Weybridge Rowing Club

Weybridge Rowing Club
Image showing the rowing club's emblem
Image showing the rowing club's blade colours
Location Weybridge, England
Home water Sunbury Lock, River Thames
Founded 1880
Affiliations British Rowing
Website www.weybridgerowing.org.uk
Events
Walton and Weybridge Regatta, Weybridge Silver Sculls, Weybridge Head of the River
Notable members
George Cotterill

Weybridge Rowing Club, founded in 1880, is a rowing club, on the River Thames in England, on the Surrey bank, on stretch of the River Thames between Sunbury Lock and Shepperton Lock on a small island belonging to and barely detached from Weybridge. The stretch is roughly 5 km long from weir to weir and is used also by Walton Rowing Club and the St George's College Boat Club.

The club organises several rowing events, and consists of a wide range of members, consisting of juniors, novices, seniors, veterans and many past and present champions.

History

In 1880 Weybridge Rowing Club started life as a "tradesmen's" club, as opposed to the "gentlemen's" club which began life much later at Walton.

In 1919 WRC joins National Amateur Rowing Association (NARA), the NARA was set up as a rival to the ARA, which in those days did not permit manual workers to compete in its regattas.

After the 1914-18 war, when women enjoyed greater freedom and were made more welcome in many sports, WRC included a women's event in their "Peace" regatta and formed a women's section, captained by Amy Gentry.

In 1924 Weybridge Rowing Club crew represents Great Britain in the Paris Olympics, the WRC coxed four - V.J. Boveington (stroke), E.W. Hann, J.H. Townend, B.C. Croucher and cox H.L. Barnsley - narrowly missed out on a bronze medal and won many regattas at home.

In 1926 Amy Gentry founds Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club, the women's section of WRC moves a few hundred metres down river to its own headquarters.

In 1920 Weybridge Regatta is founded and held on the Walton Mile, the regatta was known as the Henley of the NARA and attracted large crowds for the rowing and subsequent fireworks display. Weybridge was one of the few clubs on the Thames to remain open during the Second World War, though the regatta ceased to exist

In 1956 the Weybridge Silver Sculls, the oldest sculling head on the upper Thames began and was held in October each year and regularly attracting over 500 entries. The famous trophy was made by the event's founder, "Dickie" Bird.

Successful juniors of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s included J. Crozier, C Roberts, C Fuller, Peter Levy, Mike Webb, Ian Shore, Jeff Hunt, Paul Wensley, and Duncan Nicholl, all of whom represented Great Britain in international competition. Today almost one third of the active members are juniors.

Re-emergence of women at Weybridge Rowing Club began when Carol Adamson became the first woman captain in 1990. The women's first eight came 8th in the Women's Head of the River in 1993 and reached the finals of Club Eights at Women's Henley in 1992 and 1993.

In 1991 Weybridge Veterans Head was founded, held annually in March, the event caters for eights and fours, and now includes events for juniors as well as veterans.[1]

Recent years

In 2000 Weybridge's sister club, Weyfarers, was founded formed to encourage members who want to row for enjoyment and to keep fit, but who are not necessarily interested in racing. In 2003 Weyfarers hosts FISA Recreational Rowing Tour on the Thames with 95 participants from 15 countries rowing from Oxford to Putney in 18 boats, to raise the profile of touring rowing in the UK.

Weybridge Rowing Club was awarded "Clubmark" status, Sport England's quality certification confirms the club's excellent standard of care and coaching for juniors

In 2007 Weybridge Rowing Club Junior Squad announced the launch of 'Wey To Row' Junior Courses in Summer 2007 - Juniors beginners' course held at Weybridge Rowing Club run by two previous junior rowers, Chris Jones and Jack Percival.

Membership

Weybridge is a well established club and has experienced coaches and a community atmosphere. Currently there are a variety of different ages and abilities of rowers from twelve upwards. They regularly race and train together as well as organising training outings and social events. The Seniors have always formed the heart of the club, racing through all seasons of the year.

The Junior Squad is still expanding, and in 2006 introduced a Weybridge Rowing Club Junior Squad (WRCjnr) Team. The Junior section organise several beginner courses each year which are always very popular. The Club continues to prosper with a willing band of volunteer coaches.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Weybridge RC British Rowing
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