It is great to see many people still braving the weather and training over the Winter but with fewer people around at the club I just want to take the opportunity to remind everyone of a few basic safety and important practices to remember.
1. Please complete and update the sign out book AND new safety board everytime you take a boat from the shed. Also check the sign out book to see everyone has returned before you bring the scull rack in and lock up the boat bays. Unfortunately a member was left locked outside with a single last week which we do not want to happen again.
2. With fewer daylight hours, everyone must give their upmost attention to safety and lights on boats. RV has informed us that a patrol was recently conducted on the Yarra River by Maritime Safety Victoria (a branch of Transport Safety) and there were some clubs that did not comply to:
TWO 180° lights = white FLASHING stern light and white CONSTANT bow light on each boat.
Lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and in times of restricted visibility during daylight hours. It is more difficult to judge speeds and distances at night or in restricted visibility. Understanding lighting configurations will enable you to take corrective action to avoid a collision. A vessel’s lights should indicate the direction that the vessel is travelling.
By law, navigation lights and their installation on rowing boats are required to comply with the above simple positioning and technical requirements.
Safety is paramount and fines will ensue if proper care and concern is not being demonstrated by ALL clubs AND each of their crews.
Let’s all work together to negate this threat to the personal safety of all water users.
Important all year round but this is a timely reminder.
Any questions do not hesitate to contact myself or other members of the committee.
The Victorian Oarsmen & Womens Association (VOWA) requires assitance
Please see the below message:
On behalf of the Victorian Oarsmen & Womens Association Inc (VOWA) we wish to appeal for volunteers to join the committee & fill the executive positions of President, Secretary & possibly Treasurer as well.
This is a very old rowing association whose aims are “To promote, maintain and renew old associations and to enhance the spirit existing amongst those who have participated in rowing and to foster, improve & perpetuate the sport in any legitimate manner including assisting clubs & interstate or International crews.”
Currently we have approx 80 financial members & approx 200 who have lapsed in recent years.
The former executive has served for many years & no longer have the time or energy to provide the leadership that the organization desperately needs.
Although there are only 4 committee meetings per year including the AGM the new executive needs to reinvigorate the association by updating the constitution and meeting other regulatory requirements which would not be too demanding.
More importantly the new committee needs to promote and renew memberships (currently $10 per year) and to investigate & implement new ideas to try to meet the aims of the organization.
If anyone is interested in taking up this challenge then please contact Glenn Bottrell email [email protected] or speak to Mark Brown, Jim Skidmore, Stephen Pennicott, Tim Catford, Kathy Wilmot, Ian McWilliam or any other members / former members of VOWA and they can pass your details onto Glenn.
If we cannot fill these positions then we will have to wind up this formerly great organization.
Glenn Bottrell
VOWA Committee
Bob Stanley
Below is a copy of the heartfelt eulogy delivered by Ray Dennis this week at Bob Stanley’s funeral. It highlights the important contribution Bob made to Richmond Rowing Club and I hope that those of you who knew him will read it with fond memories and for those of you newer to the club who maybe were unaware of his impact will realise how special he was.
I am honoured to be here today on behalf of the Committee and members of Richmond Rowing Club, and the general Rowing community to recognize the contributions to these organizations given by Bob, and to express our heartfelt condolences to Ivy and the family.
The esteem that Bob earned in his association with our sport is shown in the fact that he was elected as a life member of two clubs, Preston and Richmond.
Bob commenced his rowing career with Preston Rowing club, which had a shed on Edwardes lake, and another on the Yarra at Newcut corner. This was a necessity as the lake’s course was quite restricted, only suitable for pairs, and to gain the fitness level and endurance to compete in the longer events it was essential to have access to the expanse of the Yarra. Thus training was quite an onerous task, especially negotiating the traffic on Batman Avenue. This shed was demolished in 1956 in the preparations for the Olympics.
Nevertheless Bob was a highly successful oarsman. Teaming with Jack Hibbert they were the basis of most of Preston’s crews at this time. They had great success rowing in a Champion Junior 8, Senior Fours, and in the early 50’s went on to win several Senior Pairs, they were I believe a formidable combination.
At an early age Bob showed enterprise as a recruiter, and spotter of talent, he attended a Northcote High School assembly and addressed the group of boys encouraging Neville Howell to join Preston, although I am unsure about the initiation given, as the first row was in a dilapidated boat which sank, leaving Jack, Bob, and Neville to swim to shore.
When Preston disbanded, a friendship with Rod Stewart, that began in 1950 when a Richmond crew were in dire need of a boat at Ballarat, Bob showed his usual generosity, and allowed his boat to be loaned to Rod and Harry Grinblatt, this along with his support for the Richmond football club, influenced his decision and we were fortunate that Bob chose us to continue his association with rowing.
At Richmond Bob was an enthusiastic participant in all areas of the clubs activities, he was originally involved with the veterans eight on Sundays, but soon graduated to become a committee member, first serving as a general member, then as President from 1985-1988 and finally as Executive Vice President till 1995, as well as holding the position of selector during this time.
Bob took the position of President at a time when both the club’s financial position and its’ membership base were not at all healthy, but Bob’s good humour, positive outlook, and organizational skills allowed the club to weather the storm and then to flourish.
His dedication to the sport was shown in that for many years he also acted as a boat race official, travelling to the many city and country regattas to perform the various duties necessary to ensure the fair and efficient operation of these events. This was always done as Bob did everything, without fanfare but with an impish grin and quiet good humour. Everyone who had dealings with him commented that “Bob was a gentleman”
In the latter years he competed in Masters events teaming with Don Dudgeon in pairs and fours with success at Westlakes in an E four and later with Banks in a larger Composite crew, his last regatta was at the Australian Masters Championships at Nagambie in 2008 where he gained Silver.
From the 90’s he continued his social rowing with Rod Stewart and the pair were an institution on Sunday morning rowing the tub pair to the Island and back. This only ceased very recently when he and Rod found it difficult to manhandle the boat on the slippery staging, but even this did not diminish his attendance at the club or his exercise regime as he still travelled by train and used the ergo regularly.
The dedication to the sport of Rowing and his intense loyalty to both Preston and Richmond Rowing Clubs will long be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sausage Sizzle, Sat. 2nd May
Fundraising during the 2014/5 season has
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enabled purchase of many items for the club, including boats, oars, ergos and the new rolling stairs. For our last major effort this season we have been offered the opportunity to run the Big Bunnings Barbeque at Bunnings in Burwood Rd, Hawthorn on Saturday May 2. But we need your help!
Between 8am and 4pm we will need 4 people to man the BBQ, take orders, handle money etc. Hence we need volunteers! We are suggesting blocks of 2 hours so if you can help then please email [email protected]. If you are planning to attend the Albert Park regatta then please consider a pledge of $10 to help us cover the cost of the sausages; again let me know this and it will be added to your overhead/seat fee cost. We also need some eskys to keep food cool, so let me know if you can help with this too. Funds from this event will support the purchase of yet another fleet addition..this time a new pair/double scull, so please come along and help us make it a success!
Geraldine Goss, Fundraising Coordinator
Working bee
To steal a line from the Phantom, For those that came in late…..
we announced we would be having a working bee on Sunday 19th of April in the last Easy Oar but most of you have probably forgotten all about it and have exciting plans of being anywhere but at the rowing club in your worst work-wear mucking out the sheds. Well that’s a pity as you will miss out on being in on the kick off of Phase 2 of the RRC renovations.
Members have probably been thinking for a while now we’ve got this shiny new upstairs area but the RRC rowing bay is looking a little worn and dated and could do with a revamp. You’re right and on Sunday 19th of April we take the first steps in scoping out the future layout and configuration of the existing RRC bays and to do this we need bodies armed with measuring tapes and helping hands to carry boats or oars in and out to see if any of the new configuration ideas are going to give to work. In fact if you have an idea for a layout please feel free to make a suggestion.
We’ll also be doing a few of the usual things we do at working bees too. Cleaning out the shed. Throwing out accumulated junk, painting things, sanding oars and filling in dings, making new V-pieces for sculls to go on the trailer. Surveying the boats for any major repairs in the off season and noting worn parts for replacement. So if you’ve ever wanted to know how to fix something yourself now is the time to learn.
Bring your dungarees and old painting gear as it’s likely to be a little messy. We’ll kick off from 9.30am and see how much we can get done by 2pm. Many hands make light work. If you can spare an hour or two around training, or commitments we’d appreciate it.
We’ll need a few extra tools too so if you have spare paint brushes, paint trays or a paint roller and long extension handle or a heat gun and measuring tape at home please bring it and don’t forget your marigolds.
Thanks,
Barry Campbell, RRC Captain
Masters Season Kicks off on the Yarra
The Banks regatta held on Saturday 11th April kicked off this years masters season. Richmond’s entry list was long and varied highlighting the competitive spirit of the Tigers. It was a perfect day for many of our newest recruits to take to the water in their black and gold for the first time and with the racing followed by a glorious afternoon on the deck with the bar and BBQ fired up Richmond was definitely the place to be.
We certainly had plenty of things to celebrate with a total of 9 wins and 11 runners up. A big congratulations to all those competing for Richmond for the first time especially Lachlan Molesworth who was part of the successful male masters eight. Other highlights included the new combination of Andy Harrison and Shern Timmins in the mixed masters double who also triumphed and Michelle Joy who completed a 100% winning record, crossing the line first in all four of the events she entered.
Once again the day was made possible by many people contributing to the regatta/crew planning and I want to thank Justin for being the clubs BRO. The social activities at the club were co-ordinated by another winner on the day, Kathy Macrow and a team of helpers manning the BBQ (Laurent and Charlie) and serving at the bar (Stephan, Dennis, Richard, Aline, Ray, Stefanie and Elaine).
Another very successful day with 9 RRC winning crews all picking up enough wine to start our own club cellar. Full list of winners below:
Mixed 4X+ – Michelle Joy, Jodie Naisbitt, Barry Campbell, Michael Gehling, cox Derek Begg
Female 4X+ – Michelle Joy, Karen Doggett, Cat Hardie, Carolyn Manning, cox Mike Numa
Mens 8+ – Michael Gehling, Michael Calvert, Charlie Burke, Jon Roberts, Matthew Crouch, Lachlan Molesworth, Andy Harrison, Laurent Demay, cox Dennis Beck
Female Novice 4+ – Stefanie Dudczig, Elaine Hynes, Sarah McNicol, Karin Bouvin, cox Derek Begg
Mixed 2X – Andy Harrison & Shern Timmins
Female 2X – Michelle Joy & Karen Doggett
Female 1X – Geraldine Goss
Female Club 4X+ – Michelle Joy, Karen Doggett, Geraldine Goss, Carolyn Manning, cox Mike Numa
Female Novice 4X+ – Kathy Macrow, Stefanie Dudczig, Sarah McNicol, Shern Timmins, cox Derek Begg
Easter Roadtrip
For those veteran RRC members Easter weekend has always meant just one thing – Mildura road trip!
Well it’s been many years since RRC made the long trip up the Calder freeway to partake in the Mildura and Wentworth regattas but this year we did. Both the Murray and Darling rivers provided beautiful surrounds and calm waters for rowing (and swimming, as Erin can vouch for completing her swim test at the conclusion of day 1). The rest of us settled for a swim in the motel pool or dip in the spa before a refreshing beverage at the Mildura brewery.
We may have been few in numbers for the trip but I think we all agreed that the weekend was a great success. The rowing was of a great standard and once that toggle was released at the start there was no letup despite the almost 90 degree turn in the Henley on the Murray course or the bridge crossing the River Darling on Sunday. All those training sessions on the Yarra have taught us well that a bridge is just a marker to push off no matter what river you find yourself on.
Bec roared on the mixed eight and some quads while the Lucy Crunden (boat not person) went up and down the river countless times with all combinations of doubles crews pushing for the line.
The highlight for many had to be Michael Gehling’s Jesus moment though when preparing to race the single. Unfortunately for Michael but to the amusement of onlookers it turns out he can not walk on water 😉
The RV officials joined in the fun spirit of the weekend and coordinated a new event for the conclusion of each days racing – the pot luck eight. The aim of the event was to get everyone who wanted another row to put their name forward and get representatives from every club out on the water in real eclectic crews covering both sexes and all ages. The races pitched RRC vs RRC aswell as Mildura, Wentworth, Essendon, Nagambie, Rutherglen and Corio Bay. It really was a great fun event with fast and furious eights sprinting down the course in the afternoon sun. There was also some bling to be collected at the end for the lucky ones like Shern Timmins from RRC who claimed victory on both days.
Thanks to everyone who made the weekend possible especially Kathy Macrow and Barry Campbell for organising and to all those involved at the two regatta venues who showed great hospitality and in my humble opinion served the best egg and bacon sandwich I’ve ever had at a regatta. What more could one ask for?
8 week pilates course
Need to strengthen that core and improve your flexibility?
Pilates classes will be held at RRC starting Thursday 30th April (check the RRC events calendar for all dates), every week for 8 weeks. 6.45-7.30am run by Erika (who ran the Pilates classes at MRC last year).
Likely to be $100 for the 8 week course but we do need people to sign up for the whole set so we have viable numbers to run the course. It is open to non RRC members aswell but we want you all to have the first opportunity, so don’t miss out. The classes she ran last year were great. Please contact Jennelle if you want to sign up.
Quiz success
“Japanese!”
“Eh?” responded Justin
“We’ll do Japanese” she insisted
“I think I’d prefer an Indian tonight”, I still missed the point.
“No, hülye, the theme for the quiz this year, we’ll do Japanese this time” And so it came to pass, Katalin, the (largely unseen) creative force for the RRC quiz for the last few years decided our clubhouse would have an oriental flavour on March 14. After Irish, Russian and Roman themes I found myself researching the Honshu Wolf and the films of Kurosawa.
Of course the quiz is only half of the night, this was to be the major club fundraising event of the year and for that to happen you need a good auction and a well stocked bar. Asking Vicki to stock the bar is like asking a panda to grow bamboo but it was still good of her to do it amongst the other things she does for RRC. She has organised the auction in the last few years but this time it was the turn of Lindsey and Emily who put the War of 1812 well and truly behind them to form a powerful North American alliance. No auction is complete without its auctioneer; Simon took the gavel as he has done for the last eight years.
And you need people too, the talented Ainsley produced a fantastic poster to bring in the punters while Shern masterminded the bookings. We have our friends at MRC to thank for lending their tables while Interior designer Laurent probably found himself with his least creative role of lumping their tables into our clubhouse.
So the night began with a record a hundred and ten members and guests packing into the hall, the bar buzzed and the quiz began. Lecturer Matt marked the papers and accountant Jon added the scores. Most teams did well and each round was punctured by productive auctions with our fundraising gauge slowly rising under Nic’s supervision. Of course there were accusations of ‘phone a friend’, allegations of cheating in the origami and twice I wanted to garrotte someone with the microphone lead (a reduction on most years) but the bow balls surged to the line…and two of them finished level.
So there they were, some of the club’s newest members against a couple of the old stagers, the tie-break question the height of Mount Fuji. The prizes sat before them, a dozen chocolate roses, a year with a wombat and of course, eternal glory. The warm March evening turned cold with tension as I read the right answer… 3766 metres, old guard triumphant, DS denied.
Thanks to all that came, especially those that worked behind the bar and of course a very big thanks to all those who generously donated auction prizes. Over $8,000 was raised on the night, exceeding the target, this is being put to immediate good use. The committee’s deliberation wouldn’t have disgraced the World Trade Organisation for detail, producing the question “Could we have the short answer first next time?” at one point. Women’s sweep oars and two new ergos have already been ordered.
Justin Thomas, RRC VP
What's in a name?
Some RRC members may be thinking that boats grow on trees given the abundance of new RRC fleet that has appeared at the club over the last season. If only it were true, in reality however the hard work and willingness to part with a dollar by our members, the work of the fundraising sub-committee, generous but less active current members and a surprise anonymous donation has seen four new singles and a coxless quad join the RRC fleet.
Recent fleet purchases and donations:
A 2nd hand Sykes coxless quad
To supplement our coxless fleet and provide a boat better suited to our lighter rowers we announced at the AGM in 2014 the club had purchased the former Ted Woolcock (new name TBA) via fundraising activities from YYRC.
Two 2nd hand Swift 60-70kg Singles
The success of the Christmas Raffle raised the funds for the club to purchase a 2nd hand Swift single from Genazzano and advance function bookings of our fabulous new building enabled the committee to tip in general revenue funds to purchase a second single from Genazzano.
2nd hand Swift 90kg+
Martin Foster had generously allowed members to use his Swift single for the last few years while he and Nicole have been busy developing our next generation of coxswain’s and rowers. The committee has offered to purchase the single from Martin and he has graciously accepted our offer to add this single to our fleet.
New Sykes Initiator 90kg single:
The email from Sykes advising that our new single was ready for delivery and that they were sworn to secrecy on the origins of the order had the committee and the captain amazed by the generosity of you the RRC members thank you whoever you are.
This sudden influx of fleet items has left the committee with a slight dilemma. We need names for our new fleet and as a committee we’ve decided that our amazing and generous membership should be the ones who actually suggest the names. If you have a suggestion for a name, then email [email protected] with your idea or drop your suggestion in the secretary’s box in the gym, before April 2nd 2015. The suggested names will then go to the next committee meeting where we’ll choose from names suggested by the membership.
Thanks, Barry Campbell – RRC Captain
