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With the shed still closed and no rowing happening again in 1944, I have chosen to include the memories of the 1930’s from Robert (Bob) Lawrie. Bob was the son of Jack Lawrie and Jack was a member from the early 1920’s serving on the committee in as secretary for many years in the 1930’sContinue reading “1944”

Despite the decision to close the boathouse, a committee was elected to oversee affairs of the club and act in a caretaker role. Mr. Bunce now entered his thirteenth term as president. The vice-presidents were the same as last season, Messrs. C. N. Tulloch, G. Vickery, Jack Lawrie, J. McLeish,Ted Edwards and T. J. Stevens,Continue reading “1943 Memories of the 40’s”

The office bearers for this season were again Mr. C. H. Bunce as president. In nominating him Mr. T. C. Edwards said that he had done a wonderful job and that he was absolutely indispensable. Vice-presidents were Messrs. C. N. Tulloch, G. Vickery, Jack Lawrie, J. McLeish, Joe Bickart, Ted Edwards and T. J. Stevens.Continue reading “1942 Lockdown”

At the club’s 70th annual meeting in early October 1941 Mr. C. H. Bunce again reiterated ‘to keep the flag flying till the members serving with the forces came back is the object of the committee.’ The club was most fortunate in having an outstanding set of executive officers who managed the club’s affairs soContinue reading “1941”

The 69th Annual Meeting was held on the fifth of September. Mr. C. H. Bunce stated that with the co-operation of all members and with an excess of assets over liabilities of 4466 pounds, rowing could be kept alive. Despite increasing difficulties the club’s position was sound. Membership had increased over the last season andContinue reading “1940 World War 2 impacts”

After last season’s single win, the club was reinvigorated and motivated to produce better results at regattas. Several good lightweight crews emerged this season and in most cases were stroked by Warwick Ehms. Warwick’s father, Carl, had been a successful oarsman in the early 1900’s and Warwick and later his brother Alan followed the familyContinue reading “1939 Edge of the precipice”

Last season’s poor showing at regattas was somewhat redeemed by the performance of the Senior pair of Blaikie and Aley in the State Championship. This season there was no highlight like this to redeem the regatta results. Due to the loss of good members to other centres the club recorded one solitary win at theContinue reading “1938 Centenary Ballarat.1 is better than 0!”

Socially and financially the club continued on the up and up. On the rowing side things were not advancing so pleasingly. The highlight of the season was the performance of the pair of W.Blaikie and R.Aley who finished second to Melbourne University in the Champion Pairs of Victoria, improving one place from their third ofContinue reading “1937 Empire Games selection”

The Social Committee this year purchased five new boats. Never before or since has the club been in the position to buy so many boats to add to the existing fleet. They bought a practice eight, two practice fours and two practice sculls that would be invaluable in bringing novice rowers up to scratch. WithContinue reading “1936 Boat bonanza!”

Regatta racing was not as spectacular with the club only attending five regattas and finishing in eleventh place on the Junior premiership with eight points. We attended Henley, Ballarat Novice Regatta at thee end of 1934 and the Colac, Barwon and Ballarat Regattas. The Maiden eight of S.Hillman, Stan Wilton, K.Capp, A.Loughton, F.Moon, Charlie Pennant,Continue reading “1935”