Arthur F Wishart
Essendon Rowing Club then Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
Joined 1921/22 passed away 14/2/1952
Member of Essendon rowing club 1905/06 - 1921/22
Joined Yarra Yarra rowing club 1921/22
Vice-Captain 1921/22, 1922/23
Vice president 1923/24, 1933/34, - 1948/49
Committee 1924/25, 1925/26, 1929/30 - 1932/33
President 1949/50 - 1952/53
Life member 1947/48 - 1952/53
Wins recorded for Essendon rowing club:-
1909 - Nagambie regatta, maiden four (2)
1912 - Victorian Championships, champion pair (bow)
1914 - Melbourne regatta, senior four (bow)
1915 - Geelong & Barwon regatta, senior eight (5)
No regatta wins recorded with Yarra Yarra, unfortunately records for this period have been lost.
Though he had several wins in Yarra Yarra club events.
After the 1929 fire a racing pair was christened in his honour.
From the 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.
1933 photo club races Artie Wishart seated in centre. Front row
From the 1949/50 YYRC annual report:-
OUR NEW PRESIDENT
Popular in the rowing world and a member of the Yarra Yarra Rowing Club for the past 29 years, Arthur Fredrick Wishart succeeded Colonel Stevenson as president at the commencement of the 49-50 season.
Mr Wishart commenced his rowing career with Essendon in 1905 and won the champion pair of Victoria for them before enlisting in the 1st A.I.F. in 1914. After 5 years of war service in France he returned to his home country, and once again donned his rowing togs foe Essendon. For residential reasons he transferred to Yarra Yarra in 1921, and since then has represented this club as V R A delegate, committee member, Vice-Captain, hon treasurer and vice president. For the many outstanding services he has so successfully rendered, this quiet, unassuming gentleman was elected a life member in 1947.
Believing in the motto of “One in-----all in,” Mr Wishart encouraged his wife to take an interest in the club, and because of his untiring efforts and support she succeeded in building up a Ladies Committee, of which the club was very proud. Our “Ladies Presentation” four oared shell was one of their achievements.
So it is that in “Artie Wishart,” Yarra Yarra have found its worthy for the all-important position of president.
From the 1951/52 YYRC annual report:-
OBITUARY.
EVERY SUCCESS HAS ITS ACCOMPANYING LOSS!
ARTHUR F WISHART 14/2/52
Confident that his “boys” were headed for the first pennant in the club’s history, Arthur F Wishart was in great spirits a few days he passed on. In his passing the club was deprived of what was going to be its greatest satisfaction----the immense smile which would have been worn by one of the most popular presidents this club has ever had. Your club was well represented at his farewell and all respectively carried out his wishes to the letter. In his memory a special ceremony, during which his portrait will be unveiled will be held at the club in the next few weeks.
Your respects were paid to his widow---a former Ladies Committee President----and we are pleased to report that she is bearing her sad loss in the way he wanted---chin up and still smiling.
If all members try and be half the man Artie was, both at the club and away from it, then this club and society in general will have little to complain about, and plenty to praise.
Jim Skidmore
June 2024