The following notes are not yet complete - history as they say evolves, this page is no exception so if you spot items missing do please come back later, they may have been just popped in....if they have not please let me know; additional contributions will be welcome via email
This wonderful old picture is believed to be of activity at Middlesbrough ABC looking across the river towards what we would now say was part of ICI Billingham. Note the pontoon style landings, the staggered seat fours with fixed pin riggers in the foreground, the almost modern looking shell scull and the boatman helping the sculler.
Tees Amateur Boating Club founded, like many sporting clubs, during the Victorian era. 1864 is said to be the date but is this in fact correct? There are indications that a Tees ABC amalgamated with a Stockton ABC on the present site in Boathouse Lane in that year. But if that was the case both of these clubs were founded before then.....
Enquiries, as they say, are in progress....
For instance we have in our possession a quart tankard engraved "T. A .B. C. A E H Trotter (Bow), J Milner, J J Wilson, H C Faber (stroke) J L Turnbull (cox) 16th August 1856". Could this be a very old Tees Amateur Boating Club pot? The date looks as if it may have been engraved later or by a different engraver to the rest of the inscription....
1866Rivals appear on the River Tees in the form of Middlesbrough Amateur Boating Club whose boathouse is some 3 miles downstream in the Newport area of that town (photo above). At this time the lowest river crossing is at Stockton Bridge - now the site of the present Victoria Bridge at Stockton. The two clubs regularly race each other on the Tees. The Stockton course being from Thornaby Wood to the Tees Boathouse, a distance of about one mile whilst the Middlesbrough course is over a similar distance on Billingham Reach. Old programmes in our archives indicate that these were well attended events.
1898A fund, opened in September 1898, to purchase a new racing four raises £39.20 (just over the cost of the boat).
1902Tees ABC buy from John Tims and Sons of Staines a "racing four delivered to Stockton for £38.00".
1907President: H Tomkins.
1908President: ? Captain: T R G Rowland. Hon. Secretary: Ascot Bush.
1910George Sims and Sons of Putney build for Tees ABC which is billed to the club as "a first class racing four with stel tubular riggers, roller slides, latest pattern movable stretchers, heel traps and rudder carted to Free Trade Wharf - £31.20". The boat was delivered by sea by The Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Co Ltd on the S S Claudia at a cost of 95p including port charges...! Interestingly the Sims letterhead includes the statement "Sectional boats a specialite".
1920President: T G W Rowland. Captain: Geo Rowland. Hon Secretary: Jas Pettigrew. Hon Treasurer: Chas B Atkin.
Senior member's subscription £1-50p. Junior's £1-05p.
July 31st Tees Regatta is jointly promoted by Tees and Middlesbrough on the Tees Club Course. At the AGM it is reported that a Roll of Honour has been hung in the boathouse "in memory of those gallant members who fell during the war".
1921President: Ald J Mcnaughton. Captain: T E Dent. Hon Secretary: Ed Plumley. Hon Treasurer: Chas. Wintersgill.
1922President: Alderman J McNaughton. Captain T E Dent. Hon Secretary: E Plumley.
Tees Regatta offers 4 events including maiden (novice) coxed fours which is raced in fixed seat boats.
1928President: G H Rowland. Captain: W Dent. Hon Secretary: L F Clarke.
Tees Regatta (promoted jointly with Middlesbrough ABC) is held on the Middlesbrough course on Saturday July 21st.
1930President: J Hugill. Captain: J Waller. Hon Secretary: J R Bainbridge.
June 28th Tees Regatta is jointly promoted by Tees ABC and Middlesbrough ABC on the Middlesbrough club's course (Billingham Reach). Probably the last event promoted by the two clubs.
1931The end for Middlesbrough ABC as their boathouse is on the site of one end of what becomes Newport Bridge which opens in 1934.
1932President: J Hugill. Captain: J Waller. Hon Secretary and Treasurer: L J Herrell.
The club abolishes the "entrance fee" in order to encourage the recruitment of new members. Middlesbrough ABC fail to challenge for the Tees Cup.
1935President: J C H Booth. Captain: E (Ted) P Johnston. Hon Secretary and Treasurer: S Roxburgh.
Regatta wins include The Palmer Grand at Tyne.
1936President: J C H Booth. Captain: J G Lewis. Hon Secretary and Treasurer: S Roxburgh.
Membership comprises 33 Ordinary and junior members and 33 Life members.
The club raced at regattas at Tyne "at Home", York, Durham, Tees, Tyne Joint, Tynemouth, Berwick and Lancaster. Wins included The Tyne General Ferry and The Ironmasters.
1937President: H Martin Captain: J G Lewis. Hon Secretary: Wm A Stainsby. Treasurer: J J Henderson.
1939President: ? Captain: ? Hon Secretary: Bill Stainsby.
The Middlesbrough club is still homeless and many of the members go off to war.
19463rd May 1946 - a meeting is held at Mr Beckwith's office in Albert Road Middlesbrough. Present are G H Rowland, T Jobling, C Atkin, H Martin and W A Stainsby. The following resolution is passed: "That the Tees ABC merge their activities with those of the Middlesbrough ABC to form a new club to be known as the Tees Amateur Rowing Club to further jointly the interests of both clubs. That all property of the club become the property of the TARC." Middlesbrough therby add their cash assets to the assets of Tees ABC to form Tees Amateur Rowing Club. By then the Tees assets were only a site as their timber boathouse had collapsed during the war....
Pre war stalwarts such as Frank Hall and his business partner Alf Tomlinson lead the club's reformation....
An approach to The Ministry of Works Regional Disposal Officer for a war surplus hut for use as a boathouse receives the response that "few huts are available and the demand far exceeds the supply".
Approaches to boat builders reveals a shortage of boat building materials and skilled labour.
An invitation to attend Tyne "At Home" Regatta is received but has to be declined. In respose to Alan Anderson John Soulsby writes (21 May 1946) "we have very little money, no boathouse,and no boats but lots of optimism and maybe in a year or so you may see our colours on the Tyne again".
Purchase Tax (the equivalent of today's VAT) on boats and oars is 33.3%.
1948President:Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: ? Hon Secretary: Bill Stainsby / J S Brown. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell
1949An approach to Eldon Estates for a boathouse site at The Friarage Yarm is unsuccessful. Discussions to take a lease from Dorman Long on an old building at Newport for use as a temporary boathouse. 16 Feb 1949 agreement signed to lease premises at Newport Works at an annual rent of £1. Extensive correspondence with existing clubs (inc Berwick, Wigan, St John's College York. York City to try to find secondhand equipment.
General Meeting 14 April - agenda includes "to consider whether to construct a landing at newport or to build on the old Tees site". Becuse of the steepness of the river bank the cost of building a landing at Newport is prohibitive and the decision is made to "return" to the old Tees site in Boathouse lane. In the meantime the shed at Newport is be used to store any equipment that is bought.
1950President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: ? Hon Secretary: J S Brown. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell.
An old army hut is bought for £150. It measures 65 ft long by 25 ft wide (say 20m by 8m). Application for planning permission for the erection of this timber hut to be used as a boathouse on the Tees ABC site off Boathouse Lane is submitted to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Two fours are bought from Berwick ARC for 3£0 and two sculling boats are "thrown in" for good measure. These are stored at Newport.
Planning Permission is granted on 22nd of June 1950.
Senior subscription is £2-10p.
1951President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: ? Hon Secretary: John Soulsby. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell.
Approaches to Durham School BC and Tynemouth RC for any spare oars are met with no success but their good wishes are received. Similar approaches made to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
1952President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: Alan A G Moses. Hon Secretary: John Soulsby. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell.
Balliol College supply four oars. Circular letter to prospective memebers calls them to a General meeting at Newman's Cafe, Dovecot Street, Stockton on 6th June. Main item on the agenda "to review the formation of Tees ARC and its present position." This results in an excellent response including numerous letters expressing interest.
Enquiries made to The North Eastern Electricity Board and Tees Valley Water Board to see if their services can be connected to the "new" boathouse.
1953President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: ? Hon Secretary; John Soulsby. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell
The Valuation Officer assesses the Rateable Value of the boathouse at £10. The club appeals and it is reduced by The Local Valuation Panel to RV £6. Stockton Borough Council decline to give any rate rebate (how things have changed!).
A set of "four double girder oars" are ordered from E Ayling & Sons of Putney.
Donations are received from Ashmore Benson & Pease & Co (£10) and Head Wrightson & Co Ltd (£20).
1954President:Major Henry Winterschladen: Captain: Alan A G Moses. Hon Secretary: John Soulsby. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell.
George Sims of Rutland Boathouse, Hammersmith quotes a price for coxed four oar boats at £215 each.
1955President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: Alan A G Moses. Hon Secretary: Colin Clinkard. Hon Treasurer: Eric R Colwell.
A grant is obtained from Ministry of Education. Two "strake (clinker) fours are ordered for delivery in March 1956.(If memory srves these two boats were named Tweedledum and Tweedledee). Interestingly the order letter in suggesting a delayed delivery date gives as one of the reasons that "this will avoid housing new boats in our boathouse over the idle winter months".
New door for boathouse donated by Mr T S G Seaward. Four new oars ordered from Collars at a total cost of £26-25p.
1956President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: John N Roe. Hon Sec: Colin C Clinkard. Hon Treas: Eric R Colwell.
Club Rules give club colours as "Royal blue and maroon"
Two new clinker fours are delivered and named Tweedledum and Tweedledee. John Hilton rows in Durham County Eight. Tees Dockers and Grangefield Grammar School are active. Club Captain John Roe and Hon Sec Colin Clinkard stand down owing to impending National Service.
This photo is believed to have been taken at a Regatta at Hartlepool in 1956. Recognisable are John Goody, Roy Smith, David Storry, the late John Baker, John Roe, Peter "Pop" Allen, Colin Clinkard,and Neil Simmons of Tees ARC and the late Harry Keightley of the Dockers. If anyone can identify the others please e-mail me to this site.
By 1999 no less than five of them had served as Club President. The photo is Copyright of The Northern Echo and is no.10957(2). I wonder if they can identify it and relate it to a story in their archives? Watch this space......
1957President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: John Hilton (stood down following his engagement) replaced by David H Storry. Hon Sec: John A Baker. Hon Treas: Eric R Colwell.
Tees RC and Tees Dockers each score 3 wins. Tees Regatta is held at Yarm - the first regatta on the river since 1939.
Old clinker Eight acquired - it's name "Mary S Johnstone" is retained. (This boat may have come from Thames Tradesmen RC in London - I believe that Mary S J was their Treasurer/benfactor for many years).
Two clinker H C Banham clinker sculling boats are bought - named "Alexandra" and "Ship" after TRC watering holes. Six oars ordered from F Collar (12'3" long with 3'7" inboard)
Four Tees members in Durham County Eight.
Over 21 Subscription £2.10
1958President: Major Henry Winterschladen. Captain: David H Storry. Hon Sec: John A Baker. Hon Treas: Eric R Colwell.
A grant of £127 is obtained from The Ministry of Education towards the £383 total cost of a new Phelps sectional coxed four (£250), a trailer (84) and four oars (£49). (The plans for this trailer, built by The Pratt Engineering Co. of Northallerton, are on TRC correspondence file for 1958).
The crew of John Baker, Alan Parsons, Tony Frost, Andrew Verney and cox John Heron go from today's equivalent of Novice to Senior 1 in consecutive regattas.(41 years later Alan and John H were reunited in the TRC Veteran E crew).
George Harrison is Captain of Tees Dockers.
Plans are discussed to replace the wooden boathouse with a larger and more permanent structure.
1959President: Alf Tomlinson. Captain: David H Storry. Hon Sec: John A Baker. Hon Treas: Eric R Colwell.
Death of past President Major Henry Winterschladen. Club President since the amalgamation of the Tees and Middlesbrough clubs in 1946, keenly interested in the club and a generous donor to its funds. Captain of Middlesbrough ABC 1903 to 1905 He rowed in the 1905 crew which won the Tees, Ironmasters, Spencer Grand, Palmer Grand and Durham Grand Challenge Cups. (A photograph of this crew with these trophies now hangs in the bar at The River Tees Watersports Centre).
A new Edwin Phelps sectional coxed four is purchased together with four oars and a trailer.(The full specification for this boat is on Tees RC correspondence file for 1959). This boat is believed to have been one of the first sectioned racing boats. The four is named "The Black Bull" after the pub in Yarm. Some would say aptly as it acquired a reputation for being strong but heavy in terms of both weight and gearing. Later the gearing is lightened by the simple expedient of cutting the riggers in half and welding in sleeves to increase the span by no less than 50mm (2"). Eventually the boat was sold to St. Andrew's University. Does it still exist?
TRC win their first Eights Trophy at Tyne Regatta. Tees Dockers R C win their first open event - Novice Fours at Tyne Regatta.
Permission is obtained from The Wear and Tees River Board to build "The Regatta Steps" at Yarm. (These were on that part of the river bank near the Black Bull pub. Because the river was tidal they silted up and had to be dug out each year in readiness for the regatta).
1960President: Alf Tomlinson. Captain: David H Storry. Hon Sec: Ken Harrison. Hon Treas: Eric R Colwell.
A quiet year.
Fund raising in progress.
TRC 178th out of 300 in the Tideway Head using a borrowed clinker eight. Old shell Eight purchased. Sawn in three before the very eyes of it's previous owners, London Rowing Club, as a preliminary to DIY sectioning by Brian Lewis the TRC Hon. Boatwarden. The boat named "The Bay Horse" after the pub in Hutton Rudby.
TRC 5th out of 24 in the newly instituted Divisional Championship for the Page Pennant. Six new oars bought from Collars
1961President: Alf Tomlinson. Captain: David Storry. Hon Sec. Ken Harrison. Hon Treas: Eric Colwell.
November - Death of TRC President Alf Tomlinson after a lifetime's involvement in the sport on Teesside. He joined Middlesbrough ABC in 1912 and was Captain in 1920, led the search for new premises and subsequently the amalgamatiom with Tees RC.
Three TRC representatives in the Durham County Eight - Roger Chicken, Mike Coulson and John Heron.
Club colours change from Royal Blue and maroon to Sky Blue and Maroon.
1962President: Frank Hall. Captain: John Hilton. Hon Sec: Ken Harrison. Hon Treas: Eric R Colwell.
Planning permission obtained for new boathouse - estimated cost on a mainly DIY basis is £4000.
Three TRC men selected for the Durham County Eight - Roger Chicken, D Purvis and Ken Harrison.
1963President: Frank Hall. Captain: Brian W Hudson. Hon Sec: Ken Harrison. Hon Treas: Eic R Colwell.
Work starts on new boathouse on Easter Saturday. Steel frame built over old boathouse so that rowing activity can continue. Main part completed by Christmas.
Eric Colwell retires after a total of 35 years as Hon. Treasurer of MABC and TRC.
1964 - Centenary Year.The present boathouse, built largely by the members is opened by the then MP for Stockton, Bill Rogers (now Lord Rogers) you may remember him as one of the "Gang of Four" who broke away from the Labour Party and eventually evolved into the Liberal Democrats.
President: Frank Hall. Captain: John A Baker. Hon Sec: J Alan Parsons. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Middlesbrough Port Transport donate £52-50 to the boathouse building fund.
Principal Guest at The Centenary Dinner is Jack Wood, President of York City Rowing Club.
Frederick Nattrass Boys'Modern School arrange to use the facilities on Tuesdays and Thursdays under the guidance of their teacher, club member Tony Sayer.
1965President: Frank Hall. Captain: John D Weaver. Hon Sec: J Chris Kenyon. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Grangefield Grammar School again become active on the river. Total cost of the boathouse to date is £1050.
Senior members annual sub £3-15 (Three guineas in old money).
Rear part of boathouse partitioned off with breeze block walls to form changing room, showers and WC. Death of Eric Colwell formerly MBC and then TRC Honorary Treasurer for a total of 35 years.
Death of George Rowland (Vice President)
The club's boat stock comprises: 1 shell eight - The Bay Horse (old), 1 clinker eight - Mary S Johnstone (ancient), 2 shell fours (The Black Bull- 1959 and Adam - ancient), 2 clinker fours (Tweedldum and Tweedleee - 1957), 2 clinker single sculls - The Ship and The Alexandra (1957).
Mrs Eva Maiden, proprietress of The Collingwood Hotel in Trafalgar Street, Thornaby presents the club with a trophy which was won in 1895 by her father, "Nutty" Walker, a professional sculler. It is decided to use it as the trophy for the club's annual scratch fours event. This was the start of a long association with The Collingwood, committee meetings were held there for many years. Club stalwart Frank hall stands down as President.
1966President: Thomas (Tom) M Natrass. Captain: John D Weaver. Hon Sec: J Chris Kenyon. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
First recorded Veteran win (Tim Wilson, Roy Smith, David Storry and Jim Brownlow at Dumfries)
TRC 129th out of 330 in the Tideway Head. Four TRC representatives in the Durham County Eight - Bob Robinson, Cyril McChesney, Jan van den Bos and Chris Kenyon.
Harry Graham, Commodore of Runswick Bay Sailing Club is Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner.
Grangefield Grammar School take part in their first regattas winning their first ever race but no trophies. Electric light, power and showers installed in the boathouse. A Jumble sale raises £25.
Planning permission is granted to the club to display a sign reading"Tees Rowing Club" on the gable end of the boathouse.(Permission limited to 5 years....!)
1967President: Thomas M Natrass. Captain: J Alan Parsons. Hon Sec:J Chris Kenyon. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
John Baker elected Amateur Rowing Association Divisional Representative on ARA Council. The president donates two pairs of much needed new sculling blades. A two person rowing tank is built by club members alongside the boathouse.
Lots of races - no wins. Novice crew goes off to Universities. At the 1967 Annual General Meeting the name of the club was changed from Tees Amateur Rowing Club to Tees Rowing Club.
1968President: Thomas M Nattrass. Captain: J Chris Kenyon. Hon Sec: Geoffrey W Egner. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
25th March - Death of John Baker, former club Captain and leader of the "build a new boathouse team". Senior members annual sub £3-15. (Three guineas in old money).
1969President; William (Bill) A Stainsby. Captain: J Chris Kenyon. Hon Sec: D Malcolm Lambert. Hon Treas; John N Roe.
Subscription for senior member rises to £4-00. Tim Wilson of TRC replaces John as Divisional Representative on ARA Council. David Cruttenden of TRC wins Cambridge UBC blue. Ralph Davison, Chief Constable of Teesside, is Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner. Bequest from John Baker, donation from retiring President Tom Nattrass and a Government Grant enable an order for 2 Restricted Fours, 2 Restricted Sculls and a Tub Pair to be placed with Banhams of Cambridge plus 12 Oars and 3 pairs of sculls from Aylings.
1970President: William A Stainsby. Captain: J Chris Kenyon. Hon Sec: D Malcolm Lambert. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
On April 25th the new boats are named. The fours - "John Baker" and "Tom Nattrass", the sculls "Alf Tomlinson" and "Frank Hall" and the Tub Pair "Eric Colwell". David Cruttenden in winning crew as President of Cambridge UBC. Cliff Mitchell, Sports Editor of the Evening Gazette, is Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner. Geoff Potts starts his sculling career at TRC. We take a display stand at "Teesside Show" in Stewart Park to publicize the club.
In November two fours and two single scullers undertake a 25 mile sponsored row from the Boathouse to the Transporter to Yarm and back to the Boathouse. £240 is raised to buy a replacement coaching launch and engine. The boat is named "Bill Stainsby".
1971President: William A Stainsby. Captain: James (Jim)M Sylph. Hon Sec:D Malcolm Lambert. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
TRC appoints it's first Publicity Officer - Chris Kenyon. Senior member's subscription rises to £5-00 a year. Ralph Appleton JP TD FRICS is Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner.
1972President: David H Storry. Captain: Robert (Bob) F Robinson. Hon Sec (acting) J David Sandland. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Teesside Polytechnic (now University of Teesside RC) take their first tentative strokes led by lecturer David Carter. Tees RC Vice President Gerald D Cochrane joins us at the Annual Dinner. He is believed to be the oldest living "rowing blue" having rowed for Cambridge in 1906. (His illuminated presentation oars now hang in the main room of The River Tees Watersports Centre). Principal Guest is David Bland, Durham School rowing coach.
We win the Londesborough Challenge Cup at York Summer Regatta for the first time in 50 years. The crew - Bob Robinson, Phil Stephenson, John Lund, Chris Kenyon with Ashley Graham and Tony Kemp sharing the coxing also win at Tyne and Durham.
A wooden site hut is purchased from ICI for £25 and erected as a Clubroom alongside the boathouse. Waste paper collection started to raise funds - £5 per ton - over 5 tons collected in first year.
The water supply pipe to the club bursts under the access road to the club. Six club members undertake the herculean task of digging a 70 metre long trench to lay a new pipe over a single weekend.
Tees Long Distance Sculls first held as an invitation event. Course from North Tees Power Station to Victoria Bridge (3.75 miles). Won by Rolf Munding of DUBC.
1973President: David H Storry. Captain: J David Sandland. Hon Sec: J David Fernie. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Tees Dockers RC reactivated. Tees Long distance Sculls becomes an annual event. Mike Sheffield Teesside Coroner and former TRC member is Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner at The Ladle, Ladgate lane, Middlesbrough. Local authority scheme "Operation Eyesore" provides a new dolomite surface to the club forecourt and tidies up the nearby river bank.
1974President: David H Storry. Captain: Robert (Bob) F Robinson. Hon Sec: J David Fernie. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
The club takes delivery of it's first new shell four since the Black Bull in 1959. Built by Roland Sims of Nottingham it is named "John Baker II".
Geoff Potts, now at Durham ARC, selected as Gt. Britain Lightweight Single Sculler at World Rowing Champs. in Lucerne. First time that these championships include events for lightweights. Geoff wins the first ever WRC lightweight race and finishes 4th overall. Senior Sub is £8.00.
1975President: John N Roe. Captain:xxxx Hon Sec: xxx Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Tees Dockers win Novice Fours at South Hylton and the Eights Championship at the National Dock Labour Board Regatta at Putney.
1976President: John N Roe. Captain: Brian Cooper. Hon Sec: Cavell Portman. Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Full members subs rise to £10 per annum. Teesside Polytechnic Rowing Club (based at Tees RC) affiliate to the Amateur Rowing Association. Jim Nisbet, Hon Sec ARA Division One,is the principal Guest at The Annual Dinner.
1977President: John N Roe. Captain: Brian C Cooper. Hon Sec: Cavell Portman Hon Treas: John N Roe.
Tees RC 3rd in NE League. Tees Dockers RC cease activities. John Roe retires after 14 yrs. as Hon. Treasurer.
1978President: W Roy Smith. Captain: David J Carter. Hon Sec: Cavell Portman. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Stockton Regatta is reintroduced having last been held in 1939. Sponsored by Stockton Borough Council and Evening Gazette it is held on August 5th. Tees member Chris Kenyon succeeds Ron Bradbeer of Tyne RC as ARA Divisional Representative ( a position he holds for 16 years with a 100% attendance record at Council meetings).
New Ray Sims shell four acquired - named "John N Roe". Women members invited to attend Club Dinner for the first time. Principal Guest at the Dinner is Dacre Dunlop of The Sports Coucil (North). 50 Club is introduced to raise funds. ICI donate £50 to club funds.
1979 - North East league Champions
President: W Roy Smith. Captain: David J Carter. Hon Sec: J Chris Kenyon. Hon Treas:J David Fernie.
Led by Club Captain David Carter Tees R C are rewarded for a sustained period of determined and organised training in the gym and on the water - we win the Page Pennant - a trophy presented to ARA Division One by Freddie Page, Honorary Secretary of the Amateur Rowing Association, to encourage competition between the clubs.
Bought coxed four "Tim Wilson", restricted four "The Borough of Stockton-on-Tees" and Avon coaching launch and engine. First Vlll finishes 43rd in Tideway Head.
The first ever Tees Rowing Club appearance at Henley Royal Regatta (beat York City R1 Thames Cup). The crew in the photo below were:
Cox Gary Bettinson, Str John Inman, 7 Sean Wanless, 6 Denis O'Neill, 5 Dave Carter, 4 Jack Calvert, 3 Tony McMaster 2 Martin Rawson Bow Peter MackFall.
The last Yarm Regatta is held. The Peckston Group sponsors 30 club track suits. We have "no less than 4 private sculling boats in the boathouse". An oar costs £50.
1980President: W Roy Smith. Captain ? Hon Secretary: ? Hon Treasurer: J David Fernie.
Tees RC VIII win Boston Marathon (31 miles Lincoln to Boston).
1981President: Roger Chicken. Captain: Hon Secretary: Hon Treasurer: J David Fernie.
Paul Johnson wins Gold medal for Junior 18 single sculls at National Championships and wins for England at Home Countries International.
Tees RC 2nd in NE League. Bought Donoratico coxed Four "Lady Ann". Named "Ann" after late mother of Past President David Storry and "Lady" as this was the first Tees boat named after a lady.
1982President:Roger Chicken. Captain: Duncan Cameron. Hon Sec; xxx Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Runners up to Durham ARC in the Page Pennant (north east league championship).
Paul Johnson wins Silver medal in senior sculls at National Championships and wins for England in senior sculls at Home Countries..Joins National Sculling Squad at Marlow.
Brown's Coxless pair "Frances" bought, named after wife of former Club Captain John Hilton.
1983President: Roger Chicken. Captain: Duncan Cameron. Hon Sec: Roger Ellmore. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Tees R C win Grand Challenge Cup at Durham Regatta for first time since 1907. Crew: Kevin Senior, Graham Calvert, Peter Mackfall and John Inman coxed by ? The "Grand" crew also won the fours pennant at the 31 mile Lincoln to Boston Marathon.
Sculling for Gt. Britain Paul Johnson finishes 6th at World Under 23 Championships and reaches final of Double Sculls at Henley Royal Regatta.
Alison Wood (later to become Mrs. Graham Calvert) wins Silver medal in Junior Under 16 single sculls at National Championships and gold for England at Home Countries International. Alison took up sculling as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Both Paul and Alison benefitted from boat sponsorship from Flymo.
Yarm school are introduced to rowing - hosted at TRC.
Pauline Churcher, Chairman of the ARA Women's Rowing Committee is the Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner at The Parkmore Hotel.
1984President: David H Storry. Captain: Tor G Taverner. Hon Sec: Roger Ellmore. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
The original trailer (1959) is sold and replaced with a new four wheel unit built by Tees member Terry Leonard.
1st Vlll again finish 43rd in Tideway Head. 50th anniversary of opening of Newport Bridge.
Tees members are in British Dragon Boat crew which is the first to reached the final of the Hong Kong International Event.
Death of Mr R Storry (the father of our President). His interest in the club extended over many years. He was one of three generations of the Storry family present when our coxed four "Lady Ann" was named after his late wife. Subsequently at the Annual Dinner David announced that his father had made a generous bequest to the club boat fund.
1985President: David H Storry. Captain: Tor Taverner. Hon Sec Michael E Ducker. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Boathouse environment improved when Stockton Council tarmac lane access lane , forecourt and part of riverside path. New Reredos built Tracer sculling boat bought sponsored by Goom and Wearmouth, Estate Agents - named "Linda" after wife of partner Barrington Wearmouth.
Death of Vice President and Trustee Bill Collins and Vice President Arthur Holmes. Principal Guest at Annual Dinner is David Lunn-Rockliffe, Executive Secretary of the Amateur Rowing Association. Coaching launch stolen. TRC 6th in NE League.
We host the annual Northern Rowing Council Cross Country Run (aka The Sausage Run) in Preston Park. We take delivery of a new trailer built "at cost" by club member Terry Leonard.
1986President: David H Storry. Captain: Tor Taverner. Hon Sec: Michael E Ducker Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
"Demonstrator" Empacher Vlll purchased, funds used included a bequest from the late Mr. R Storry. TRC 5th in NE League.
Principal Guest at the Annual Dinner at The Parkmore Hotel is Peter Coni QC, Chairman of Henley Royal Regatta Executive Committee and Executive Secretary of 1986 World Rowing Championships. Chris Kenyon Chairman of Finance for World Rowing Championships at Nottingham.
Tees member Don MacDonald rows in the losing Oxford crew in the Boat Race.
1987President: J Chris Kenyon. Captain: Jonathan Cooper. Hon Sec: Michael E Ducker. Hon Treas; J David Fernie.
Our Empacher Eight officially named "Harold Macmillan Earl of Stockton" at Stockton Regatta by his grandson Alexander, the present Earl.
Tees Vlll reach final of televised Daf Power Sprints in Bristol and finish 5th in the North east league table.
What was the men's shower area is converted into a women's changing room. The Mason Challenge Cup is stolen during a break in at a Durham College.(It was never recovered).
Senior members annual sub £60.
Tees member Don MacDonald is President of Oxford University Boat Club and leads them to victory in the Boat Race. This was the year of the infamous "Oxford mutiny" which resulted in the crew being virtually a reserve crew and thus given no chance of winning. The story was subsequently the subject of a book and a film both titled "True Blue". (Footnote - bowman in that oxford crew was Hugh Pelham - who in 2002 joined Tees RC).
1988President : J Chris Kenyon. Captain: xxx Hon Sec: Mrs. Joy O'Sullivan. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Teesside Development Corporation announce that a Barrage is to be built just below Tees Regatta start thus making the river upstream of this non tidal. Plans for a new Water Sports Centre start to be discussed.
We finish 78th out of 407 in the Tideway Head. During the weekend at The Head we buy a used inflateable coaching launch and engine. (In 2004 this launch is still in service).
TRC 5th in NE League.
Death of Donald Cooper - father of members David and Jonathan. He was an enthusuiastic supporter of the club and his bequest to the club enables us to buy our first indoor rowing machine (ergo)- a Concept 2 Model B. Subsequently our juniors coxed quadruple scull is named in his memory.
Death of Vice President Bob Beckwith. It was in his office in Middlesbrough in 1946 that the meeting was held which agreed the amalgamation of Middlesbrough ABC and Tees ARC. He rowed with Past President Frank Hall and played rugby at Middlesbrough with Tom Nattrass, another of our Past Presidents.
Concerns expressed about Weil's disease - a rat bourne infection. ARA advises steps to be taken.
1989 - The 125th AnniversaryPresident: J Chris Kenyon. Captain: Kate O'Sullivan Hon Sec: Joy O'Sullivan. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Our photo, taken at the 125 Dinner is of all the surviving post war Past Presidents (except Frank Hall who was unable to attend)with the then incumbent Chris Kenyon. Looking from L-R : David Storry, Roger Chicken, CK, Tom Nattrass, John Roe and Roy Smith. How many of them can you spot in the Hartlepool photo in the earlier story?.
Principal Guest at the 125th Anniversay Dinner is Neil Thomas, President of the Amateur Rowing Association. Lord Stockton agrees to become our Patron.
A donation from Eston Instruments and a grant from Northern Regional Sports Council enable us to buy our first equipment specifically for our women members - a set of oars.
A £900 grant from Stockton Borough Council enables us to buy our first recreational boat - an aquajog which is named "Jeff Lake" after the Council's Chief Recreation Officer who did so much to promote the relaunch of Stockton Regatta.
TRC win Victor Ludorum and £500 at Berwick Regatta.
Outboard engine stolen - ICI give £500 donation to assist with cost of replacement.
Proposals for The Tees Barrage are laid before Parliament.
1990President: John D Inman. Captain: Kate O'Sullivan. Hon Sec: Joy O'Sullivan. Hon Treas; J David Fernie.
TRC again win Victor Ludorum and £500 at Berwick.
The Annual Dinner is held at The Parkmore Hotel - Tommy Thompson, ARA Executive Committee Member and Divisional Representative for Putney is Principal Guest.
We take part in the Gateshead Garden Festival Regatta.
Stockton Regatta attracts 63 entries including 6 for the newly introduced Invitation Aquajog Challenge for those under 16 who have never raced at an open regatta.
Tees Long Distance Sculls is cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.
1991President: Neil Simmons. Captain: Kate O'Sullivan. Hon Sec. Joy O'Sullivan. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Construction of Princess of Wales Bridge in progress so Stockton Regatta not held..
New coxed four bought from Browns of Durham, named "Chris Kenyon"
1992President: Neil Simmons. Captain: Glen Perry. Hon Sec: Dilwyn P Jones. Hon Treas: J David Fernie.
Tees Barrage under construction. Princess of Wales Bridge opens.
David Fernie retires as Hon. Treasurer after 20 years in the post.
1993President: D Neil Simmons. Captain: Dilwyn Jones. Hon Sec: Tor Taverner. Hon Treas: Jane Vaslet.
Arthur Bivens elected Hon Boatwarden, a post which had been vacant for some time. As a result there is a significant improvement in the quality of boat maintenance.
Concept ll Indoor Rowing Machine purchased thanks to a bequest from the late Donald Cooper (sadly this was stolen some time later despite being bolted down).
John Inman appointed Safety Officer.
Chris Kenyon retires after 16 years as ARA Divisional Representative.
Senior members annual sub £95.
1994President: John D Inman. Captain: Dilwyn Jones. Hon Sec: Tor Taverner. Hon Treas; Jane Vaslet.
Work starts to straighten the north bank of the Barrage Reach thus creating a straight 1000 metre 4 lane racing course.
Chris Kenyon is awarded the Amateur Rowing Association's Medal of Honour "for services to the sport of rowing".
Second hand coxless pair/double scull "Aggie" purchased. Built by Harris of Oxford the boat is unusual in that it is sectioned, a feature which has since proved very useful.(now hangs in the main room at RTWC).
Piers and bridge of Barrage complete, gates awaited.
Discussions in progress on how we can help University of Durham Stockton Campus take up rowing.
1995President: John D Inman. Captain: No Captain elected. Hon Secretary: Tor Taverner. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
At an open day held in June the new Coxed Quad, purchased with the aid of funds from Coopers Chemists and Sportsmatch is named after the late Donald Cooper.
Completion of the Tees Barrage sees the greatest ever change in the river. Upstream of its location just above Blue House Point some 11 miles of navigable water become non tidal.
Hartlepool Rowing Club merges with Tees RC.
The ARA Water Safety Code is introduced. Tees RC introduce a Local Code of Practice to supplement it.
Tees Regatta relaunched after an absence of 5 years.
Tees Long Distance Sculls adopts a new course from Thornaby Woods to University College.
Chris Kenyon elected Chairman of Northern Rowing Council and John Inman elected to NRC Executive Committee.
1996President: John D Inman. Captain: Tim Mallon. Hon Secretary: Tor Taverner. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
We are part of the watersports forum which continues with negotiations with Teesside Development Corporation for the establishment of a multi user Watersports Centre.
Senior member's sub £105.
The boathouse is now full to capacity. Most of the topping up has been done by the purchase of private sculling boats by members.
1997Kate O'Sullivan. Captain: Tim Mallon. Hon Secretary: John D Inman. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
Some of our Juniors meet Princess Anne on her visit to Teesside.
1998President: Kate O'Sullivan. Captain: Neil Hindle to mid-year then Paul Buckworth. Hon Secretary: John D Inman. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
Barclaycard sponsor Tees Regatta.
Junior and Women's rowing increasng in numbers.
Two women's eights compete at "The Women's head of the River".
We return to The Parkmore Hotel for the Annual Dinner. Regional Development Coach, Colin Brown, is Principal Guest.
1999President: Kate O'Sullivan. Captain: Paul Buckworth. Hon Secretary: David Francis. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
A number of former Tees members return to the sport including John Green (1950s and 60s) Alan Parsons (1950s and 60s) and Philip Stephenson (1970s)and join with Chris Kenyon (1950s onwards...) to form a Veteran E crew.
A Lottery Bid is submitted by The Tees River Users Trust to build a Watersports Centre. Senior member's sub £120 pa.
Tees RC has 31 entries at Tees Regatta. Membership totals 90 (in 1995 it was 52).
Child Protection procedures introduced.
2000President: Ian Godman. Captain: Paul Buckworth. Hon Secretary: David Francis. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
The Annual Dinner is held at The Parkmore Hotel with John Hayward, Provost of University College Stockton as Principal Guest.
2001President: Ian Godman. Captain: Andy Pickering. Hon Secretary: David Francis. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
In November of this year the club leaves the site in Boathouse Lane that it has occupied continuously since its foundation in 1864 and moves to new shared premises at The River Tees Watersports Centre. Fittingly our oldest boat, the tub pair Eric Colwell, is the last to leave the old premises.
Our 1986 Empacher Eight, Harold Macmillan - Earl of Stockton, is thorougly refurbished including a respray. This latter work was done for us at a nominal charge by Stiller Transport.
At the national Veteran Championships we win Silver in Men's VB Coxless pairs, VB Doubles and VA Singles.
We acquire a new De Graaff 4 wheel trailer. The old trailer is deemed beyond economic repair and is "put out to grass".
2002President: Ian Godman. Captain: Andy Pickering. Hon Secretary: David Francis. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
The move to the new Centre sees a significant increase in members. More boats are needed. The secondhand market is raided resulting in these purchases:
From Walbrook RC - an Eight (Mississppi Canyon) which we name Kate O'Sullivan, a coxed four (Walrus) which we name John and Jane Inman and a double scull (Amethyst) one of the last Ray Sims wooden boats which we name Arthur (after Arthur Bivens - former TRC Hon.Boatwarden). From Phoenix RC a coxed four (Brian Bowden) which is renamed The Old Boathouse and from Marlow RC a pair/double scull (Bryn Evans) which is renamed David Carter.
At National Veterans Championships we win Gold in Men's VA Singles and Men's VB Doubles.
We are accepted for Project Oarsome, the ARA scheme to bring rowing to state schools. Our partner schools are Blakeston School, Norton and Acklam Grange, Middlesbrough.
The Project oarsome boats and equipment arrive - the boathouse is now almost full!
For the first time we do not have to go to a hotel for the Annual Dinner. It is held at our new home - The River Tees Watersports Centre. Principal Guest is ARA Junior supremo Pete Shepherd.
Tees Small Boats Head of the River is introduced as a "trial" event. Held on the same day and on the same 5000 metre course as Tees Long Distance Sculls it attracts 75 starters and is voted an immediate success.
2003President: Dilwyn Jones. Captain: Stuart Taylor. Hon Secretary: Victoria Laing. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
The Annual Dinner is again held at RTWC. Principal Guest is ARA Chairman Di Ellis.
At the National Veterans Championships we win Gold in Men's VB Quads, Mens VA singles, Women's VC Doubles and Silver in Men's VB Doubles.
Extra sculling boat racks are built to accommodate 5 more singles.
The road to the Centre is completed - beginning to look less like a building site.
2004President: Dilwyn Jones. Captain: Helen Lawson. Hon Secretary: Victoria Laing. Hon Treasurer: Jane Vaslet.
The "100 Club" is reintroduced to raise more capital.
Senior subscription £250.
For the first time two Tees RC women's eights take part in The Women's Head of the River Race on the Thames.
On the same day two men's veteran eights and two senior men's fours race at Tyne Head of the River. Just as well we have two trailers...
5K and 2K Ergo Ladders introduced.
Official Project Oarsome Launch - The Lady Mayor names the boats.
Tees member Joanne Lywood rows bow in the winning Oxford University Women's Boat Club crew in their annual race against Cambridge.
At the National Veterans Championships we win Gold in Men's VB Quads (str. Hugh Pelham, D.Cooper, Paul Buckworth and Johnnie Cooper) and Silver in Men's VB Doubles( Hugh Pelham & Paul Buckworth )
The intermediate four of Ruth Wilkinson, Sarah Stocking, Sarah Harker, Sarah Douglass coxed by Richard Leigh qualified for Womens' Henley losing in the first round to Osiris.