James Hannell

Newcastle Rowing Club (NSW)

Hannell, is a name synonymous with rowing in Newcastle. Over more than half a century, as either competitors, promoters administrators or officials the Hannell family played a pivotal role in ensuring Newcastle was a major rowing centre at a time when rowing was the predominant Australian sport.

James Hannell (1813-1876), Newcastle's first Mayor (1859) and Member of the NSW Parliament (MLA), was instrumental in establishing the Newcastle Regatta as a major annual event serving as its President from 1857 until 1877. Not content to just be President of the committee, he often carried out the duties of either starter or umpire.

Colin Charters - extracted from his book Just Add Water, the times and tide of Newcastle Rowing Club published by Seaview Press in 2009

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
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Disclaimer: Whilst extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the editors take no responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from inaccuracies contained in this work.