo gallery from the weekend. Photographs will be available to order.