Eight Eighties in an Eight for VE Day 80

On Thursday, May 8^th the nation marks the historic 80^th anniversary of VE Day, with communities coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe. Flags will be raised and beacons lit in joyous celebration and reflection!

In honour of our octogenarian members who are still rowing we will be celebrating with an Eights outing made up of members who qualify as Masters J (age 80 to 84) or Masters K (age 85 to 89). Taking place during our regular Thursday morning club session from 9:30am, all are invited to join the eight on the water for a paddle and then indulge in Gene’s 1940’s menu of homemade corned beef and potato hash, followed by some bread and butter pudding.

The Eight Eighties in an Eight reflect the spectrum of experience within the membership, and will include Derek Gordon, Steve Farrow, Roger Stainforth, Colin Jubb, Maureen Miller, Barry Hudson, Ian Shepherd, Chris Rose and cox Nigel van Zwanenberg.

Derek is a long standing member of the Veterans and Masters squad with many successes at World Masters level. Still competing he has a victory in the MasG 8+ at Durham Regatta last year to his credit.

Steve has a long history of rowing at many levels, including completing the Boston Marathon in a double, though now only rowing for leisure. He is also a British Rowing umpire.

Roger is best known for his achievements at indoor rowing, winning at the British Rowing Indoor Championships last year and taking the gold medal in his age category at the 2022 World Indoor Championships. He is occasionally seen in a boat.

Colin started rowing 14 years ago and rows on weekdays with the Recreational squad, having taken part in the Sunday League many times and completed the Great Tyne Row as well as being involved in the Durham Regatta re-enactment event in 2015.

Maureen learnt to row at Durham at the age of 75 and has been rowing regularly with the Recreational squad ever since, never looking back after first entering the Sunday League 11 years ago.

Barry has served the club in many capacities since joining in 1959, including 25 years as Secretary, as well as umpiring. He was awarded the MBE in 2017 for services to rowing.

Ian joined  the Club in 1953 and has been a member for 72 years, achieving huge success as an oarsman during the 1950s and 60s, the first of 8 consecutive victories in the Grand Challenge Cup at Durham Regatta coming in 1956. He was still competing in the Masters quad 60 years later while serving as Club President.

Chris competed with the Masters quad with Ian Shepherd, Bill Parker and Barry Hudson until recent years and served as boat warden.

Join them and be part of history!