Star Club was formed in 1959 by former National Service members of RAF Cardington Rowing Club which had established itself at the top level by its first eight being invited to compete for the honour of representing England in the 1958 Empire Games. Coached by Ted Poynter many crew members, having attained such a high level, on discharge decided to remain in the Bedford area to find jobs and continue their rowing as Star Club.  Bill Robertson was appointed its first President and Ted Poynter the first Captain and Coach.

The boathouse was an old timber store at Batts Ford, some 100 metres upriver from Poynter’s Boathouse.

The early 60’s success of these oarsmen in winning the Jackson Trophy and other top level awards, built up membership of the Club until 1966 when Star Club won the Charter Year Eights at Bedford Regatta. Virtually all these senior oarsmen then retired from racing to coach and to pursue careers and family interests.

Star Club then embarked upon Junior rowing when Lyn Parsons took up the Captaincy in 1967 and Silver Jubilee School became affiliated. Boys from other schools joined their friends and soon these new youngsters developed into first class oarsmen, winning events at Bedford Regatta and competing at the National Schools Championships. A number are now rowing as veterans together with a few of the founder members.

In 1972 grants through the Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association enabled provision of a clubroom, gymnasium and social facilities plus upgrading of the equipment available for training and rowing, with emphasis on the needs of young people. About this time Bedford Ladies Rowing Club merged with Star Club thus bringing women’s and girls rowing into the Club for the first time.

Bedford Ladies Rowing Club had organised a women’s regatta for some years and on joining Star Club events for junior men were introduced. This regatta has developed over the years to become an annual weekend of two major regattas, with emphasis on junior and women’s events.

From 1980, the quality of rowing and successes grew such that a number of the new young members won National Championships and were selected for GB representation, first as Juniors and then at Senior level.. The Club First Eight won the Jackson Trophy three years in succession from 1983 to 1985.
Annual “Try Rowing” courses were introduced in partnership with the Bedford Borough Council (BBC).