Clyde  A R C

Established 1865

History

Origins of Rowing in Glasgow

When what is now Glasgow was a group of villages separated by a broad tidal river, the way to get from place to place was to wade across at a ford, or to row. As the city grew, and other forms of transports developed, people progressed to rowing more for fun, than out of necessity. Images of the Clyde from the early 19th Century (Swann’s View from Arn’s Well) shows boats with rowers in groups of four, with a steersman, whilst in the background the smoking chimneys of the Gorbals and in the foreground the washerwomen drying and bleaching clothes on Glasgow Green.

Inevitably rowing for fun, transformed into racing, in order to determine who rowed best – and how else to determine best, than to determine fastest.

Origins of Clyde ARC

By 1865 rowing clubs had been established on the Clyde both up and down river of Glasgow (some using the Humane Society Boathouse, which was then on the south bank), as well as on the Nith to the south, the Forth to the east , the Dee to the north and elsewhere all around the coast. Amongst these clubs who established themselves was Clyde Amateur Rowing Club. Sadly little is known to the current members of the exact date that Clyde ARC came into existence, or by whom it was founded. Certainly, it is likely that Clyde ARC existed prior to 1865, at least informally, since, like a number of Scottish rowing clubs, its existence was formalised in 1865 with the recognition of the Constitution. Many of those clubs still exist today, however a great many other clubs, across Scotland, that once thrived, have not survived. Clyde ARC is one of the clubs who survived through the recognition that change is inevitable. Clyde ARC has constantly evolved with time and has adapted to the changes in the sport from 1865, in order to survive to the present day.

Clyde in the early 20th Century

The earliest minutes currently within the club’s possession date from the early 20th Century, at a time when boat races were a major spectacle. The then Glasgow Herald records crowds in excess of 50,000 lining the bank, and bookmakers taking bets on the outcome of the races. The present Clyde Boathouse – one half of the largest timber framed building in Scotland and a listed building – was built in 1904/5. In 1914 the club had a very successful year, dominating the Scottish Championships, winning 6 of the 7 championship races. Later that year, war broke out and virtually the entire membership (then no women being included) enlisted in the forces. Only the Clyde 1914 Sculling Champion, survived the war to return to Glasgow.

The 1920’s and 30’s

ebuilding the club post war, was challenging, however the club had sufficient resources to assist Glasgow University establish their own club in 1920. The regeneration of the club progressed more quickly than anticipated after WWI, and the club quickly returned to recording a decent membership and a great deal of rowing and racing activity. It was during the 1920’s that the club welcomed the first and second members of the Penny Family. 3 more of the family would join the club, contributing not only to the club’s racing history and prestige (the famous Four Pence, Ha’Penny crew of the 5 Penny brothers: Thomas, Lawrence, Alexander, William and James Penny), but also making significant contribution as committee members. Other members of the club, key to its survival and place in Scottish Rowing history, also experienced their heyday during the 1920’s and 30’s such as Hugh MacLeod.

The club’s progression through the dark days of the 1930’s and the Great Depression was not an easy one however. The club found it difficult to make ends meet with a yearly income of approximately £60 and yearly rent due of £40. The club membership and the ability of the members to pay their subscriptions was varied. The club minutes record significant financial worries during these years and various ideas were put forward to ease the financial pressure under which the club found itself. Incredibly, the club took out a tobacco licence in order to be able to supply its membership with their weekly tobacco requirements, and club members were expected to assist the club funds by purchasing their tobacco solely from the club. Other ideas, more suited to an athletic clubs ethos and aspirations, included requests for reduction in rent due to the Corporation (Glasgow City Council) and proposals to rent space from other clubs (Glasgow Printer’s Rowing Club) as well as the idea of relocating the club to another part of the Clyde, nearer to Rutherglen. The club finally prevailed with their request for a rent reduction, enabling the club to survive, but war again closed down the club.

WWII and post war era

At the outset of WWII, the club remained open in the hopes that the International Situation would abate itself. As the months progressed, the severity of the situation and the recognition that this would take some time to resolve became more apparent. In 1940, the Committee met to agree the closure of the club until the end of hostilities. This was to preserve the precious funds finally saved by the Committee after the lean years of the Depression and out of respect for club members serving in the Armed Forces.

During WWII, the military requisitioned the premises and the clubhouse suffered and after the war the membership was at another low. Minutes from 1946 – the first post war notes, record the need for an action plan to restore the boathouse to good condition and address issues such as boats and membership. The notes also remark positively that of the members how had supported the war effort in the Armed Forces, far fewer (2) had paid the ultimate price in WWII, than in WWI. In 1947 an application for membership is recorded for Mr Gordon Day – then a Junior (intermediate, not schoolboy) rower. His application was accepted. Gordon is still rowing on the Clyde today.

Concerns of over membership and finance meant that Glasgow Schools Rowing Club entered the building relegating Clyde ARC to sub-tenants. Glasgow Schools Rowing Club was a powerful force, with over an alleged 600 members at one time, however from those members developed adult rowers who were recruited into Clyde ARC (amongst other clubs). The club prospered again, and contributed to the Scotland Commonwealth Games squad in 1958.

The 1960s and 70s

In the 1960s the club grew further, largely in association with the schools to which it provided coaching, but in 1968/69 Glasgow Schools Rowing Club moved out, enabling Clyde to take sole tenancy of the clubhouse. However the club was not without a partner for long. The club assisted the gestation of Strathclyde University boat club, as it had decades earlier with Glasgow University and shared the premises until the 21st Century. This partnership was beneficial to both clubs for more than 30 years and many of the current members came through this relationship with the university.

Early in the seventies, a chance meeting led to an influx of yet more students – this time from Aberdeen University, and later in the 1970’s the club opened its doors to female members. The club was able to resource large regattas and became known for the popular Clyde Rowing Weekend. This had originally begun with little prospect of success, due to the early point in the season at which it was run – the only date available due to the popularity of regattas and the desire of every Scottish club to run one during the summer months. Clyde, however laboured hard and the regatta was at one point the second biggest rowing regatta in the UK and was voted regatta of the year.

The completion of Strathclyde Park – the jewel in Scotland’s rowing crown, with its 6 lane 2000m straight course offered vastly superior racing and to make use of the facility, the regatta dates were commandeered. Far from withering on the vine with the removal of a source of income, the club threw its efforts into a new approach.

The 1980s and 90s

In the 1980s and 90s the club again concentrated on creating crews to dominate the Scottish rowing scene. This time, the Clyde ARC women’s squads that had begun in the 1970’s were able to be developed as well as the men’s squads, in addition to newly conceived (at international level) lightweight squads of men and women and a thriving junior section.

The use of new technology such as plastic hulls was pioneered by the club, when in 1983 Clyde was the first club to purchase a Janousek – the G’day Foster and to use it with Dreissigacker oars. In addition to this, first class coaching was provided and many of the athletes who joined the club went on to represent Scotland and Great Britain at the Home International, the Coupe de La Jeunesse, the World Junior Championships and the Nations Cup (U23 event). Details of these successful crews are available within the Making History section.

The athletes at the club, both men and especially the women were taught to “know their place” – on the podium.

The presence of Clyde members at international events became expected within the club and the endeavours of the competitive athletes were supported by club stalwarts such as Gordon Day, Mike Haggerty, Raymond Dixon, Dave George and Ralph Gillies. These crews and athletes helped create a “can do” culture within Scottish rowing which would benefit the growth of junior and women’s rowing in the UK, however the loss of key members and coaches towards the end of the nineties left the club with little infrastructure and again the need to regenerate.

The Noughties

Today, the club is as inclusive as its ever been, and this is reflected in the number of members and the number of different levels and categories that the club participates and competes in. Both experienced rowers and complete beginners are welcomed to the club, in addition to those looking either to simply get fit, or participate in the social events at the club.

We are keen to celebrate our history, but also recognise that diversity and change are part of life and try to embrace what Clyde ARC can be, as well as what it is.

The members of Clyde ARC continue to achieve great things as a club and as athletes; in this way, Clyde ARC continues to make history as well be part of history.

Penny Brothers

Thomas, Laurence, Alexander, William and James Penny were all members of Clyde ARC during the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Their presence at the club is noteworthy, for although families of 5 brothers cannot have been uncommon during those decades, there is no known record of any other 5 brother families as members of any of the Glaswegian rowing clubs. The eldest brothers, Tommy and Laurie, were twins, born in August 1905, however they did not join the club at the same time. Tommy joined in May 1925, with Laurie joining his twin at the club in March of 1926. Thus Tommy was 20 at the point at which he joined the club, and Laurie 21.

Tommy and Laurie quickly became established at the club, becoming committee members within 2 years and winning some prestigious events. As early as 1926, Tommy and Laurie were winning events held by Clyde ARC and other Scottish rowing clubs such as North British Amateur Rowing Club. Competition appears to have been mainly focused in coxed fours and pairs, however Laurie also won a number of events in the single scull. In 1929, the Laurie won the Henderson Sculling Cup, the President’s Prize for Pairs (with McKenzie) and the McArthur Cup. This was the first time that anyone had won all 3 events in a single year and he finished off the season with a win in Junior Pairs, with Tommy, at the Scottish Championships.

Tommy and Laurie continued their successful pairs partnership in 1930 and 1931, winning the Junior and Senior Pairs events at the Scottish Championships, however, by this stage, more of the family had joined Clyde ARC. Sandy and Bill both joined in 1930; Sandy was then aged 21, but Bill was only 16. Perhaps he was encouraged by his elder brothers who saw an opportunity for an ideal (small) coxswain for their pairs and fours rowing, but perhaps he was influenced by his elder brothers enjoyment of the sport and an aspiration perhaps to engage in a “grown up” activity where they could compete together and against each other.

Tommy and Laurie continued to compete in the pair, with Bill as their coxswain, and also in coxed fours. Photographs show the brothers with their season’s medal haul, looking quietly satisfied. The minutes record their dedication to their training and exhort other club members to “take a leaf from their book”. Evidently their hard work paid off, and deservedly so.

The final brother – Jimmy is projected to have joined the club in 1932, at which point, he would have only been ten. With Bill now 18, it could be that he (Bill) was able to compete on a more even basis with the elder brothers and that a coxed four crew, was now a viable option for all 5 brothers. Whatever the motivation was, the Four Pence, Ha’Penny Crew raced prominently during the 1932 season and won the McLay and Vogt Cups.

The end of the Penny brothers’ era came with the advent of WWII. Clyde ARC contributed members to the war effort (i.e. the Armed Forces) and the club did not train or race seriously during the war years. Post war, the club membership was decimated. The Penny brothers returned in 1947, however they were now older and presumably with a different view of the world. Tommy and Laurie would then have been 42 and even Jimmy, the youngest, now aged 25. Finding that the club and life had changed irrevocably, they left the club for good in 1952.

Rangers Football Club

For a long time, Clyde ARC had no idea that there was a possible link to Rangers FC. Instead the club was aware only of a brief and uncategorised link to Celtic Football Club, as the minutes from 1905 (tbc) note a donation from the Parkhead club to Clyde ARC of £5. In those days, this was a lot of money however the minutes do not note for what purpose this was donated or what provoked such generosity.

The link to Rangers FC, the “other” Glaswegian football club, (unless you like Firhill), was only recently uncovered by Gary Ralston in his research for his book: The Gallant Pioneers: Rangers 1872.

Since time immemorial, in a vein similar to the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, our nearest and dearest rowing rivals – Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club, understood that members of their club had founded Rangers FC. This was thought to be evidenced by the Clydesdale (1865-1900) minutes which indicated that rowers from Clydesdale had been engaging in the new sport of association football, to the detriment of their rowing commitments. However, on inspection of the minutes, Ralston found that unfortunately none of the 4 accepted founders of Rangers FC (Moses and Peter Mc’Neil, William McBeath and Peter Campbell) are listed within the Clydesdale membership lists during that period.

Furthermore the history of Rangers, by John Allan, is similarly vague, again noting that the founders had been rowers, rather than that they were members of any specific club.

Instead Ralston’s research indicated that it was in fact members of Clyde ARC who were responsible for the founding of Ranger FC. This is evidenced through the 5th “founding member” of Rangers: Tom Vallance.

Vallance was quite the athlete and competed in various sports with success during his early life. Ralston’s research uncovered an article from the Scottish Athletic Journal in 1885, profiling Vallance and mentioning his membership of Clyde Amateur Rowing Club.

It is quite possible that not all of the founding members were members of the same rowing club, however another interesting indicator that it was members of Clyde ARC and not Clydesdale ARC, who founded Rangers FC, is found within the symbol of Clyde – the Clyde Star. The six pointed, light blue star is the official symbol of Clyde ARC and appears on the club flag, club badge, club rowing kit and is referenced in the club constitution. The first known picture of the Rangers squad shows the 1877 team, resplendent in white shirts, with a light blue, six pointed star on the left breast. According to Ralston, the presence of the star was an interesting puzzle to many Rangers enthusiasts. On uncovering the link between Vallance and Clyde ARC, and the official symbol of Clyde ARC, the mystery is arguably solved.

A final note on this saga, is something that is forgotten in both clubs’ keenness to lay claim to such a link. Sadly the founders of Rangers FC chose to leave the sport of rowing for the greener grass of association football. Whichever club these boys hailed from, the world of rowing could not keep them.

Results

Home International Representatives

Home International Regatta Representatives

We are pleased to record the members of Clyde ARC who have represented their country at the HIR.

HIR 2009: Scotland:

Imogen Walsh: WL1x, W8+
Amanda Larcombe: W2x, W8+

Ireland:

· James Murphy M1x (DNR)

HIR 2008: Scotland:

Lorna Logan: WL2x, W4x
Caitie Gorton-Phillips: WL2x, W4x
Amanda Larcombe WU234-, W8+
Imogen Walsh WL1x, W4x
Jonny Logan ML1x, M4x
James Murphy M1x, M8+
Roberto Usai ML2x

HIR 2007: Scotland:

Jonny Logan ML1x, ML2x, M4x
James Murphy M1x, M8+

HIR 2006: None

HIR 2005: Scotland:

Caitie Gorton: WL1x-, W8+
Lorna Logan: W4+, W8+
Karl Farmer: M2-
John Ritchie: M2-

HIR 2004:

HIR 2003: Scotland

Caitie Gorton: WL4-, W8+

HIR 2002: Scotland

Caitie Gorton: W4+, W8+

HIR 2001: Scotland

Caitie Gorton: WL1x
Stewart Bates: MLwt 4-
Pete Robertson: MLwt 4-

HIR 2000: TBC

HIR 1999: TBC

HIR 1998: Scotland

Claire MacIntosh: W2-
Nicole Scott: W2-
Caitie Gorton: W4+
Stewart Bates: MLwt 4-, M8+
Pete Robertson: MLwt 4-, M8+
Colin O’Malley: MLwt 4-, M8+
Danny Harte: MLwt 4-, M8+

HIR 1997: Scotland

Claire MacIntosh: W2x
Maureen McGarvey: W2x
Caitie Gorton: W8+
Katherine Lee: WLwt 4-, W8+,
Tanya Kirkpatrick (Gildea): WLwt4-, W8+
Stewart Bates: MLwt 4-, M8+
Colin O’Malley: MLwt 4-, M8+

HIR 1996: Scotland

Claire MacIntosh: W2x, W4+
Maureen McGarvey: W2x
Caitie Gorton: W4+, M8+
Katherine Lee: W4+
Nichola Hammerton: W4+
Catriona Robertson: W4+

HIR 1994

Robert Herridge spare

HIR 1986

Catriona Maccallum WJ4+
Annelise Rennie WJ4+

HIR 1984

Catriona Maccallum WJ4+
Moira Maccallum WJ4+
Annelise Rennie WJ4+
Marjorie Weir WJ4+

For the avoidance of doubt, only members who were a member at the time at which they competed at the ome International Regatta are listed as we do not wish to claim credit for the club, at the expense of other clubs. As HIR is an annual regatta, it would also be very complicated to report all past members against the correct year, event, club and when they were members of Clyde. Worlds Representatives

World Championships Representatives

We are rightly very proud of our members who have represented at World Championships level, both whilst they were a member of our club and those who went on to perform at the World Championships at another club.

To avoid confusion and embarrassment, we have noted the club at which the athlete was a member of at the point at which they competed at the World Championships. For athletes who were members of another club at the time when they competed, we have noted their time at Clyde ARC in brackets.

We are very proud to acknowledge our most successful performers and since the World Championships are such a special event, do not want to overlook past or present members, but we also do not wish to claim credit for the club, at the expense of other clubs who also work hard to provide facilities and support for their athletes.

2007: World Championships Munich, Germany

Danny Hart: MLwt 2-, London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999)

2006: World Championships Eton, Great Britain

Danny Hart: MLwt 4-, London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999)

2005: World Championships Gifu, Japan

Danny Hart: MLwt 2-, London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999)

2003: World Championships Milan, Italy

Danny Hart: MLwt 8+, London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999)
Martin Harris: MLwt 8+, London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999)

2002: World Championships Seville, Spain

Stewart Bates MLwt8+: Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association (Clyde 1996 – 1999)

1992: World Junior Championships Montreal, Canada

Claire McIntosh WJ4-
Katherine Lee WJ8+

1991: World Junior Championships Banyoles, Spain

Claire McIntosh WJ2-

1991: Coupe de La Jeunesse Glasgow, Scotland

Lindsay Robertson WJ4-

1990: Matches des Seniors (U23s) Ottenheim, Austria

Kirsty Boyd W2-
Catriona Macallum W2-

1989: World Junior Championships Szeged, Hungary

Kirsty Boyd WJ2-
Fiona Richardson WJ2-

1988: Coupe de La Jeunesse Mante La Jolie, France

Kirsty Boyd WJ2-
Fiona Richardson WJ2-

1987: World Junior Championships Cologne, West Germany

Catriona Macallum WJ2-
Annalise Rennie WJ2-

19&*: Match des Seniors (U23s)

Maureen McGarvey WL1x

GB National Championship

A record of Clyde ARC medallists:

2009:

Imogen Walsh WL1x Gold
James Murphy MO1x Silver
Imogen Walsh WO8+ Silver
Amanda Larcombe WO8+ Silver
Caitie Gorton-Phillips WO8+ Silver
Gillian Toal WO8+ Silver
Lorna Logan WO8+ Silver
    in composite with EUBC, AUBC, and GUBC
Caitie Gorton-Phillips WL2- Bronze
Gillian Toal WL2- Bronze

2008:

Imogen Walsh WL 1x Bronze
Amanda Larcombe WU23 1x Silver
Caitie Gorton-Phillips WL2x Bronze
Lorna Logan WL2x Bronze
Caitie Gorton-Phillips WL2- Bronze
Lorna Logan WL2- Bronze
Roberto Usai ML1x Bronze

2004 – 2007: Nil

2003:

Caitie Gorton WL4x Gold
Fiona Struthers WL4x Gold
    in composite with Clydesdale ARC

2002:

Caitie Gorton WO8+ Bronze
    in composite with ABC, SABC, SPRC and TRC,

2001:

Stewart Bates ML2- Bronze
Pete Robertson ML2- Bronze

2000: Nil:

1999:

Stewart Bates ML4- Bronze
Pete Robertson ML4- Bronze
Danny Harte ML4- Bronze
Colin O’Malley ML4- Bronze

1998:

Stewart Bates ML4- Gold
Pete Robertson ML4- Gold
Danny Harte ML4- Gold
Colin O’Malley ML4- Gold

1997:

Stewart Bates ML4- Silver
Colin O’Malley ML4- Silver
    in composite with St. Andrew Boat Club

1994 – 1996: Nil

1993:

Claire MacIntosh WL2x Gold
Maureen McGarvey WL2x Gold

1991 – 1992: Nil

1990:

Catriona Maccallum WL2- Silver
Kirsty Boyd WL2- Silver
Catriona Maccallum WL4- Bronze
Kirsty Boyd WL4- Bronze
Annelise Rennie WL4- Bronze
Maureen McGarvey WL4- Bronze

1989: Nil

1988:

Kirsty Boyd WJ18 2- Gold
Fiona Richardson WJ18 2- Gold

1987:

Catriona Maccallum WJ18 2- Gold
Annelise Rennie WJ18 2- Gold
Catriona Maccallum WJ18 8+ Silver
Annelise Rennie WJ18 8+ Silver
Catriona Maccallum WO 2- Bronze
Annelise Rennie WO 2- Bronze
Elspeth Price WJ16 8+ Gold

1986:

Catriona Maccallum WJ18 4- Bronze
    in composite with George Watson’s College
Annelise Rennie WJ16 2- Gold
Elspeth Price WJ16 2- Gold

1985:

Catriona Maccallum WJ16 4+ Bronze
Annelise Rennie WJ16 4+ Bronze
Elspeth Price WJ16 4+ Bronze
Victoria Fraser WJ16 4+ Bronze
Michelle Shorthose WJ16 4+ Bronze

1984:

Scott Ramsey MJ18 2- Gold
Keith Watson MJ18 2- Gold

1983:

Scott Ramsey MJ18 4+ Bronze
Keith Watson MJ18 4+ Bronze
Christopher Rennie MJ18 4+ Bronze
Ralph Weir MJ18 4+ Bronze
Ross Dunsmore MJ18 4+ Bronze

WEHORR Scottish Record Holders 1988 & 2009

The annual Heads of the River on the London Tideway are a key focus point for many clubs. The events have grown over the years and the entries now stand at a cap of 500 crews for the Head of the River (HORR) and 300 entries for the Women’s Head (WEHORR).

Due to the available numbers Clyde rarely sends a full club eight to either event, however, the women’s side in particular this is not to say that Clyde’s athletes haven’t met with success.

The Scottish record placing of 7th, which stood from 1988 until 2009 comprised mostly of a composite between Clyde ARC and Clydesdale ARC, rowing as “Scottish Rowing” and coached by then Clydesdale coach Iain Somerside. This was the highest placing for a crew based in and training in Scotland – rather than a crew with a Scottish person or persons within it, based down south. This crew set the standard for women’s rowing in Scotland for many years to come, in achieving this placing, so it was with mixed feelings when the record fell in 2009. Disappointment for the crew from 1988 and Clyde ARC, who were without a doubt pioneering rowing for women within Scotland, but elation also, that once again the new Scottish Record crew comprised of a number of Clyde athletes rowing composite, this time with Glasgow Rowing Club, Glasgow University Boat Club and Edinburgh University Boat Club, coached by George Warnock of Glasgow Rowing Club.

The 2009 crew created a new Scottish record of 6th, just and no more squeezing past the old record and the notable high placings of Edinburgh University in the 1990’s (10th), St Andrew (also in 1988) who were 11th and the Clydesdale ARC crew of 2006 who came 12th.

1998 Crew 2009 Crew

Cox: Unknown Kerra Templeton (Glasgow Univ)

Stroke: Christine Brown (C’dale) Imogen Walsh (Clyde)

7: Moira Maccallum (Clyde) Amanda Larcombe (Glasgow Univ)

6: Patricia McKellar (C’dale) Polly Swann (Edinburgh Univ)

5: Maureen McGarvey (C’dale) Jen Reid (Edinburgh Univ)

4: Shauna McGibbon (Glasgow Univ,deceased) Fran Jacob (Glasgow Rowing Club)

3: Jean Guthrie (C’dale) Lorna Logan (Clyde)

2: Janet Aitken (C’dale) Caitie Gorton-Phillips (Clyde)

Bow: Catriona Maccallum (Clyde) Gillian Toal (Clyde)

Post script:A crew of the same composite clubs came together in 2010 to defend their record placing at the WEHORR, however it was not to be and the crew finished 20th.

Commonwealth Performers

Commonwealth Championships

Clyde ARC is pleased to record its members who have represented their country at the Commonwealth Championships.

2006: Strathclyde Park, Glasgow, Scotland, GB.

John Ritchie: M4+

2002: Holme Pierrpoint, Nottingham, England, GB

Caitie Gorton: W8+

1999: Lake Fanshawe, London, Ontario, Canada

Stewart Bates ML2-, ML4-, ML8+
Colin O’Malley ML2-, ML4-, ML8+
Pete Robertson ML4-, ML8+
Danny Harte ML4-, ML8+

1994: Lake Fanshawe, London, Ontario, Canada

Claire MacIntosh: WL2x
Maureen McGarvey: WL2x
Kirsty Boyd: WL4-
Fiona Richardson: WL4-
Katherine Lee: WL4-
Martin Harris: ML2-
Gordon Gillespie: ML2-
Robert Herridge: spare

For the avoidance of doubt, only members who were a member at the time at which they competed at the Championships are listed as we do not wish to claim credit for the club, at the expense of other clubs.

Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta

Henley Royal Regatta

2009: Remenham Challenge Cup, Friday

Imogen Walsh
Amanda Larcombe
Caitie Gorton-Phillips
Gillian Toal
Lorna Logan

2008: Nil

2007: Double Sculls Challenge Cup, Friday

Jonny Logan
Chris Logan

2005 – 2006: Nil

2004: Wyfold Challenge Cup, Winner

Colin O’Malley London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999) 

2004: Thames Challenge Cup, Winner

Pete Robertson London Rowing Club (Clyde 1996 – 1999)

2002 – 2003: Nil

2001: Wyfold Challenge Cup, Wednesday

Pete Robertson
Doug Murray
Stewart Bates
Henry Westwood

2000: Nil

1999: Wyfold Challenge Cup, Semi Final

Pete Robertson
Stewart Bates
Colin O’Malley
Danny Harte

1998: Wyfold Challenge Cup, Semi Final

Pete Robertson
Stewart Bates
Colin O’Malley
Danny Harte

1998: Thames Challenge Cup, Winner

Martin Harris London Rowing Club (Clyde 1982 – 1995)
Gordon Gillespie London Rowing Club (Clyde 1985 – 1995)

1997: Wyfold Challenge Cup, Friday

Stewart Bates
Colin O’Malley
Richard Court
Mark O’Dea

Henley Women’s Regatta

2008: Elite Lwt 1x – Winner

Imogen Walsh

2007: The Bourne Cup for Elite 4x – Winners

Caitie Gorton-Phillips
Lorna Logan

2007: The Avril Vellacott Cup for Elite 4- – Winners

  Caitie Gorton

Imogen Walsh

Imogen was brought up in Inverness, where she exposed to rowing at a young age by her father, Paddy, the current President of Inverness Rowing Club. Her initial reaction to coxing sessions was less than enthusiastic, but she did go so far as to join the rowing club on entering her student years at Glasgow University. Imogen did not, however, consider herself the “sporty type” and had varied interests outside of sport.

During her time as a student at Glasgow University Imogen was coached by Mike Foster, a stalwart Scottish coach of Gold standard qualifications. She raced in a variety of larger crew boats in both university and domestic events including the British University Students Association championships (now BUCS), Henley Women’s Regatta, the GB National Championships and the annual Glasgow v Edinburgh University Boats Races.

After leaving university, the “non sporty” Imogen decided to join Clyde ARC during the winter training season 2006/2007 where she was initially coached by Lorna Logan. Her first year at Clyde (2007 main season) resulted in some excellent wins, now in smaller boats, such as the Lwt 1x and Lwt2x (rowing with Lorna).

For the 2008 main season Imogen decided to focus on her single and was rewarded with wins at the Scottish Championships in Lwt 1x, Henley Women’s Regatta in Elite Lwt 1x, and a bronze at the National Championships.

Recognising a good thing, Imogen continued to develop her capabilities in the 2009 season in the single, under the coaching of George Warnock, from Glasgow Rowing Club, this time winning both Open and Lwt 1x at the Scottish Championships, and taking the Gold medal at the GB National Championships in the Lwt 1x. This was in addition to stroking the Clyde ARC composite 8 at the WEHORR, Henley Royal Regatta and the GB National Championships.

This year, again Imogen has focused on her single, with the goal of breaking into the GB Lwt Squad and the chance of representing Great Britain. Good early season performances at the long distance trials developed into even more impressive results in the spring of 2010. Imogen’s ability to meet every challenge and continue to step onwards and upwards is her greatest asset.

Her invitation to the final trials in Hazewinkle saw her coming 4th overall. On the back of this, Imogen was selected to race at Duisberg in the Lwt 2x with Strathclyde Park’s Kelly Limond. Performances at Duisberg and at the Metropolitan Regatta in the 2x and 1x then earned her a seat in a 4x competing at Henley Royal Regatta in the Princess Grace Cup for Elite Women’s Quadruple Sculls.

Now Imogen has been invited to matrix for the GB Lwt 4x which will race in New Zealand at the 2010 World Championships. We wish her all the best.

Trophies

Back in the day, the rowing clubs of Scotland held races and regattas in many different formats as was possible due to the high numbers of athletes wanting to compete in rowing.

Some events were confined to club members only, whereas other events were contested against another single club. Finally, there were also events for multiple clubs, much like most of the events run within Scottish Rowing today. Unlike today, the prizes competed for, were often cups and trophies, as opposed to t-shirts, medals and tankards.

These trophies, such as the MacLay Cup, were made from sterling silver and were highly sought after. A winning club or crew would have their name inscribed on the trophy, which would be returned to the club the following year for the same event, but the winning crew would also receive a miniature (also made of silver) to keep.

The war years of the 20th century and the ebb and flow of both Clyde ARC membership and the number of Scottish rowers overall meant that the trophies fell out of being contested each year, further meaning that the location of some of these trophies was forgotten. Clyde ARC and many of the other surviving rowing clubs lost trophies over the years which are presumably, sadly, gathering dust in attics.

Silver rudder

The Silver Rudder however, is still in the club’s posession and the traditional contest held against the Edinburgh based club, St Andrew, has been re-inaugurated by Clyde ARC. The event is now held again annually and the results since the re-inauguration follow here:

            2009: Clyde ARC

            2008: Clyde ARC

            2007: Clyde ARC

            2006: St Andrew Boat Club

Another trophy which is still within the club’s posession is the Golden Oar. This tiny trophy is of a forearm sized wooden oar, with a golden collar. Although this event has not yet been re-inaugurated, there are plans afoot to do so.

The Clyde Star

The final trophy currently within the club’s possession comes from a more recent tradition inaugurated in 2004: the pewter Clyde Star Quaich. The Clyde Star has been the symbol of Clyde ARC since the club formalised its existence in 1865. It was used on the original “club kit” and can be seen in the historic photographs at the clubhouse. It features on the club badge, the club flag, and currently on both the balcony of the clubhouse and the club racing kit. The naming of the Clyde Star, is therefore both a reference to the symbol of the club and the deserving recipient.

The Clyde Star Quaich is awarded annually to the club member deemed to have contributed most to the club over the past year. The award is determined by voting at the annual club AGM held in September, where each club member has one equal vote. The trophy tends to be awarded to a member who has given their time for the good of the club, however outstanding athletic performance has also been recognised. The trophy, is therefore, a type of MVP, Most Valued Player, though what they are valued for, is up to the voters.

            2019: Grant Ross

            2018: Dave Gray

            2017: Caitlin Watson

            2016: Sharon Coats

            2015: Phil York

            2014: Sarah Locke

            2013: Sarah Locke

            2012: Sarah Locke

            2011: Sarah Locke

            2010: Caitie Gorton-Phillips

            2009: James Murphy

            2008: Niall Darroch

            2007: Lorna Logan

            2006: John Ritchie

            2005: Niall Darroch

            2004: Paddly Adler