Rodney Musters
We are sorry to report that Rodney Musters died in September. He was a long-serving member of the coaching staff at Monkton. Many beginners benefited from his coaching at the tank, where he continued to coach with great persistence and loyalty after ill-health prevented him from going to the river. We are grateful for all his efforts, and our condolences and best wishes go to Diana and the family.
Thank you
Families of crews provide food and support at regattas, for which the athletes are always grateful. Some mothers go to immense trouble to supply crews with food, and go far beyond merely feeding their own offspring. For many years it has been the custom to honour these kind people by giving them a silver broach. This year, to mark the end of her turn as Captain's mum and continual supplier of food for the 1st VIII, Elaine Cantwell was given a second broach - an unprecedented present for unprecedented support for five years. Thank you!
No record of these brooch awards has been kept, and the editor would be grateful to all who can help to make it complete. Thank you, of course, to all supporters, but in particular to these and other broach-holders:
Jean Mellows, Marguerite Aston, Christine Pitt, Jane Perry, Liz Alford, Elaine Cantwell.
Thanks also to Eleanor Ashton, who may not have had a broach, but did have an VIII named after her. She hosted many crews in Parsons Green for the London 'Head ' races.
Dinner at Leander Club in honour of Steve Williams
A dinner was held at Leander Club at the end of April in honour of Steve Williams. About 80 were present, and we were delighted to have as our guest Jrgen Grobler, the Chief National Coach, who spoke after dinner, giving us a fascinating insight into the sphere of World Rowing at Gold level.
Sunday Lunch
We also held one of the regular series of informal family Sunday lunch parties at Nightingales Restaurant. We were delighted to welcome Michael Cuthbertson as our guest and as an Honorary Bluefriar.
These occasions are always full houses, and everyone enjoys them. The next lunch party will be on 5th February 2006.
The Tank
The Rowing tank has had a refurb over the summer months. It has been completely cleaned out and now has a new roof to keep all the coaches and athletes dry during those horrible winter months. Thanks to Mike, Carl, Andy Groves and Luke Squire for their help during summer.
MCSBC Logo Designed by Kate Johnson
Although the Bluefriar has been the Boat Club symbol for a very long time I felt that it didn't really promote us in the way I wished it to. I happened to mention to a friend of mine that I was thinking of getting a new logo designed for the Boat Club and it just happened that she was a graphic designer. After a few discussions and a few ideas thrown around she came up with this logo, which incorporates everything that I was looking for in the logo. It's got the Monkton blue, the Clarendon red, traditional fleur de lys and something a bit different with the oars which shows a sense of speed. I think that all will agree that the new logo has it all and looks great. The logo is not to take away from the Bluefriar but to complement it. I hope that this new logo and new image will become synonymous with Monkton rowing at the highest of standards.
Dick Hole - History of MCSBC
We still have copies of Monkton Combe School Boat Club 1878-1978, by Dick Hole.
Université de Nantes Aviron
Brian Mawer and Julian Bewick were delighted to attend the 20th Anniverary celebrations of Nantes University Boat Club, as guests of the Captain of the club, Stéphane Girard, who is not an Old Monktonian, but is a Monkton 1st VIII Colour. (He rowed in the Monkton VIII a few years ago.) His father, Lionel Girard, has become a good friend of Monkton rowing ever since we started going to Nantes for Easter training. Without his practical help, these training camps could not take place. We are very grateful.
Small Boats Head Race
The 31st Bluefriars Small Boats Head Race was held on 15th October. There were many helpers, without whose assistance the race could not proceed. To name a few: Brian Mawer (who has been the Starter for many years), assisted by Godfrey Bishop; Nigel Gould Smith and Andy Griffiths (Start Marshals); Steve Oxlade and Graham Hockley (Umpires at the notorious bridge in the middle of the course); Peter Bossom, who runs the computer; and a large number of supporters who willingly volunteer to help. Our Hosts, members of Avon County Rowing Club, do a huge amount towards the event, and we are grateful to all of them - particularly to Penny Senior, who not only manages their large team, but is also an important helper. Many thanks to all.
There were over 100 entries for the race this year, including eight from Nantes. The French competitors stayed in school for two nights, and enjoyed some lessons as well as time on the river.