EERC 1927 Press Clippings

1927 Index

August

EERC Regatta

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EERC Regatta

Splendid Racing In Rain And Sunshine

1927 [?] August

Rain and sunshine played a part in the annual regatta promoted by the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club on Saturday, and a heavy downpour certainly had the effect of militating against a large attendance for at least the first two hours of the programme.  Spectators had just got comfortably seated at the Eton College Boathouse premises – kindly lent for the occasion – when a disagreeable Clerk of the Weather turned on the water which descended copiously.  Visitors and friends took cover and remained there, venturing forth every now and again to witness the finish of a race.  In no wise dismayed the competitors kept sturdily to their business and the officials braved the elements in a commendable manner.  Eventually the blue sky was seen and then the sun put in a welcome appearance to the satisfaction of all.  Sir George Peters, President of the Club, accompanied by Lady Peters, watched many of the events, and the sport provided was of the best.

The officials, to whom every credit is due, were:  Starters and Umpires – Messrs. L. F. Blane, S. Blane, W. Boulton, M.R.C., W. Dodds, E. W. Fuggle, D. R. Miller, S.B.C., A. M. L. Thompson (Vikings B.C.) and F. Wilkinson;  Judges – Messrs. A. E. Barber, T. Boswell, C. F. Brunsdon, H. J. Hetherington, W. E. Herbert, S. M. Herbert, S. Melville, O. Rowland, F. G. Saunders and Lieut. Colonel J. T. Halligan, O.B.E.;  Clerks of the Course – Messrs. B. N. Betteridge, H. G. Clelland, M. J. Bell, S. E. Little, T. J. Cartland, T. South, and the Committee.

Mr. H. A. Baker. captain of the Club, worked enthusiastically, and there were no more popular or energetic officials than Messrs. J. W. Tull (hon. secretary) and T. Luff (assistant hon. secretary) who, prior to the day, had spent many hours in evolving preparations that proved in every way a credit to the Club and to themselves.  Mr. V. H. Hobbs (vice- captain) also played his part well in connection with the proceedings.  The motor launch Etona was placed at the disposal of the judges and umpires by the Eton College authorities.

The racing was good and often very exciting, some of the finishes being exceedingly close affairs.  Competition was of the keenest character, and the true spirit of sportsmanship prevailed throughout the day.  There was not a hitch and everything passed off very pleasantly.  Unfortunately there were no entries for the “Ruthven” cup, the trophy being won last year by Evesham at Windsor.  It was said during the day by Lady PETERS that this had been a Hobbs’ year – a year of Hobbs on land and Hobbs on water.  It was an interesting simile, for V. H. Hobbs had the distinction of carrying off many events and, incidentally, many handsome prizes.  In the Windsor v. Eton Eight Oar race (for the “Peters” Challenge Cup) he stroked the winning Windsor crew, which gained the verdict after a great struggle, by four feet.  He secured the Senior Sculls (for a challenge cup) winning from G. W. Bayley by 1¼ lengths; he stroked the winning crew in the Four Oar race for a challenge cup, his boat winning by a length; was in the boat which won the pair oar gig race and, with S. Blane, won the double canoe race, besides being one of those to share the victory in the …[indistinct]

The Presentation of Prizes

A long and varied programme concluded just before dusk and the prizes were then distributed to the successful competitors by Lady Peters, who was presented with a beautiful bouquet by Miss Hilda Edridge, daughter of the former Hon. Treasurer.

Mr. H. A. BAKER, on behalf of the Club, thanked Lady Peters for attending to give away the prizes, and he said they were also indebted to Sir George Peters for being present.  They desired to thank the Eton College Boathouse Company for allowing them the use of the premises that day for the regatta, and were also much indebted to Mr. Odell and his staff for the valuable help they had rendered. To the judges, umpires and all officials, they extended their warmest appreciation.

Lady PETERS returned thanks for a lovely gift of flowers, and said that she thought it was known that if Sir George Peters or she could help the Club in any way they were only too pleased to do so.  She was pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Edridge were with them that day, the racing could not have been better, and so far as she could see it was a Hobbs’ year-Hobbs on the land and Hobbs on water (laughter and applause).

Sir George PETERS congratulated the Club on the success of the regatta, at the same time complimenting the Captain, and the Honorary Secretaries upon the splendid arrangements made for the occasion.

The Results

PAIR-OAR GIG RACE (for the “Richardson Gardner” Challenge Cups)

First heat:  Centre Station: R. C. Mills, D. L. Andrews and W. Brown (cox), (1);  Berks Station: J. W. Croft, V. H. Hobbs, and T. Luff (cox), (2);  Bucks Station: V. J. Pottow, H. Luff and A. E. Cooter (cox), (3).  Good race, won by three-quarters of a length.  Saunders crew received a bye.

Final:  Centre Station: J. W. Croft, V. H. Hobbs and T. Luff (cox), (1);  Bucks Station: R. C. Mills, D. L. Andrews and W. Brown (cox), (2);  Berks Station: H. E. F. Saunders, Geo. Newton and R. F. C. Wheeler (cox), (3).  Good race, won by a length.

TUB DINGHY RACE, MIXED (prizes presented by Mr. A. H. Dyson).

First heat:  Bucks Station: M. R. Burgoyne and Mrs. Lipscombe, (1);  Berks Station: A. J. Merson and Miss P. Parker, (2);  Centre Station: A. E. Cooter and Mrs. Deverill, (3).  Won easily, Burgoyne and Mrs. Lipscombe rowing a splendid course.

Second heat:  Bucks Station: D. B. King and Miss D. V. Brooks, (1);  Berks Station: V. H. Hobbs and Miss E. M. Cave, (2);  Centre Station: C. L. Andrews and Miss D. Horder, (3).

Third heat:  Centre Station: C. D. Dyson and Miss M. Parker, (1);  Bucks Station: L. B. Palmer and Miss L. Osmond, (2);  Berks Station: N. A. Bradley and Miss K. Aldridge, (3).  Won easily.

Fourth heat:  Bucks Station: F. Wilkinson and Miss F. Ledgley, (1);  Berks Station: Burgoyne and Mrs. Lipscombe, (2);  Centre Station: G. Newton and Miss A. Roe, (3).  Won easily.

Final:  Centre Station: Wilkinson and Miss Ledgley, (1);  Berks Station: Dyson and Miss Parker, (2); Bucks Station:  King and Miss Brooks, (3).  Won comfortably. 

DOUBLE CANOE RACE (prizes presented by Lieut-Colonel J. T. Halligan)

First heat:  Bucks Station: L. B. Palmer and H. Kendall, (1); Centre Station: J. W. Croft and N. A. Bradley, (2); Berks Station: R. C. Mills and J. G. White, (3).  Won by two lengths; third, distance.

Second heat:  Centre Station: S. Blane and V. H. Hobbs, (1);  Berks Station: H. Luff and A. Purser, (2);  Bucks Station:  D. L. Andrews and C. L. Andrews, (3).  Won by three lengths.

Third heat:  Centre Station: C. D. Dyson and A. E. Cooter, (1);  Berks Station: H. J. Matthews and R. F. C. Wheeler, (2);  Bucks Station: V. J. Pottow and M. R. Burgoyne, (3).  A splendid finish between first and second.

Final:  Berks Station: Hobbs and Blane, (1); Bucks Station: Dyson and Cooter, (2).  Won by two lengths.  Pottow and Burgoyne came to grief soon after the start, Pottow taking a “header” into the river.

OPEN MAIDEN FOUR-OAR RACE (for challenge cup presented by Mr. Arthur Jacobs, and presentation prizes).

Holders, Eton Excelsior R.C.

First heat:  Bucks Station: Henley R.C., A. Haigh (bow), S. Bosley, E. C. N. Hawker, P. Sheppard (stroke), and J. Falconer (cox), (1);  Berks Station: Maidenhead R.C., F. A. Smith (bow), W. Williams, F. R. Preece, H. Colliass (stroke), and J. R. Hampton (cox), (2).  A splendid race won by half a length.  Time, 4 mins. 22 secs.

Second heat:  Berks Station: Eton Excelsior R.C., A. J. Merson (bow), H. E. F. Saunders, H. J. Matthews, L. B. Palmer (stroke) and J. G. White (cox), (1); Bucks Station: Marlow R.C., B. Morton (bow), A. G. Laws, T. P. Lever, H. J. Keeling (stroke) and O. B. S. Row (cox), (2).  Won by two and a half lengths, Eton rowing well together.  Time, 4 mins. 21 2-5th secs.

Third heat:  Bucks Station: Henley R.C., (1); Berks Station: Albion R.C., B. W. Crump (bow), W. Sloane, R. Conridge, A. E. Gibson (stroke) and H. Culmer (cox), (2).  Won easily, by one and three quarters lengths.  Time, 4 mins. 21 secs.

Final:  Bucks Station: Eton R.C., (1); Berks Station: Henley R.C., (2).  An exciting race, both boats being neck and neck near the Ferry.  Eton finished with a splendid spurt and won by quarter of a length.

OPEN DOUBLE SCULLING, LADY COX (for the “Wakefield Memorial” Challenge Cup and presentation prizes).

Holders, C. F. Timms and D. J. Cartledge (Staines B.C.).

First heat:  Centre Station: Staines B.C. (R. Bates, G. A. Smith and Miss G. A. Smith), (1); Berks Station: Eton Excelsior R.C. (J. W. Croft, G. Newton and Miss A. Roe), (2);  Bucks Station: Maidenhead R.C. (S. A. Quartermain, W. Boulton and Miss A. N. Other), (3).  Won easily by one and a quarter lengths.

Second heat:  Bucks Station: Staines B.C. (C. F. Timms, D. J. Cartledge and Mrs. D. J. Cartledge), (1); Berks Station: Albion R.C. (J. Schneider, J. H. Whitehouse and Miss A. Whitehouse), (2).  A fine race, won by 2ft.

Third heat:  Berks Station: Staines B.C. (K. W. Meek, H. A. J. Rose and Miss E. Bowen), (1); Bucks Station: Eton Excelsior R.C. (H. E. F. Saunders, H. J. Matthews and Miss E. Matthews), (2). Won easily.

Final:  Bucks Station: Staines B.C. (Timms, Cartledge and Mrs. Cartledge), (1); Berks Station: Staines B.C. (Meek, Rose and Miss Bowen), (2); Centre Station: (Bates, Smith and Miss Smith), (3).  A good finish; won by half a length.

HANDICAP SCULLS, for the “Wise” Challenge Cup

(first prize presented by Messrs. Wagland and Son)

C. L. Andrews (80 secs. start), (1); F. Wilkinson (130 secs.), (2); J. H. Matthews (60 secs.), (3). V. H. Hobbs (10 secs.), (4): G. W. Bayley (scratch), (5).  The distance was about one and three-quarters miles.  Andrews won by a distance, Wilkinson being well ahead of the third competitor.  Time 11 mins. 45 secs.

PAIR-CAR OUTRIGGERS (for the “Husted” Challenge Cup)

First heat:  Berks Station: D. L. Andrews (bow), and D. B. King (stroke), (1); Bucks Station: H. J. Matthews (bow), and L. Barratt (stroke), (2).  Won by three lengths.  V. J. Pottow and J. W. Croft, a bye.

Final:  Bucks Station: V. J. Pottow (bow), and J. W. Croft (stroke), (1); Berks Station: Andrews and King, (2).  Won easily.

FOUR-OAR RACE (for challenge cup)

First heat:  Berks Station: H. E. F. Saunders (bow), D. L. Andrews, H. Luff, V. H. Hobbs (stroke) and A. Purser (cox), (1); Bucks Station: N. A. Bradley (bow), R. C. Mills, G. Newton, C. L. Andrews (stroke) and G. H. Clelland (cox), (2).  A good race, won by a quarter of a length.

Final:  Bucks Station: V. H. Hobb’s crew, (1); Berks Station: C. D. Dyson’s crew, (2).  Won by a length, after a keen struggle.

SCRATCH DONGOLAS

First Heat:  Centre Station: H. Luff, C. L. Andrews, A. Purser, R. F. C. Wheeler and J. H. Whitehouse, (1); Berks Station: G. Newton, M. R. Burgoyne, H. Kendall, C. D. Dyson and W. Boulton, (2); Bucks Station: D. L. Andrews, L. Barratt, J. G. White, H. J. Matthews and K.W. Meek, (3).  Won by two lengths.

Second Heat:  Bucks Station: G. W. Bayley, V. H. Hobbs, A. E. Cooter, N. A. Bradley and D. B. King, (1): Centre Station: A. G. Romaine, E. B. Tomkins, C. Frost, F. S. Fisher and H. G. Williams, (2); Berks Station: L. B. Palmer, S. Blane, H. A. J. Rose, V. J. Pottow and W. Brown, (3). Won by a length.

Final:  Berks Station: Hobb’s crew, (1); Bucks Station: H. Luff’s crew, (2). Won easily.

SCRATCH EIGHTS (open to amateurs under A.R.A. rules)

First Heat:  Berks Station: J. G. White (cox), R. Phelps, R. C. Mills, R. G. King, W. L. Beck, D. A. Gibson, J. H. Whitehouse, G. A. Smith and H. J. Matthews (stroke), (1): Bucks Station: G. H. Clelland (cox), A. Purser, W. Brown, K. W. Meek, C. Frost, S. Blane, H. A. J. Rose, G. W. Boulton, and D. B. King (stroke), (2).  The distance was about three furlongs.  A splendid race, won by a third of a length.  Time, 2 mins. 31 secs.

Second Heat:  Berks Station: H. Culmer (cox), S. Bosley, D. L. Andrews, E. A. Gibson, A. J. Merson, C. F. Timms, D. J. Cartledge, E. Hawker and E. B. Tomkins (stroke), (1); Bucks Station: A. G. Romaine (cox), H. Kendall, F. S. Fisher, C. D. Dyson, D. R. Miller, B. W. Griffiths, M. R. Burgoyne, R. Bates and V. H. Hobbs (stroke), (2).  Two good crews, and a bright finish, the winners leading at the post by three-quarters of a length. Time, 2 mins. 24 secs.

Third Heat:  Berks Station: J. Falconer (cox), P. Sheppard, H. Luff, G. W. Bayley, A. Haigh, R. F. C. Wheeler, J. W. Croft, H. G. Williams, and C. L. Andrews (stroke), (1); Bucks Station: A. Cooter (cox), S. Gray, N. A. Bradley, L. Barratt, G. Newton, V. J. Pottow, T. R. Brooks, J. Schneider and H. E. Saunders (stroke), (2). Won by a length and a quarter. Time, 2 mins. 21 secs.

Fourth Heat: Bucks Station: Andrews’ crew, (1); Berks Station: Matthews’ crew, (2).  Won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 2 mins. 23 secs.

Final:  Tonkins’ crew, (1); Berks Station: C. L. Andrews’ crew, (2).  Won by half a length, after a fine finish. C. L.  Andrews’ crew is to be warmly congratulated on finishing so strongly and so well together.  They had rowed in two heats before the final, whereas Merson’s crew were fortunate in being called upon only once before reaching the final.  In addition to this handicap, Andrews’ crew rowed the final at a time when their gruelling second heat had only been completed a few minutes previously.

Events Decided Before the Day

WINDSOR v ETON EIGHT-OAR RACE (for the “Peters” Challenge Cup)

Berks Station:  Windsor: A. J. Merson (bow), H. E. F. Saunders, C. Frost, C. D. Dyson, S. Blane, G. Newton, J. W. Croft, V. H. Hobbs, (stroke), and G. H. Clelland (cox), (1);  Bucks Station: Eton: C. L. Andrews (cox), L. Barratt, R. F. C. Wheeler, D. L. Andrews, R. C. Mills, V. J. Pottow, H. J. Matthews, D. B. King (stroke), and J. G. White (cox), (2).  A splendid race, won by four feet.

JUNIOR SCULLS (for silver challenge sculls, prize presented by Lady Peters)

Berks Station: D. B. King, (1); A. J. Merson, (2).  Won by one and a quarter lengths.

SENIOR SCULLS (for challenge cup, prize presented by Sir George Peters)

Berks Station: V. H. Hobbs, (1); Bucks Station: G. W. Bayley, (2).  A good race, won by one and a quarter lengths.

TRIAL JUNIOR FOURS (for the “Devereux” Cup)

L. W. S. Howard, L. B. Palmer, A. J. Merson and C. L. Andrews.

“ROBERT WILLIAM KING” Cup (open fours)

V. H. Hobbs, H. J. Matthews, D. L. Andrews, L. B. Palmer and A. Bellringer.

“HERBERT” SWIMMING CUP RACE

G. Newton and A Bellringer (dead-heat).

Successful Supper

The races over, a large company adjourned to the Bridge House Hotel, the headquarters of the Club, where a successful supper was held.  Mr. H. A. Baker presided, and was supported by, amongst others:- Mr. A. H. Dyson, Mr. A. M. L. Thompson, Mr. J. H. Whitehouse (captain, of the Albion R.C.), Mr. V. H. Hobbs (vice-capt. of the E.E.R.C.), Mr. T. H. Boswell, Mr. J. W. Tull (hon. secretary), Mr. T. Luff (assistant hon. secretary), members of the Club, and members of the Marlow R.C., Maidenhead R.C., Staines B.C., Henley R.C., and Albion R.C.  After the repast the loyal toast was cordially honoured.

Presentation to the Captain

Mr. A. H. DYSON, on behalf of the Club, asked the acceptance by Mr. Baker, of a little present on the occasion of his marriage, the gift taking the form of a handsome barometer and thermometer.  It was their hope that his happiness might be as deep as the sea and his troubles as light as the foam (applause).

Mr. BAKER thanked the company for the presentation which came, he said, as a great surprise to him.  He would ever look upon the gift as one of his most valued possessions.  He had always taken the greatest interest in the Club and had spent some very pleasant and happy times with them.  It was true the Club had some glorious memories of the past, but they did not purpose [sic] to rest on their laurels.  He hoped the time would come when they would accomplish even more than in the old days.  It was once said that a club which could exist for 74 years was possessed of some vitality, and he could assure the gathering there had been and still existed, vitality, and he hoped it would be added to in the days to come.  They had been very fortunate in that many old members had stuck to them, and their help had been in evidence that day.  What he (the speaker) had done for the Club had been because of his love of sport (applause).

Other Toasts

The VICE-CAPTAIN called upon the company to drink to the health of Mr. A. H. Dyson, the oldest member of the Club, and he also coupled with the toast the name of Mr. C. D. Dyson.

Mr. A. H. DYSON suitably responded.

The CAPTAIN proposed the health of the Visitors, coupling with the toast the name of Mr. A. M. L. Thompson.

Mr. THOMPSON, in responding, said he had used his best endeavours to coach the E.E.R.C.  Coaching was a most difficult job, usually a thankless one, but fortunately for him, his work had been much appreciated and the members had grasped his instructions very well.  One had to take into consideration every individual, and not merely crews, and it was up to the people in the boats to try and help their coach to the best of their ability,. He had been asked to help them again next year, and he would certainly do so.  He suggested that they should start practice somewhat earlier in the season, in order “to show some of the up-river and down-river clubs what they thought of them” (hear, hear).

Mr. WHITEHOUSE, captain of the Albion R.C., said he had known the E.E.R.C. for some years.  Although they had hard luck in the past few years there was no reason why the E.E.R.C., with a little more determination, should not rise to the top of the tree.

At this stage Mr. A. H. DYSON mentioned that it was their host’s birthday, and the Club desired to present Lieut. Col. Halligan with a little silver cup as some expression of their gratitude to him for his help and assistance to the organisation at all times (applause).

Accepting the cup, Colonel HALLIGAN voiced his cordial thanks, emphasised that throughout his life he had been keenly interested in sport, and would ever accomplish all he could in the interests of the Eton Excelsior R.C.

Before the proceedings terminated, Mr. BAKER proposed the health of the Hon. Secretary and Assistant Hon. Secretary, the toast being enthusiastically received.  Both Messrs. TULL and LUFF responded, the former. paying a warm tribute to the help they had received from Mr. Geo Newton in connection with certain of the regatta day arrangements.

Mr. R. H. EDRIDGE also addressed a few remarks to the assembly, and pointed out that though he had now left the neighbourhood he hoped to be with them annually at the regatta (hear, hear).

One of the features of the afternoon was the Handicap Sculls race for the “Wise” Challenge Cup. in which there were eight competitors.  It says much for the stamina and courage of F. Wilkinson that he again competed.  Fifty-six years of age, he has been rowing for over 30 years, and has been a very regular entrant in this contest, which he last won the year before the war, and the year after.  He won the event 35 years ago when the trophy was first sculled for.  With 130 secs. start from scratch man, he went away at a steady pace, a pace which he maintained to the last, finishing the course of one and three quarter miles, without showing any sign of fatigue.  C. L. Andrews (80 secs. start) was a good first, winning comfortably,  Wilkinson having no trouble to reach the post to secure the next position on the table.

Some splendid rowing was witnessed in connection with the Scratch Eights event, and no fewer than six crews were entered.  It was the last event of the day, and it proved a remarkably good climax.  It so happened that the crew stroked by C. L. Andrews won their first two heats brilliantly, and the question which revolved in people’s minds was whether, after two gruelling contests, the oarsmen could hold the crew stroked by Merson, seeing that the latter had qualified for the final after one heat.  When the final was rowed, Andrews’ crew had only completed their second heat a few minutes before.  In the circumstances it would hardly have been surprising had Merson’s crew romped home.  As it was, every inch of water was hotly contested to the last dip of the oars, Merson’s crew gaining a thrilling victory by a quarter of a length.

The Open Sculling race, with a lady cox, was another interesting item, in which C. E. Timms and D. S. Cartledge, Staines B.C., appeared to defend their title.  They were again successful in winning the “Wakefield” Challenge Cup, their most serious rivals being J. Schneider and J. H. Whitehouse in the second heat, whom they displaced by the narrow margin of 2ft.  In this contest it was quite “a day out” for Staines, for members of their Club secured both second and third positions, their triumph therefore being quite complete, over the remainder.

In the Open Maiden Four-Oar race, Eton Excelsior R.C. (holders of the Challenge Cup presented by Mr. A. Jacobs) were stroked to victory by L. B. Palmer, and success was well deserved, the crew adopting just the right stroke, while keeping well together throughout.  Marlow R.C. were the first to succumb to the home Club by 2½ lengths, and in the final Eton, by a quarter of a length, beat Henley R.C., who had previously accounted for Maidenhead R.C. by half a [length] and Albion R.C. by 1¾ lengths.

The Newspaper Clippings

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