History of Barwon Rowing Club
Appendix 1 - Season by Season
Seasons 1928/1929 - 1965/1966
SEASON 1928-1929
President: T Barnfather, Secretary: A Beach
Treasurer: J Hobbs, Captain: A Shannon
Vice-Presidents: L Hirst, J Shannon, H Storrer, W Pincott, H Hurst, F Roadknight, C Smith
Committee: C Collyer, A Clifton, R Degenhardt, J McLure , A Teige, R Emms Membership: 51
A motion that the club uniform include black knickers instead of white was defeated
SEASON 1929-1930
President: T Barnfather, Secretary: J Doyle
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: A Shannon
Vice-Presidents: L Hirst, J Shannon, H Stoner, L Stoner, W Pincott, H Hurst, F Roadknight, C Smith
Committee: C Collyer, A Clifton, R Emms, H Stott, J McLure, J Hobbs
Finance: Credit £6/1/- Building Fund: Debit £68/9/3 Membership: 70
Regattas: Won M8 Barwon
In the Trade Fours 15 crews competed from Barwon and Corio Bay clubs. The final was won by Carpenters (Corio Bay), Textile (Barwon) was second and Miscellaneous (Corio Bay) third. It was decided to make a levy of 216 per member for the raising of funds for the repair of boats
SEASON 1930-1931
President: T Barnfather, Secretary:J Doyle
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: A Shannon
Vice-Presidents: L Hirst, J Shannon, E White, H Storrer, L Stoner, W Pincott, C Smith, H Hurst
Committee: R Emms, H Stott, H Spafford, J Hobbs, A Clifton, C Wheeler
Membership: 70
During the past season the club was represented at only three regattas and no victories were recorded. This was partly due to the prevailing financial depression, which prevented many members from travelling to distant regattas
SEASON 1931-1932
President: T Barnfather, Secretary: J Doyle
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: A Shannon
Vice-Presidents: H Stoner, L Stoner, W Pincott, E White, C Smith, J Shannon, L Hirst, A Collins
Committee: G Grigg, N Sinclair, J Beckett, N McAuley, R Emms, A Clifton
Finance: Credit £11/18/3
Membership: 60
Fleet: Purchased 4 oars
The effects of the financial depression are becoming apparent and it behoves every member during the next twelve months to assist the club to carry on as in the past
SEASON 1932-1933
President: T Barnfather, Secretary: R Winford
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: A Shannon
Vice-Presidents: T Barnfather, H Stoner, L Stoner, W Pincott, E White, A Collins, C Smith, J Shannon, L Hirst, W Pickles, P Fisher, N Freeman
Committee: S McDonald, A Clifton, C Fisher, R White, N McAuley, L Hall
Membership: 68
Regret was expressed at the death of two old members; George Sutherland and Pat Hardiman. The latter was closely connected with the club as coxswain and coach for 38 years
SEASON 1933-1934
President: A Shannon, Secretary: R Winford
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: T Barnfather, W Pickles, H Storrer, L Storrer, E White, W Pincott, A Collins, C Smith, J Shannon, L Hirst, N Freeman, P Fisher
Committee: N Sinclair, R White, J Doyle, R Lahey, J McLure, N McAuley, L Hall, C Fisher, S McDonald, J Hobbs
Prospects for the coming season were extremely bright and the interest displayed by all members would, it was hoped, bring definite achievements when the regatta season commenced
SEASON 1934-1935
President: A Shannon, Secretary: A Dean
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: T Barnfather, W Pickles, H Storrer, A Storrer, E White, W Pincott, A Collins, C Smith, J Shan¬non, L Hirst, N Freeman, P Fisher, J McCabe Doyle
Committee: N McAuley, C Fisher, J Hobbs, A Grieve, I Henry, P Coleman
The existence of such clubs as ours is dependant entirely upon the support of its members; and if old members display apathy and indifference, there is a consequent lack of encouragement for new members and loss of club spirit - the real backbone for success
SEASON 1935-1936
President: A Shannon, Secretary: A Dean
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: T Barnfather, A Clifton, T Coleman, J McCabe Doyle, L Hirst, A Collins, A Renshaw, A Stoner, J Shannon, E White
Committee: J Grieve, N McAuley, L Gray, J Hobbs, D Harrison, N Crane
Finance: Credit £19 Building Fund: Debit £450
Building: Repainted and repaired
Arrangements had been made with the Geelong High School and the Gordon Institute of Technology whereby senior pupils of each school were being given the use of the club's equipment and had been given instruction in rowing
SEASON 1936-1937
President: A Shannon, Secretary: A Dean
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: T Barnfather, A Clifton, T Coleman, J McCabe Doyle, L Hirst, A Collins, A Renshaw, A Stoner, J Shannon, W Searle, S Smith, G List, E White, W Pincott
Committee: D Braham, W Crane, A Cragge, W Dexter, J Grieve, B Lowry
Membership: 28
Regattas: Won LWM4 Barwon & Ballarat and J4 Ballarat
The last season was the club's best for 10 years. Mr M Dunstan spoke of the action of the Geelong Rowing Associa¬tion in altering the finish for the 1937 Barwon Regatta events to a point west of the Barwon Bridge, and said that this had had a "deadening" effect on the regatta. He considered it was desirable to have the finish further eastward
SEASON 1937-1938
President: A Shannon, Secretary: R Sweetten
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: E White, A Clifton, G List, W Searle, S McDoanld, A Dean Committee: M Dunstan, S McDonald, A Craggs, L Hagan, W Searle, N McAuley
Honorary life memberships were conferred on the president, Mr A Shannon and the captain, Mr W Grose. Presentations were made to Messrs W & G Searle, winners of the 1937 opening day events. The meeting concluded with community singing
SEASON 1938-1939
President: A Shannon, Secretary: R Sweetten
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: E White, A Clifton, G List, A Dean, S McDonald, F Hudson Committee: E White, C Kellett, W Searle, G Searle, A Renshaw, L Dallacosta, F Hudson
Membership: 39
Fleet: New practice eight "W R Grose"
Despite the fact that no great success was achieved in regattas, enthusiasm of members was well maintained dur¬ing the season and although it slackened slightly during the winter months, it is hoped to introduce almost immediately a plan to claim the interest of all members throughout the year. The Ladies Committee purchased the first new boat in sixteen years
SEASON 1939-1940
President: A Shannon, Secretary: R Sweetten
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: E White, A Clifton, A Dean, R Kishere, G List, F Hudson Committee: D McGie, L Hagan, P Roadknight, A Duffield, A Craggs, F Woodland
Membership: 24
Fleet: Purchased two second hand fours from Banks R.C.
Regattas: Won Richardson and Bert Rooke Cups
While the response, to the call of Australia's defence needs was a matter of pride for theclub, it had affected rowing organisations throughout the state to such an extent that the VRA had abandoned all championship and premiership races for the duration of the war
SEASON 1940-1941
President: A Shannon, Secretary: R Sweetten 0
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: G List, A Clifton, A Dean, L Hirst, C Richardson, T Barnfather Committee: G Dunstan, I Rea, A Duffield, R Mathews, A Grant, L Baker Finance: Credit £8/1/11
Owing to the war and enlistments, operations were restricted during the year. The toast of the two oldest members, Messrs W Pincott and A Shannon, was proposed and suitable responses made
SEASON 1941-1942
President: A Shannon, Secretary: I Rea
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Committee: B Blair, L Baker, M Dunstan, A Firth, N Guest, W Meyers
SEASON 1942-1943
President: A Shannon, Secretary: R Lahey
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1943-1944
President: A Shannon, Treasurer: A Beach
Secretary: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1944-1945
President: A Shannon Treasurer: A Beach
Secretary: A Grant Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1945-1946
President: A Clifton, Secretary: W Wheatland
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: P Coleman, G List, T Barnfather, L Hirst, W Wheatland snr, J Hobbs
Finance: Credit £53/18/11
An enthusiastic social committee raised £13/10/- and rent from the letting of the clubrooms for boxing amounted to £12/8/-. Mr A V Beach was made an honorary life member
SEASON 1946-1947
President: A Clifton, Secretary: W Wheatland
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Committee: J Pryor, L Dallacosta, A Firth, J Pohlner, L Quinn, A James
SEASON 1947-1948
President: R Pearce, Secretary: W Wheatland
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: L Hirst, G List, P Coleman, C Richardson, A Collins, V Buchanan
Regattas: Eleven wins, third in Jr Premiership
The past season had been the best for many years. The annual meeting was followed by an enjoyable social evening, musical items being provided by Messrs E Johnson and J Wissing
SEASON 1948-1949
President: R Pearce, Secretary: W Wheatland
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
Committee: L Quinn, J Pohlner, L Dallacosta, A Craggs, I Watson, M Donald
SEASON 1949-1950
President: R Pearce, Secretary: W Wheatland
Treasurer: A Beach, Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1950-1951
President: R Pearce, Secretary: G Jenkins
Treasurer: W Wheatland/G Blake, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: L Hirst, J Barber, P Coleman, C Richardson, A Collins, Dr F Crick
Regattas: Second in Jr Premiership. Won LW8 Henley, M8 3 wins, J8 2 wins, M4 2 wins
The most successful season for many years. D Griffiths won the Herald Shield for sculling. A V Beach resigned as treasurer after 22 years
SEASON 1951-1952
President: W Wheatland, Secretary: G Jenkins
Treasurer: G Blake, Captain: W Grose
Committee: L Quinn, J Pohlner, R Price, H Wood, B Griffiths, R Cox
Regattas: Won Richardson Cup
Building: Improvements to clubhouse
The drift away from the sport of rowing is causing concern. Efforts are being made to find a solution to the grind of seven days a week training - a reduction in training nights in a week for experienced oarsmen and keeping men fit by alternate methods
SEASON 1952-1953
President: W Wheatland, Secretary: G Jenkins
Treasurer: G Blake, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: A Beach, J Barber, P Coleman, C Richardson, A Collins, R Pearce, L Dallacosta, C Mately, S Neal, A Clifton, L Haggar, H Opperman
Membership: 25 rowers
Regattas: LW 8 won Geelong, M2 3 wins, J2 I win, M8 Ballarat & Barwon
The principal difficulties facing the club were flood damage and the increasing cost of boat repairs. W Wheatland was absent on an overseas tour. A letter from him was read to members in which he described the rowing events at the Helsinki Olympiad, which he attended
SEASON 1953-1954
President: W Wheatland, Secretary: G Jenkins
Treasurer: G Blake, Captain: W Grose
Vice-Presidents: A Beach, J Barber, P Coleman, C Richardson, A Collins, R Pearce, L Dallacosta, C Mately, S Neal, A Clifton, L Haggar, H Opperman
Committee: J Pohlner, R Price, R Cox, G Marshall, A James, J Gilbert
Regattas: Won championship LW8
Floods had caused £150 damage. members had worked hard and the club now enjoyed the reputation of being one of the foremost in the state. Trophy for attendance and punctuality was won by J Dowsett
SEASON 1954-1955
President: W Wheatland, Captain: W Grose
Committee: W Bade, J Wilks, R Price, G Marshall, A James, J Gilbert Regattas: Wins at Henley, Ballarat (M8), Barwon, Warmambool & Colac Fleet: Three new racing boats
Building: Increase in recreational amenities
Credit must go to the social committee. Members enjoyed better conditions and facilities than ever before, and it was always the aim of the social committee to continue to improve the clubhouse. Prospects are excellent
SEASON 1955-1956
President: W Wheatland, Secretary: J Wilks
Treasurer: B Griffiths, Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1956-1957
President: L Slaven, Secretary: R Cox
Treasurer: P Jackson, Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1957-1958
President: L Slaven, Secretary: R Cox
Treasurer: P Jackson, Captain: W Grose
SEASON 1958-1959
President: L Slaven, Secretary: R Cox
Treasurer: P Jackson, Captain: W Grose
Committee: C Laird, P Scott, D Leach, R Beevers, N Monkevitch, D Stacey
SEASON 1959-1960
President: L Slaven, Secretary: R Cox
Treasurer: P Jackson, Captain: W Grose/K Smith
Vice-Presidents: H Opperman, E Laird A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, A Beach, W Wheatland, C Richardson, J Gilbert, L Dallacosta
Committee: D Stacey, B Chandley, R Beevers, P Morgan, K Davis, W Grose
Building: East and south walls reblocked and floor repaired
The past year has been one of mixed fortune for our club, much good work having beet; done in the novice and be-ginners field of rowing, but unfortunately a considerable dropping away among the older rowing members both in participation and success
SEASON 1960-1961
President: L Slaven, Secretary: R Cox
Treasurer: D Shaw/D Kelly, Captain: W Grose/K Smith
Vice-Presidents: H Opperman, E Laird, A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, A Beach, W Wheatland, C Richardson, J Gilbert, L Dallacosta
Committee: P Morgan, K Davis, B Chandley, B Gebbie, J Roberts
Regattas: Finished 4th in Jr Premiership
Rowing in Geelong has been at its highest peak for years and we can consider our city the leading centre in rowing in Victoria
SEASON 1961-1962
President: W Henry, Secretary: R Cox/P Farrow
Treasurer: D Kelly/V Steen, Captain: K Smith
Vice-Presidents: W Grose, E Laird, H Opperman, A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, A Beach, W Wheatland, J Gilbert, L Dallacosta, L Slaven
Committee: P Morgan, J Roberts, P Chandley, B Gebbie, E Harris
SEASON 1962-1963
President: W Henry, Secretary: P Farrow
Treasurer: V Steen, Captain: P McHugh
Vice-Presidents: W Grose, E Laird, H Opperman, A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, A Beach, W Wheat¬land, J Gilbert, L Dallacosta, L Slevin
Committee: P Morgan, G Giles, P Chandley, R Fitch, B Gebbie, J Emond
SEASON 1963-1964
President: W Henry, Secretary: P Farrow
Treasurer: V Steen, Captain: P McHugh
vice-Presidnets: W Grose, E Laird, H Opperman, A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, A Beach, W Wheatland, J Gilbert, L Dallacosta, L Slevin
Committee: B Chandley, J Hanks, J Lee, G Giles, D Beretta
SEASON 1964-1965
President: W Henry, Secretary: P Farrow
Treasurer: C Chandley, Captain: P McHugh
Vice-Presidents: W Grose, E Laird, H Opperman, A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, A Beach, W Wheat¬land, J Gilbert, L Dallacosta, L Slevin
Committee: J Lee, R Wakeling, J Hehir, T Lee, D Webb, K Chandley
Fleet: two best and best racing eights, one clinker tub eight, one clinker racing eight, three practice pairs, two rac¬ing pairs, two racing fours, two practice fours, two practice sculls and one double scull
Building: Refitting of canteen, new lino in downstairs office and balcony extensions to provide committee room and better kitchen faciltiies
Regattas: Led Country Premiership all year but lost by two points at last regatta. 17 wins.
I feel that the demand of the modern young lady, greater than ever before, of the right to share her boyfriend or husband's spare time activity is a major factor in the comparative unpopularity of rowing as a young man's sport
SEASON 1965-1966
President: W Henry, Secretary: P Farrow
Treasurer: C Chandley, Captain: P Scott
Vice-Presidents: H Opperman, E Laird, A James, L Gladman, S Neal, A Collins, W Grose, A Beach, W Wheat¬land, C Richardson. J Gilbert, L Dallacosta, L Slaven
Committee: J Lee, R Wakeling, T Lee, D Webb, J Hehir, K Chandley
Fleet: New racing four "Arthur Collins"
Building: Completion of new balcony, New exterior stairs and additional interior stairs from dressing room to ground floor
Regattas: Won Country Championship 1st time, six C'ship wins: Vic Jr8, Sth Aust S4, Vic 4-oared sprint, Country 8, Country 4, Country N4
This year has seen an intensification of the problem of speed boats in the rowing course. While, as citizens of a democratic c society, ety, we recognise se the right of every section of the community to enjoy the river, we nevertheless feel strongly that the energy of brain and muscle and the amount of money subscribed by hundreds of young men over nearly 100 years to create the rowing course and its attendant club assets deserves consideration