THE HABERFIELD ROWING CLUB OF SYDNEY NSW

By Kevyn P Webb

Preface

The preparation of this volume has involved large expenditure of time and energy. To go over the records of twenty-five years embracing minute books, newspaper reports, programmes, scrap books, etc., is no small task. No doubt there will be found errors of omission, for which the writer asks indulgence, as he has done the best he could with the material at hand, which at times was incomplete. There are others in the club who could have done this work better, but possibly neither had the time nor inclination. Acknowledgements for assistance rendered are due to few – not that others were unwilling to help, but the author jealously reserved to himself the entire preparation of the book. The work has been a labour of love, because anyone might feel proud to be both a member and an officer. If the result meets with the approval of members, that will be ample reward.

K.P.W
Haberfield 1950

Forward

Since the inauguration of the Haberfield Rowing Club, twenty five years ago, hundreds of young men have participated in its rowing activities: some of them having the proud distinction of holding the highest representative honours; others have served honorably and well in the capacity of coaches, coxswains and executives. Equipment, representing in value, some thousands of pounds, has been provided over the years through the loyalty and generosity of many supporters who demonstrated in a practical manner their interest in a truly amateur sport. The foundation members can well be proud of the organization they established, which, over the years has provided a community of young people with the opportunity to develop healthy minds and bodies. A record of the Club’s activities, and incidents relevant to its development would be but memories to those associated with such, were it not for the enthusiasm of Kevyn Webb in undertaking to compile a historical reference and record of rowing activities since the inception of the club in 1925. 

David Jones
President

“We will not, perhaps, have got our second wind after an assault, but neither will he. The skilled oarsman when he feels he cannot row another stroke – knowing his opponent is in similar plight, makes a super-human effort, and wins. So “time” in battle is a deadly weapon in the tired hand of him who seizes it.”

Winston Churchill
London 1940

Published by the author 1950. Found and kindly supplied to this website by Dr Phil Sharp.

Republished (and re-typed) for the Australian Rowing History website by Andrew Guerin 2024 to assist in the Club’s 2025 centenary celebrations. Naming and other conventions maintained as much as possible to keep the history authentic to its 1950 origin.