wrchistory

History of Weybridge Rowing Club

1880

Foundation of Weybridge Rowing Club
Weybridge started life as a "tradesmen's" club, as opposed to the "gentlemen's" club which began life much later at Walton

1919

WRC joins National Amateur Rowing Association (NARA)
The NARA was set up as a rival to the ARA, which in those days did not permit manual workers to compete in its regattas.

1919

First Women Members
After the 1914-18 war, when women enjoyed greater freedom and were made more welcome in many sports, WRC included a women's event in their "Peace" regatta and formed a women's section, captained by Amy Gentry

1924

Weybridge Rowing Club crew represents Great Britain in the Paris Olympics
The WRC coxed four - V.J. Boveington (stroke), E.W. Hann, J.H. Townend, B.C. Croucher and cox H.L. Barnsley - narrowly missed out on a bronze medal and won many regattas at home.

1926

Amy Gentry founds Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club
The women's section of WRC moves a few hundred metres down river to its own headquarters.

1920s

Weybridge Regatta founded
Held on the Walton Mile, the regatta was known as the Henley of the NARA and attracted large crowds for the rowing and subsequent fireworks display

1939-45

Weybridge Rowing Club survives the War
Weybridge was one fo the few clubs on the Thames to remain open during the Second World War, though the regatta ceased to exist

1956

Foundation of the Weybridge Silver Sculls
The oldest and best sculling head on the upper Thames, held in October each year and regularly attracting over 500 entries. The famous trophy was made by the event's founder, "Dickie" Bird

1960 onwards

Success for Weybridge juniors
Successful juniors of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s included J. Crozier, C Roberts, C Fuller, Peter Levy, Mike Webb, Ian Shore and Duncan Nicholl, all of whom represented Great Britain in international competition. Today almost one third of the active members are juniors.

1982

Re-emergence of women at WRC
Carol Adamson became the first woman captain i 1990. The women's first eight came 8th in the Women's Head of the River in 1993 and reached the finals of Club Eights at Women's Henley in 1992 and 1993.

1991

Foundation of Weybridge Veterans Head
Held annually in March, the event caters for eights and fours, and now includes events for juniors as well as veterans

2000

Foundation of Weyfarers
Weybridge's sister club, formed to encourage members who want to row for enjoyment and to keep fit, but who are not necessarily interested in racing.

2004

Weyfarers hosts FISA Recreational Rowing Tour on the Thames
95 participants from 15 countries rowed from Oxford to Putney in 18 boats, to raise the profile of touring rowing in the UK.

2004

Weybridge Rowing Club awarded "Clubmark" status
Sport England's quality certification confirms the club's excellent standard of care and coaching for juniors

1880	Foundation of Weybridge Rowing Club Weybridge started life as a "tradesmen's" club, as opposed to the "gentlemen's" club which began life much later at Walton
1919	WRC joins National Amateur Rowing Association (NARA) The NARA was set up as a rival to the ARA, which in those days did not permit manual workers to compete in its regattas.
1919	First Women Members After the 1914-18 war, when women enjoyed greater freedom and were made more welcome in many sports, WRC included a women's event in their "Peace" regatta and formed a women's section, captained by Amy Gentry
1924	Weybridge Rowing Club crew represents Great Britain in the Paris Olympics The WRC coxed four - V.J. Boveington (stroke), E.W. Hann, J.H. Townend, B.C. Croucher and cox H.L. Barnsley - narrowly missed out on a bronze medal and won many regattas at home.
1926	Amy Gentry founds Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club The women's section of WRC moves a few hundred metres down river to its own headquarters.
1920s	Weybridge Regatta founded Held on the Walton Mile, the regatta was known as the Henley of the NARA and attracted large crowds for the rowing and subsequent fireworks display
1939-45	Weybridge Rowing Club survives the War Weybridge was one fo the few clubs on the Thames to remain open during the Second World War, though the regatta ceased to exist
1956	Foundation of the Weybridge Silver Sculls The oldest and best sculling head on the upper Thames, held in October each year and regularly attracting over 500 entries. The famous trophy was made by the event's founder, "Dickie" Bird
1960 onwards	Success for Weybridge juniors Successful juniors of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s included J. Crozier, C Roberts, C Fuller, Peter Levy, Mike Webb, Ian Shore and Duncan Nicholl, all of whom represented Great Britain in international competition. Today almost one third of the active members are juniors.
1982	Re-emergence of women at WRC Carol Adamson became the first woman captain i 1990. The women's first eight came 8th in the Women's Head of the River in 1993 and reached the finals of Club Eights at Women's Henley in 1992 and 1993.
1991	Foundation of Weybridge Veterans Head Held annually in March, the event caters for eights and fours, and now includes events for juniors as well as veterans
2000	Foundation of Weyfarers Weybridge's sister club, formed to encourage members who want to row for enjoyment and to keep fit, but who are not necessarily interested in racing.
2004	Weyfarers hosts FISA Recreational Rowing Tour on the Thames 95 participants from 15 countries rowed from Oxford to Putney in 18 boats, to raise the profile of touring rowing in the UK.
2004	Weybridge Rowing Club awarded "Clubmark" status Sport England's quality certification confirms the club's excellent standard of care and coaching for juniors