Founded 1873

Copyright © Birmingham Rowing Club Ltd 2000

"The Reservoir is situated at the bottom of Lady Wood Lane or of the continuation of it which is now called Reservoir Lane. it is a noble expanse of water, covering about 70 acres, surrounded, or nearly so, by an extensive plantation, through which a walk has been formed, so as to enable the visitor to make the entire circuit of the lake, and thus forming, in the Summer months, a delightful promenade. The entire enclosure, which was laid out about 18 years since, is estimated to cover about 100 acres. The public were admitted without difficulty for a considerable time, but at length it was found necessary to close the door, and place some limit to the indulgence."

From the Edgbaston Guide and Directory, 1853.

The earliest reference to a rowing club in Birmingham is that in 1859, the Birmingham Soho Club was active on the Reservoir. Unfortunately, no records exist..

Mention has been made of the Edgbaston and Warwickshire Boat Club, but again, nothing is known of this organisation. However, it has been suggested that a split in the club led to the formation of two separate clubs. This seems possible, for there is evidence of the Birmingham and Edgbaston Rowing Club and the North Warwickshire Rowing Club, both based in Birmingham. The former was at the Reservoir and occupied the site of BRC.'s old boathouse, where the Training Ship Vernon is now situated. The last minute book of the club is in the possession of' BRC and shows the club to have been in existence in 1871. It was wound up in 1879, having apparently had a fairly large membership which did little in the way of rowing. "The Rowing Almanack" for the 1870s records only two regatta entries by the B. and E. club, a four in 1874 and a sculler in 1876. The club's colours were black and white.

The whereabouts of the North Warwickshire RC are not known, but "The Rowing Almanack's" details of regattas show that throughout the 1880s, it was a very thriving club, frequently represented at the local regattas, and recording numerous wins. In contrast, BRC.'s name is rarely mentioned.

B.R.C. and North Warwickshire both appear in the Almanack's list of Provincial Clubs in the years 1882 to 1893 inclusive. That they did not appear earlier is due only to the list being out of date. Evidently something was done about this for the 1882 Almanack, for in that year a number of clubs not previously listed, but which had for years figured in the details of regattas, were included. In 1894 the nature of the list is changed and shows those clubs which were affiliated to the Amateur Rowing Association. BRC is included, but there is no mention of North Warwickshire. That one or more of these clubs was based on the canals is strongly suggested by 'The Edgbastonia Directory' for 1895 and 1896, which refers to the Viking's Rowing Club, which had a boathouse at Wheeleys Road Wharf.

It seems possible that BRC. was originally founded as the Birmingham YMCA. Rowing Club. The first reference to this club is in the Almanack, recording that a YMCA. four and pair competed at Bridgnorth Regatta on 5th August, 1878. The four rowed in two events, and lost both first round races 'easily', as did the pair. The following year, the club again rowed at Bridgnorth, again losing 'easily', whilst a sculler won one round. The names of the crew are significant: R. S. Buckland, F. Banks, J. W. Milligan, T. H. Fiddy (stroke), F. Gulliver (Cox).

There is no further reference to the Birmingham YMCA Rowing Club, but the Almanack reports that at Stratford Regatta on 2nd August, 1880, the 'gig fours" event included a Birmingham Rowing Club crew composed of R. T. Boddy, W. Burrows, J.W. Milligan, R. S. Buckland (stroke), A. Ashfield (cox). Either there had been a YMCA. club as well as BRC., and the former folded in 1879/80, some members, including Buckland and Milligan, joining BRC., or, as seems more likely, the YMCA. club "opened its doors" and changed its name to BRC. Whatever the answer, the fact that the first regatta entry in the name of Birmingham Rowing Club was a failure is beyond dispute. The four lost its first round to Ironbridge by 2 lengths, whilst a pair lost by 4 lengths to Stratford in the first round.

It is surprising to learn that the first open regatta was as long ago as 7^th August, 1880 (which supports the theory that in 1880 the YMCA club became an open club). The four events - sculls, pairs, junior fours and senior fours, were well supported, the respective winners being Pengwern, Thames, Bewdley and Worcester. Racing was in three lanes. BRC. fielded a pair, three junior fours and a senior four. Probably all were scratch crews aimed at supporting the regatta, and all lost in their first round races, although none of the junior fours lost by more than 1 length. The 1881 Regatta was held on 23rd and 25th July. The events were sculls, junior pairs, senior pairs, fours (unspecified status) and junior fours. The respective winners were Pengwern, North Warwickshire, Bridgnorth, North Warwickshire and Hereford. The strength of North Warwickshire is shown, and the club also had a losing finalist. BRC.'s entries were a senior pair, which won one round, and a junior four which lost to Trent in its first race. At bow in this four was F. R. Davenport, this being the first reference to the long connection between BRC and the famous brewing family. F. R. Davenport later became Captain. No regatta was held in the following year, nor again until 1896.

The First Victory .

The remainder of the 1880s decade reveals a lean time for BRC. Whilst North Warwickshire was achieving an impressive .record, BRC. did not even enter another regatta until 1890, when crews competed unsuccessfully in Maiden Fours at Bewdley and Evesham Regattas. In 1891 a maiden four went to Worcester Regatta on 23rd July. The crew beat Ariel R.C., Bristol, by 2 lengths, Redcliffe R.C., Bristol, by ½ length and in the final, Bewdley R.C. by 1 foot, and so recorded BRC’s first .ever open regatta win. The crew was F. B. Stiff, F. W. Hands, C. L. Stiff, F. Hewett (stroke) and H. Harris (cox). The same crew then won a second Maiden Fours' event at Evesham, beating Warwick BC by I length, Hereford "easily" and in the final, Overbury Court R.C. by 1 length.

More Success

The list of regatta successes reveals that from 1891 until 1905, there was only one year - 1899 - when the club did not record at least one win. The Junior 'Fours win at Tewkesbury Regatta in 1895 was for the Mythe Challenge vase, value 30 guineas, and presentation prizes, value 20 guineas. The History of Hereford Rowing Club records that in this final, BRC. beat Hereford "by 9 or 10 inches",

Hereford's 'History' gives an interesting insight into the presentation prizes given in those days. Its winning Junior Four at Cardiff Regatta received: stroke - a silver coffee jug, 3 - an oak and silver cigar cabinet, 2 - a pair of bronze figures, bow - a silver and glass epergne, cox - a silver cup.

Extracts from the Secretary’s Report 1895

"The Member Roll at the commencement of the year was 35, but during the first few weeks, by the introduction of 15 new members, our strength was increased to 50." "Owing to the vagaries of our climate, the Autumn Races, that had been fixed for the second week in August, had to be abandoned, in consequence of scarcity of water, an unfortunate circumstance to which the Club has always been more or less liable."

"A Senior Crew, made up of Messrs. Davenport, Buxton, Stiff, and Duncan (stroke) was also entered, and competed at Bridgnorth Regatta, but was defeated by the Bridgnorth Crew, and at Burton lost in the first heat. to Stourport.. After careful consideration, the same crew came to the conclusion that it. would be useless representing the Club at further Regattas,. as they were so heavily handicapped, owing to the old-fashioned build of the boat supplied to the Club by Messrs. Salter Brothers."

" . . . .our Captain offered to present the Club with a new boat, and I am able to inform the members that the same is at present being built by Messrs. Rough, Oxford, and will be delivered at the Club Boat-house on May 14th."

From Minutes of Committee Meeting, 30th April, 1896

"Resolved that the Secretary should have a Club Badge designed with the City Arms, oars and BRC., and obtain prices for plain and coloured. The Secretary read a letter from the Town Clerk saying he did not think there would be any objection to our using the City Arms as a Badge."

"Resolved that the Club hold a regatta, to be held on Saturday, July 4th. Mr. B. J. Davenport was elected Regatta Hon. Secretary. It was estimated that the cost of the Regatta would be £85 but it was hoped that the prizes would be given by the President and others."

The Regatta Programme reveals that there were 22 races from 1.00 p.m. to 6.15 p.m., including "Pole walking in fancy costume" and an "Upset Canoe Race" by members of BRC, competitors to have 2 upsets and finish in canoe". The Course was 3 mile, involving a turn round a buoy.

The 3 entries for The Ladies Plate (1 mile course) for Ladies' Double Sculling included the Misses Blanche and Beatrice Davenport of Birmingham who won the final against another Birmingham double.

BRC crews won the Edgbaston Plate for Open IVs and the Maiden Plate for Maiden IVs.

"Regatta at Edgbaston Reservoir

Racing Skiffs in a Gale'

". . . . so rough was it, indeed, that in the second heat of the sculling race - the boats being without the rough weather sheets, that of the Birmingham man, C. Gummery, filled with water when he was leading, and he was compelled to swim for it, being picked up by another boat. The other man, Ha S. McFie of Oxford, finished the race, but directly after passing the post met with a similar catastrophe. .after this the sheets were brought into requisition, but even then several other boats were swamped, and slowly subsided, leaving the occupants struggling in the water, much to the amusement of a portion of the spectators."

"The arrangements would undoubtedly have stood improvement, for almost every event was about 1 hour behind the specified time."

"The committee in submitting the accounts for the past year desire to call your attention to the improved financial condition of the Club. In fact, at no period of the Club's existence has it stood in so sound a position as it does today, and with the increased facilities the Club

will be able to offer in the forthcoming season, the accession of new members should make the improvement more pronounced."

The accounts include under Assets "new first class boat, presented to the club this year cost: £30.0.0".

The Regatta account showed a profit of £31.16.10. (after donations of £39.18.0) . One interesting item of expenditure is under the heading: advertising: "Sandwich Men: £2.14.0" The cost of prizes totalled £43.3.5 but this appears to include Challenge Cups (2000 equivalent for presentation prizes alone: ~£1,100). Printing came to £7.5.0 (1973: £88.50) and hire of tents was £1.5.0 (1973: £78.65). Regatta Fees totalled £6.5.0. (1973: £354.00) but the main receipts came from cash taken at gates: £19.4.6. (1973: £25.22) and "tickets sold and guaranteed:" £46.0.0 (no modern equivalent).

"The Treasurer reported that a banking account had been opened at the National Provincial Bank . . . "

"The Evesham Regatta was held on Whit Monday, May 19th, 1902, and the club entered for the hvon Plate a Maiden Crew with R. S. Goode as stroke, S. H. Johnson 3, W. R. Fletcher 2, G. Towers bow, coxed by Dawson Butler. This crew not only maintained the reputation of the club but raised it by gloriously defeating the Kingston, Hull, crew by a spirited and plucky sprint after a very trying race on a disadvantageous course. The press unanimously reported this to be the race of the day.

The clubs in the various heats were as follows

"Nottingham Rowing Club Regatta Success of Birmingham Oarsmen"

". . . . an interesting struggle was witnessed for the Victoria Gold Vase, the most valuable rowing trophy in the country. In this a huge surprise was caused, when Birmingham defeated Burton, who a few days ago won the Wyfolds at Henley.

Expenditure included "Hages of Waterman - £8.7.1."

"The question of sending a crew to compete at Henley next year was again discussed at some length and it was decided that it was to be done if the members of the crew could arrange for the practices necessary at Henley."

"Mr. Frame reported that he had received estimates from Messrs. Sims, Rough and Clasper for a coxwainless light four oar for use at Henley and he was instructed by the committee to accept the tender of Mr. Sims at £30.0.0 and that oars etc. should be ordered at the same

time.

(Note: 'Sidney Johnson' built by Janousek last year cost £5,700).

"Encouraged by the run of successes achieved by their four-oared crew, the Committee of the Birmingham Rowing Club has determined to enter it for the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley Regatta next season. During the past two years the crew has proved practically invincible in the Midlands, and Last season carried off all the principal trophies, including the Boddington Challenge Vase at Stourport, the Bass Challenge Vase at Burton, the Victoria Gold Challenge Vase at Nottingham, and the West of England Challenge Vase at Hereford. In the latter event the crew was opposed by a team composed of two Light Blues and two members of the Leander Rowing Club. It is the first time a Birmingham crew has competed at Henley, but the fact that two seasons ago the Birmingham crew defeated Burton after the latter had carried off the Wyfold trophy encourages the Committee in the belief that if they do not succeed in capturing the prize at the first venture the crew will, at any rate, acquit itself in such a manner as to command the respect of its opponents."

". . . . The Birmingham crew will go to Henley for a fortnight prior to the regatta for practice and training on the course, the previous training being engaged in at Worcester or Stourport."

". . . . It is interesting to note that out of 32 heats rowed, the combined crews have won 26. "

"Preparing for Henley - Birmingham Rowing Club IV"

"In sport, as in other pursuits, business or pleasure, Birmingham is thoroughly cosmopolitan. This season local athletes have thrown down the gauntlet to the cream of Great Britain, and, as announced some time ago in these columns, the Birmingham Rowing Club has entered for the Wyfold coxwainless IV at Henley, where the local quartet will have to meet the pick of London and T eander, which is another way of saying that - they will be pitted against the best amateur oarsmen to be found. When it is remembered that Birmingham does not possess a river, and that the largest piece of water available gives less than a ½ mile course, our local rowing club's challenge would seem to savour of "vaulting ambition", but the club executive has sound reasons for hoping that success will attend their efforts on the classic Henley course. Last season their four met with uniform success wherever they competed, and the fact that amongst the vanquished was the crew that won at Henley fired their ambition. After about 6 weeks hard and conscientious training, the crew journey on Saturday to Reading, where on the livelier Thames water, under the coaching of either Mr Lehmann or Mr Goldie, (two of the best rowing experts in England) their preparation will be completed.

To practice rowing anywhere but on a river is a pastime which calls for a great amount of self denial and enthusiasm; the latter attribute members of the 3irmingham Rowing Club must possess to an outstanding degree, for, to say the least, rowing round the reservoir must soon become monotonous. There are about 50 other members of the BRC, yet out of this small band a pair yesterday won the 1st prize at Hereford, a junior IV journeyed to that cathedral city last night to compete today, whilst on the reservoir last evening there were 3 IVs and a sculler - a fair indication that each active member is a worker. It is strange, but true, that of the large number of Varsity men resident in this city, hardly any takes interest in aquatics; most of the BRC members are old public school boys but there is one exception and that is Mr AB Blakemore, an old Pembroke (Oxforl) man, who earned distinction as a 'wet bob' at college, and who still retains his enthusiasm for the pastime. He it is who has filled the responsible position of coach to the IV which is to co battle under the blue and white banner; to see this gentleman coaching from a cycle on our reservoir banks is to witness a remarkable acrobatic feat. Now an order "Finish your stroke No. 2" then a sudden sprint round a clump of trees to get alongside the crew, all the time keenly watching for defects, whilst dodging a multitude of scorching cyclists, discloses 'grit' of no mean order. "Well done, well rowed Boys" shows that coach is quite satisfied with his crew's form, and this was Mr. Blakemore's verdict last night, as the four finished a brilliant piece of work across the reservoir. The crew is constituted as follows:

Mr. Johnson is a well known member of the Handsworth Rugby team, Mr. Frame plays 'rugger' for Moseley, whilst three of the crew belong to Birmingham Athletic Club."

". . . . Birmingham will be interested in Henley's regatta this year as it has never been before; if our representatives win the Wyfolds the traditions of rowing will receive as rude a shock as British Golf received when the American, Travis wrested the golfing championship from this tight little island. For a city without a river to win a classic race et Henley would indeed cause a sensation; but this is what the four young men who sport the blue and white are giving up their summer holidays to attempt."

"The following is the result of the draw this afternoon, the heats being rowed on Tuesday.

London vs Royal Chester
Kingston vs Thames
Magdalene vs Birmingham
Caius bye

"Birmingham's Henley Victory - A Historic Struggle Spoilt"

"The only discordant note "in a brilliant history making Henley" is the verdict in the Wyfold Challenge final which was conceded to Birmingham Rowing Club, and to the credit of our representatives, be it said that they were absolutely sinless. The history of the titanic struggle is soon told. Going off to a perfectly even start both crews kept well together, but gradually Birmingham's powerful stroke took the provincial boat forward, but whilst Alldridge steered a perfect course, the London bow began to hug his opponent. A series of desperate spurts ensued neither having any advantage, but Birmingham was never given its proper share of the water. For over ½ mile London was out of its water. 400 yards from home, Glover called on his men for a final spurt; the Birmingham boat was going much the faster when a series of bumps occurred, London being right out of its water. Never being allowed to go to the front, the Birmingham craft passed the post locked with London. As soon as the crews passed the winning post a shout came through the official megaphone on the umpire boat "Birmingham, the race is yours. I disqualify London for fouling." Thus, without appeal, the race was given to Birmingham. Mr Glover, spoken to this morning, said he was sorry it was such an unsatisfactory finish, for he believed his crew would have won had they had room. As a matter of fact, the provincials, responding gamely to a call for a last spurt, were rapidly gaining an advantage, when London fouled them. The Wyfold Challenge is a splendid silver cup, held for one year by the winning crew, whilst gold medallions are presented to the four. It must not be forgotten that London Rowing Club, next to Leander, is the most powerful aquatic organisation in the world and in the vanquished four yesterday was Mr A Hamilton Cloutte, who was defeated by only 1 length and ¼ in record time by the Canadian, Scholes, for the aquatic blue ribbon, The Diamond Sculls."

"The Birmingham Rowing Club is holding its club 4 oar and pair oar races at Edgbaston Reservoir this evening and some keen racing may be expected The Wyfold Challenge Cup won by the Senior crew at Henley will be exhibited on the terrace. In addition, there will be a water carnival and venetian fete."

BRC possesses very few of the Minute Books relating to its 125 years. The books of 1896-97 and 1901-04 came to light in 1966, but these are the only ones covering the period up to the Second World War in the possession of the Club. For this reason, information about the years following the Henley victory is extremely scarce. Any suggestions as to the likely whereabouts of other Minute Books or records would be very much appreciated by the Club.

The Minutes of Committee and Annual General Meetings from 1951 (when the Club was re-formed following the war years) are complete.

It has been said that winning at Henley was the worst thing that happened to BRC but whether the lean period that followed would have happened anyway will never be known. The successful crew broke up and John Frame, who had captained the club in the years 1902-03-04 gave up rowing due to business commitments. Sidney Johnson took over, but Frank Glover, the stroke of the Wyfold crew, left Birmingham. So whilst it is not surprising that success at such a high level did not continue, what is surprising is that a club which, according to the Birmingham Daily Mail report, had over 50 active members, and had three other crews in training, winning six Junior fours events, then went 3 years without a regatta win of any kind.

This proved to be the longest period without a win from the time of the first victory in 1891 until the period 1962-68, excluding the war years, and but for the single Maiden Fours win in 1908, the gap would have been five years, not three.

When success returnedt it was on a small and modest scale. Senior wins to which the club was becoming accustomed, became just a memory, and the club recorded only two victories in Junior Fours between 1904 and 1932.

From "History of Hereford Rowing Club"

"At the Annual General Meeting (1925), H. J. Hammonds complained of the poor turn out of members at the celebration dinner. Whereas Hereford with a resounding chain of victories could muster no more than 10 members, Birmingham with a far less impressive record had almost a complete set of members present at their dinner."

(Note: Evidently B.R.C. that year was more impressive in social events than in rowing events. The only win was in Open Pairs.)

1924 saw another Maiden Fours win (at Ross) and Geoffrey Kohn, the stroke, remembers a rather unusual situation: "Our No. 3 did not turn up and we were about to scratch when Derwent offered a spare man. He was a likeable character but was always drunk. Permission was obtained for him to join BRC on the spot and to row. We then walked him up and down the towpath before the first heat, in which we scraped home by a canvas. We were able to keep him out of the beer tent until after the final, and each race was won more easily as he became more sober, the final being won comfortably. After the final, we gave him his head and tried to match him pint for pint, but after fourteen pints he was on his own!"

BRC has had some long 'runs' of Captaincy. Sidney Johnson was captain for 20 years and in 1932 Fred Long took over and remained in office until 1951 (although the club was inactive for part of that time)

The fortunes of the club improved-during the 1930s and the club went from strength to strength until 1939, when it achieved a record number of regatta successes (11).

"June 10th, 1933 Burton Regatta

Junior IVs: G. Crabbe bow, J. A. Trentham 2, D. S. Lettington 3, K. Mindelsohn Stroke, R Green cox.

Rowed at Evesham in first heat and won by 2½ lengths. Rowed Hereford in final and won by 2 lengths. This is the first time in the history of the club that we have won Juniors at this regatta.

"July 8th, 1933 - Derby Regatta

Maiden Sculler - K. Tinegate

Sculled extremely well and won; beat Loughborough, Boston and Nottingham Boat Club."

"July 17th, 1933 - Loughborough Regatta

Junior IV - G. Crabbe bow, JW Trentham 2, D. S. Lettington 3, K. Mindelsohn Stroke, R. Green cox.

Rowed extremely well and beat Nottingham & Union by 2 lengths, beat Nottingham Boat Club and after a very fine race beat Stratford by 2 feet, winning the Loughborough Challenge Vase for the first time in the history of the club.'

(Note: The Junior IV also won at Worcester (Severn Challenge Vase) beating Worcester, Clifton and Stratford.)

The war left BRC without a boathouse and for some years the club was inactive; with one exception - Ken Tinegate, who, it will be recalled, won Maiden Sculls in 1933. After this, his rowing and sculling steadily increased in stature . . .

"It was in 1932 that Mr. Tinegate, who lives in Oakfield Road, Selly Park, was taken by his brother to assist with the coxing of the crews of Birmingham R.C. That started his rowing and sculling career. Up to the outbreak of the war, training was always at Edgbaston Reservoir only half a mile wide when full.

His first taste of success was when included in a crew that went on to win its "maiden". In 1936, after various other wins, he joined Mr Gorley, a fellow member as a "pair oar" and created a record for the club with six wins in eleven finals in one season. They continued their victories the following season until Mr. Gorley left the club.

Eleven years ago Mr. Tinegate turned to sculling, at which he won eight junior races, also a club record, so that the following year he became a senior and as such won three races. Came the war and six years' Army service, and on his return he found the Birmingham RC temporarily out of action. Joining Stourport Boat Club, he completed a crew training for the

Olympic trials and later took up sculling again, winning seven senior races for the resuscitated Birmingham Club. Last year he trained for the Diamond Sculls at Henley, winning the first heat with a borrowed boat and losing in the second heat to BHT Bushnell."

"KW Tinegate. of Birmingham Rowing Club and JB Brown, of Loughborough Boat Club have been selected to represent this country in the Double Sculls event at the Empire games in New Zealand next February.

The Amateur Rowing Association announcement describes the pair as "the fastest double sculling combination in the country". This is the first time Birmingham Xowing Club has been honoured by having one of its members selected for an international race of this character. It will be recalled that Brown and Tinegate put up a magnificent performance when they were beaten by the Danish pair in the final of the Double Sculls at Henley this year, having beaten the course record in the semi-final the previous day."

"Not many people associate Birmingham with first-class rowing. Yet it was with the Mirmingham Rowing Club, at Edgbaston Reservoir 22 years ago, that Mr Kenneth Tinegate, now the club's captain and a sculler with a national reputation was introduced to the sport.

By the time the Second World War occurred he possessed about 50 silver cups as tribute to his prowess. But when, after service as a captain with the Royal Artillery he returned to the Midlands, he found that the premises of the Birmingham Rowing Club had been commandeered by the Admiralty for the use of Sea Scouts. Mr Tinegate, however, was undismayed. For two years he travelled every evening from Monday to Friday between Birmingham and Stourport by bus (there was no basic petrol at the time) in order to keep in training, and during that period he still sculled under the Birmingham Rowing Club colours and still was generally unbeatable at Midland regattas.

More! In both 1949 and 1950, along with Mr. Boris Brown, he reached the final in the double sculls at Henley Royal Regatta, only to be beaten on each occasion by a very strong pair from Denmark.

In 1950 he had to resign his-captaincy of the Kings Norton Rugby Club since he and Mr Brown were selected to represent Great Britain at the Empire Games in New Zealand. And had they not suffered the misfortune of having their boat smashed by a piece of driftwood on their last practice at Stourport (a mishap which compelled them to compete in a strange boat), they might well have won the event for this country."

(Note: Tinegate and Brown won a bronze medal.)

Administratively, Tinegate was not completely on his own. The story of the war years is unfolded . . . .

"Present: Messrs. Williams (Ckair), Johnson, Woodward, Matthews, H. Tinegate, K.Tinegate, Evans, Long, Terry, Howlett.

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Alderman Sale, Messrs. Kohn, Fdwards and Preedy.

Minutes of General Meeting 22nd April, 1939 were read, confirmed and signed.

Due to the long delay since the last General Meeting the Chairman gave a brief resume of happenings since then. During the War the Club ceased to function, members being absorbed in the Services etc. The Boathouse, Boats and Oars were damaged and some disappeared. As soon as possible the remaining property was removed to a safe place. Meanwhile the main tenant of the Reservoir - Mr. Ford - with whom we held a sub-tenancy left the district and when our lease expired, it was not possible to renew it. The condition of the Boathouse, however, was such that there was no point in doing so during the war. Later, Rear Admiral Parry, who was interested in the Sea Cadets movement acquired possession of the boathouse. We were not informed of this move and our boathouse is now Birmingham Sea Cadets HQ"

The 'new' boathouse, converted from lavatories left from Mr. Billy Butlin's pre-war fair, was ready for action, and after a gap of 12 years, the flag was raised . . . .

"The Birmingham Rowing Club flag flew for the first time since the war at Edgbaston Reservoir on Saturday when old and new members gathered at a Club Opening Day. It was the first active meeting of members in post-war years, and signified the revlval of the activities of the club which have been limited in recent yearsr

The president (Mr. SH Jonnson), of Birmingham and Leander, raised the flag. He was watched, among others, by the chairman (Mr. WaIter Williams), the captain (Mr. Ken Tinegate), the honorary treasurer and secretary (Mr. Austin Woodward), Coun. N. Preedy and Mrs. Preedy, and a nucleus of oarsmen around whom it is hoped to build up the club to its pre-war standard.

The club members themselves have recently repaired the club equipment. On Saturday the maiden four took out for the first time since the war one of the original boats which has been completely renovated. Other oarsmen took out pairs and sculls"

Competitive rowing soon follows . . . .

"After twelve years of enforced inactivity, Birmingham Rowing Club have this year managed to get back on the water and tomorrow they will be represented at Ironbridge regatta by a maiden four."

The following year, success came in a big way . . . .

"Birmingham R.C. had three successes at the regatta (Stratford). They carried off the Kincaid Smith Challenge Bowl for junior fours, defeating Derby by 2 lengths in the final after accounting for Nottingham University, Peterborough; Burton Leander and Stourport. The crew comprised J. W. Fosbury (bow) A. Martin, W. G. Beech, E. R. Parr (stroke) and I. Brown (cox ) .

Tinegate and Brown had no difficulty in winning for Birmingham the Avon Jubilee Challenge Bowl for open pairs, and J. M. Thorneloe won the Eddie Thompson Challenge Cup for junior sculls."

"Late last year the Birmingham Rowing Club secured new premises at Edgbaston Reservoir, and it fell to Mr. Tinegate, as the only active member left to re-open the club.

He gathered a few rowing enthusiasts about him, and since the club's boats were in as bad a state of disrepair as were the club's finances, that nucleus of the resuscitated Birmingham Rowing Club set about repairing the boats themselves in the yard of Mr. Tinegate's family firm of timber merchants. Then, from among these enthusiastic carpenters and joiners, he selected four potential master scullers - and put them through a rigorous course Or coaching and training during the winter months.

The result was that the four won the Maiden Event on their first outing at Worcester Regatta, and, as juniors, have been unbeaten at every regatta they have entered since. Mr. Tinegate tells me that he intends to enter the four for the Senior Event at Gloucester Regatta.

In the meantime, Mr. Tinegate and Mr. Boris Brown won the open pairs event at the Stratford-upon-dvon Regatta last week - a cup which Mr. Tinegate and a partner won 16 years ago."

"For the first time since 1904 Birmingham itowing Club won senior fours, at Gloucester Regatta on Saturday. In the final of the Gloucester City Challenge Plate over a mile they beat Pengwern, Shrewsbury, by 3 lengths."

"In this our first active season since the war, we have enjoyed a record number of successes, eighteen in all.

A crew consisting of D. W. Fosbury (bow,)A. Martin (2), W. G. Beech (3), E. R. Parr (stroke), I. Brown (cox), won the maiden event at Worcester - their first time out - and then won seven junior events, viz: Hereford, Stourport, Shrewsbury, Stratford, Bewdley, Burton and Derby, without defeat.- They were, however, defeated at - Loughborough and Bedford. As the crew in its entirety would not be available for 1953, they were anxious to row as seniors and were entered at Gloucester and Oxford. On both occasions they were successful. Incidentally it is of interest to record that this is the first open senior event the Club has won since the Henley victory in the Wyfolds in 1904.

A pair, K. W. Tinegate (bow) and J. B. Brown (stroke), were successful at the only regatta they attended, winning the Jubilee Challenge Cup at Stratford. Two maiden crews were sent out on one occasion each but were unsuccessful. The experience gained, however, should stand the crews in good stead for 1953. a junior sculler, J. M. Thorneloe, competed at ten regattas, being successful at the following seven: Hereford, Shrewsbury, Stratford, Bewdley, Burton, Ironbridge and Gloucester;

This is a wonderful record and all active members are to be congratulated on their achievements and also on their strenuous work in making the new premises habitable."

Meanwhile, the future of the Rkservoir was being considered . . . .

"Birmingham Parks Committee has completed negotiations to buy Edgbaston Reservoir from the Docks and Inland Waterways Executive for £25,000. If the City Council approves the purchase, the Committee plans to develop the Reservoir and adjoining grounds as an important "lung" in a built-up area.

Edgbaston Reservoir has been closed to the public since Mr Butlin's lease of it expired three years ago. Negotiations for its purchase by Birmingham were opened in 1950 on the initiative of the owners, one of whose conditions of sale is that the Reservoir shall be maintained in a fit state to act as a feeder to the city's canals. The Tower Ballroom is included in the sale, but its lease would not be affected by the transaction.

The Reservoir is an artificial lake, on which a steam-boat was once a popular attraction. Bandstands were erected, but a proposal to establish artificial sands around the edge of the Reservoir came to nothing, Firework displays were often given there, and there was skating, dancing, wrestling, boxing and athletics."

Tinegate's plans to have a crew competing for the Wyfold Cup at Henley in 1953 did not materialise and 1953 turned out to be a poor year However, the following year, BRC did indeed get to Henley . . . .

"W. G. Beech and Ken Tinegate, members of the Birmingham Rowing Club, won their way into the final of the double sculls at Henley this afternoon. They lost to the Russians and BRC was unable to add to its 1954 celebrations . . . .

"The Birmingham Rowing Club plays host on Saturday to Group Three of the Amateur Rowing Association. After the Group's annual general meeting at the Grand Hotel there will be a rowing club dinner - the first for a long time.

For the Birmingham Club it will be an anniversary night, for they will celebrate the winning of the Wyfold Cup at Henley 50 years ago. The club president, Mr Sidney Johnson, who helped in that memorable achievement, will be there, and a special guest for the evening will be 81 year-old Mr. Jack Frame, who was also in the winning crew. Also present will be Mr "Gully" Nickalls, chairman of the ARA and Mr. J. H. Page, its secretary."

Then vandalism, which the club had to learn to live with throughout the 1960s, struck its first and cruellest blow . . . .

"Two ten-year-old boys were stated at .Birmingham Juvenile Court today to have entered the premises of Birmingham Rowing Club and smashed the hulls of ten boats with choppers. Damage was estimated at £130."

The following year saw the end of an era . . . .

"The Meeting opened with the sad news that Mr S H Johnson,- the Club President, had passed away. We, the members, wish to record the debt which we owe him as one who served and represented the Club all his rowing life. After joining the Club in 1900 he was a member of a very successful senior four who culminated their successes by winning the Wyfold Cup at Henley in 1904. He was captain for 20 years before being elected to the Presidency, in which capacity he continued to serve the Club for many years. During this time he brought honour to the Club by being elected a member of Leander Club; further, he served on the ARA Committee, and the Olympic Sub-Committee."

"The death has occurred of Mr. Sidney Herbert Johnson, of Hamstead Road, Handsworth. He was 77 years of age. He lived in Birmingham most of his life, and was formerly connected with W. & T. Avery. A fondness for rowing dated from early manhood and in 1904 he was a member of the rowing club four who won the Wyfold Cup at Henley. He was well-known

also as an able rugby player end before the first World War, was in the old Handsworth Club team and played for the Midland Counties. He served for many years as president of the Birmingham Rowing Club and later became chairman of the Provincial Amateur Rowing Association."

Recovering from "The Disaster" . . . .

"Remember I told you, two years ago, how vandals wrecked the boats of the Birmingham Rowing Club. But they didn't wreck the club's spirit. The summer just passed saw the club back on the water with a new clinker four and several repaired boats and more members. And that has meant jolly hard work all round. Says secretary Ken Tinegate: "We have registered successes, and in getting crews on the water we have achieved our primary object".

But it is intended that the club shall be bigger and better than ever before. That's why they created a precedent by electing a new captain at the end of a season rather than at the start. It will stimulate interest and enable a much earlier start to be made with training and the formation of crews.

Lucky BRC! Their new captain is Mr G Justicz. And Mr Justicz knows his oats when it comes to boats. Last year he stroked the Royal Engineers crew who won the Wyfold Cup at Henley Regatta."

Meanwhile Graham Beech's early training had stood him in good stead. Having won two Senior Sculls events in 1955, he left Birmingham for London . . . .

". . . . there were some gallant losers, not least among them W G Beech, who sculled far beyond his physical powers, to lead T Kocerka, the Diamonds holder, to the mile post. It is not pleasant to say it, but there has been a deplorable tendency already this year - and of course with some notable exceptions - to let races go without any real attempt to fight back. How much better it is to see even a moderate performer row himself to a standstill, in attempting the theoretically impossible".

However Beech was evidently not so moderate as The Times made out . . .

"We congratulate Mr. Beech, who learned his initial sculling on the Reservoir, and who is now with London Rowing Club, for his successes on the Thames and winning the Wingfield Sculls and so becoming Britain's top sculler."

1958 saw the sudden, tragic and untimely death of Ken Tinegate. Without detracting from the dedicated work carried on by many-- individuals over the next 15 years, one cannot help wondering if the course of BRC's history during those years might not have been dramatically different from what it was in reality if Tinegate had not died.

The strength of the club still lay in its sculling and George Justicz took over the mantle previously worn by Tinegate and Beech. Both in single sculls and in the double combination with Nick Birkmyre of Ariel, he achieved numerous successes. Following four Senior Sculls wins in 1958, he lost the semi-final of the Diamond Sculls at Henley to the great Stuart Mackenzie, and won the Weybridge Silver Sculls. 1959 left him runner up in both the Scullers' Head of the River, and the Wingfield Sculls for the Amateur Championship of the Thames ( unofficial British Sculling Championship ), but he won both events in 1960.

The double sculling combination came into its own in 1959, narrowly losing the Henley final to Davidge and Mackenzie and being unplaced in the European Championships. The first Henley win was in 1960, when they also competed in the Rome Olympic Games (unplaced). They won at Henley again in 1961, 1962 and 1964, the last two years under Leander's colours. In 1961, the double gained a silver medal at the European Championships, following this a year later with fifth place in the World Championships and a gold medal at the Empire Games.

Meanwhile, an open regatta was being planned for 1961, possibly the first to be held on the Reservoir since 1896 . . . .

"A ''Serpentine" Regatta on Edgbaston Reservoir. Such is envisaged by four Birmingham rowing clubs.

To that end the four clubs have joined forces under the title of the Birmingham Boat Clubs, and on May 27th they will hold their first regatta at Edgbaston. It is to be "a quiet start" with the idea of building up to an event of Serpentine importance in three or four years."

(Note: This refers to the "News of the World" sponsored Sprint Regatta on the London Serpentine. The Regatta is no longer held.)

Birmingham Boat Clubs Association included BRC, Birmingham University RC, King Edward's School BC, City of Birmingham Training College RC, Birmingham Canoe Club and Birmingham Kayak Racing Club. Its purpose was twofold: to run the regatta and to organise the buildins of new premises. Thus the regatta was not now run by BRC but by "Birmingham Regatta Committee", although after a few years there was virtually no difference. The Association was disbanded in 1964, after very expensive rebuilding plans had failed to reach fruition.

The Regatta grows in stature. and innovations . . . .

"Birmingham Regatta, sponsored by The Birmingham Post, at Edgbaston Reservoir on Saturday, May 18th, will be the first in the world to use closed circuit television. A solid gold medal will be presented to the winner of the senior sculls. This is the first real gold medal in rowing.

From one common story . . . .

"Several boats sank in the high winds which marred Birmingham Rowing Regatta at Edgbaston Reservoir today."

To another common story . . . .

"For the second time within a year vandals have broken into the boathouse of Birmingham Rowing Club at Rotton Park Reservoir and damaged boats worth hundreds of pounds."

After the failure of the Boat Clubs Association, BRC took the initiative for building plans on its own and produced a realistic scheme. The problems of obtaining the necessary consents were enormous. For the Parks Department, the proposals were a big "come down" from the £45,000 two-storey brick building scheme which had previously been submitted, and discussions necessarily took a long time. After the Parks had given consent, planning permission was obtained, but before Bye Law approval was given major changes in the Building Regulations meant that the scheme had to be re-submitted. The whole process took eighteen months, but eventually the club was able to start obtaining its money, having already negotiated for a grant from the Department of Education and Science . . . .

"Vandal-proof premises, which will help to fill a gap in Birmingham’s sporting facilities, is the aim of a £10,000 appeal launched today.

The appeal is being made by Birmingham Rowing Club for the construction of a new boathouse, changing rooms and equipment at Edgbaston Reservoir."

The appeal progressed well . . . .

"Work is to start in October on Birmingham Rowing Club's new £8,500 headquarters at Edgbaston Reservoir."

Meanwhile, the club tasted its first success since 1961 . . . .

"The club finished off the rowing season by winning the novice fours trophy at Leicester Regatta on Saturday. It was the first open four-oar event that the club has won for several years."

The boathouse was finished sufficiently to be used the following Spring. A series of vandal attacks on the roof of the old boathouse had left it weak and exactly one week before the boats were due to be moved, one of the trusses collapsed altogether, wedging a clinker four between it and the rack. The truss had to be jacked up before the boat could be moved.

The Official Opening took place later that year . . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club's new building at Edgbaston Reservoir could provide the impetus for a revival in Birmingham's reputation for the sport. Mr Adrian Cadbury said when opening the building on Saturday.

Mr Cadbury. a former Olympic oarsman, said that it was "a proud moment in the history of the club", and that the new centre would fill a gap in the city's amenities.

Mr Cadbury was introduced by the club's president, Mr. Dick Buckle, who spoke of the unsatisfactory premises from which the club had had to operate since the war.

He expressed his thanks to Birmingham Corporation for allowing a long enough lease for the club to be able to take full advantage of Government grants."

With new facilities at last, the club could now start to look ahead . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club hope to celebrate their centenary year, 1973, by entering a crew at Henley Regatta for the first time since 1904. '

With the building scheme drawing to a close, the club also took on a new image . . . .

"The Birmingham RC appeal is now only £250 short of its £10,000 target. Work on the new boathouse began in October 1968 and apart from some interior decorating of the changing rooms, was completed in August. All that is now required is the landing stage, and it is for this that the last £250 is needed. The official opening was performed in September by the old Cambridge Blue, Adrian Cadbury, who was Chairman of the Appeal, The Appeal also enabled the club to purchase a set of eight oars, two pairs of sculls, and to order two new restricted sculling boats and two restricted pairs. A reciprocal arrangement with Birmingham University has made available their two new restricted fours and their second-hand eight. This is the first eight ever owned by a Birmingham club.

Car stickers hare been issued for a publicity drive, and the club now has new colours of a sleeveless dark blue vest with a white hoop. There is even a new design for the club tie."

Meanwhile, 51 year old Sidney Genders from Sutton Coldfield was silencing his critics - and keeping BRC in the papers - by becoming the first man to row the Atlantic solo from East to West...

"A champagne toast will be drunk to bearded ocean tamer Sidney Genders in Birmingham on Friday night. And later the 51 year old Sutton Coldfield voyager will be made an honorary llfe member of Birmingham Rowing Club at a special meeting.

Last year, when Mr Genders was mapping out his Atlantic plans, the club loaned him space alongside their headquarters at Edgbaston Reservoir for him to fit out his 20ft. dory. They also made nim an honorary member of the club, and advised him how to use a sliding seat for rowing.

In return the Sutton Coldfield house painter painted his nylon-sheathed boat and sculls in the club's blue and white colours."

The new facilities soon proved their worth and the club returned to winning form in 1971. The regatta was shelved after 1967, due to financial problems and the necessity of concentrating on the building scheme. In 1972, it was re-established, now entirely under the wing of BRC, and with a new image . . .

"Edgbaston Reservoir will be the setting for a Sunday regatta for the first time on June 18^th.

The Continental repechage system of racing will be used. This system guarantees two opportunities of reaching the finals."

It was also the first regatta to use four lanes.

Amongst the club's five regatta wins in 1972 was the first ever in an eight, albeit a combined BRC/Stourport crew . . . .

". . . . but the most impressive victory of the day was that of a combined Stourport and Birmingham eight, who beat the much-vaunted Vesta by a length and a half."

A successful season enabled the 1969 forecast of a 1973 Henley crew to begin to look realistic . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club mark their centenary next year by sending their first crew to compete in the Henley Regatta fours event since 1904.

The club, with five open victories to their credit, won their highest number of trophies for 15 years in the season which has recently ended. It was the first time in that period that more than one crew had won, the first time that more than one novice crew had rowed and the first time that three entirely separate crews had competed.

The club also had their first eights victory in this time (a Birmingham/Stourport combined crew) and their highest status win in a Senior B event.

A new boat was essential, not just for the Henley crew, but for the club in general. "Second City", without doubt the most expensive single item of equipment ever purchased by the club, went on display at a party held at Moseley Football Club's clubhouse in April 1973 . . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club has recently taken delivery of a new shell coxed four, built by Geo. Sims of Eel Pie Island, and a set of six Ayling's Eurochamp oars at a total cost of over £800.

In order to raise the necessary capital, Birmingham last year launched a Regatta Sponsorship Scheme, inviting people interested in the club to contribute any amount they chose for every race won by a Birmingham entry at open regattas. The reaction was very favourable and fortunately the season was a good one, with the result that in 1972, £400 was raised.

Birmingham borrowed the balance from its bank and hopes that the sponsorship scheme will produce enough in 1973 to pay off the overdraft.

The club recently organised an informal party for the benefit of the sponsors, when the boat, which has been named "Second City", and oars were on display, together with a display of photographs and press cuttings.

This is the first new shell four which the club has bought for as long as anybody can remember - certainly since long before the war. The only other shell four which the club owns was bought second-hand in 1954."

The success of the Regatta Sponsorship Scheme, coupled with BRC's desperate need for still more boats to cater for its ever increasing membership, means that the scheme will be continued for at least two more years.

If the build-up to Henley, 1973, was not as extensive as that of 1904, it did at least include a large photograph . . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club's coxed four crew leave for Henley today, to start training for the Royal Regatta in which they will carry the heavy responsibility of being only the second crew in the club's 100 year history to participate in England's premier regatta.

Contrasted against the 1904 Wyfold entry of seven crews, the 1973 Britannia Cup entry numbered 35, only 16 of which would go through to the main draw. Regrettably, BRC was not one of the 16 . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club's coxed four suffered a four length defeat by Quintin in the Henley Royal Regatta qualifying round yesterday.

Quintin's 8 mins. 3 secs. was the second fastest time among the 9 qualifying rounds for the Britannia Cup over a course that had been shortened as a concession to the fierce stream

Birmingham's margin of defeat was the smallest losing distance in the event "

On the domestic front, BRC put out more crews in 1973 than had been seen for many years, the climax being Boston regatta in August . . .

"This was a remarkable occasion for the club, which fielded a total entry of an eight, three fours and a sculler. With none of the oarsmen "doubling up", 21 members rowed with a further 3 coxing. This is not only an outstanding record for the club, but also an entry which would be the envy of many other clubs to whom Birmingham has in past years, been "the poor relation". It was also heartening to see that each of the five entries was well up to the standard in its particular event."

We did not leave empty handed . . .

"Birmingham Rowing Club's senior coxed four consisting of Jon Evans (bow), John Fazakerley, Bill Kerley and Geoff Simpson, with John Smith as cox won at Boston Regatta on Saturday after three close races.

They beat Cambridge 99 by a canvas, City of Oxford by four feet and a combined Nottingham B.C. and Nottingham and Union crew by half a length in the final to cap a good day for Birmingham.

The club was represented in five events - probably their biggest show of strength since the war - and a novice coxed four of Neil Brenton, Mark Matthews, Peter Hargraves and Steve Streather almost gave the club a double by reaching the final of their event. But after beating Nottingham and Union, Thames Tradesmen, City of Oxford and Nottingham B.C., they lost to St. Ives."

This Senior 'C' crew are the club's most recent winners, and narrowly lost two Senior 'B' finals after Boston.

BRC’s regatta entries have been boosted by the Women's section, formed, fittingly, at the start of the Centenary Year. Whilst the Centenary Year did not produce more than 3 trophies, these statistics must auger well for the future . . . .

"For the statistically minded, 32 oarsmen/women/scullers plus 4 coxes (one of whom is also a sculler) competed this year in 11 different events in 4 sizes of boat at 16 regattas, producing a total of 40 entries. Between them, they raced 74 times of which they won 35 and lost 39. Taking multi-lane races into account, they beat 43 other crews/scullers and lost to 42. They reached 9 finals, losing 6 and winning 3."

The optimism is shared by the Birmingham Mail in its report on BRC’s Centenary . . . .

". . . . if there was a British rowing league Birmintham would be second division - looking for promotion.

John Frame would have looked up from his oar and nodded approval."

"Birmingham Rowing Club's Centenary Dinner, held at The Calthorpe Suite, Edgbaston, on Friday, 23rd November, 1973, will be attended by 85 people and will be the largest and best attended Dinner (as opposed to Dinner Dance) organised by the club for many years. Presiding will be the President, Adrian Cadbury, himself an Olympic oarsman, and the principal guests are Desmond Hill, rowing correspondent of 'The Daily Telegraph' and Chairman of the Youth Selection Board, and Geoffrey Hammonds, President of Hereford Rowing Club. Other guests are Jack Roberts, President of Stourport Boat Club, John Coghlan, Secretary of the West Midlands Sports Council, Stanley Pittman, General Manager of the City of Birmingham Parks Department, David Adam, Chairman of the West Midland Rowing Council, Charles Smallwood, Hon. Secretary, Moseley Football Club, Geoffrey Beane, Peter Bryan and Terry Morris, respectively of the Birmingham Evening Mail, Sunday Mercury and Birmingham Post.

Amongst many former members will be no less than eleven club captains - Udoubtedly the largesl number ever gathered together at one time. They are: Fred Long, Alan Astill, Graham Beech, Roy Woolston, Brian Simmill, Brian Vaughan, Graham Vaughan, Peter Wilding, Peter Veitch, Alan Adam, Dave McClement. A twelfth captain, George Justlcz is abroad and would otherwise be present."

In 1973 Dave McClement cut down the saxboards on Second City, to make the boat go faster, with great alacrity. It sank at Nottingham.

Shortly after the Centenary in 1973 (which was celebrated with an all male dinner) women were admitted as members. Sir Adrian Cadbury, the President of BRC, spoke at the Centenary Dinner and has chaired every AGM since 1970.

Annie Smith was one of the first women members. With her daughter Jane they represented the Club in Open events around the Midlands.

1973-74 was the first year that the club instigated an organised training regime and paid for 3 members to become qualified coaches, the first in the club.

In 1974 BRC scored more wins than any other West Midlands club.

In 1978, the first crew to race at Henley since before the first world war comprised Chris Llewellyn, Paul Warnett, Colin Loveday and John Fazackerley, who qualified for the Wyfold cup despite hitting booms at the start. Chris was blamed for two hours in the Bell pub for incompetent steering and losing the crew a place - however his persecution was premature! That night the crew slept in the Henley boat tents!

Erica Loveday was Oarswoman of the Year.

Social events included, amongst others, a Caribbean Evening and a Captain's Party!

Membership cost £17.00 per annum (other categories £6.00 including juniors!) £2.00 was deducted if fees were paid before January!

In 1978 a men's novice crew comprising Paul Smith, Tony Page, Steve Prichard and Steve Aston won at Bewdley Sprint. Also successful that year were a Senior B four with Alan Adam, Simon Perkins, Steve Hill, Dick Melton and Karl Amatnieks. Also Simon and Dick scored double figures in wins in coxed pairs!

Oarsman of the Year - Karl Amatnieks: Runner-Up - Dave McClement. During this era Karl and Dave were regular winners in singles. each scoring more than ten wins in a season.

The net profit for the regatta in 1978 was £227 - almost as much as twenty years later!

In 1979 the Captain reported that the Club had 29 regatta wins: 21 in fours

The Social Secretary Gill Clements reported that there had been 8 events during the year, all of which had made a profit.

1979 Oarsman of the Year - John Batey; Oarswoman - Erica Loveday; Most

Improved Novice - Bruce Bosworth.

In 1982 a Senior Women's Four won 2 events at Grosvenor having been bribed by the promise of a beefburger by Chris Llewellyn (the crew consisted of Maggie Jameson, Rhian Davies, Claire Steel, Alison McConnell)

In 1983 the club purchased the Carbocraft coxed pair named J W Frame - it blistered immediately but BRC couldn’t send it back because Carbocraft went bust!

Boris Rankov was the quest speaker at the Dinner.

The Ladies Four reached the final at the National Championships. Rhian Davies represented Wales at the Home Countries in the Women's Single - she also competed in 1984 and 1985.

Unfortunately 1983 also saw the death of a great club stalwart Vice President Jack Hammonds who had been on the bank coaching novices well past the age of 80.

Oarsman of the Year in 1983 was Gary Harris - runner-up (again) Rob Hampton.

Net assets of the Club were £1245.

In 1984 the Club purchased Wispa a lightweight Janousek coxed four for women to which Sir Adrian Cadbury donated £1,000 towards the £4,000 cost. The logo on the hull of the boat to circumvent ARA advertising regulations was a revolutionary innovation.

In the same year Geoff Davies organised a Champagne Party sponsored by William & Glyns Bank who donated £250 towards the boat fund. Geoff Davies was Veteran of the Year for 1984 and was a member of a highly successful veterans squad which included Tim Cherry, John Frizby, George Gray, Alan Towle, Jack Roberts, coxed by Geoff's wife Bobby.

Rhian Davies was national champion in a composite double and the winner of the Home Countries single in Ireland.

Also in 1984 the last BRC Senior Men's Four to appear at Henley (including Gary Harris, Steve Prichard, Mike Horrocks, Mike Gilles) made it through to Friday in the Wyfold.

Subscriptions were now £45 for full membership.

In 1985 Gary Harris won Novice Sculls on the Cam (at Cambridge Autumn!), Rhian Davies won the National Championships Single Sculls and competed at

several international regattas.

Chris Llewellyn received the Appreciation Award from the Birmingham Sports Advisory Council.

Novice of the Year - Tom Docherty

Notes from 1985 Minutes:

"... The basis of a development plan has been discussed in Committee. Bryan Griffin and Bruce Bosworth have been requested to form a sub-committee for the development of the reservoir and the club..."

In 1986 BRC had its first Novice Coxed Fours win for six years. Crew members included the great Derek Campbell.

Moose Horrocks reached the quarter-finals in the Diamond Sculls at Henley. Rhian Davies represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games.

No Oarswoman of the Year, quote from the AGM Minutes "... no-one deserves the award.."!!

Novice of the Year 1986 "... in the Captain's opinion the most improved novice - complete beginner, no neck, now Senior C + l the indomitable Derek Campbell..."

In 1986 Tim Cherry reported to the AGM on the "Long Range Development" options for the club. They were;

(i) stay as we are
(ii) expand on the present site
(iii) seek association with the Midland Sailing Club

The latter option was preferred by the Committee.

Also very important, another piece of equipment arrives - the launch!

In 1987 at the Leyland Daf Powersprints Regional Heat at Evesham, BRC won "Club of the Day" and £250 - due mainly to the Women's Four and Mike Horrocks who won their respective classes. In the National Finals at Bristol, Mike Horrocks came 5th and the Women's four (Maggie Jameson, Diane Horrocks, Louise Moss, Helen Cole, cox Simon Freeman) came 2nd a great result.

Also in 1987 BRC had a record 4 Novice Fours wins including Karen Jackson and Clive Heron. Clive was Joint Novice of the Year.

In 1988 the Club won £300 at the Daf Powersprints Regional event and the Women's Four came 3rd in the National Finals, winning a set of blades. Mike Horrocks was, as the AGM Minutes state, ..."off-colour and coughed his way to 9^th place.." Observers noted that he had odd riggers on his single - and indeed one had been borrowed from Rob Hampton without adjustment.

The Women's Four won bronze at the National Championships (Maggie Jameson, Diane Horrocks, Sue Welch, Audrey Wedderburn, coxed by Liz Norman)

Lee Clarke began a startling career winning his first J13 sculling events at Bewdley and Bristol.

Also in 1988 the first consolidated Development Plan was presented to-the Council and British Waterways Board by BRC and MSC. The report stated; "... The development plan includes; the joining together of MSC, BRC, the Canoe Club and the University Rowing Club to be housed in the buildings of MSC to form a Water Sports Centre..."

In 1989 the Women's Four won the Regional Daf Sprints (again) - in the final the women came 2nd winning another set of blades!

Also a Women's Veteran Four comprising the all-conquering Maggie Jameson, Helen Cole, Sandy McClement, Jo Manisier, cox Liz Norman won the first world veterans championship.

Silver and two bronze medals were won at the National Championships.

Also in 1989 Sir Adrian Cadbury appeared on "Down Your Way" and chose BRC as one of his six "stop-offs" where he met Tim Cherry and Gary Harris.

Oarswomen - Elaine Harte and Karen Jackson; Oarsman - Lee Clarke

In 1990 the Captain's report at the AGM stated:"... This year I have the pleasure of reporting the most successful year in the club's history. A record number of open event wins including our first gold medal at the National Championships..."

The Club had 75 open wins. Cal MacLennan rowed for Isis, Leander and Great Britain U23.

Successful crews during the year:

Diane Horrocks & Sue Welch Gold L2- National Championships

Bronze 2- National Championships