Welcome to the first edition of Club News, the newsletter of the North Shore Rowing Club. We will be publishing Club News each quarter and will bring you news of members, regattas and events (past & future) and any other items of interest to members.

This inaugural newsletter is, unfortunately recording the passing of Spencer Grace. Spencer has been the heart and soul of North Shore Rowing Club His passing is truly the end of an era. It is a great pity that, after so many years of keeping the Club alive, while rowing was in the doldrums, his illness should finally take him from us, just as the sport is having a renaissance.

I remind Members that less than two decades ago, rowing in Sydney was in a parlous state. Many clubs were mere shells and some did not survive. Spencer made sure that North Shore survived. We owe him a great deal of thanks. He did live to see the beginning of the renaissance and coached a number of very - 1 junior female crews. He was looking forward to many more successes. Perhaps we can console him by recording that not many men of 90+ would have had so many attractive young ladies at their funeral!
Obituary
Eulogy

I am pleased to report that, under the guidance of our Hon. Treasurer, Martin Priestley, the dire financial position of two years ago, has been corrected. Martin has now allowed us to spend a little money and the Club has purchased an "as new Ausrowtec quad/four. The boat will be named the "John Greathead. We have also recently purchased a new racing scull, named the "Paul Tout", and re-conditioned our two other competitive sculls, the ''Trebeck" and the "Aysom". The "Tracey Nayler'' will be used for the female racing program.

Finally, we have purchased a new speedboat. We needed a speedboat to service two needs, coaching and transport. The NSW Boat Race Officials require that speedboats for regattas must be able to carry three people and keep up with an eight.

We would like anybody and everybody to contribute to Club News so send in your contributions.

David Cay, President

With the onset of the summer racing season, activity at the boatshed is hotting up. The large active membership of Masters rowers and the limited choice of races at regattas means there will be a substantial call on our racing fleet. It is important that all boats are treated with the utmost care and gentleness, and that any damage that does occur is both reported and repaired as soon as possible.

Lists of racing members will be posted on the notice board in the probable category. If you have been missed out or hope to race for the Club in different events please advise me.

Forthcoming regattas:

North Shore -14 November Nepean - 5 December

Port Macquarie/Manning - 15/16 January

Sydney Rowing Club - 26 January

Best wishes for the racing season.

John James, Captain

Following presentation of our "Vision for 2010" to Members at the AGM, your Committee is now busy working on the first actions required in Stage 1. Each Committee Member has been allocated specific tasks to be completed during this financial year and progress reports are to be produced each month at Committee meetings.

Tasks include upgrading the roof and security of the clubhouse, painting, renovating the Ball Room, caring for the steps and external storage cage, improving speed boat handling, co-ordinating quarterly working bees, producing a regular newsletter and managing the daily Member-in-Charge responsibilities.

Within our Membership base, we have enough skills, trades (and elbow grease) to complete the jobs in hand, and if we all make a contribution, we will all benefit and improve the enjoyment of our facilities.

We look forward to progressing these tasks and to receiving your assistance wherever possible. The more we do together, the lower the subscription increases will need to be in the future, and the great the atmosphere of our club.

Martin Priestley, Hon. Treasurer

North Shore Masters Regatta

The inaugural North Shore Masters Regatta was held on Saturday, 18 September. A small, but enthusiastic group of Masters turned out. As several would-be competitors were overseas to compete at the FISA World Masters Regatta in Seville, the entry numbers were low. North Shore, however, was well represented with over half the entries. As a result, North Shore was also well represented in the medal tally. We got 9 firsts, 7 seconds, and 7 third places out of 13 races.

The Regatta was a "do it yourself effort, as only one BRO turned up! All the other BROs were at Penrith Lakes training for the Pan Pacific Championships that were held the following week. It was a "low key", casual and friendly event, enjoyed by all competitors and spectators.

The 26th, FISA Masters was well supported despite being held in the far south of Spain. There were 39 participating countries and 2,550 athletes with the men's C & D categories recording the largest number of entries. The leading country was Germany with 498 competitors, followed by Great Britain with 463, USA 243, Netherlands 181, Australia 179, Spain 142 and Italy 116. John James and John Childs of North Shore were amongst about 20 competitors from Sydney.

With over 2100 boats competing, the timetable was tight. There were 4 minutes between races and no break throughout the days' events (not even for a siesta!)

The course was set on the wide Guadalquivir River that runs through the heart of Seville. The river was wide enough for an 8 lane 2000 meter course, which is within walking distance of the centre of the dry. The temperatures were over 40C every race day so water bottles and hats were essential. The wind was gusty and variable during race days.

Seville is a friendly and exciting place. Lots of interest in the architecture of the city with buildings from Roman, Moorish, Gothic and modern times, all in close proximity. A good time was had by all

John James

10 North Shore Members attended the Games; this was the third highest Club attendance after Canberra RC and Hawthorn RC. The club achieved an excellent result with our Members attaining a total of 11 medals - 4 Gold, 5 Silver and 2 Bronze.

The North Shore rower of the regatta was Janet Crankenthorpe, with 2 Gold and 3 Silver medals - an outstanding result for someone who is under medical advice not to row! Just goes to prove the medical profession can't keep a rower down.

The Regatta was well run with the draw "set in concrete" wel1 before the event, however a clash on the Sunday finals was resolved satisfactorily.

The non-rowing highlight was undoubtedly the umpire's boat capsizing at the finish in Lane 3 when the next, and final event on the Saturday, the MA8+, had competed about 500 meters. I understand that

there was some very rapid action taken to move the boat. However, all coxswains, including our own Tamsin Peters, did an excellent job in moving four racing eights into two lanes. Nevertheless, the boat was checked rapidly after the finish The only injury, other than pride, was a severe gash incurred by the umpire.

Thanks to the Club for allowing use o] the boats and thanks to Cranbrook School for use of its trailer. Special thanks to Tim Taylor for the use of his brand new Volvo 4WD station wagon, particularly since he could not attend.

• 3-4 June, 2000, Bundaberg, Qld., Australian -Masters
• 28-30 Oct., 2000, Gold Coast, Aust Pacific Masters Games
• Oct.,2001, Australian. Masters Games, Newcastle
• 5-13 October, 2002, World Masters Games, Melbourne.

Wally Wall

To former Captain, Harry Luke and Debbie, a son Harold Spencer on 23 September, 1998.

To former Captain, Sean and former Vice-Captain, Claire O'Connell, a son Oisin on 12 January, 1999.

Former Vice Captain Chris Grundy married Allison Roberts, an active Member of the club for many years, on 19 December, 1998.

Margaret Taylor

Next edition wil1 include "Roseville Rumblings" - news from our younger Members from Roseville College.