“GARDENING, we mustn’t forget to do that!” says Stewart Plant.

Their 131st annual regatta is less than three weeks away, and I’m at Northwich Rowing Club’s headquarters when the organising committee meets for the final time.

It’s quiet, save for the whir of an ergo in the next room where one a member trains alone.

Asked to give me an idea of what the small group – each of them volunteers – has to get right in order to put on an event to remember, his list is a long one.

Plant adds: “I’ll probably come down and cut the grass myself the day before.

“There’s always that fear we’ve forgotten something, but I’m pretty confident we’ve got everything covered.”

He works in marketing during the day, so it makes sense he is the one to sell the regatta – and, in turn rowing – ahead of the club’s busiest day of the year.

Plant peels away from the group, who can be heard discussing how many umpires they have available, to tell the Guardian how it comes together.

“Planning started about three months ago,” he said.

“It has to be done properly, with the right people in roles that suit them.

“By this point, we’re down to the final details in terms of checking entries and agreeing where we’re going to put officials, and when.

“We never stop reviewing things, going over what might work or what to think about for next time.

“There are three angles to look at the regatta from; those that are taking part, others who are running it, and of course those watching from the side.”

To look inwards, and out, at the same time is not easy.

There is pressure too; the regatta, which involves boats racing side-by-side on a 500m stretch of the River Weaver, is when Northwich Rowing Club has most attention fixed on it.

They want to prove to peers their event is one not to miss, while at the same time showcasing the sport they love to those who may never have picked up an oar.

“A regatta is a representation of the club,” said Plant.

“You’re inviting people to race against you on your own water, and you want to put up the best fight you can over those 500 metres.

“It’s a friendly rivalry though.

“We’re part of a wider rowing family, so people you know – who maybe you’ve met at their club’s regatta – come to rerun a race you’ve had against them previously.

“Whether they win nor not, it’s important crews have the best possible experience.

“They don’t want to wait too long to get on or off the water, or to have too short a wait between races.

“We have to make sure we have enough tankards, or medals, for the winning crews.

“Getting any one of those details wrong is remembered.”

This year’s edition, which takes place on Monday, will offer something different to those watching too.

In the Patrons’ area, inspired by Henley Royal Regatta, a traditional afternoon tea is on the menu.

Once finished, spectators can take in what’s happening on the water while sitting in a striped deckchair.

Plant said: “We want to bring the sport to life.

“That’s the best way to get people interested in rowing. It’s also one of the most rewarding moments when you’re asked by somebody afterwards how they can get involved.

“Last year was a successful one on the river bank – it was noticeable more people were there to watch.

“The lifeblood of any sports club, particularly an amateur one like ours, is its members.

“That’s why it’s so important to tempt people down.

“If they’ve had a memorable time at an event you’ve put on, then that’s much more likely.”

For further details about the regatta, visit northwichrowing.co.uk