EERC Supper 1933

Transcript

EERC Supper

Jolly Gathering At Windsor

A Change of Name Suggested

£200 for New Premises

The annual supper of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club took place at Laytson’s Restaurant, Windsor, on Monday evening when the president of the club, Alderman G. Mitchell, J.P., presided over a gathering of about 50 members and friends. Those present included the Mayor of Windsor, Alderman R. G. Rawkins, J.P., Mr. A. H. Dyson, Mr. E. C. Durant, Mr. H. A. Baker, Mr. W. Dodds (captain of Windsor Swimming Club), Mr. C. D. Dyson (captain of the Club), Mr. L. H. Hobbs (vice-captain), Mr. A. Bellringer, Mr. V. Wood, Mr. E. C. Hetherington (a former captain of the Club), Mr. C. A. Ellery, Mr. O. Rowland, Mr. J. G. Tull and others.

An enjoyable repast was served, and during the evening, Mr. J. B. V. Corps, Mr. Norman Sykes, Mr. A. Gurney, and Mr. Alwin Surplice L.R.A.M., A.R.C.O. at the piano, provided some excellent entertainment.

After the loyal toast had been duly honored, Mr. A. H. Dyson rose to propose the toast of the President and Vice-Presidents. Mr. Dyson said that he had known their president, Ald. Mitchell, for about 50 years, and he was a very keen supporter of the club, in which he took a great interest. They had a number of vice-presidents, of whom the Dean of Windsor was to have replied to the toast, but unfortunately he was prevented from attending owing to indisposition. He asked the company to drink to the health of their very excellent president and vice-presidents.

“The Action in Rowing”

Alderman Mitchell, responding, made reference to a paragraph in the “Times” about the action in rowing. In his day, he was always taught to pull the stroke right through, but Mr. Gould, writing in the “Times,” said that the maximum effort should be made when the blade was at right angles to the rigger. He thought that the way he had been taught was right, and that perhaps the point might interest them.

In conclusion, the speaker said that he was only too pleased to do anything he could for the club, and he thanked them for the way in which they had honoured the toast.

The health of the Mayor and Corporation of Windsor was proposed by Mr. H. A. Baker, who welcomed among them some young Alderman R. G. Rawkins, whose son was a member of the club some years ago. Mr. Rawkins, said Mr. Baker, was a good friend to all sports clubs in Windsor.

In reply, the Mayor assured the club of his continued support, and said that he would be very glad to see their new building erected on the island.

He had heard it suggested that the club should change its name, and he thought this an excellent idea. The Eton Excelsior Rowing Club had a record going back to 1851, but he did not see why that should affect their change of name. He left the matter for the committee to talk over.

Mr. W. Dodds proposed the toast of the Club and Officers, and said that a number of members of the Rowing Club also belonged to the Swimming Club, so that they always took an interest in each others’ activities. He was pleased to note that they had raised another £200 during the year towards the new boathouse, which, he thought, was really needed.

Many Handsome Cups

The Club must be officered very well, because everything went off smoothly and the handsome “pots” on the table that evening showed that members must have been well coached. He had great pleasure in submitting the health of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club coupled with the names of the captain, Mr. C. D. Dyson, the vice-captain, Mr. V. H. Hobbs, the hon. sec., Mr. L. Barrett, his assistant, Mr. A. Bellringer, and the treasurer, Mr. V. Wood.

Mr. C. D. Dyson, replying, thanked Mr. Dodds for his kind words. He was very pleased to see so many present, because in the morning he had received letters and telephone messages from people who would be unable to attend. He hoped that they were all enjoying themselves.

Last year, when replying for the officers, he had mentioned those who did much for the rowing side of the club. This year he wanted to speak of those officers who helped on the social side. In the beginning of last year, as a result of a competition about £200 was raised for the boathouse, and later in the year they raised about £20 for the Royal Albert Institute from a White Elephant stall which they ran at the fair. For the success of this venture they had to thank the wives, sisters and friends of the members, who helped tremendously.

The Boxing Night dance at the Castle Hotel was the most successful they had ever had, about 300 being present. This was largely due to Mr. A. Bellringer and his helpers, who spent hours decorating the hall and organising the function.

A Successful Season

They had had quite a successful season, and more successes were gained by the Junior Senior crews than last year. They went to 10 regattas, entered 21 crews and rowed 40 races. At the beginning of the season, training was held up for about 10 days owing to the floods.

Mr. Dyson went on to mention the generosity of Eton College who had presented them with a set of oars, and Mr. E. C. Devereux, a very old member of the club, who had given them a skiff.

Although they had raised about £200 during the year they still wanted a good amount before building could commence on the new boathouse. In these times it was no good to keep asking for subscriptions and money would come in very slowly.

He was glad that the Mayor had mentioned the alteration of the name of the club to “The Windsor and Eton Rowing Club.” Many people thought it a very good idea.

Mr. Dyson concluded by asking for continued support in the coming season, and thanking them for the way in which the toast had been received.

Mr. V. H. Hobbs welcomed the visitors among them, and said they were particularly glad to see representatives present of the Staines and Maidenhead Rowing Clubs. He would like to thank the Maidenhead club for the hospitality extended to them at the Maidenhead Regatta.

Mr. S. A. Quartermain of the Maidenhead club, replying, said that they would always do what they could for the Eton Excelsior R.C., Mr. Smith of Staines R.C. also replied.

The health of the Press was proposed by Mr. A. Bellringer, and Mr. M. Lightfoot replied. Mr. V. Wood put forward the toast of the Artists, and Mr. J. B. V. Corps replied.

A very jolly evening concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

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