Leyshon L Williams
Sandy Bay Rowing Club (TAS) then Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
Leyshon Williams started his rowing career with Sandy Bay Rowing Club in pre-world war 1 days, and only his ready answer to the call to arms prevented him from having a successful career as an oarsman. Receiving a war injury which squashed his hopes of ever rising to the top of the sport, he returned however to his old club to resume his seat on the committee.
He came to Yarra Yarra from Sandy Bay Rowing Club, Tasmania in the early 1920’s, and was a shining example to all members in the way he supported the club all over Victoria he was a commercial traveller. Leyshon had two pairs named in his honour, in 1934 and 1957.
Joined 1924/25 and was a member until 1960 when he died.
1945/46 - Vice president to 1952/53
1953/54 - President
1953/54 - life member
1959/60 - Patron
Leyshon did have a Practice pair named in his honour.1934.
A racing pair was christened in his name in 1957.
Passed away August 1960
Wins recorded 1938/39 Season senior pair stroke seat Victorian rowing association regatta
From the 1952-53 YYRC annual report:-
Filling the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Arthur Wishart, came a man who was determined to see that the work performed by “Artie Wishart” would not be allowed to stop, but would even be furthered in the manner he knew would be the wish of a greatly respected president.
The task he set himself was no mean one, considering the immense respect and prestige that our late president won for Yarra Yarra, but already Mr Leyshon Williams has proven himself a worthy successor.
Mr Williams started his rowing career with Sandy Bay Rowing Club in pre-world war 1 days, and only his ready answer to the call to arms prevented him from having a successful career as a oarsman. Receiving a war injury which squashed his hopes of ever rising to the top of the sport, he returned however to his old club to resume his seat on the committee.
An interesting anecdote is the story that he was on the committee which was instrumental in appointing one of your present vice-presidents and also another Sandy Bay oarsman---Charles (Joe) Coe---to the stroke seat of a maiden eight which to race at the Royal Hobart Regatta of 1913. The maiden eight won handsomely and indicated a run of successes for the Sandy Bay club in that year.
Business brought out president to Victoria in 1920, and in the following year he joined Yarra Yarra as an active member. Since then he has helped the club in every possible way to be the force it is today, and, with him at the helm, this club should enjoy many successful seasons.
Apart from his intense sporting interest, Mr Williams, well known in the commercial world, is also linked with the R.S.L. organisation, in which he is a past Sub-Branch President, and a past President. Charitable organizations also have him on their membership lists as a highly respected donor.
Notwithstanding the fact he has so little spare time at his disposal, he still finds time to make even the newest members feel at holm and offers advice that makes for good oarsmen, and, above all, good clubmen.
Truly we possess an asset in our new president—Mr Leyshon Williams.
From the 1960-61 YYRC annual report:-
Obituary
It is with very deep regret we record the passing of Leyshon (Bill) Williams.
Leyshon Williams, a life member of Yarra Yarra, was Patron of the club at the time of his death, and had been President of Yarra Yarra for many years.
He came to Yarra Yarra from Sandy Bay Rowing Club, Tasmania approximately 40 years ago, and was a shining example to all members in the way he supported the club all over Victoria.
Yarra Yarra and the sport of rowing has suffered a severe loss on the passing of Leyshon, and your sympathy and condolences are extended to his family.
From the 1971/72 YYRC annual report:-
Like a later president Leyshon L Williams, E R Ainley was prominent in the Commercial Travellers Association.
Leyshon L Williams came from Tasmania’s Sandy Bay Rowing club as did present life members Andrew Currie and Charles (Joe) Coe.
From YYRC newsletter 'Yarra Yabbie' no10, 1984-3-20
Personalities one associates with Yarra over a very long period, which has been a strong point of the club.
Artie Wishart was a fine president as was Leyshon Williams.
Jim Skidmore
April 2022 (updated June 2024)