1924 Index
Eton Excelsior Rowing Club
The Annual Ball
February 1924
The annual ball of this old-established club was held at the Castle Hotel, Windsor, on Thursday last week, and once again the evening was a great success. Dancing commenced at 8.30 p.m. and finished at 2.30 a.m. About 120 dancers sat down to an excellent supper supplied by the hotel management at 11 p.m., during which carnival novelties were distributed to all, which added to the “fast and furious fun” of the evening. The ladies were presented with small souvenir fans. Messrs. V. H. Hobbs and W. R. Smith ably carried out their duties as M.C.’s. The success of the evening was largely due to the untiring efforts of the Club’s Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. W. Tull, who must be more than satisfied with the result of his efforts. Parties came from London, Slough, Uxbridge, Eton and Windsor. Mr. Hugh Kendall’s augmented orchestra excelled themselves with their most enjoyable selections.
The Newspaper Clipping
Eton Excelsior Rowing Club
Annual Meeting
March 1924
The annual general meeting of the members of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club was held at the Bridge House Hotel, Eton, on Tuesday evening, when a very satisfactory report and balance-sheet were submitted. Mr. L. F. Blane (last year’s captain) occupied the chair at the commencement of the meeting, and Mr. H. A. Baker took his place on being elected to the captaincy for the ensuing year. Among those also present were:
Messrs. V. H. Hobbs (vice-capt.), R. H. Edridge (hon. treas.), J. W. Tull (hon. sec.), T. Luff (assist. hon. sec.), M. Lightfoot (hon auditor), D. B. King, W. J. Dowsett, J. W. Croft, V. J. Pottow, J. Meredith, H. Powers, T. J. Cartland, A. G. Horlock, C. D. Dyson, H. Luff, A. Merson, A. F. Hobbs, H. Mayo, N. Bradley, C. L. Andrews, L. W. S.. Howard, W. R. Smith, B. Stewart, S. E. Little, G. W. Bayley, G. Newton, T. South, W. M. Pottow, F. L. P. Webb, etc.
The Annual Report
Mr. TULL read the annual report as follows:- The Committee have much pleasure in presenting their 73rd annual report.
Membership. The membership last season was 53, a slight decrease on the previous year.
Regattas (open). The Club was represented: at most of the open regattas last season, and our crews are to be congratulated on a very satisfactory record.
At Reading, our Junior-Senior-Four won the Maiden Erlegh Challenge Cup, beating Marlow R.C. in the final heat by length. Our Junior Four won their two heats but lost the final to Maidenhead by one length.
At Marlow, our Junior Senior-Four were beaten by Maidenhead for the Town Cup, and our Junior Four, after winning their heats, lost in the Final to Exeter College, Oxford.
At Staines, Junior-Senior-Eight put up a splendid performance by beating Thames in their first heat, and Kingston in their second heat, but lost to Anglian by half a length in the final. Our Junior Four were beaten by Lensbury [original “Lensberry”] in their heat.
At Maidenhead, we entered for the Telegraph Eights, but were beaten by Thames in the first heat.
At Bourne End, we entered a Maiden Four, who were successful, beating Maidenhead and Marlow in their heat, and Reading in the Final. A Junior-Senior-Four lost their heat to Marlow by two feet.
At the Club Regatta our Junior Four won the ‘Ruthven Challenge Cup,’ beating Staines in their heat, and Maidenhead by two lengths in the final. The following members represented the Club at Open Regattas during the last season,
V. H. Hobbs, V. J. Pottow, C. D. Dyson, H. A. Baker, H. Luff, G. Newton, J. W. Croft, W. Dowsett, N. A. Bradley, R. J. Box, D. B. King, L. W. S. Howard, H. W. Mayo, G. W. Bayley, M. R. Burgoyne, J. G. White, and R. Wheeler.
Club Races. A number of club races were decided during the season. The ‘William Robert King’ Cup was won by N. A. Bradley, G. W. Bayley, V. J. Pottow, J. W. Croft. The Trial Junior Fours ‘Devereux’ cup was won by N. A. Bradley, R. J. Box, R. G. King, C. L. Andrews. The ‘Herbert’ Swimming Cup was won by V. J. Hobbs, our Vice-Captain. The Annual Eight Oar race between crews representing Windsor and Eton for the ‘Peters’ cup, given by Sir George Peters, our president, was this year won by Eton, after a stirring race from start to finish. Sir George umpired the race, and afterwards generously entertained the crews and members at the Club Headquarters.
Annual Regatta. The annual regatta was held on August 11th, a few weeks earlier than usual, in order to co-operate with the Windsor and Eton Carnival Week Committee.
The entries for the Club races were not quite so many as usual, owing to several members being away, but the open events attracted a large number of entries. The Wakefield Memorial Challenge Cup was again won by the Staines pair, N. L. Huggins, J. N. Gundry (Miss Nixon, cox.), and the open Junior Fours, for the Ruthven Challenge Cup, was won by our Junior Four, who beat Maidenhead in the final.
Lady Peters … [text indistinct]
Annual Supper. The annual supper was held on November 27th, 1923, at the White Hart Hotel. Our President, Sir George Peters, occupied the chair, and was supported by the Mayor of Windsor (Sir William Carter), Mr. A. A. Somerville, Alderman G. Mitchell, Messrs. A. H. Dyson, T. H. Boswell, E. C. Devereux, M. Lightfoot, etc. The thanks of the Committee are due to the social committee for their untiring efforts on behalf of the Club during the winter months, and the Hon. Secretary wishes to personally thank these members for all the assistance they have given him when they have been asked.
Club Badge. At a special general meeting, held on July 26th, 1923, it was decided that the Club should have an official badge for the pocket of the blazer and cap. It was resolved that a sub- committee, comprising the General Committee and Mr. G. W. Bayley, be appointed to select three badges, one of which to be decided upon by the vote of the members at the annual general meeting.
Coming Season. The Committee have decided to put on an Open Fixed Seat Maiden Four Oar race at the Club regatta this year, for the Challenge Cup kindly presented by Councillor Arthur Jacobs, to be called the ‘Jacobs’ Challenge Cup.
The thanks of the members are due to all those who have subscribed to the Club funds during the past season, to the Eton College authorities for the use of their premises for our Club regatta, and other Club events; to Mr. Calvert, for allowing boats to be moored in front of his premises, and to Lieut. Col. J. T. Halligan, for placing rooms at our disposal for meetings, etc.”
The Balance Sheet
Mr. EDRIDGE submitted the club’s balance sheet, which showed the following:-
Receipts: Balance brought forward, £60 12s. 2d.; Hon. members’ subscriptions, £20 19s. ; members’ subscriptions, 1922 (2), £4 4s.; ditto, 1923 (53), £108 14s. 6d. ; per Social Committee (season, 1922-3), £47 8s. 11d.; sale of old boat, £1; entry fees – club races, £2 18s. 6d. ; storage of members’ own boats, £5 15s.; interest on deposit at bank, 9s.; balance on regatta account, 1923, 4s. 6d. ; total, £252 5s. 7d. The payments included the following:-Rent, £15; debentures paid off (2), £10; debenture interest, £1 10s.; rates, £6 3s. 1d.; deposit account, £50; insurances, £3 16s. 6d. ; repairs to premises, £6 19s. 11d.; repair and upkeep of boats, £13 18s.; housing racing boats, £3; care of raft during winter, £1; boatman, £27 Is. 8d.; regatta entrance fees, £23 11s. 6d. ; cartage of boats to regattas, £2 10s.; varnish, paint, timber, soap, etc., £15 14s. 5d.; Thames Conservancy, £8 2s. 6d.; Club prizes, engraving, etc., £6 5s. 6d. ; printing, stationery and advertising, £7, 19s. 6d. ; laundry, £1 13s. 11d.; purchase of new sculls, £12 5s. ; purchase of new mats and straps, £2 9s. 6d. ; cheque book, 5s.; Treasurer’s postage and receipt stamps, £1 10s. 7d.; secretary’s postage and incidentals, £2 7s. 1d.; subscription to Thames amateur Rowing Council, 5s. ; total £223 8s. 8d.; balance at bank, £28 16s. 11d.; grand total, £252 5s. 7d.
Mr. EDRIDGE went on to compare the figures with those in last year’s balance-sheet. He said they had an increased balance of about £18 over last year; but although the honorary members’ subscriptions had increased over £5, the members’ subscriptions showed a drop of £16. The proceeds from the Social Committee’s efforts showed an increase of about £20. Two debentures had been paid, off during the year which left only four now outstanding. They hoped to pay these off in the near future. Their deposit account had been increased by £20, and the actual amount the Club had to its credit at the present time was 1s. 1d. short of £80. He thought that was a record in the history of the Club (applause). They started the year with an absolutely clean sheet – nothing being outstanding. Referring to the debentures, Mr. Edridge said one, which had been paid off (Mrs. Dugdale’s) was an original debenture, dated 21st October, 1885, and signed by the then treasurer of the Club (Mr. William Shurley). He would pass it round for their inspection (applause).
The CHAIRMAN congratulated the Treasurer on his very satisfactory statement, and Mr. ANDREWS proposed, and Mr. D. B. KING seconded, the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Carried.
Re-election of President and Vice-Presidents
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the re-election of Sir George Peters as President, said he took the greatest interest in the Club, and its doings (applause). Mr. HORLOCK seconded. Carried unanimously.
Mr. EDRIDGE proposed the re-election of the Vice-Presidents en bloc. Mr. POTTOW seconded. -Carried. It was also resolved to add the names of Lieut.-Col. J. T. Halligan, Councillor A. Jacobs, and Mr. F. C. Bayley.
Election of Captain
Mr. POWERS proposed the re-election of Mr. L. F. Blane as Captain of the Club. He said he was the most suitable man they could have for the post, and he gave up a great amount of his time for the Club. It was a very difficult post to fill, and they could not do better than elect him for another year (applause). Mr. F. L. P. WEBB seconded.
Mr. ANDREWS proposed Mr. Bert Baker as Captain. He said that a change was good for a club, and although their last captain had done well, he thought someone else ought to have a turn. Mr. HORLOCK seconded.
Mr. BLANE said he would be only too pleased to stand aside, as it was by no means an easy post to fill.
Mr. BAKER said that although he appreciated the views of Mr. Andrews, he did not think he could take the post, as he had not had time to consider the matter.
A lengthy discussion ensued, and eventually both Mr. Blane and Mr. Baker consented to leave the matter to those present. Mr. Dyson’ and Mr. Horlock were also proposed and seconded for the post. In the end a ballot was taken, and Mr. Baker was declared elected by a substantial majority.
Mr. BLANE then vacated the chair, and Mr BAKER having taken it, said he did so with rather mixed feelings. He felt that their captain last year had worked hard for the club, and given a considerable amount of his time to promote its welfare. However, some of the members seemed to require a change, but he trusted that Mr. Blane would still continue to give his valuable help, especially in coaching the crews. He thanked them for electing him to the office, and he would endeavour to carry out the duties of the office to the best of his ability, and he hoped to the credit of the Club (applause).
Mr. EDRIDGE proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Blane for his admirable services during the past four years as captain. As one of the oldest officers of the Club., he (Mr. Edridge) knew what Mr. Blane had done for the Club, and he could not help feeling a certain amount of regret that he had vacated the chair that evening. Still changes must come, and he was sure that Mr. Blane would see that this was so. He had great pleasure in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to him (applause).
Mr. V. J. POTTOW seconded, and the CHAIRMAN supported it. The proposition was heartily carried.
Election of Other Officers
The following other officers were unanimously re-elected and thanked for their services during the past year: Vice-Captain, Mr. V. H. Hobbs; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. R. H. Edridge; Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. W. Tull; Assistant Hon. Secretary, Mr. T. Luff; Auditors, Messrs. A. H. Dyson and M. Lightfoot.
The Committee
There were fourteen nominations for the committee, and on a ballot being taken, the following were declared elected: Messrs. C. D. Dyson, Moss, Pottow, Horlock, Powers, Newton, Croft, and H. Luff.
A Coach
Mr. CROFT raised the question as to the advisability of appointing a coach, and after discussion at the matter was referred to the committee.
The Club Badge
Three designs were submitted for a Club badge, and after Mr. EDRIDGE had given some interesting particulars of the old club badge, it was decided to adopt the design showing crossed oars, and the old badge with the letters E.E.R.C. on it. It was stated that the Excelsior is the oldest river club with the exception of Leander R.C.
Votes of Thanks
Cordial votes of thanks were passed to the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, to the Social Committee, to the Press, and to the two Chairmen of the evening, Mr. Blane and Mr. Baker.
The Opening Day
It was decided that the opening of the season should take place, as usual, on Good Friday.
The Newspaper Clipping
Rowing
“William Robert King” Memorial Cup
June 1924
On Tuesday and Thursday of last week, the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club held the opening race of the season when the “William Robert King “Memorial Cup was competed for by four crews. The course was from Clewer Point to Winter’s Raft. In the semi-final, which took place on Tuesday, Mr. J. Youhill’s crew defeated Mr. G. Newton’s four, while Mr. Dyson’s defeated Mr. J. W. Croft’s crew. The final was witnessed on Thursday evening by a large number of members and friends, and Mr. Youhill’s crew proved the better, and won by three lengths in 4 mins. 16 secs. After the race Mr. W. G. King, the donor of the cup, generously entertained the crews and members at the club’s headquarters, the ” Bridge House Hotel, and presented the trophy to the winning four. Mr. H. A. Baker acted as starter and umpire, and Mr. W. J. Blane as judge. Details:-
Semi-finals
HEAT 1
Berks Station: W. Merson (bow), W. Mayo, V. J. Pottow, J. Youhill (stroke), J. G. White (cox) …. 1
Bucks Station: N. A. Bradley (bow), S. W. Bayley, V. H. Hobbs, G. Newton (stroke), R. King (cox) …. 2
After a good race, the winners spurted just before the winning-post and won by half a length. Time, 3min. 57secs.
HEAT 2
Berks Station: L. W. S. Howard (bow), C. L. Andrews, W. Dowsett, C. D. Dyson (stroke), R. F. Wheeler (cox) …. 1
Bucks Station: D. B. King (bow), H. Kendall, H. Luff, J. W. Croft (stroke) and R. Husted (cox) …. 2
A good race to the “Clumps”; then the winners took command and won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 4min. 13secs.
Final
The winners of Heat 1 (Mr. Youhill’s crew) defeated Heat 2 winners (Mr. C. D. Dyson’s crew) by three lengths. At the start the coxswains nearly spoilt the race by drawing too close together. After the Railway Bridge had been reached, the winners had matters very much their own way. Time, 4min. 16secs.
The Newspaper Clipping
The ‘Peters’ Cup
Eton Defeat Windsor After a Good Race
August 1924
The annual eight-oar race for the Peters Challenge Cup, between crews representing the towns of Windsor and Eton respectively, connected with the Eton Excelsior R.C., was rowed on Wednesday evening over a course on the Thames starting at Clewer Point and finishing at the Eton College Boat Club raft. An excellent race was witnessed, the Eton crew winning by a length, thus repeating their victory of last year. The cup was presented 35 years ago by Sir George Peters, now President of the Club, and on Wednesday evening the donor, who was accompanied by his niece (Miss Gladys Rainford), was present to start the race. A suggestion was made that the contest should take place on a Saturday afternoon, instead of in the evening, so that more of the townspeople might be able to witness it, and we hope that the suggestion will be adopted, as the race is always an interesting one.Eton College authorities kindly lent their fine motor boat ‘Etona‘ for umpiring purposes, and those on board included: Sir George Peters, J.P.; Miss Gladys Rainford, Mr. M. Lightfoot, Mr. J. W. Tull (Hon. Secretary), and Mr. G. P. Cartland. Mr. T. Boswell wrote stating that a prior engagement prevented him from being present.
The officials were: Starter – Sir G. H. Peters; umpire – Mr. H. A. Baker (captain); judge – Mr. L. F. Blane; time-keeper – Mr. S. G. Moss. Others present included Mr. V. Hobbs (vice-captain), Mr. R. Edridge (hon. treasurer), and Mr. T. Luff (assistant hon. secretary).
Details:-
BUCKS STATION – Eton (1)
R. G. King (bow), E. Wheeler, R. C. Mills, L. G. Robertson, R. J. Box, L. Barratt, F. L. P. Webb, D. B. King (stroke), J. G. White (cox).
BERKS STATION – Windsor (2)
W. G. Brown (bow), A. J. Merson, C. L. Andrews, C. D. Dyson, A. Bellringer, J. W. Croft, H. Luff, H. Kendall (stroke), M. R. Burgoyne (cox).
An excellent start was effected, and a splendid race was witnessed to the railway bridge, the crews being practically level all the way. Eton, who were better together, took the lead just before reaching the Clumps, and, admirably stroked by D. B. King, they won by a clear length.
The Cup Filled
After the race, Sir George Peters, the officials and crews proceeded to the Bridge House Hotel, the headquarters of the club, and the President filled the cup. Afterwards a few toasts were honoured.
Mr. BAKER (captain), in proposing the health of the President, thanked him for attending and starting the race. The cup, he said, gave great encouragement to rowing in the club, and promoted friendly rivalry among the members. It brought out the best in the crews, and they looked forward to the race year after year with the greatest enthusiasm. Although the finish was not quite so close as it was last year, it was a good race, and great credit was due to the Eton crew. He asked them to drink heartily Sir George Peters’ health (applause).
Sir GEORGE PETERS, in returning thanks, said he was very proud of the Club. It had been in existence for over seventy years, and it was still progressing. Last year the Eton crew won the race by two feet, and that night they had won it by about a length. It was an extremely good race, and credit was due to both crews. conclusion, he said he would like to propose the toast of the Club, which had had a most successful career. It had had some wonderful Presidents in the past, and if he (Sir George) could only follow in the footsteps of their late esteemed President (Mr. de Havilland) he would be satisfied, and it would give him great pleasure. He hoped his association with the Club would last for many years to come (applause).
Mr. BAKER (captain) thanked the President for the kind words in which he had spoken of the Club. Although the Club had not had the success it deserved during the season, the rowing had been quite up to standard. The rhythm was there, but they required a little more blade work.
They had, however, laid the foundation for future success. The Club, as Sir George had pointed out, had been in existence for over seventy years, and the late President said that a club which existed for seventy years must possess vitality. They must bear in mind that although a club was not successful in one season, it should not deter them from going forward in the next season (applause). He again thanked the President for the toast (renewed applause).
Mr. G. P. CARTLAND, in submitting the toast of the officers of the Club, threw out the suggestion that the race for the ‘Peters’ Cup should be rowed on a Saturday afternoon. He considered that if this were decided on the townspeople would attend in greater numbers, and it would help to make the club more popular (applause). In conclusion, the speaker eulogised the services of the various officers of the Club, and the toast was cordially drunk.
Mr. EDRIDGE (Hon. Treasurer), in returning thanks, said the club had struck a bad patch this season, but the experience gained by the younger members would be of the utmost value. There was no reason why the Excelsior Club should not be as successful as the Maidenhead Club had been that season. He would like to endorse what Mr. Cartland and (sic) said with regard to the advisability of the race being rowed on a Saturday afternoon. An eight-oar race created more enthusiasm than any other race on the river, and he thought if it were rowed on a Saturday afternoon it would attract a great many more people. It might also attract more members. Far too many young men were playing tennis or cricket who would do better at rowing. was referring, of course, to the young men who possess build and stamina. In conclusion, he again thanked the company for the toast (applause).
Mr. J. W. TULL (Hon. Secretary) also returned thanks. He said that although the club had not won any pots this year, they must not get downhearted. They had secured a very useful trainer in Mr. Pazolt, of Beaumont College, Old Windsor, who had written regretting that he would not be able to be present at the Club’s regatta on Saturday. He had been of the greatest assistance to the Club (applause). There was no reason why the Excelsior Club should not be represented at Henley like their friends at Maidenhead, and he hoped they would follow that club’s example in the near future (applause). Mr. Tull went on to propose the toast of the Press.
Mr. M. LIGHTFOOT, in responding, referred to the death of Mr. H. Hall, who was a prominent member of the club in years gone by, and said he was sure they all sincerely condoled with his family in their great bereavement (hear, hear).
The Newspaper Cutting
Eton Excelsior R.C. Regatta
August 1924
Fine weather, for the most part, favoured the annual regatta of the Eton Excelsior R.C. (the oldest up-river club, it having been founded in the year 1851), which was held on Saturday on the Reach above Windsor Bridge. The Eton College authorities kindly lent their commodious boat premises to the executive, and the raft used as a subscribers’ enclosure, while the dressing rooms were also available. The Eton College B.C. fast motor boat, Etona, was used for umpiring purposes.
There was a good attendance of subscribers and friends of the Club, and a long and interesting programme was carried through successfully. The racing was keen, and there were some excellent finishes.
A very smart junior crew represented Evesham R.C. in the open four-oar race, and they defeated the Eton Excelsior Four rather easily. In the Open Maiden Four-oar event, the Eton Excelsior were seen to advantage, and they beat the Maidenhead crew by over two lengths after a capital race. The final of the Senior Sculls resulted in a splendid race, V. H. Hobbs winning by half-a-length only from M. R. Burgoyne, who, in turn defeated G. A. Gould by a length-and-a-half for second place. G. W. Bayley won the Junior Sculls and also the Handicap Sculls, and he is a very promising sculler. The Open Double-Sculling race, with lady cox, was won by the Staines pair, by a narrow margin after a capital set-to with the Eton Excelsior representatives.
The other races were well contested, the Scratch Eights, as usual, producing some splendid struggles. In the second heat of the Double Canoe race, J. W. Croft was seized with cramp after capsizing, and Mr. F. L. P. Webb at once plunged in from the raft and swam to his assistance. He got Croft into a boat, and he soon recovered. The course for the various events was as usual.
The President (Sir George Peters) and Lady Peters were among those present during the afternoon. The Captain (Mr. A. H. Baker) superintended the arrangements, and the Hon. Sec. (Mr. J. W. Tull), Assistant Hon. Sec. (Mr. T. Luff), with the help of Mr. T. South, worked hard during the afternoon in carrying through the Secretarial work. The officials were as follows: Starters and Umpires – Messrs. L. F. Blane, S. Blane, A. H. Baker, W. Hope-Jones, S. G. Moss, and F. Wilkinson. Judges – Messrs. A. E. Barber, T. Boswell, C. F. Brunsdon, T. J. Cartland, F. L. Ellen, H. J. Hetherington, S. Herbert, and F. G. Saunders. Clerks of the Course – Messrs. B. N. Bettridge, L. W. S. Howard, A. F. Hobbs, S. E. Little, C. McDonald, T. South, C. D. Smith, and the Committee. Captain – Mr. H. A. Baker; Vice-Captain – Mr. V. H. Hobbs; Treasurer – Mr. R. H. Edridge. Auditors – Messrs. A. H. Dyson and M. Lightfoot.
At the conclusion of the programme Lady Peters presented the handsome prizes to the successful competitors, and Master R. V. Husted presented her with a handsome bouquet from the Club.
The CAPTAIN (Mr. H. A. Baker), in thanking Lady Peters on behalf of the Club, said they were also indebted to a number of people who kindly attended the regatta and gave encouragement to the members; to the subscribers and those who presented the prizes; and to the Eton Brocas Boat Company for kindly loaning their premises and the fast launch Etona for umpiring purposes.
The staff had also helped them in every possible way. He thanked Sir George and Lady Peters for their attendance, and hoped that all had derived enjoyment from the regatta during the afternoon (applause).
LADY PETERS thanked the Club for their kind vote, which she very much appreciated. They all knew, she said, that Sir George and herself took the greatest interest in the Club, and they had done what they could for it. They hoped to always do so, and it was a great pleasure to them to come down that afternoon to witness their excellent regatta (applause).
Sir GEORGE PETERS also returned thanks, and congratulated the Club upon providing such an excellent afternoon’s sport. As President, he was extremely proud of the Club, and both Lady Peters and himself would always do all they could for it (applause).
On the call of the CAPTAIN, three hearty cheers were given for Lady Peters.
Mr. T. Kendall’s string band played a pleasing selection of music during the afternoon. Teas were served at the Club’s Headquarters, the Bridge House Hotel.
The events resulted as follows:-
PAIR-OAR OUTRIGGERS (for the Husted Challenge Cup)
Final: J. W. Croft and W. Dowsett, rowed over.
CLUB FOUR-OAR RACE (for Challenge Cup)
First Heat: Bucks Station: G. Newton (bow), A. J. Merson, V. J. Pottow, J. W. Croft (stroke), R. F. C. Wheeler (cox), (1); Berks Station: C. L. Andrews (bow), A. Bellringer, H. Luff, D. B. King (stroke), R. V. Husted (cox), (2). Won by a length.
Second Heat: Berks: R. C. Mills (bow), T. Luff, R. J. Box, H. Kendall (stroke), J. G. White (cox), (1): Bucks: F. L. P. Webb (bow), G. W. Bayley, H. W. Mayo, V. H. Hobbs (stroke), A. Purser (cox), (2). Won by one and a half lengths.
Final: Berks: H. Kendall’s crew, (1): Bucks: J. W. Croft’s crew, (2). Good race: won by three-quarters of a length.
JUNIOR SCULLS (for Silver Challenge Sculls ~ prize presented by Lady Peters)
First Heat: Bucks: D. B. King, (1); Berks: A. J. Merson, (2). Won easily.
Second Heat: Berks: G. W. Bayley, (1); Bucks: N. A. Bradley, (2). Won by three lengths.
Final: Berks: G. W. Bayley, (1); D. B. King, disq. Bayley won on a foul. King passed the winning post three lengths ahead.
SENIOR SCULLS (for Challenge Cup ~ prize presented by Sir George Peters).
Final: Berks: V. H. Hobbs, (1); Centre: M. R. Burgoyne, (2); Bucks: G. A. Gould, (3). Splendid race; won by half-a-length, one and a half lengths between second and third.
DOUBLE CANOE RACE (prize presented by Lieut. Colonel J. T. Halligan)
First Heat: Berks: J. G. White and L. G. Robertson, (1); Bucks: C. L. Andrews and R. V. Husted, (2); Centre: H. Kendall and A. Bellringer, (3). Won by two lengths.
Second Heat: Bucks: V. H. Hobbs and F. L. P. Webb, (1); Centre: A. Purser and J. W. Croft, (2); Berks: D. B. King and H. W. Mayo, (0). Won easily. Croft and Purser upset their canoe at the winning post, and Croft was seized with cramp. F. L. P. Webb at once swam to the rescue, and successfully got Croft into a boat.
Final: Centre: V. H. Hobbs and F. L. P. Webb, (1); Bucks: J. G. White and L. G. Robertson, (2); Berks: V. J. Pottow and R. J. Box. Won by a length. Pottow and Box capsized.
PAIR-OAR GIG RACE (for the Richardson Gardner Challenge Cups)
Final: Bucks: R. C. Mills, G. Newton, L. G. Robertson (cox), (1); Berks: F. L. P. Webb, H. W. Mayo, R. V. Husted (cox), (2); Centre: G. W Bayley, J. W. Scott, J. W. Tull (cox), (3). Splendid race, won by inches.
OPEN JUNIOR FOURS (for the Ruthven Challenge Cup).
This Cup was presented by Lord Ruthven, and re-presented by the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club in 1893, to be competed for annually.
First Heat: Berks: Eton Excelsior R.C. C. L. Andrews, L. Barratt, R. J. Box, H. Kendall (stroke), R. F. C. Wheeler (cox), (1); Bucks: Reading R.C. L. Travers, G. Grey, F. J. Morgan, R. Downing (stroke), A. Ilsley (cox), (2). Good race; won by three-quarters of a length.
Final: Bucks: Evesham R.C. F. C. Brotherton, A. C. Barnard, P. W. Boulton, H. E. Fletcher (stroke), Gill Meadows (cox), (1); Berks: Eton Excelsior R.C., (2). Evesham proved a very smart four, and won by three lengths.
OPEN DOUBLE SCULLING (lady cox) for the Wakefield Challenge Cup
Final: Centre: Staines: C. F. Tims, D. J. Cartledge, Mrs. Cartledge (cox), (1); Bucks: Maidenhead: J. G. Barley, W. Boulton, Mrs. Batt-Rawden (cox), (2); Berks: E.E.R.C. J. W. Croft, W. Dowsett, Miss Shuck (cox), (3). Good race; won by a quarter of a length.
OPEN MAIDEN FOUR-OAR RACE (for Challenge Cup presented by Mr. A. Jacobs and presentation prizes)
First Heat: Bucks: Eton Excelsior R.C. W. Brown, L. G. Robertson, R. C. Mills, L. Barratt (stroke), R. V. Husted (cox), (1): Berks: Reading R.C. E. F. B. Burnes, R. E. Belcher, W. F. Fuller, H. P. Austin (stroke), A. Ilsley (cox), (2). Won by three-quarters of a length.
Final: Berks: Eton Excelsior R.C., (1); Bucks: Maidenhead R.C. F. Smith, N. Colley, W. Bartlett, F. Stuchbery (stroke), H. Tessien (cox), (2). It was an excellent race to the Railway Bridge, when the Excelsior, well stroked by Barratt, went away and won comfortably by two and a half lengths.
HANDICAP SCULLS (for the Wise Challenge Cup ~ prizes presented by Mr. R. Cross and Club)
Final: G. W. Bayley (15 secs.), (1); N. A. Bradley (40 secs.), (2); C. D. Dyson (30 secs.), (3); D. B. King (8 secs.), (4); V. H. Hobbs (5 secs.), (5); M. R. Burgoyne (5 secs.), (6); G. A. Gould (scratch), (7); A. J. Merson (90 secs.), (8). Bayley gained a popular victory by three lengths; good third. Winner’s time, 10 min. 11 secs.
SCRATCH DONGOLAS
First Heat: Bucks: A. Purser, F. L. P. Webb, C. D. Dyson, G. W. Bayley, R. Wheeler, (1); Berks: G. Newton, W. Pottow, A. J. Merson, H. M. Abbett, M. R. Burgoyne, (2): Centre: D. R. Dack, G. G. Shuck, R. C. Mills, H. Kendall, L. W. S. Howard, (3). Won easily.
Second Heat: Berks: A. Bellringer, N. A. Bradley, L. G. Robertson, V. H. Hobbs, H. Long, (1); Centre: J. C. White, H. Luff, G. A. Gould, H. W. Mayo, C. L. Andrews, (2); Bucks: V. J. Pottow, R. V. Husted, C. Howlett, R. J. Box, D. B. King, (3). Won easily.
Final: Bucks: Winner of Heat II., (1) Berks: Winner of Heat I, (2). Won easily.
SCRATCH EIGHTS
Heat 1: Bucks: F. L. P. Webb, W. Bennett, N. A. Bradley, H. P. Austin, V. J. Pottow, L. W. S. Howard, D. B. King, C. Dyson (stroke), R. Wheeler (cox), (1); Berks: A. J. Merson, G. A. Gould, G. G. Shuck, H. Luff, T. Luff, D. R. Dack, – Travers, V. H. Hobbs (stroke), R. V. Husted (cox), (2). Splendid race; won by a quarter of a length.
Heat 2: Berks: A. Purser, A. Bellringer, J. W. Croft, S. Gray, G. W. Bayley, J. C. Jackson, G. Newton, L. Barratt (stroke), C. Howlett (cox); (1); Bucks: M. P. Burgoyne, S. Blane, C. L. Andrews, W. Pottow, R. E. Belcher, P. H. Forbes, C. Smith, H. Kendall (stroke), J. G. White (cox), (2). Won by one and a quarter lengths.
Final: Bucks: L. Barratt’s crew, (1); Berks: C. Dyson’s crew, (2). Fine race, won by a quarter of a length.
WINNERS OF CLUB RACES, 1924
Trial Junior Four-Oar Race for the Devereux Challenge Cup:
R. F. C. Wheeler, A. J. Merson, L. G. Robertson, H. Kendall.
Robert William King Cup (Open Fours): A. J. Merson, H. W. Mayo, V. J. Pottow. J. Youhill, J. G. White.
Swimming Race for the Herbert Challenge Cup: L. G. Robertson.
Club Monthly Fours: L. G. Robertson, N. A. Bradley, H. Luff, M. R. Burgoyne, R. F. C. Wheeler.
WINDSOR V. ETON EIGHT-OAR RACE (for the Peters Challenge Cup)
Eton: R. G. King (bow), R. F. C. Wheeler, R. C. Mills, L. G. Robertson, R. J. Box, L. Barratt, F. L. P. Webb, D. B. King (stroke), J. G. White (cox): Windsor: W. G. Brown (bow), A. J. Merson, C. L. Andrews, C. D. Dyson, A. Bellringer, J. W. Croft, H. Luff, H. Kendall (stroke), M. R. Burgoyne (cox), (2).
Presentation to Mr. V. J. Pottow.
At the conclusion of the regatta some forty members and friends sat down to an excellent supper at the Bridge House Hotel. During the evening the Captain (Mr. H. A. BAKER), in a few well-chosen words, asked one of the members, Mr. V. J. Pottow, to accept a little present from the members of the Club on the occasion of his forthcoming marriage, and said he hoped Mr. Pottow would continue to be an active member of the Club for many years to come.
Mr. POTTOW, in accepting the gift, said he hardly knew how to thank the members sufficiently enough for their kind thought, and said although he was getting married he still hoped to continue as an active member.
The latter part of the evening was devoted to music, and songs were excellently rendered by Mr. P. H. Forbes, Mr. V. H. Hobbs, Capt. Flatman Mr. Hugh Kendall, and others.
The Newspaper Clipping
Windsor Local History Group 