History of Bendigo Rowing Club

21. 1980s and Beyond - Page 1

Chapter 21 page 1 2 3 4 5

The Club boomed; we had 52 members in training: Ray Buck, Max Kelly and Vic Burnett built new boat racks and we had our opening regatta on November 1st. 1980; presenting Bendigo Pottery mugs to all winners. We have continued our Annual Regatta since then in October each year, running about 70 events.

At about this time some willow trees were severely pruned at the northern end of the Lake, to permit the launching of boats from the new boatshed. The infamous "tree cutting incident" was well reported in the local press and did cause us some discomfort for a while; including the threat of being locked out of the boatshed and locks being changed, criminal charges being laid, etc. Richard Hyett and Mr. Justice Frederico weighed in for us and the matter ended with the rowing Club undertaking the paving and beautification of the surrounds as compensation for the removal of the trees.

lain Fotheringham, Geoff Daws, Paul Hopes, Greg Holl, Howard Mussett, Greg Cutting, Michael Ryan and the Nolen Family began lengthy and successful associations with the Club. Fred Hillman was enticed back by Glen Heazelwood in 1982 and quickly moved into coaching mode. Barry, Dianne and Nicky Tucker were also well entrenched in our activities.

Joanne Burnett, Debbie Wakefield, Sharon Runnalls and Kerry Nancarrow coxed by Darren Howell, had wins in Youth and senior B fours at the Universities, Banks, Barwon and Essendon regattas.

Bow: Joanne Burnett, 2: Sharon Runnalls, 3: Debbie Wakefield, Stroke Kerry Nancarrow, Cox Darren Howell at Lake Epalock - 1980

In the '81/82 season, Joanne Burnett and Sharon Runnalls won in Youth pairs at Albert Park, Yarrawonga and Footscray. Ricky Holl sculled to victory at Dimboola and Ballarat.

Cox: Mick Ryan, Stroke: Greg Cutting, Bow: Paul Hopes. Mildura, 1982