Eton Excelsior Win 11 Trophies

Transcript

ETON EXCELSIOR WIN ELEVEN TROPHIES

“ROWING MAKES A MAN OF YOU”

VETERAN PRESIDENT’S EULOGY AT ANNUAL DINNER

Appreciation of the sport of rowing for keeping people fit and healthy was expressed at the annual dinner of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club at the White Hart Hotel, Windsor, last week.

This tribute coming as it did from the club’s president, 75-years-old Mr. A. H. Dyson, may well be regarded in the light of an advertisement writer’s dream come true.  Very few would consider that Mr. Dyson had passed his three score years and ten, as his healthy, vigorous appearance, coupled with an engaging, youthful voice entirely belies his actual age.  No better advertisement to the powers of sculling for keeping people healthy and fit need be found but in the fine example set by the president of the club.

Mr. Dyson presided over a large and representative gathering of oarsmen, including members from clubs at Staines, Marlow, Reading, Henley and Mortlake.  Among those present were: Lt. Col. Sir Arthur Е. Churcher (Deputy-Mayor of Windsor), Mr. A. C. Beasley-Robinson and Mr. G. A. D Tait (masters at Eton College), Mr. V. H. Hobbs (captain of the club), Mr. F. W. Buck (vice-captain), Mr. H. O. C. Boret (coach), Mr. G. D. Dyson (secretary), Mr. A. Bellringer, and Mr. C. L. Andrews.

Among the apologies for inability to attend the function read by the chairman’ were those from Lord Hugh Cecil, Lord Kemsley and the Very Rev. Dean of Windsor.

A MEMBER FOR OVER 50 YEARS

The toast of “The President and Vice-Presidents” was proposed by Mr. A. Bellringer, who said he was indeed very gratified to see such a fine gathering.  He recalled in a happy vein the fact that their President had been associated with the club for well over 50 years, and was actually the club’s oldest member.  He was always doing something for them, and it was indeed a very great privilege and pleasure to have him associated with the club.

Their list of vice-presidents was a very imposing one, and one that could be the envy of many clubs to them all they were extremely grateful for their valued support and co-operation, and he hoped that they would continue that assistance.

Among the vice-presidents they had some very good friends from Eton College, and they were especially delighted to be able to welcome one or two of them that evening To the president and vice-presidents the club extended their heartiest thanks for co-operation, and he hoped that they would continue that assistance.

Among the vice-presidents they had some very good friends from Eton College, and they were especially delighted to be able to welcome one or two of them that evening.  To the president and vice-presidents the club extended their heartiest thanks for cooperаtion.

When he rose to reply, Mr. A. H. Dyson was enthusiastically greeted.  He remarked how delighted and pleased he was to be present with them once again.  The club last season had the happy experience of breaking records in various directions.  The year was Coronation Year, and that was celebrated in real festive style.  The club entered thoroughly into the spirit of the occasion and they would remember with great interest the Coronation arch that was erected by the members.  They also arranged a fine programme of sports, which was witnessed he believed by many thousands of people On the racing side the club had been able to bring home eleven pots, and that meant that something like 40 races had been rowed by the club’s crews.

“ROWING MAKES A MAN OF YOU”

Mr. Dyson then spoke in a happy reminiscent mood, and recalled with considerable pleasure the time he used to scull to Boveney and then return and have a good shower, and rub down with a good rough towel.  “It made a man of you,” he said, “and in fact you felt like going out again.  “There is nothing like rowing for keeping young men fit and well.”

Mr. Dyson created a great deal of merriment by telling an authentic (or otherwise) tale of how Boveney obtained its name.  Way back in the days of good Queen Bess the Virgin Queen made a trip from Windsor along to what was now known as Boveney.  On reaching that spot, she was getting out of the boat when the water suddenly came up to her knees, and she decided that a very appropriate name for the spot would be “above the knee” or “Boveney” (Laughter).  Mr. Dyson resumed his seat amid prolonged applause after he had expressed the hope that he would be able to continue for some years the association he had with the club.

The names of Mr. A. C. Beale-Robinson and Mr. G. A. D. Tait were associated with the toast.  Mr. Beal-Robinson (sic) tendered his very best thanks to the club for their kind invitation to be present, and he congratulated them all upon their extraordinary memorable rowing record.

Mr. Tait associated himself with the remarks made by his colleague, and wished the club all success possible in the future.

GOOD PROSPECTS FOR COMING SEASON

Mr. C. L. Andrews proffered the toast of “The Club and the Officers” and remarked that the club were very fortunate indeed to have such a splendid band of officers.  They had all done tremendous work for the good of the club, and two names he wished to especially mention, one was the Captain. Mr. V. H. Hobbs, and the other the Coach, Mr. H. O. C. Boret, both had achieved a great deal of work, and the club should be especially grateful to them.  He wished the club and the officers all success possible.

In reply Mr. V. H. Hobbs said he was proud to be able to look round and see such a loyal and enthusiastic band of members.  The successful year that the club had experienced would not have been possible but for the admirable work of their coach.  To him they were all greatly indebted.  This year some very good material had entered the club, and they were all looking forward with keenness to the approaching season, and be felt quite sure if that keenness and enthusiasm were maintained they could not help but achieve further successes.

MEMBERS’ SPLENDID SPIRIT

Mr. Boret said it was indeed good to know that the club had experienced a very successful year.  He went on to pay tribute to the work and the splendid co-operation of the crews under his training, and said it was very gratifying to observe the splendid confidence and loyalty shown by all members.  He was glad to note how well the members had responded to his way of thinking in their endeavour of putting the Eton Excelsior Club on the map.  The members and captain had done a great deal towards fostering a very fine spirit of goodwill and co-operation in the club.  They had a clean, decent, and hard-bending spirit, and he would express the hope that that spirit would continue and they would go forward to further successes, especially in regard to achieving something big at Henley.

The toast of “The Visitors” was honoured on the call of Mr. F. W. Buck, who in a reference to the success of the club, said it was his hope that they would achieve even greater things during the coming season.  It was very nice to have the support of a wide and valued number of members in the district, he said, and it was to be hoped that that support would continue.  They did extend to all their visitors a very warm welcome, and among the crews represented were those from Staines, Marlow, Reading, Henley, and Mortlake.  There was a good spirit of friendly rivalry among them all, and he could not help but feel that among other crews the opinion was that if they were unable to secure a victory themselves they would like Eton to win.

Lt. Col. Sir A. E. Churcher responded on behalf of the visitors, and said he would associate himself with the congratulations on past successes and expressions of future success that had already been made that evening.  He hoped the club would continue to succeed and achieve a good win at Henley during the season.

WEDDING PRESENTATIONS

In the course of the evening two presentations were made by the chairman – to Mr. V. Woods and Mr. J. Powell, two club members who had been married during the season.  In making the presentations Mr. Dyson wished both members continued happiness and success, and both suitably responded.

A light entertainment programme was provided during the dinner by Mr. R. Bradshaw, who among his items included an excellent interpretation of “Henry Hall’s last item.”

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