On the morning of Thursday, May 8th eight of Durham ARC’s octogenarian members went for a paddle in an eight to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Representing various sections of the club the crew of Colin Jubb, Maureen Miller, Steve Farrow, Roger Stainforth, Barry Hudson, Ian Shepherd, Derek Gordon, Chris Rose and Nigel van Zwanenberg (cox) rowed down the river and back in Prince Bishop before returning to the clubhouse for a 1940s themed lunch prepared by the daytime rowers.
VE Day 80th anniversary 8+
The eight, with a combined age of over 730, was joined on a busy river by other daytime members and guests from Tees Rowing Club who ventured out in an octuple as well as by crews preparing for Durham City Regatta at the weekend, with around 40 staying for the lunch of corned beef hash and bread & butter pudding. A 2 minute silence was observed at 12 noon before Gene cut the celebratory cake.
Cutting the cake
A day of festivities in Durham continued with a special evensong service at Durham Cathedral which was illuminated overnight in red to mark the VE Day anniversary.
VE Day 80th anniversary 8+