Additions to the fleet named

Several new and not so new boats acquired by the club in recent months were named at a ceremony on Sunday, December 14^th. It had been planned to follow this with a scratch regatta, but the weather had other ideas and the wind forecast dictated that the second part of proceedings was unable to go ahead.

An excellent turnout of members waited eagerly as names of five boats were unveiled in dramatic fashion, some honouring service to the club while others followed the traditional DARC naming convention.

First to be named was a coxed quad ‘Fred Snowdon & Gordon Beattie’, named in honour of former President Fred Snowdon and former Junior Coach, Gordon Beattie. Both are remembered fondly for their contributions to the Junior squad in recent years. However, Fred’s involvement at Durham ARC stretches back to his time as a rower in the 1960s. Gordon began coaching at DARC around 30 years ago and has coached notable international athletes such as Jess Eddie and Hope Cessford. Never apart these days it felt fitting to name the boat jointly in their honour.

Next was an octuple ‘Major George Adair’, named for former Captain, Masters Vice Captain and Boat Warden, George Adair. George has led the club from the front while also literally keeping the club afloat by maintaining the fleet alongside crewmate Mick Seed. Now retired from teaching, the Territorial Army and committee duties, he can still be seen out regularly on the river in various Masters crews.

‘Prince of Darcness’ (a pair), ‘DARC Humour’ (a single scull) and ‘DARC Energy’ (an eight) completed the line-up in classic DARC style with Angela Lund doing the honours.

 

 

 

With the formalities complete members assembled on the steps for a photograph and paddle past by the 3 River Serpents dragonboat, with photographer Kevin Creaghan aboard, before members retired to the clubhouse for refreshments.