1925 Index
| March | EERC Annual Meeting |
| August | The “Herbert” Cup Swimming Race |
| August | Four-Oar Race for the “Robert William King” Cup |
| August | Rowing: The “Peters” Cup Race |
EERC Annual General Meeting
March 1925
ETON EXCELSIOR ROWING CLUB
Mr. A. H. Dyson was unanimously selected to occupy the chair at the annual general meeting of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club on Thursday evening last week, the members assembling at the Bridge House Hotel, Eton. Amongst those also present were:- Messrs. A. G. Horlock, J. W. Tull (hon. secretary), T. Luff (assistant hon. Secretary), R. H. Edridge (the retiring hon. treasurer), H. A. Baker (captain), V. H. Hobbs (vice-captain), Lieut.-Colonel J. T. Halligan, Messrs. T. J. Cartland, H. Luff, A. J. Merson, H. Powers, C. D. Dyson, J. W. Croft, V. G. Pottow, G. Newton, D. B. King, S. E. Little, W. R. G. K. Smith, A. Bellringer, L. G. Robertson, G. W. Bayley, C. L. Andrews, A. F. Hobbs, L. W. S. Howard, W. Brown, D. L. Andrews, C. MacDonald, etc.
The Annual Report
The HON. SECRETARY read out the 74th annual report of the Committee, which showed :-
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Club last season was 59, which, they are pleased to say. is a slight increase on last year.
OPEN REGATTAS
The Club was represented at most of the open regattas last season, and our crews are to be congratulated on their performances. Our Maiden Four won the Jacob Challenge Cup by beating Maidenhead after a hard race. The following members represented the Club at open regattas during the past season: L. Barret, G. W. Bayley, N. A. Bradley, A Bellringer, R. J. Box, M. R. Burgoyne, W. Brown, J. W. Croft, C. D. Dyson, G. A. Gould, V. H. Hobbs, R. V. Husted, H. Kendal, D. B. King, H. Luff, R. Mills, G. Newton, V. J. Pottow, L. Robertson, J. Youhill, R. F. C. Wheeler, and J. G. White.
CLUB RACES
A number of Club races was decided during the season, including William Robert King’ Cup, which was won by A. J. Merson, H. W. Mayo, V. J. Pottow, J. Youhill, J. White The Devereux’ Cup, which was won by R. F. C. Wheeler, A. J. Merson, L. G. Robertson, H. Kendall; The Herbert Cup, which was won by L. G. Robertson: and the Annual Eight Oar Race between crews representing Windsor and Eton for the Peters’ Cup, which was given by Sir George Peters, our President, and was again 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
Was held on August 23rd, at the conclusion of which Lady Peters kindly presented the prizes.
ANNUAL SUPPER
The Annual Supper was held on January 22nd at the Bridge House Hotel, the Club’s headquarters. Our President, Sir George Peters, occupied the chair, and was supported by Sir William Carter (Mayor of Windsor), Mr. A. A. Somerville, M.P.; Alderman G. Mitchell, Councillor A. Jacobs, Messrs. A. Pazolt, A. Dyson, M. Lightfoot, H. A. Baker, V. H. Hobbs, W. Dodds, R. H. Edridge, etc.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
The thanks of the Committee are due to the Social Committee for their untiring efforts during the winter months to arrange social evenings, etc.
DEBENTURES
The committee are pleased to state that they have paid off all the remaining debenture holders of the Club.
DAMAGE
A great deal of expense was incurred during the past season by unnecessary damage done to oars, etc. during different Club races, and it is hoped that the members concerned will take a little more care of the Club’s property in future. The thanks of the members are due to all those who subscribe to our funds, and donors of prizes and subscriptions for our Club Regatta during the past season, to the Eton College authorities for the use of their premises for our Regatta and other events; to Mr. Pazolt for coming over and helping with the coaching of the crews; to Mr. Calvert for allowing our boats to be moored in front of his premises; and to Lieut.-Colonel Halligan for placing rooms at our disposal for meetings, etc.’
The CHAIRMAN proposed the adoption of the report, which he said he considered wholly admirable, though, he added, he was sorry “they had not brought home more cups to Windsor in the open regattas.” However, they had done very well, and he agreed with the Hon. Secretary that the Social Committee had accomplished much, while it was also most satisfactory to observe that the remaining debenture holders had been paid off (hear, hear).
Mr. MERSON seconded the proposition, which was carried.
The Balance Sheet
Mr. EDRIDGE presented the balance sheet. The statement showed that the balance brought forward at the beginning of 1924 was £78 16s. 11d., hon. members’ subscriptions totalled £16 5s., members’ subscriptions £119 13s., and other items made the total receipts £238 6s. 10d. On the expenditure side of the account it was shown that four debentures had been paid off (£20), and at the end of the year there was a balance in hand of £56 2s. 5d.
Mr. EDRIDGE explained that at a first glance it appeared as though a drop had occurred in the amount of the Club’s, balance. The receipts from the Social Committee, however, had only been £15, as against £47 odd the previous year. That sum of £47 was rather abnormal, and he thought £15 might more properly be expected from the operations of that Committee. He went on to explain certain rises and falls in income and expenditure, mentioned the payment of the debentures, and he affirmed that the balance sheet as a whole was better than last year, and next year there would be no debentures to pay off.
Mr. G. NEWTON seconded the adoption of the balance sheet. Carried.
Election of President and Vice-Presidents.
The CHAIRMAN proposed the re-election of Sir George Peters as President. They could not, he claimed, find a better or more sporting gentleman for the post, and his interest in the organisation for many years, coupled with the support he had rendered them, were well known.
Mr. EDRIDGE seconded, in felicitous terms, and the proposition was carried unanimously.
It was agreed that the present Vice-Presidents be re-elected en bloc, and to add to their number Messrs. S. E. Lutwyche, Leo. Blane, R. H. Edridge, W. Hope Jones, and A. C. Beasley Robinson.
The Captain and Vice-Captain
The CHAIRMAN moved the re-election of Mr. A. H. Baker as captain of the Club (hear, hear). Mr. BELLRINGER said he understood it would be rather difficult for Mr. Baker to accept the captaincy again, in that he (Mr. Baker) did not feel he would be able to carry out the duties as it would be his desire to do. In the circumstances he (the speaker) would like to propose Mr. Pazolt for the post, Mr. Pazolt being well-known in the rowing world, a member of the Leander Club, and a man who had done much on their behalf during the past season.
The HON. SECRETARY pointed out that Mr. Pazolt was not a member of the Excelsior R.C. and was therefore not eligible.
After some discussion,
Mr. BAKER said that after having held the post of captain for 12 months he certainly found it required a good deal of time, trouble and judgment, and he had explained to the members that he would be unable to devote quite so many hours to the work this year as in the past season. He had felt it incumbent on him to explain his position, and if there should be another who could carry out the work to the better advancement of the Club he would most readily stand down and feel in no way offended. His interest in the movement was such that he felt the best should be given by the man holding the office of captain. If the meeting accepted his views and were still desirous that he should hold the position, he would place all the time he could at their disposal though not every evening, as he had already mentioned. He fully appreciated the remarks uttered by Mr. Bellringer and other members.
In the end Mr. Baker was unanimously re-elected, whereupon Mr. Baker suitably acknowledged the compliment. “I shall,” he said, “endeavour to carry out the duties with satisfaction to the Club and, I hope, with credit to myself” (hear, hear).
At this stage, in consideration of the good services Mr. Pazolt had rendered, Mr. CARTLAND moved, and Mr. BAILEY seconded, that Mr. Pazolt be elected a vice-president.-Carried.
Mr. Baker now assumed the position of Chairman of the meeting.
It was proposed that Mr. V. H. Hobbs should “carry on” as vice-captain, but Mr. HOBBS suggested there were other members who might be “given a chance.”
This led the way to the nomination also of Messrs. C. D. Dyson and G. Newton, and the voting upon the three nominees was by ballot, Mr. V. H. Hobbs being returned at the “head of the poll” by a substantial majority.
After the meeting had signified its approval, Mr. HOBBS remarked, “I will endeavour to the best of my ability to fill the position.”
Other Elections
In view of the pending and regretted departure from Windsor of Mr. Edridge, Mr. Cartland accepted the office of Hon. Treasurer.
There were no two opinions about the re-election of Mr. J. W. Tull to the sphere of scribing, viz., the hon. secretaryship, nor to the retention of the post of Assistant Hon. Secretary by Mr. T. Luff, and it was very evident they worked splendidly together in secretarial harness.
The Hon. Auditors, Messrs. A. H. Dyson and M. Lightfoot, were again chosen, and there was no rush to relieve them of duties extending over a period of years.
Eight members of the Committee retired and offered themselves for re-election. In addition, there were three fresh nominees, necessitating a ballot. Only one former member was displaced, and the following were elected: Messrs.
(Continued in preceding column) – (Continued from next column).
J. W. Croft, C. D. Dyson, A. G. Horlock, H. Luff, G. Newton, S. G. Moss, V. J. Pottow, and G. W. Bayley.
Hints for the Committee
In order to give the new Committee something to think about, Mr. A. H. DYSON suggested that some attention might be paid to the better condition of the pleasure boats and cushions, stating that the Committee might pay some attention to the cleaning of the Club premises.
Mr. CARTLAND hoped the Committee would consider, now that the debentures had been paid off the purchase of one or even more “single scullers.”
Mr. BAKER said the old Committee had not lost sight of the fact that better stock was required for the pleasure of members. The Club had been, to some extent, handicapped by the financial position, but they had certainly made great strides in providing more suitable craft. Two very handsome new boats had been obtained, and the question regarding single sculling boats had not been overlooked. It would be readily appreciated that a “single sculler” was much difficult to procure, and so far they had not been successful in that direction.
Mr. Edridge Eulogised
Mr. T. J. CARTLAND proposed a special vote of thanks to Mr. Edridge for his past services and said how much the members of the Club regretted his departure from the locality.
Mr. A. H. DYSON seconded, and the proposition was carried with acclamation.
Mr. EDRIDGE said that for many years he had taken a keen interest in the Club. It was nineteen years since Mr. Boswell asked him to help him at the Windsor and Eton Regatta. From that he “drifted” into the Club. He thought that, as a whole, the members had appreciated what he had tried to do on their behalf. One or two youngsters had taken a delight in writing “saucy” letters, but he had had quite as much delight in answering them (laughter). Passing on, Edridge referred to certain outstanding features in the Club’s history during the time he had been associated with it, expressed his especial pleasure that the debentures had been paid off, and hoped the occasion would never arise when they would have to issue more (hear, hear). He could not express to them how much he appreciated their kindness in having elected him a Vice- President.
After the customary votes of thanks, Mr. BAKER referred to the younger members. The older members, he explained, must drop out at some time, and unless they concentrated on the younger members, they would accomplish nothing.
The Newspaper Clipping
Swimming ~ The “Herbert” Cup Race
August 1925
On Tuesday evening members of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club held their annual swimming race for the “Herbert Cup, a trophy which has been competed for from year to year since 1890, and on silver shields surrounding the stand upon which the cup is placed are the names of many former winners. Last year L. G. Robertson won after a good race, but he was unable to defend his title on Tuesday, having left Windsor and gone to Hong Kong. The competition was first won by the late Mr. F. E. Goddard.
The course is from the Club raft and across the river and back. Sometimes the distance varies because on certain occasions river launches have been moored to Thames-side, lying one, two or perhaps three abreast, thus diminishing the distance to be covered. This year no craft impeded the progress of the swimmers to the wall at Thames-side, the stream was moderate, and there was little wind. In the circumstances, seeing that the distance is open to variation from year to year, and that the stream and weather conditions are also changeable, a comparison, so far as the time of the race is concerned, is difficult.
There were eight starters and the race was an exceedingly sporting one, the distance being probably nearly 150 yards. Mr. W. Pottow (Windsor Swimming Club) was the starter, Mr. J. W. Tull (Windsor S.C.) the handicapper, and Mr. A. H. Dyson officiated as judge..
The swimmers were handicapped as follows: G. Newton, scratch; T. Luff, H. J. Matthews and C. L. Andrews, received 7 seconds start; A. Bellringer and H. Luff, 10 seconds; D. L. Andrews, 14 seconds; and C. Dyson, 16 seconds.
By the time the contestants had reached Thames-side, Newton, who was swimming very strongly, had considerably reduced the distance between his nearest rivals and himself, and the return journey to the raft was followed with keen interest. It became a struggle between Newton and Bellringer for supremacy, with one or two others well in the picture, and a large number of spectators on Windsor Bridge and at Thames-side thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. Both swimmers in the final stage made one supreme effort to be the first to “touch” the raft, but the result was a dead heat – a thrilling and, in the circumstances, a very fitting result. The third position was secured by H. Luff, who was probably a couple of yards in the rear. The time for the event was 1 min. 36 secs. and this was considered to be highly satisfactory. Newton’s actual time was therefore 1 min. 20 secs.
The Newspaper Clipping
Four-Oar Race for the “Robert William King” Cup
August 1925
The first heat in this event was decided on Thursday evening last week, and resulted in a win for C. D. Dyson’s crew by one length.
Crews:-
BERKS: R. F. C. Wheller (bow), H. E. F Saunders, J. W. Croft, C. D. Dyson (str.), J. G. White (cox), 1st.
BUCKS: H. Luff (bow), C. L. Andrews, R. C. Mills, D. B. King (str.), A. Clelland (cox), 2nd.
The final was rowed on Friday evening when V. H. Hobbs’ crew was successful by two lengths.
Crews:-
BUCKS: L. B. Palmer (bow), D. L. Andrews, J. H. Matthews, V. H. Hobbs (str.), A. Bellringer (cox), 1st.
BERKS: R. F. C. Wheller (bow), H. E. F. Saunders, J W. Croft, C. D. Dyson (str.), J. G. White (cox), 2nd.
Rowing
Windsor v Eton ~ Fine Eight-Oar Race for the ‘Peters’ Cup
August 1925
The suggestion made by Sir G. H. Peters, when presenting his Challenge Cup last year, “that the race should be rowed on a Saturday afternoon next year,” proved a great success, and the Committee of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club intend to make this a permanent fixture.
The weather was beautifully fine, and a splendid race was witnessed, with Windsor winning by four feet. The course was kept very clear, and seeing that it was Windsor Races, this was very satisfactory. A full course from Clewer Point to Firework Eyot was rowed. Sir George started the race shortly after 3.30 p.m.
Both crews got off well and kept together for a long while. Near the Etonian Club Windsor held about a three-quarter length lead, but a fine spurt by Eton reduced this, and a ding-dong race resulted down the Brocas. In a splendid finish Windsor just got the verdict by four feet.
The success of the Windsor crew was more creditable, as the Eton crew is getting stronger on each occasion. This time they were able to include V. J. Pottow, who for many years has held the Windsor qualification. The Eton crew show great promise and includes several promising oarsmen. The Windsor boat included several new members, but for the most part are now well-known members of the Club, to which they have given excellent service. It was a pleasure to see S. Blane again rowing, and his return to this locality would be welcomed by the Club.
The race was umpired by Sir G. H. Peters from the motor launch Welbeck (kindly lent by Councillor A. Jacobs). He was accompanied by his son, Mr. R. H. Peters, Miss I. Peters and Master G. Peters (his grandchildren), Mr. A. H. Baker (captain) and Mrs. Baker, Mr. T. J. Cartland (hon. treasurer), and Mr. T. Boswell, who acted as Clerk of the Course. Mr. T. South and Mr. H. Luff acted as clerks of the course on the towing path, Mr. T. Luff as judge, and Mr. J. W. Tull carried out all the secretarial duties with his usual ability.
A large number of people witnessed the race on both the river and its banks. The Committee are indebted to Eton College Authorities for the loan of the fixed-seat eights for the race, to Councillor A. Jacobs for the Welbeck, the use of which was very much appreciated by all, and to Mr. Odell for his valuable assistance at the College rafts. The river public must also be thanked for keeping the course so clear and so preventing the race from being spoilt.
After the race, Sir G. H. Peters presented the cup to V. H. Hobbs, the stroke of the winning crew, at the Club Boat House.
Before the presentation, the CAPTAIN (Mr. A. H. Baker) thanked Sir George for his great interest in the Club and this race, and assured him that it was very much appreciated by all the members. He was glad that the suggestion made by their President last year had been carried into effect, and he was sure it would become a regular fixture.
Sir George PETERS said he was only too pleased to help the Eton Excelsior Club in any way, and he always followed their races with great interest. He had kept a record of the finishes of this race in particular, and for the last three years they had all been very close, which showed that the composition of the crews was very equal, and always provided a good finish and a race worth watching.
The cup was then filled, and Sir George proposed the health of the Eton Excelsior R.C. and the two crews of that day.
Mr. T. BOSWELL said that it was always a pleasure for the old members to come amongst the present ones.
Mr. T. J. CARTLAND remarked that Windsor had won by “four feet,” so Eton had “forfeited’? (‘four-feet-ed‘) the cup this year.
The VICE-CAPTAIN of the Club (V. H. Hobbs) and stroke of the winning crew then called for three cheers for the President, which were given in a very hearty manner.
Sir GEORGE, in response, said he was pleased to note that although they had had a hard race, it had in no way affected their vocal powers.
It is interesting to note that the Cup was presented in 1889, and first rowed for in 1890, when Eton won, their crew being: H. R. Taylor (bow), W. W. B. Hill, F. Halliday, W. G. Clark, G. Dugdale, E. Willis, W. L. Herbert, F. Wilkinson (stroke), L. Hill (cox).
The crews for this year’s race were as follows:-
Windsor (Berks Station): A. J. Merson (bow), H. E. F. Saunders, C. Frost, C. D. Dyson, S. Blane, G. Newton, J. W. Croft, V. H. Hobbs (str.), A. H. Clelland (cox).
Eton (Bucks Station): C. L. Andrews (bow), L. Barratt, R. F. C. Wheller, D. L. Andrews, R. C. Mills, V. J. Pottow, H. J. Matthews, D. B. King (str.), J. G. White (cox).
The Newspaper Clipping
Windsor Local History Group 