North East Rowing On-line

James Renforth	Harry Clasper	Robert Chambers

North East Rowing - A History Time-line

1816	Reference in Almanack of 1866 to a race between sixes on the Tyne that weighed 50 stone, half a century earlier.
1825	"The first regatta to be held on the Tees was on Stockton race course in 1825. It was in honour of the Duke of Cleveland who at that time was one of the stewards. It was on the occasion of the annual cup day at Stockton races, and the boat races took place between the heats on the Course." Note: Stockton race course (horses!) started on Thornaby Carrs (marshes) in 1724 and rather than draining marshes, the course (built 1746) was on stilts of old oak masts of sailing ships (discovered when building Wrightson's yard at Head in 1950s. Racing revived in 1825 having closed down after 1809) Taken from History of Thornaby by Laurence Peter Ottaway 1968
1828	Anthony Brown of Ouseburn invented wooden outriggers, which Ridley the Boat Builder fitted to the "Diamond", to race the "Fly of Scotswood". Ascension day races begin on the Tyne.
1830	First iron outriggers fitted to the "Eagle" made by Frank Emmet of Dent's-Hole-on-Tyne.
1831	Lyon's Subscription Rooms organised the first professional championship of England, won by Charles Campbell.
1833	Wandsworth Regatta - Silver cups presented by White House Tavern for 10 fours, one of which was from Newcastle and crewed by the Claspers (The Times 24/06/1833).
1834	Inaugural Tyne Regatta, encouraged the formation of the Northern Rowing Club, open to amateurs and professionals. W.Clasper, J.Thompson, R.Dinning, H.Clasper (stroke) R.Clasper (cox) won match on the Tyne versus "another North Country boat". Regular regattas started by Durham University. Durham Regatta was founded by the University with help of Squire Lloyd Wharton of Dryburn, after almost 20 years of aquatic festivities celebrating the victory at Waterloo. Durham University original Club raced in "Sylph"
1835	Trophy from the 1835 won by R.B.Tower now hangs with E.Hastings' painting "Procession of boats on the Wear at Durham to celebrate the battle of Waterloo 1815 presented to University college by Lt-Col W.D.Lowe.
1837	About this time H. & W. Clasper, John Thompson, Robert Dinning, cox R.Clasper in Swalwell beat a celebrated crew from Swalwell in "Country Lass" for £10.
1838	Earl of Kilmorey showed an interest in the welfare of watermen on the Tyne (Bell's Life 8/7/1838). First mention of Durham School crew racing in the "Argo" and two University four-oar wherries "St George" and "St Cuthbert".
1839	Durham Regatta medal die presented to the regatta by some Gentlemen of the University; medals were presented to the winning crews until 1870.
1840	Reference to publicans promoting boat races from Stockton-on-Tees to Cargoe Fleet on the Tees. H.Clasper at Ship Inn, Derwenthaugh built the "Hawk". About this time, John Dobson of Hillgate, Gateshead built the "St. Agnes" in which Clasper's fours were so successful. Sketch of Durham Regatta by M.Bouet shows crews racing upstream. First Whitby Regatta held.
1841	(June) Durham Regatta - Harry Clasper won scullers race, but prize withheld.
1842	(07/04/1842) James Renforth was born in New Pandon Street, in the Manors area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Jane and James Renforth, who was a Smith. (June) Durham Regatta: H.Clasper won in the "Young Hawk". Robert Coombes won £150 in Newcastle. Harry Clasper raced at Newcastle, and South Shields, and won £5. Clasper was building his revolutionary four "The Five Brothers". (16/07/1842) Coombes' four beat the Claspers; Claspers in "St. Agnes 1" and Coombes in a boat weighing only 160lbs. The Newcastle Journal 23/07/1842 reported Coombes' crew even shared some of the stakes with the Claspers. Tyne Mercury (19/07/1842) "although the men of the Tyne have lost the race, it is not to be inferred from that, that they have lost their honour as oarsmen. Let their friends furnish them with a proper boat and we are very much mistaken if the result of another contest is not different.". Race for £150 a side from Newcastle Bridge to Lemington, Thames crew was Newell, Coombes, J. & R. Doubledee won in 29 mins 30 secs. (03/09/1842) Report from local newspaper: "The first " Tyne Regatta" came off in fine style in the harbour at Shields. The day was remarkably fine, and great numbers of all classes of the inhabitants crowded to the banks and along the shore sides where the various race boats were expected to pass. In addition to a number of gigs which contested the respective races with great ability, several steamers crowded with spectators, accompanied the boats during the races. A profusion of flags were flying from vessels in the harbour, and many of the principal shops, wore closed during the afternoon. The weather was beautifully clear and calm, except a gentle breeze that ruffled the surface of the water. At about half-past two, when the committee proceeded to Whitley Point, the river was teeming with life not a boat on the river but that what not was crowded with spectators, steam-boats loaded with passengers, plying up and down-ships with their flags flying and the river banks crowded with spectators. It was calculated that at that time there would not be less than 10,000 individuals gazing on the scene. The first was a gig race, and was won by the Bee's-Wing, pulled by the Claspers; the Fisher Lass second, pulled by South Shields pilots. The second race was with foy boats, and was won by a North Shields boat, she' winning by half a length three other -.boats starting. The third, a sculler race for 30s., was won by an old scullerman belonging North Shields, his winning by two boat lengths. The fourth, and one- of the great attractions of the regatta, was a match for a silk gown, to bo rowed for by women, which was won in gallant style by two sisters of the name of Story, belonging South Shields. The fifth, a coble race, was won by tho Earl Grey, No. 20 No. 68 was second, 74 third, and 75 last" Local Papers.
1843	1st York Regatta, scullers from Newcastle and Manchester racing for £1 or £2 (Yorkshire Gazette 14/10/1843). Thames Regatta founded, and continued with name changes until 1876. (07/08/1843) Tyne Regatta - Clasper's Five Brothers first used, keeless, 37' long and 2' wide with iron outriggers. Four brothers rowed and won £525 in the race. Tyne Regatta: H.Clasper won singles race for a silver cup. (02.09.1843) Clasper's four beaten by John Bell's crew for £20 in Newcastle. (07.10.1843) Clasper's four beat S.Danson's crew for £50 in Newcastle. (14.10.1843) Clasper's four beat John Bell's crew for £80 in Newcastle. Harry Clasper won £150 in 5 matches in Newcastle. James Renforth's family move to the Rabbit Banks/Pipewellgate area of Gateshead.
1844	(21/06/1844) Thames National Regatta: Claspers beat Coombes' in the fours heat, Clasper's "Five Brothers" causes much comment. Harry also won the singles in a similar designed boat, the first to be fitted with outriggers according to Woodgate's Boating (1888). The four lost on the second day due to steering difficulties. (22/06/1844) 3 Clasper brothers and John Hawks won £50 in the heat, but lost £100 the next day in the final. "The Newcastle men had a stroke peculiar to themselves" (Times 24/06/1844) whilst the highest tribute A.A.Casamajor could pay a member of the OUBC 1858 crew was that his stroke "was founded exactly upon the Clasper style" (Lehman's Complete Oarsman). (05/08/1844) Regatta on River Humber: Ward won the one oar race for watermen of Garrison Ferry, two oar won by Belle with Gaylad a close second, Silver cup for 4 oared 1st class cutters won by Nymph from Aggravator and Saucy Lass, 2nd class cutters won Chance after Hare and Leander fouled off the start. (15/08/1844) Newcastle & Gateshead Regatta: All-Clasper crew won Fours for £30. (16/08/1844) Newcastle & Gateshead Regatta: H.Clasper won singles. (18/12/1844) Coombes versus Clasper on the Tyne (Illustrated London News 28/12/1844) Coombes won £280 in four matches this year, this race plus others in London and Henley. However forfeited part of his stake in this match for not fulfilling his bargain with Clasper (Newcastle Journal 21-28/12/1844) Raced for £180, Clasper put up £80 to Coombes' £100 from Newcastle Bridge to Lemington. Following the race Coombes' backers suggested a return match the next week £100 from Clasper to their £200, the challenge being accepted £20 was deposited by Coombes with Joseph Hair of the Quayside and £10 by Clasper. Coombes failed to fulfill the next payment and Clasper claimed the £20 as forfeit. Clasper's single was described as the "beau ideal of his four-oared gig, The Five Brothers" (Newcastle Journal 14-21/12/1844) but Coombes' was 6lbs lighter at 43lbs. The late Eric Halladay (Durham Univ coach) wonders if Pocock built Coombe's boat as he claimed Clasper stole the idea from him. Clasper won £155 in 5 matches in London and Newcastle.
1845	(26/06/1845) Thames Regatta: Claspers and John Hawks win fours for £100 to become Champions of the World, the "Lord Ravensworth" H.Clasper, W.Clasper, R.Clasper, E.Hawks cox R.Clasper beat Coombes' crew R. & T. Coombes, J.Phelps, T.Goodrun, cox D.Coombes and the London crew R.Newell, Pocock, Robins, Dodd cox E.Maynard. After the regatta Lord Kilmorey who had bought the skiff "Lord Ravensworth" for £81 ordered a four from H.Clasper. Thames Regatta: Harry stroked the Clasper's new outrigged carvel-built boat only 2' wide to enable the crew to defeat Coombes' convincingly in a new four called the "Lord Ravensworth" "Farewell the days when London boats were the finest that were made, For Harry Clasper from Tyneside soon put ours in the shade; He makes his boats so light and neat, brings out such first class men, He licks wor builders, rowers too; wor London's glory's gyen." (Joe Wilson, Tyneside songs and drolleries 1890) (21/07/1845) North of England Regatta on the Tyne. Claspers won the fours and Harry the singles. (29/09/1845) H.Clasper beat Thomas Carrol (Champion of the Mersey) on the Mersey for £200. (October) Clasper versus Carroll (Champion of the Clyde) on the Mersey. Newcastle and Darlington Railway offered a special excursion to see the race (19/11/1845) Testimonial for H.Clasper at Joseph Hare's on Spicer's Lane. (25/11/1845) H.Clasper beat William Pocock for £200 on the Tyne from Tyne Bridge to Lemington Point in 35 mins. His boat had oilskin enclosing it whereas Pocock's built by Wentrell of Lambeth had none as a result he had to stop and empty his boat in the race. (November) "Clasper raced on the Tyne during which he was turned through 180 degrees by his opponent and then returned the favour, Clasper extended his arm and shook hands with his opponent, an act which elicited most enthusiastic applause from the spectators and showed that both men were satisfied" (Newcastle Journal 29/11/1845) Clasper won £300 in 5 matches in London, Liverpool and Newcastle.
1846	(April) Clasper launches an eight for some Oxford students 58 1/2' long, 2'4" wide in mahogany. (23/06/1846) Clasper 35, 9st3lb v Newell 36 10st4lb "Great rowing match on the Tyne", crowds estimated at between 50 and 100,000, Newcastle and Carlisle Railway ran trains each side of the river to follow the race (notice 22/06/1846). The Times (24/06/1846) reported the banks were silent as Clasper lost. "The race terminated without a solitary cheer. The banks of the coaly Tyne were dumb". (Newcastle Journal 27/06/1846) Clasper and Newell raced for £200 from Newcastle Bridge to Lemington Point. (27/07/1846) Manchester Regatta: Claspers and Hawks won two fours races for £25 each. (09/08/1846) R.Newell offered Clasper a return match on the Thames for £200 a side. (03-04/09/1846) North of England Regatta on the Tyne: Claspers won the fours for £50 but Harry lost the singles to Maddison. However, with William, won the pairs for £10. (16/11/1846) H.Clasper awarded the race against H.Maddison after a number of fouls and didn't complete the course which caused Maddison's backers to dispute the result (Newcastle Journal 21/11/1846, Newcastle Courant 05/03/1847) They raced for £200. Clasper won £135 in matches in Newcastle, Durham and Manchester. Robert Coombes Champion sculler until 1851.
1847	(21/06/1847) Durham Regatta: H. & J. Clasper won pairs. (08/08/1847) Final deposit made for Claspers v Coombes's match bringing total to £200 to be raced from Putney to Mortlake. Clayton to umpire for Claspers and Jenkins of Leander for Coombes with Layton as referee. (11/08/1847) Clasper defeated in a coxed pair race experimenting with a shorter oar. H. & R. Clasper lost to Robert bow 9 stone & Thomas stroke 8st10lbs Coombes cox Henry Cownden 4st 5lbs for £100 a side in the coxed pairs racing from Putney to Barker's Rail, Mortlake. (02/11/1847) H.Maddison beat H.Clasper for £200 on the Tyne. Clasper won £70 in matches in Newcastle, Durham and London.
1848	(26/06/1848) Durham Regatta: H. & R. Clasper won pairs, 3 Claspers and J.Wilkinson cox G.Oliver won fours. Procession of boats described by "Cuthbert Bede" in the book "Verdant Green" is alleged to describe the procession at Durham as the author was a Durham student. [Ken I will try to dig this out as we have the book] (20/07/1848)Royal Thames Regatta: 3 Claspers won fours for £100. Harry Clasper stroked the winning four. Clasper won £150 in 4 matches in Durham and London.
1849	(June) Durham Regatta: H. & R. Clasper won Members' Plate for pairs and £10, 4 Claspers won Patron's Plate for fours and £30. Also George Hawks son of the Mayor of Gateshead coached by Harry won the Challenge Cup. "University Plate" presented to Durham Regatta later becoming the Wharton Challenge Cup. (July) Royal Thames Regatta: Harry Clasper stroked the winning four, a composite Thames and Tyne crew including Robert Coombes "it is said that circumstances, not inclination exactly, conduced to this union" (Newcastle Journal 14.6.1849). Raced for £100. Also, R.& H.Clasper beat T.& R.Coombes in coxed pairs at same regatta. 1st Trinity took on one of the Clasper brothers for £4 a week plus his rail fare in the Lent term (Rouse Ball's history of 1st Trinity 1908). (01/08/1849) Clasper accepted Newell's challenge for £100 a side and a 2 length start, as well as offering £10 to row on the Tyne. However if Newell felt that gave him too much of an advantage he would race him on the Wear in Sunderland and defray the costs of transport for him and his boat. Also refers to racing Pocock and paying him £10. (02/08/1849) James Candlish challenged Ben Herring for £50 with a 2 length start offering £6 expenses to race on the Tyne. Candlish was Champion of the Tyne at one stage and later ran the Boar's Head in Newcastle and supported races and matches (see 1855) (August) Stockton Regatta: All-Clasper crew won fours. Clasper won £140 in 4 matches in Stockton, Durham and London.
1850	(06/05/1850) Ascension Day Regatta silk programme course from High Level bridge to "Curds and Cream House" and back. First prize for fours 5 sovereigns given by Mayor of Newcastle, 2nd prize one sovereign given by Sheriff, boats and owners listed Spoors, Cook, Davie, Rob Clasper, Chairman of Stewards. Foy boats fours, 1st prize 2 sovereigns, 2nd one sovereign presented by Trinity House Aynsley, Smith, Selby & Matthew Brown, Masters, Robert Clasper, Matthew & George Taylor. Pairs 1st 2 sovereigns, 2nd one sovereign presented by River Committee of Newcastle Pratt, Bell, Cook, Selby & Matthew Brown, Gilpatrick, Allan, Richard & Rob Clasper. Skiff 1st 2 sovereigns given by Trinity House, 2nd one sovereign given by the Sheriff Cook, Gilpatrick, H.Clasper, Candlish. (June) Talkin Tarn Regatta: All-Clasper crew won fours, H. & R. Clasper won pairs, but Harry was beaten for £10 by Candlish in the singles. Durham Regatta: H. & R. Clasper won Member's Plate for pairs and all-Clasper crew won Patron's Plate for fours. The Oswald Plate presented to Durham Regatta for single sculls also known as Championship of the Wear. Hatfield Hall first recorded on the river Wear. (August) Manchester Regatta: 3 Claspers and Salter won two fours for £20. Ellesmere Plate 3 Claspers and Salter won two fours for £25. (September) Tees Regatta: All-Clasper crew won 2 fours; Patron's Plate and Tradesmen's Plate, H. & W. Clasper won Pairs, Harry beat Candlish in singles. (10/10/1850) William Fawcus born in Dockwray Square, North Shields, son of John and Wilhelmina Fawcus. John worked in the family firm of Pow & Fawcus, Chain and Anchor Manufacturers. Fawcus is the only Northerner ever to win the Diamond Sculls at Henley Royal Regatta and teh Wingfield Sculls (Championship of the Thames). (21/10/1850) Candlish beat H.Clasper for Belt and Purse £20 on the Tyne. H.Clasper beat H.Maddison for Tyne Champion Belt £20 on the Tyne. Clasper won £270 in 10 matches in Stockton, Durham, Carlisle, Newcastle and Manchester.
1851	Great Northern Regatta or Tyne Regatta revived (Northern Examiner 25/08/1854), lapsed due to difficulty in raising the prize money. (June) Claspers' four beaten at Henley for £100 when a thowl broke. In the rematch, Claspers' four beat Coombes' crew at Henley for £40. H.Clasper with J.Messenger, W.Pocock, T.Coles beat Bower's and Taylor's crews (in 5 brothers?) Durham Regatta: All-Clasper four won Patron's Plate. (August) Inaugural Talkin Tarn Regatta: Clasper and Hawks crew won fours for £20, J. & W. Taylor beat H. & R. Clasper in pairs, H.Clasper won singles. (09/09/1851) Candlish beat H.Clasper for the Championship of the Tyne on a foul for £200. Aquatics by an Amateur (Whittacker and Co 1851) declares Clasper's blades "the best and finest model yet for balance and width." Clasper won £85 in 6 matches in Durham, Carlisle, Newcastle and Henley.
1852	OUBC won Stewards at Henley Royal Regatta in a Clasper keelless four, the first time an amateur crew was seen in this type of boat at HRR. (10/08/1852) Manchester and Salford Regatta: Scullers' match for £20, £12 for 1st, £5 2nd and £3 3rd. 1st heat J.Carroll in Princess' Club's Princess was awarded the race after H.Clasper in his wager boat took Carroll's water, Thomas Coombes in Countess was 300 yards behind having hit the bank. 2nd heat Richard Clasper rowed over in the absence of Cook of Oxford. Final R.Clasper beat Carroll. Matthew Taylor stroked the Shakespere Rowing Club cutter to win the Ellesmere Plate and a 20s sweepstake from the three crews. Wood & Ault beat H. & R. Clasper in pairs for £10. James Candlish beat T. MacKinney first on the Thames, and later on the Tyne. (August) Nottingham: Taylor beat H.Clasper in singles and pairs Talkin Tarn Regatta: J. & G. Taylor beat H. & W. Clasper in pairs for £10 also beaten by M. & T. Taylor, all-Clasper four won fours for £20, Candlish beat H.Clasper in singles for £8 after he mistook a buoy. (September) Chester Regatta: H.Clasper & Wood beat Taylors to win pairs for £40. (20/09/1852) Robert Boyd Watson born in Gateshead, son of a wherryman. Founding of Tyne Amateur RC as some members of Northern RC became disenchanted with the overt professionalism. Clasper won £190 in 9 matches in Chester, Carlisle, Nottingham and Manchester.
1853	J.Messenger beat Candlish on Thames. All Clasper four beaten by Elswick crew for £100 on Tyne. James Wallace, an old Tyne amateur, recalled Talkin Tarn having a keelless four of Clasper's this year and Tyne ARC bought one from Robert Jewett, another builder on the Tyne. (24/05/1853) Pocock beat H.Clasper for £100 from Putney to Chiswick. Durham Regatta: Fours - Taylors beat Claspers, H.Clasper won Wear Stake for singles, Taylors beat Claspers in pairs, H.Clasper beaten by Winship and Bruce. (July) Royal Chester RC win at HRR in a smooth skined VIII built by Matthew Taylor, resulting in LRC ordering one immediately and Taylor being taken on as trainer/boat builder first by OUBC then Eton. Halladay says this was 1856 and they won both the Grand and Ladies in it (same year or different check Burnell's HRR). He goes on to refer to their victories in a Taylor keelless four the previous year winning the Stewards and Wyfolds, James Fairrie of the crew was interviewed in the Field 16/03/1901. Nottingham Regatta offered a 1st class four as prize for any Midland counties crew in a boat under 30' built by H.Clasper and worth £30. The All England Skiff Prize of £10, 1st heat J.Candlish (Champion of the Tyne) beat H.Ault, 2nd heat H.Clasper beat H.Buxton. Final Candlish beat Clasper by 1 length. Also at Nottingham H.Clasper, Ault, Wood, Davidson won fours for £40 Manchester Regatta: Same crew won £50. Chester Regatta: Same crew beaten for £60. Glasgow Regatta: Same crew won 2 fours events. Clasper won £280 in 11 matches in Chester, Glasgow, London, Durham, Nottingham and Manchester
1854	(09/02/1854) H.Clasper & Candlish beat Winship & Bruce in pairs for £200 on the Tyne. (June) Durham Regatta: 3 Claspers & Wood won fours for £20, H.Clasper won sculler's prize. (June) Durham Regatta: Grand Challenge Cup first raced for. First Durham School old boy (Old Dunelmian) to row in boat race. W.King rowed for Oxford, a long line of subsequent blues are listed in Macfarlane-Grieves book [link to DSBC website?] Matt Taylor with his keel-less four, Victoria Mat Taylor was appointed Professional Coach to Royal Chester. His wages were 45/- (shillings) a week, but one could then get a loaf and cheese and a glass of ale for 2 1/2p. As a result of his advice, the Club invested in an outrigged keel-less boat which they took to Henley in 1855 and won both the Stewards and the Wyfolds with some ease. The crew also optimistically entered the Visitors but were not allowed to start. (August) North of England Regatta: Clasper's four raced and H.Clasper and Anthony Maddison won Watermen's pairs for £12. (August) Talkin Tarn Regatta: H.Clasper won sculler's prize; with Maddison won pairs; also with T.Clasper & Wood won Steward's cup for fours for £20. Read the comprehensive Regatta Report from the Carlisle Journal about the 1854 Regatta. (09/08/1854) H.Clasper beat Newell off a 2 length start easily from from Putney to Mortlake for £100. Thames National Regatta: Pocock & H.Clasper won pairs; Elswick crew Winship, Cook, Davidson, Bruce and cox Oliver won Champion fours; H&T Clasper, Wood, Maddison beaten in fours for £100, same crew won fours prize for £40, North v South VIIIs race over London Regatta course for £27 won by Winship, Davidson, Bruce, Maddison, Cook, H&T Clasper, Wood beat Cole, R&T Coombes, Mackinney, T.Mackinney, Newell, Goodrun, Kelly. Clasper won £290 in 10 matches in Carlisle, London, Durham and Newcastle.
1855	(28/01/1855) Challenge to any member of Tyne ARC to race for £30 a side but had no objection to racing for a cup or plate of the above value. (18/03/1855) Richard Clasper challenged William Patterson of Skinneer's Burn to race from the High Level Bridge to the Meadows House or Scotswood for £20 a side. Match to be made at Candlish's, Boars Head, Westgate Street, Newcastle. (06/08/1855) Manchester and Salford Regatta: Trafford Park stakes for £10 to be rowed in pairs of any length coxed or coxless. 1st heat Elswick Edward Winship and Thomas Bruce best Waterwitch of Manchester. 2nd heat Shakespere beat Never Mind It. Final rerowed the next day as Shakespere capsized rounding the buoy when the two boats clashed, for which the Elswick crew failed to appear. (August) Thames National Regatta mixed Clasper crew beaten in fours, H.Clasper beaten in singles final, beaten by Landsmen crew after being disqualified after a foul, Bruce & Winship beat H.Clasper & Pocock in pairs. Tyne Regatta: H.Clasper won Championship prize for singles for £20, same as the Sculler's Championship he won this month on the Tyne? Clasper won £20 in 4 matches in London.
1856	Teasdale Wilson backed for 10 shillings a side in a local match. (14/02/1856) H.Clasper presented with Testimonial by his friends. Harry Clasper, from a lithograph published by Newbold, Stroud (24/03/1856) H.Clasper beat Matthew Taylor in single on the Tyne for £80 a side. (June) Durham Regatta: 3 Claspers and Chambers won fours for £20, H. & J. Clasper won pairs. Royal Chester RC won the Grand and the Ladies at Henley in a keel-less eight boat made by Matt Taylor of Ouseburn, who was working in Birkenhead at the time. (August) Thames Regatta: Harry Clasper (stroke), R.Chambers, W.Pocock, T.MacKinney cox G.Driver (a Thames/Tyne composite crew) won the Champion fours. R.Chambers won scullers race in old fashioned boats. Thames National Regatta Winship & Bruce beat H.Clasper & Pocock in pairs, H.Clasper, Pocock, Chambers, MacKinney won fours for £100. Clasper won £115 in 8 matches in Newcastle, Durham and London. Exeter College go Head on the Isis in a Taylor VIII bought by R.W.Risley.
1857	(March) A.P.Lonsdale, the Oxford President, buys a Taylor VIII for the boatrace and managed a practice course in 19 mins 50 secs. At 6 in the crew was Warre which would explain Taylor's move to Eton. Taylor coached the Oxford University crew that won the Boat Race. J. Arkell of Durham School BC was also in this victorious crew. (July) Exeter retained the Headship on the Isis and won the Ladies Plate at HRR in Taylor's boat. (15/07/1857) This being the seventh anniversary of the passing of the Tyne Conservancy Act, the Commissioners determined upon celebrating it by a survey of the river, and at about 5 o'clock in the morning the corporation barges left the Quayside for the mouth of the Tyne, accompanied by a number of steam vessels and gaily decorated boats. Upon reaching the low lights, the party landed, and were received by the Mayor and several members of the Corporation of Tynemouth, the River Commissioners residing at North and South Shields, and numerous influential residents. After breakfasting at the Albion Hotel, the commissioners re-embarked, and proceeded to Spar Hawk, where a proclamation of their jurisdiction was made by the harbourmaster. Several boat-races then took place, after which the procession returned up the river and upon reaching Hedwin Streams, the western termination of their journey, the proclamation was again made amidst great acclamations. Boat racing and other amusements too place during the afternoon, near the Kings Meadows and everything passed off in an agreeable manner. Thames Regatta: Harry Clasper stroked the winning four. Pickard-Cambridge Challenge Cup presented to University College BC by Octavius P-C for a skiff race, represented in 1895 for college second trial fours (August) Thames National Regatta 2 Claspers, A.Maddison, Chambers won fours for £100. Manchester: Clasper broke an oar and lost to Ault, Wood, Winship, Bruce. J.H.Clasper says that he experimented with sliding on a fixed seat in this race. (28/08/1857) Manchester Regatta: H.Clasper, Chambers, Ault, Winship coxed by Short, won fours. (September) Lancaster Regatta: Clasper's crew beat Taylor's crew. Clasper won £120 in 3 matches in Manchester and London. James Renforth joins an East India Company regiment, and sails as part of the relieving force for the Indian Mutiny.
1858	One amateur match on Talkin Tarn. Cambridge University won the Boat Race in a Matt Taylor eight. J. Arkell of Durham School BC rowed in the Oxford crew. (June) Durham Regatta: H. & J. Clasper won pairs, fours Claspers beat Taylors. Tyne Race: Claspers four beat Taylors for £100. H.Clasper received £50 forfeit money from J.MacKinney. R.A.W. (Dick) Green beat Jim Chandlish for £400 in the first ever race on the Paramatta championship course. (22/07/1858) H.Clasper beat R.Campbell on Clyde for Championship of Scotland and £200. Thames National Regatta: H.Clasper, Chambers, T.MacKinney, T.Pocock won fours and £100. (August) Nottingham Bank Holiday Regatta: Sculling prize of one of Clasper's boats worth £30 and a fours' prize worth £30 which attracted entries from Newcastle (Claspers), Gateshead (Taylor) but Harry Ault's crew of the Shakespere club in Manchester beat the Trent crew in the final. Ault's crew offered a further challenge to the Trent crew to race for £50 in Nottingham or stake £50 against £30 to race in Manchester (Bell's Life 3.7.1859) [Check dates this doesn't tally and Bell's Life shows similar prizes for Nottingham Regatta in 1853]. (06/10/1858) H.Clasper beat R.Campbell on Loch Lomond for Championship of Scotland and £200. (09/11/1858) Thomas White beat H.Clasper on Thames for £200. J.H.Clasper beat G.Francis on the Thames. Clasper won £370 in 4 matches in Newcastle, Durham, Glascow and Loch Lomond.
1859	Thames Regatta: Harry Clasper stroked the winning four. Clasper's crew photographed in a studio album now held by Gateshead libraries. (19/04/1859) Robert Chambers beat Thomas White of Bermondsey, "it was this victory, in a measure unexpected, which was the principal cause of his being backed against Kelley" (Bell's Life 20/08/1859; also reported in the Times 20/04/1859). Both Ned Corvan and Joe Wilson composed songs about this race. (30/04/1859) Illustrated London News write up. J. Arkell of Durham School BC became President of Oxford University BC, and rowed in the Boat Race. J. Chater of Durham School BC rowed in the Cambridge crew. (April) Matthew Taylor of Gateshead v John Carroll of Glasgow umpired by A.A.Casamajor of LRC (Newcastle Courant 22/04/1859) (27/06/1859) Durham Regatta: H. & J. Clasper won pairs beating Chambers & Winship. H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship won fours. (August) Bell's Life August 1859 on Robert Chambers' style "was magnificent and few who saw him row that latter part of the race will ever forget that majestic, even, and stupendous sweep of the sculls, or the finished fall of his compact shoulders, and his well defined muscles." Thames National Regatta: H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship won fours and £100. (23/08/1859) Manchester Regatta: H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship won fours. (29/08/1859) W.Elliott a Durham miner referred to as one of the last champions of the Tyne. James Renforth became a Smith's striker at NER Engineering Works at Greenesfield, Gateshead; then later at Tyne Port Authority, Howdon; and probably also in other works on both banks of the Tyne. (29/09/1859) R.Chambers beat H. Kelley (Fulham) for Championship of the Thames. Putney to Mortlake in 25 mins 25 secs.
1860	Durham Amateur Rowing Club formed. J. Chater of Durham School BC rowed in the Cambridge University Boat Race crew. (08/05/1860) George Drewitt (26) beat H.Clasper (48) by 3 lengths in 22 mins 18 secs on the Tyne from the High Level Bridge to Scotswood for £100 a side. Drewitt raced in a boat built by Jewett of Dunston. (18/06/1860) Durham Regatta: H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship shared fours' prize of £23 with Taylor's crew. Harry Clasper was allowed to race a number of amateurs who resented his presence and rammed him. (21/07/1860) Royal Thames National Regatta final H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship fouled by Shakespear and Thames crews and lost for £100, Thomas crew of Putney and AP Lonsdale crew of Manchester and Tyne. The committee offered Clasper £10 for the race but Clasper challenged the others to race for no stake, which they declined. To add insult to injury when Harry went to race his pair with his son he found two holes had been drilled in their boat. Robert Chambers beat T. White for the Championship of the Thames. (23/07/1860) James Renforth joined Durham Royal Garrison Artillery at Gateshead. Also, between 1860-1865 took up swimming and won a gold medal at Northumberland Baths. Walked to Talkin Tarn to take part in a swimming race but lost. (26/07/1860) Derby Regatta: H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship won fours. (27/08/1860) Manchester Regatta: H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship won fours. (September) Robert Chambers defeated Harry Kelley for the Championship of England, the first Tyne sculler to do so. George Ridley sang "O, ye Cockneys all, Ye mun think't very funny' For Bob he gans and licks ye all, an' collars all your money." (18/09/1860)R.Chambers beat T.White (Shadwell) Putney to Mortlake in 23 mins 25 secs. (27/09/1860) Newcastle & Gateshead Regatta: H. & J. Clasper, Chambers, Winship won fours. By 1860 H.Clasper had won £2586 in around 130 races, £1655 in fours, £184 in pairs and £747 in skiffs. (21/11/1860)DURHAM AMATEUR ROWING CLUB - (The Durham County Advertiser Friday November 23rd 1860) A meeting was held at Ward's Waterloo Hotel on Wednesday evening by a few gentlemen interested in aquatic sports to ascertain the practicability of forming an amateur rowing club in this city. The meeting though not numerously attended was sufficiently large to give hopes that before long the club will be organized. Some draft rules which had been called by Mr. Brignall Junior from the London Rowing Club and the Tyne Rowing Club were read over and discussed when it was resolved that they should be circulated amongst those desirous of joining and so form a basis on which any suggested improvements may be grafted. After appointing Mr. Brignall Junior as Secretary pro tem the meeting adjourned on the understanding that they were to re-assemble in a fortnight (the 5th proxime) for the purpose of finally settling the rules by which time we trust there will be a considerable accession of strength. It has long been proved that outdoor amusements and in the main cricket and boating are the very best means of bringing out the bone and muscle of our English youth. As all therefore are equally interested in assisting to maintain our national sports we hope that those of our fellow citizens who are verging on or have passed the meridian of life will not forget that they can do good service in the formation of even a rowing club by becoming honorary members. (05/12/1860)DURHAM AMATEUR ROWING CLUB - (The Durham County Advertiser - Friday December 7th 1860) A second meeting of this club was held at Mr. Ward's Waterloo Hotel on Wednesday evening last when the rules proposal at a former meeting were with some additions approved and confirmed. The meeting was adjourned for a fortnight (viz. the 19th instant) when a committee will be appointed and the active operations commenced for raising the "ways and means" for purchasing boats and other necessary equipment. (19/12/1860)DURHAM AMATEUR ROWING CLUB - ((The Durham County Advertiser - Friday December 21st 1860) A third meeting of this Club was held on Wednesday evening at Mr. Ward's Waterloo Hotel for the purpose of forming a committee. After reading the rules established at the last meeting and transacting some other business the following gentlemen were appointed to constitute the committee viz. Mr. J. Booth (Chairman), J. Hutchinson (Treasurer), W. Brignall Junior (Secretary), P. Forster, C. Rowlandson, W. Storey, J. Tiplady, W. Welsh.
1861	J. Chater of Durham School BC rowed in the Cambridge University Boat Race crew. Thames Regatta won by a mixed four G.Hammerton, J.Tagg, E.Winship, R.Chambers cox R.Clasper. Engraving of the Kilmorey crew of 1861 George Hammerton, John Tagg, Edward Winship, Robert Chambers, Robert Clasper Robert Clasper v Thomas Eagers (Times 16/06/1861) (26/06/1861) James Renforth married Mary Ann Bell at Newcastle Register Office. A bad year for Talkin Tarn regatta, with L.P & E.D.Brickwood winning Corby Castle Cup for pairs for second year in succession and retained the trophy, as did the TARC four with the Naworth Castle Cup (09/07/1861) J.H.Clasper beat Pocock on the Thames, and beat him again during the year. Photograph of first Tyne ARC crew.
1862	C.R. Carr of Durham School BC rowed in the Oxford University Boat Race crew. George Ridley sang his most famous song "The Blaydon Races" at Harry Clasper's testimonial at Balmbra's Music Hall. Times tries aw, they say, and they're not see far rang Noo he's myed a tryuff trial, he's tested lang - Aw meen Harry Clasper that weel chorised nyem, For aw'se sure they'res nee body can coupled wi'shyem. Faithful awd Harry - plucky as iver The still bloomen posey iv wor coaly river. etc reprinted in Newcastle Daily Chronicle to mark Harry's testimonial. Thames regatta Harry Clasper stroked the winning four. Notice that "T.Wilson of Newcastle to race R.Campbell of the Clyde for £50 or £100 a side. (July 1862) Crew was H. & J. Clasper, E.Winship, R.Chambers cox R.Clasper. (27/11/1862) H.Clasper presented with the "Clasper Hotel" 1 Armstrong Street, Scotswood Road bought with the proceeds of the testimonial fund raising. (December 1862) Pitmen of Blyth challenged the Claspers to a race in "cobles" for £50 or £100 a side, called off as the pit was put on short time. (29/06/1862) Birth of daughter, Margaret Jane, to James Renforth, now living at Dean Court, Newcastle upon Tyne.
1863	(21/01/1863) Death of James Renforth's daughter, Margaret Jane, from bronchitis. Living at Tuthill Stairs, Newcastle upon Tyne. C.R. Carr of Durham School BC rowed in the Oxford University Boat Race crew. Thames National Regatta: Pair oars 1st prize £20, 2nd £10, 3rd £5. 1st heat M. & J.Taylor finished 3rd, 2nd heat A.Thompson and M.Scott were 2nd. Final Thompson and Scott finished 3rd to Richard Green (Australia) and Henry Kelly and George Hammerton and John Tagg. Champion Fours for £100, 2nd £20, 3rd £ . The A.P.Lonsdale crew from Newcastle were J.Taylor, M.Scott, A.Thompson, M.Taylor and cox R.Harrison who finished 2nd to The Prince of Wales crew stroked by T.Royal in a very close race, they subsequently won the final easily. (14/04/1863) World Professional Sculling Championship. R.Chambers beat G.W.Everson (Greenwich). Putney to Mortlake in 25mins 27secs. Robert Chambers beat H. Kelley for the Championship of the Tyne after much fouling. (16/06/1863) Robert Chambers beat Thomas Green of Australia for the Championship of the Tyne, the first "International World Professional Sculling Contest" - a match worth thousands of pounds. "half the world travelling o,er to lay wor Tyneside law, the tother half now may try an still we'll keep the craw, aw says aw'll lay me brass on Bob an work the winnin seam." R.A.W.Green came from Australia with the first cambered single that he abandoned after trying it on the Tideway (Bell's Life 16/06/1863). R.Chambers beat R.A.W.Green of Australia and also G.Everson of Greenwich (16/06/1863) World Professional Sculling Championship. R.Chambers beat R.A.W.Green (Australia) Putney to Mortlake in 25 mins 35 secs. R.Cooper of Redheugh beat G.Everson of Greenwich. Harry Kelley beat Chambers and Cooper at Eau Brink Cut near Kings Lynn for the national title. Kelley went onto claim the world title by defeating Hamill of Canada in 1865. (28/08/1863) Tyne Regatta: Kelly, Chambers and Cooper race for the Tyne Champion's cup for £50, Green absent as ill, race ended in acrimony and dispute, the scullers refused to rerow on Monday. (21/12/1863) Birth of daughter to James Renforth (Ann Elizabeth) in Lying In Hospital, New Bridge Street, Newcastle.
1864	C.R. Carr of Durham School BC became President of Oxford University BC, and rowed in the Boat Race crew. Tees Rowing Club formed (although some evidence that Tees Amateur Boating Club were in existence in 1856) John Clasper employed to coach Derwent RC for two years. John Hawks set up a boat building business at Paradise House in Durham (photo in book) advertised in Almanack as being available to coach and having boats for hire. (05/09/1864) Chambers v Cooper on the Tyne race postponed to the following day as Chambers' boat was holed, Cooper had beaten Chambers twice over shorter distances, but this time Chambers won. Cooper was a Redheugh ferryman. (Autumn) Dispute arose over a race between Chambers and Robert Cooper. James Percy beat H.Clasper on the Tyne. Race painted by John Warkup Smith the next year.
1865	Hartlepool Neptune Rowing Club formed. The Hartlepools' Regatta: Four oared race for £20, entrance 12s 6d "Pride of the Tyne" beat "Try again" by 2 lengths. Crew R.Cooper, W.Matfin, J.Per?, Matfin, cox T.Harrison. Durham Regatta: Durham School win the Grand Challenge Cup for the first time. (08/08/1865) World Professional Sculling Championship - H.Kelley beat R.Chambers Putney to Mortlake in 23 mins 23 secs. (September) York Regatta got Clasper, Chambers and Cooper down from the Tyne to promote rowing (Yorkshire Gazette 30/09/1865). Chambers beat Cooper over a mile on the Tyne. Championship match - Harry Kelley beat Robert Chambers who used a sliding seat designed and made by Adam Deas of Gateshead. Sweepstake on the Ouse for £50 a man plus £100 added between H.Kelley, R.Chambers and R.Cooper which Cooper won after fouling, Kelley had the verdict overturned on appeal and Cooper was disqualified.
1866	Middlesbrough Amateur Boating Club formed in the Newport area of M/bro. (January) William Hickey of Newcastle defeated Richard Green for £200 and championship of the (Australian) colony and remained undefeated until 1873. Testimonial raised £100 for Robert Cooper to compensate him for loosing at Kings Lynn, with a golden salver engraved, "with respect and sympathy for his disappointment." Reported in Newcastle Chronicle 10/01/1866). Cooper's backer was Henry Barlow of the Cumberland Arms near the Quayside in Newcastle. James Renforth rowing debut against Robinson alias Princey. Won easily. Princey led, but blew up. (19/05/1866) James Renforth victory over G. Curry of Gateshead in open boats for £20. (30/06/1866) T.Forster and S.Watson both of Newcastle raced from High Level Bridge to Meadow House for £60. Forster won by 250 yards. J.Adams umpired for Forster and G.Watson for S.Watson. R.Chambers beat J.Sadler for the Championship. (04/07/1866) Harry Kelley beat James Hamill over 4½ miles from the High Level Bridge to Paradise Quay and back for the World Professional Sculling Championship. Painting called "Regatta Day" by T.H.Hair shows the above races held by Tyne and Wear Museums. Hammill had defeated Josh Ward for the professional championship of the USA in 1862. (10/07/1866) Stockton Regatta: Prizes for amateurs and professionals amounting to 100 guineas. J.Percy beat J.H.Clasper on the Tyne. J.Taylor beat J.H.Clasper on the Tyne. J.Taylor beat J.Percy on the Tyne. (15-16/08/1866) Talkin Tarn Regatta. International boat race on the Tyne. (11/09/1866), A crew of Blyth miners raced Staiths fishermen for the championship of the German Ocean, over a 10 mile course from Staiths to Whitby, for a £200 stake and a silver cup worth £15. The Staiths crew of T.Cole S.Robinson T.Cook and B.Verril won the race in a time 1 hour 25 min 30 secs. James Renforth employed in demolition of Old Tyne Bridge. (22/11/1866) World Professional Sculling Championship - R.Chambers beat J.H.Sadler (Putney) Putney to Mortlake in 25 mins 04 secs.
1867	English Regatta in Paris - The Waterman's races were won by a four called Albion from Newcastle J.Taylor, M.Scott, A.Thompson, R.Chambers cox T.Richardson M.Taylor beat H.Clasper on the Tyne. J.Sadler beat R.Cooper on the Thames. J.Sadler beat J.Percy on Thames and at King's Lynn Tynemouth RC established by further members splitting from the Northern RC feeling the Club too professional, whilst others felt it not professional enough, and left to form the ultra-professional Albion Club. (22/04/1867) James Renforth won race with Balmbra (or W. Bambrough) of Gateshead, in open boats for £20. (May) Kelley defeats Chambers for the Championship of England, "The name o'Chambers, honest Bob, Aw's sure 'ill nivor dee, The brave, the game undaunted man That struggled hard to be The hero of a hundred spins, The champion frae Tyneside, That kept the world se lang at bay, Tho lick't, yor still wor pride," sang Joe Wilson. Chambers was probably already dying from Tuberculosis. (06/05/1867) World Professional Sculling Championship - H.Kelley beat R.Chambers on Tyne 31 mins 47 secs. (May) Harry Clasper loses his last match aged 57 to a much younger opponent. James Renforth won heat in an open boat handicap at Talkin Tarn Regatta (Cumbria, nr Carlisle), and later in year won £300 in 5 matches in Newcastle. (August) James Renforth beat Edward Boddy at Newcastle Swimming Club competition in the Tyne. Won a medal. (21/09/1867) James Renforth beat Robert Boyd for £50 in open boats (05/10/1867) James Renforth 5th October. Beat James Boyd in skiffs for £100, High Level to Scotswood Suspension Bridge. (09/12/1867)James Renforth should have rowed a skiff race against John Bright for £50 a side. Bright was unable to race because of illness and forfeited the £40 he had down. (25/12/1867) James Hall pairs (Newcastle Daily Chronicle 24/08/1871).
1868	Renforth won £210 in 5 matches in Durham, Sunderland, Leeds, Chester and London. (28/03/1868)James Renforth beat John Bright easily in open boats for £20. Jolly Dogs' Fours (Newcastle Daily Chronicle 24/08/1871). (04/06/1868) Robert Chambers "Honest Bob" of Walker died. "Massive crowds lined the route of the funeral cortege as it moved from Pottery Bank in St. Anthony's to Walker Cemetary. Flags on the boats of the Tyne General Ferry Company flew at half mast and the bells of St. Nicholas Church boomed out a sonerous death march pace" (The Tyne Oarsmen - Peter Dillon) (23/06/1868)Birth of daughter (Margaret Jane) to James Renforth at the family home, 6 Church Street, Gateshead. (30/06/1868) Durham Regatta - James Renforth won the Brancepeth Castle Plate defeating James Taylor and other local scullers. At same meeting was part of Albion R.C. second crew which was beaten in a race for the Patrons' Plate by the Champion Four. (14/06/1868)Leeds Regatta. James Renforth defeated by James Taylor in a handicap skiff race. Taylor had an allowance of two lengths. At the same regatta, Renforth won the Aire Stakes, value £25, and a local title of champion. (06/07/1868)Wear Boat Club Regatta. James Renforth won the Open Professional Skiff race. (07/07/1868) Wear Boat Club Regatta "Four Oared Outriggers, 1 1/4 mile, open to Gentleman Amateurs, Prize - Gold Medals" This race was between the Tynemouth R.C. 2nd crew and the Wear Boat Club 2nd crew. The Tynemouth crew, in pink, were W. Fawcus, R. Park, S. Morrison, T. Pickering, (stroke) J. Gallon (cox). This is the earliest mention we have found of Fawcus as an oarsman, then aged 17 (14/07/1868)James Renforth present at death of daughter, Margaret Jane, from tabes (emaciation) at 6 Church Street, Gateshead. (04/08/1868)Thames National Regatta. James Renforth won £90 in a skiff race in which Kelley, Sadler and Percy also competed. Tyne crew J.Taylor, M.Scott, A.Thompson, R.Chambers (of Wallsend, not St. Anthony's) cox T.Richardson won the fours and the pairs. Commemorated in the song, "Defeat of the Cocknies". James Renforth first public appearance in "champion four" crew, Renforth (bow), M. Scott, A. Thompson, J. Taylor, J. French (cox), at the Chester Regatta where they won the Waterman's Prize of £40 with great ease. Renforth also won the Scullers' Prize of £10 beating James Taylor of Newcastle and Harry Lang of Manchester. Also part of same crew which won the Town Purse of £30 at the Burton-on-Trent Regatta. (17/11/1868) Renforth wins the World Professional Sculling Championship at his first and only attempt, beating Harry Kelley on the Thames. Course Putney to Mortlake 23 mins 15 secs.
1869	Split in champion four-oared crew. It was made up of Taylor, Renforth, Thompson and Scott. 06/01/1869)Assault charge heard against James Renforth in Newcastle Court after attack on man in spirit bar. Found guilty and fined. (25/01/1869)Taylor and Renforth, in one boat, rowed against Thompson and Scott, in another, from bridge to bridge on the Tyne for £200. Renforth and Taylor won easily. Renforth employed by Tynemouth to coach for two weeks for 3 guineas. (05/05/1869) James Renforth deserted from Durham RGA Militia. (31/05/1869) Mixed amateur and professional match. Mr Gulston and Renforth lost to Messrs Taylor and Wallace. (Almanack 1870 review) Renforth won £500 in 5 matches in Newcastle, Kings Lynn Royal Regatta (June 10th), Hull and London. (14/07/1869)Hartlepools' Regatta. James Renforth lost scullers race to James Boyd of Gateshead. In awkward sea conditions but arousing the suspicions of the crowd. Renforth and Taylor form a crew to compete at 1869 Thames National Regatta. These two plus Thomas Winship and John Martin won. (August)James Renforth is landlord of the Belted Will Inn, Hinde Street, Scotswood Rd. (05/08/1869)Chester Regatta. James Renforth won Watermen's Sculls (£7) beating James Taylor and Thomas Winship. Next day Renforth's crew won Watermen's Fours (£40). (06/08/1869)Wear Boat Club Regatta. Renforth and Taylor win pairs (£5) as they please. Renforth wins skiff race (£8) in Adelaide (21/08/1869)Thames Regatta. Above-mentioned four beaten by Surbiton crew. Tyne crew challenge Surbiton crew to race twice more, once on the Thames and once on the Tyne, for £400 each race. Tightening of the definition of amateur at Tyne Regatta excluded the Northern Rowing Club as a result Newcastle Amateur Rowing Club was founded for those who fell between being fully amateur or fully professional. (05&06/10/1869) 5th and 6th October. Renforth rows against Bright for £100 a side in open boats from High Level Bridge to Meadows House. Bright getting two lengths start in 1 ¾ miles. Foul on first day leading to re-row. Foul again but decision given to Bright. After the race on the 6th Renforth collapses in a fit in the bar of the Star Hotel, Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne and is taken home in a cab. Renforth living at Belted Will Inn, Hinde Street, Scotswood Road, Newcastle. (November 1869) Tyne four-oar crew win both races against Surbiton crew. November 5th on Thames and November 18th on Tyne. (20/11/1869) James Renforth and Taylor are beaten in a double scull race for £200 with Kelley and Sadler on the Tyne from bridge to bridge. (November 1869) Walter Brown the American champion raced William Sadler on the Tyne. Brown had been experimenting with sliding seats since 1861, while training for this race he was based at the Ord Arms Inn at Scotswood (Pun?) where a Tyne four with James Taylor in was training (Matthew's brother and member of Renforth's crew). Halladay suggests they would have discussed the issue of sliding or at least observed each other.
1870	Newcastle ARC formed in 1870. Ian Whitehead writes: "It is right in the middle of a lively debate about what constitutes a professional - a mechanic, who was working with his hands, at Armstong's works is a professional while Charles Parsons for example, who was also sometimes working with his hands at Armstrong's works from 1877-1880, as a premium apprentice, is an amateur. I think the amateurs who were members of the (mixed) Northern and Albion Clubs were forced to leave and join purely amateur clubs and possibly it was they who founded the Newcastle A.R.C." (Feb 1870) James Renforth moves from Belted Will Inn to take over as landlord of Sir Charles Napier Inn, Queen Street, St. Nicholas' Buildings, Newcastle. (05/07/1870) Durham Regatta - James Renforth wins Brancepeth Plate (scullers race) and Patrons Plate (as part of Champion Four). Tynemouth Rowing Club win the Grand for the first time with a crew containing W.C.Fawcus. They retained the trophy the following year. William Fawcus (Tynemouth RC) became Champion of the Wear. (12/07/1870) Harry Clasper died aged 58. (17/07/1870) Funeral of Harry Clasper at St. Mary's church in Whickham. An estimated 100,000 to 130,000 people lined route of the funeral from the Tunnel Inn, at the mouth of the River Ouseburn to the church. The funeral cortege could not make its way through Sandhill due to the huge numbers of mourners, and so the coffin had to be placed aboard a barge at the High Level Bridge, and rowed up the Tyne. James Renforth was a pall bearer. Thames National Regatta Champion fours won by Newcastle crew stroked by R.Chambers of Wallsend. (15/09/1870) Renforth's crew become the Professional Champions of the World at Lake Lachine in Canada, defeating the St John "Paris" Brunswickers crew, winning £500. The crew was James Renforth, James Taylor, Thomas Winship, John Martin, with John Adams as spare man. Renforth's crew divided over a disagreement resulting in two crews going to Canada the next year the second crew captained by James Taylor. Renforth won £1,400 in 3 matches in Newcastle and Lachine, Canada. H.Kelley beat J.Bright in open boats on the Tyne. J.Taylor beat J.Percy on the Tyne James Taylor experimenting with cambered singles (Newcastle Daily Chronicle 21/03/1870) that proved difficult to steer in strong wind, small wind-sails were used to counteract this, but J.H.Clasper's patent keelfin resolved the issue (Newcastle Daily Chronicle 20/03/1909) Report on Harry Clasper's funeral. (July 1870) Tom Winship coaching a John O'Gaunt crew in the Stewards at HRR got them to slide on their seats over the whole course which left them too tired and sore (Woodgate Boating 1888) by 1871 he had perfected his equipment to beat Chambers' crew. Whereas the scullers such as J.H.Clasper (as early as 1857), Chambers, Renforth and W.C. Fawcus winning the Diamonds and Wingfields only slid for spurts (Newcastle Chronicle 03/04/1909, The Field 15/01,26/02, 23/04/1910). The Field 26/02/1910 also reports Clasper advising J.H.D.Goldie to use olive oil on his seat when racing the Diamonds in 1871. (September 1870) J.H.Clasper presented a model of a single scull with pictures of his late father and Robert Coombes to Joseph Cowen, the model shows a padded seat for sliding. Rowing in the North. J.Calvert beat C.Madisson both of Gateshead for £20 from Davidson's Mill to the bend of the Meadows. M.Dodd refereed from a steamer. Landmarks were Redheugh Bridge, Sliot Tower, New Quay Corner, Tyne Amateur boathouse, the Annie. Challenges were between Boulton and Scott for £20 from High Level Bridge to Waterson's Gate, organised by W.R.McKenzie of Black Bull at High Level bridge. W.Hornsby and J.Boyd of Gateshead for £10 a side from High Level bridge to Waterson's Gate, organised by G.Brown of Battery Inn, Fortle Street. A Hogarth (Champion of the Wear) challenged J.Boyd of Gateshead to race over 2 miles on the Wear or Tyne for £25 a side after not being satisfied with the decision at Leeds Regatta. Tynemouth RC was very active in 1870 - travelling to regattas far and wide and winning Burton Regatta in the four oar. William Fawcus ended up in the reeds in the sculls. Tynemouth RC awarded James Taylor a medal for coaching them and it was felt that Fawcus was the amateur protege to follow on from the professional Renforth.
1871	(16/01/1871) James Renforth and Kelley beat James Taylor and Thomas Winship in a pair-oared race on the Tyne for £400. James Renforth sells the Sir Charles Napier Inn. Another Clasper son employed to coach at Derwent RC. (01/05/1871) Bagnall v Hepplewhite for which at 5.30am Redheugh Bridge opened to pedestrians for the first time. (15/06/1871) Tyne Regatta. James Renforth and Kelley beaten by James Taylor and Thomas Winship in pairs. Kelley suffering from sciatica and rowing against medical advice. Renforth's crew, Renforth, Kelley, Chambers, Percy, Bright (spare) which was formed to go out to Canada, has to be reorganised because of Kelley's indisposition. (16/06/1871) Renforth, Bright, Chambers, Percy beat Taylor's crew in fours. (30/06/1871) William Fawcus (Tynemouth RC) winner of the Diamond Sculls at Henley Royal Regatta. (20/07/1871) William Fawcus (Tynemouth RC) winner of the single sculls race from Putney to Hammersmith at the Metropolitan Amateur Regatta. (22/07/1871) William Fawcus (Tynemouth RC) winner of the Wingfield Sculls (the amateur championship of the Thames)from Putney to Mortlake. (23/08/1871) Death of James Renforth, after collapsing during a race against the Canadians on the Kennebecasis river at St. John, New Brunswick. His dying words reputed to be "What will they say in England?" Renforth's crew (Champions of England 1868), Harry Kelley (Champion 1857, 65,66,67), Robert Chambers of Wallsend (not related to Robert "Honest Bob" Chambers of Walker, who died in 1868), James Percy. Illustration of the race. Kelley finished 3rd in the singles race in the "James Renforth" built by Jewett of Dunston. (31/08/1871) Rest of Renforth's crew raced with John Bright in Halifax Nova Scotia. Halifax Fours race for £600. 1st: J.Taylor, R.Bagnall, J.H.Sadler, T.Winship. 2nd: Pryor's of Halifax. 3rd: J.Percy, J.Bright, H.Kelley, R.Chambers. 4th Biglin-Coulter of USA. Scullers race for £100 won by J.H.Sadler from G.Brown of Halifax. Saratoga regatta fours - 1st: Wards USA won £400. 2nd: Chambers' won £250. 3rd: Winship won £150. 4th: Biglin-Coulter USA. Sadler won £200 winning sculls race and Kelley £100 for second. Longeuil regatta - Winship and Chambers' crews beaten by local crew as they took the wrong course. Kelley won sculls. Quebec regatta - Chambers' four won and £100. Sculls 1st: Kelley, 2nd: Chambers, 3rd: Percy. (August 1871) Renforth's funeral attended by 150,000 reported in Newcastle Chronicle 24/08/1871 and further 11/09/1871. Deeth o'Renforth Champion sculler of the world by Rowland Harrison: Ye cruel Atlantic cable What's myed ye bring such fearful news? When Tyneside's hardly yeble Such sudden grief to bide. Hoo me heart it beats - iv'ry body greets, As the whisper runs throo dowley streets, "We've lost poor Jimmy Renforth, The Champien o'Tyneside." Renforth took part in 45 races, 32 in a single and won 39 an average of one a month for three years. (10/09/1871) Funeral of James Renforth and burial in Gateshead Cemetery. Funeral procession starts from Renforth's house in James Street, Gateshead, which he probably bought after the sale of the Sir Charles Napier Inn earlier in the year. (11/09/1871) Rest of Renforth's crew raced with John Bright in Saratoga coming 2nd to the Wards ahead of the Biglin's crew. Kelley was 2nd in the singles. The Wards raced in the "Dunston" the boat that Renforth's crew had beaten the Paris four in, on their departure in 1870 they had auctioned the boat and it was bought by Robert Liddell of Pittsburgh for $250 who sold it to the Wards for $350 in August. Taylor's crew challenged the remains of Renforth's crew to a match resenting not being able to race for the Championship in Canada. Taylor fitted bone runners on steel grooves to his coxless four and won easily. Taylor's crew contained Joseph Sadler who instructed F.S.Gulston of LRC how to use the slides in his single and four. (November 1871) Fours race between Tyne crews of Thomas Winship v Robert Chambers. The Winship four beat Chambers' by using sliding seats having seen the Biglin-Coulter USA crew use them in Saratoga.
1872	(February) Hobart Anniversary day first Inter-state/Colony championship won by NSW crew coached by Jim Chandlish. (12/07/1872) William Fawcus (Tynemouth RC) defeated in the Wingfield Sculls by C.C. Knollys who the Diamonds and OUBC sculls. H.Wilde of Newcastle ARC won the Oswald Plate in 1872 "Sydney Rows by A.L. May" reports Four delivered to Sydney club from Clasper of Oxford TRC reported ordering an VIII with slides from Jewett of Dunston (Field 26/02/1910), J.H.Clasper tried to persuade CUBC to use them in the boatrace. (Oct 1872) Monday late October. Inauguration of Renforth Memorial.Inauguration of Renforth Memorial.
1873	Kelley beat James Taylor on the Tyne. R.Bagnall beat Kelley. William Fawcus (Tynemouth RC) challenged for the Wingfield Sculls in 1873 but was defeated in the challengers' heat by WH Eyre ("Piggy" of Thames). (18/10/1873)Redcar fishermen took up the challenge of Staiths Fishermen for the championship of the German Ocean, over a 6 mile course from Coathem pier to Saltburn pier. The stake was £100 a side. The Redcar crew of J.Picknet R.Picknet T.Picknet and J.Thompson won in a time of 40 mins 30 secs.
1874	"Sydney Rows by A.L.May" reports an eight oared gig delivered from Clasper. (16/04/1874) World Professional Sculling Championship - J.H.Sadler beat R.Bagnall (Newcastle) Putney to Mortlake 24 mins 15 secs. W.Lumsden & R.Boyd of Newcastle beat T.Green & E.Morrois of London in a double sculls match on the Tyne. Lumsden & Boyd beat Winship & Bagnall in a pairs match (July 1874) Newcastle ARC (shown in HRR records as Newcastle RC) won the Wyfolds Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta (W.H.Wilde, G.Dunn, F.Thompson, F.G.Mason) Scarborough Amateur RC was formed.
1875	Thames Regatta - Champion fours won by a Newcastle crew. R.Boyd beat Sadler over a mile on the Tyne. Sadler beat Boyd on the Thames for the Championship. (15/11/1875) World Professional Sculling Championship - J.H.Sadler beat R.W.Boyd (Newcastle) Putney to Mortlake 28 mins 05 secs.
1876	Newcastle ARC won the Grand Challenge Cup at Durham Regatta for the first time for the club. Brickwood mentions LRC having heavy clinker cutters as used on the Tyne specially built for them. "Sydney Rows by A.L.May" reports another eight delivered from Clasper. Winship's Christmas Handicap final: W.Lakey of Ouseburn beat F.Emmett of Jarrow by 3 lengths "cleverly".
1877	(14/02/1877) Durhan University Boat Club officially founded. Professional Sculling Championship sponsored by the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, known as the "Championship of England" offered up to encourage development among the English professionals so as to reclaim the world title won by Trickett, later sponsored by the Sportsman. The trophy was lost and later found and bought by Joseph Cowan and presented to Tyne ARC for its regatta. (19/03/1877) Championship of England cup presented by Newcastle Daily Chronicle trustees John Ireland of LRC, Thomas Forster of Newcastle ARC and R.B.Reed of the Daily Chronicle. R.W.Boyd (Gateshead) beat W.Nicholson (Stockton) Mansion House to Scotswood in final 25 mins 45 secs. (28/05/1877) Championship of England - R.W.Boyd beat John Higgins (Chadwell). Putney to Mortlake 29 mins 0 secs. Durham Regatta - Hon. John Lloyd Wharton MP for Durham presents the Wharton Challenge Cup to Durham Regatta. (08/10/1877) Championship of England - John Higgins (Chadwell) beat R.W.Boyd (Gateshead) Putney to Mortlake 24 mins 10 secs. Winship's Christmas Handicap final John Farrow of Scotswood beat W.Lakey of Newcastle by a length and a half after a stubbornly contested race.
1878	Hexham Rowing Club was created in November 1878 at a meeting in the North Eastern Hotel (now the Station Hotel). About 70 young men attended with promises from another 50 who intended to join. The club was initially called: The Hexham Rowing and Swimming Club , the subscriptions were 10 shillings (50 pence) per annum, and the initial committee had 13 members. The first Chairman was William Taylor. The club initially intended to purchase two open boats at £10 each, a pleasure gig at £12 and two sculling boats at £12 each. A proposed boathouse on the 'island' at the top of the river was later changed to the present site. This required the permission of the Lord of the Manor (presumably Lord Allendale) and the County Surveyor. (14/01/1878) Championship of England - John Higgins (Chadwell) beat R.W.Boyd on a foul. Course: Mansion House to Scotswood. (03/06/1878) Championship of England - John Higgins (Chadwell) beat W.Elliott (Pegswood). Putney to Mortlake 24 mins 38 secs. Trophy later became Joseph Cowan trophy at Tyne-at-Home Regatta. "Sydney Rows by A.L.May" refers to another Clasper VIII being delivered to the Australian Club, but arrived damaged leading to protracted legal wrangling. Sydney Rows A.L.May 1878 seems another Clasper VIII arrived damaged leading to protracted legal wrangling J.Higgins won the Newcastle Chronicle Trophy outright. "Rowing in Canada" refers to a match between E.(Ned) Hanlan and John Hawdon of (Seaton) Delaval on the Tyne. Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: J.M.Polley of Barrow beat W.Renforth of Gateshead won a desparate race by half a length in 3 mins 39 secs. (17/09/1878) First "Sportsman" Challenge Cup - W.Elliott (Blyth) beat R.W.Boyd (Gateshead) on a foul in final. 24 mins 47 secs. Whitby Erimus Amateur Boating Club was formed.
1879	(17/02/1879) First "Sportsman" Challenge Cup - W.Elliott (Blyth) beat John Higgins (Chadwell) Mansion House to Scotswood 22 mins 01 secs. (15/06/1879) First "Sportsman" Challenge Cup - E.(Ned)Hanlan (Toronto, Canada) beat William Elliott (Blyth) Mansion House to Scotswood Bridge by 11 lengths in 21 mins 01 secs. Durham Regatta - President's Sculls presented by Rev. W.Sanday of Hatfield to Durham University Boat Club. Lost after 1893, a cup was presented for the race by Capt. Macfarlane-Grieve in 1920. The Challenge Pair of silver oars and rudder presented to Durham University BC by Rev.V.K.Cooper, replaced by a cup in 1913 presented by Rev.& Mrs Gee. Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: W.Winship of Derwenthaugh beat T.Barnes of Blaydon by 5 lengths Whitby Friendship ARC was formed.
1880	Stephen Renforth employed to coach by Stratford RC. Reference to Stephen Renforth trying to coach both Stratford and Worcester to the annoyance of Stratford's committee which demanded an explanation. (10/02/1880) Elliott (Thames Champion) defeated by R.W. Boyd of Blyth by a distance, "Tyneside's spirit of boat rowing which is inbred with the people" (Newcastle Daily Journal 10/02/1880). Boyd was the last English champion until Ernie Barry in 1913. The unattached, later St Cuthbert's Society, begin rowing. (November 1880) International Regatta on Thames sponsored by an American company Elliott and Hawden went from Newcastle and Nicholson from Stockton to race Hanlan of Toronto, Trickett and Laycock of Sydney, Ross of New Brunswick, Langan, Clasper Jnr, Blackman of Wandsworth, Anderson of Hammersmith, Feeley of Barrow-in-Furnace, Hosmer of Boston, Maine, Riley of Saratoga, Smith of Halifax and Gibson of Putney (Times 06/11/1880). (15/11/1880) World Sculling Championship on Thames between Hanlan and Trickett, pressed glass comemorative tankards produced by Wear Flint Glassworks by Henry Greener of Sunderland. McKenzie's Christmas Handicap Final: W.Kirton of Willington Quay beat T.Blaylock of Newcastle easily by 3 lengths.
1881	McKenzie and Winship's Christmas Handicap final F.Kirton of Sunderland beat William Lane of Felling in a desparate struggle in which Lane broke down close to the goal and Kirton was thus able to win by a length. Hatfield College rebuild their boathouse.
1882	(03/04/1882) First "Sportsman" Challenge Cup E.(Ned) Hanlan beat R.W.Boyd (Gateshead). Course Mansion House to Scotswood Bridge in 21 mins 25 secs. McKenzie's Christmas Handicap Final: Chas Lane of Felling beat T.Taggart of Tockton by 3 lengths Durham Regatta - Gabbett Sculls instituted and a cup presented later that year in memory of W.E.Gabbett who died that summer.
1883	(22/02/1883) Bede College Boat Club founded. McKenzie's Christams Handicap Final: John Ramsay of Newcastle beat J.A.Aiken of Glasgow, Ramsay finished alone, Aiken being dead settled 150 yards from the winning post.
1884	(19/05/1884) Court Case at Newcastle County Court concerning whereabouts of £200 due to James Renforth's daughter, Ann Elizabeth now married and called Heler. Case found in favour of daughter and widow Mary Ann, now remarried to William John Renforth (James Renforth's cousin). University College open their rebuilt boathouse. Newton's Christmas Handicap Final: J.E.Wilson beat J.Hedley by 2 lengths.
1885	Gillespie, Hogg and Newton's Christmas Handicap final J.Lambert of Derwenthaugh beat G.Nordue of South Shields by three foot.
1886	McKenzie and Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: W.Davis of Walker beat P.Mack of New Hartley after a desparate race after half a length. Handicaps changed from lengths to seconds.
1887	(07/02/1887) Second "Sportsman" Challenge Cup - G.Bubear (Hammersmith) beat G.Perkins (Rotherhithe). Mansion House to Scotswood Bridge in 23m 24s. Senate Challenge Cup presented to DUBC for senior inter-collegiate fours. Raced for since 1877. Durham Regatta - Lady Herschell Plate presented to regatta by the wife of Lord Herschell MP for Durham to be raced for by fours in strake boats over the short course. (01/07/1887) R.W. Boyd, ex-champion of England died at the age of 35. McKenzie and Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: W.Davis of Walker beat T.Taggart as he liked. (22/12/1887) Trophy presented to Andrew Henderson for Christmas Boat Handicap, chalice mounted on crossed oars and a boater.
1888	Championship of the Tyne illustrations. McKenzie and Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: J.Lindsay of Newcastle beat J.Wilson of Blaydon as he liked , Wilson making a very poor show.
1889	McKenzie and Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: R.Carr of Newcastle beat T.Shaw of Sunderland by 3/4 length.
1890	Brownlee and Cook's Christmas Handicap final G.Stoddart of Walker beat R.Carr of Newcastle by a length and a half. Reform-minded oarsmen established the National Amateur Rowing Association (NARA) as a more inclusive body than the ARA. The NARA later merged with the ARA in 1955, bringing to a close a bitter debate over amateur status that had plagued British rowing for almost a century.
1891	"Barge Day" painted by Ralph Hedley guest of the Newcastle Corporation at the Ascension day procession of boats and regatta, the Newcastle corporation and Trinity house barges are shown, the regatta followed at the weekend. (02/11/1891) W.Kirton beat J.Grieveson on the Tyne by 4 lengths for £80. (30/11/1891) Second "Sportsman" Challenge Cup - W.G.East (Isleworth) beat G.J.Perkins (Newcastle) Mansion House to Scotswood Bridge in 24m 26s. £400 a side. Brownlee and Cook's Christmas Handicap Final: T.Campbell of Walker beat W.Kirkton of Sunderland.
1892	Brownlee and Cook's Christmas Handicap Final: J.Grace of Hebburn beat W.Roberts of Walker by 3 lengths after a foul
1893	Jack Charney, the Middlesbrough professional, employed to train Kingston on Hull RC. Owens and Cook's Christmas Handicap Ffinal: G.Drummond of Mushroom beat S.Maxwell of Walker by three feet. (26/08/1893)Whitby Regatta. Professional four oared strake boat race for the championship of the North of England. The final saw Stockton beat Durham City Waterman easily. First prize of £20 donated by E.W.Beckett M.P. and G.W.Elliot M.P. Winning Stockton crew J.Walker R.Brown J.Ecclesfield J.Walker J.Sideway cox
1894	Owens and Cook's Christmas Handicap Final: W.Haines of Old Windsor beat W.Joyce of London by 2 lengths. (17/08/1894)Whitby Regatta. Professional four oared strake boat race. Stockton were awarded the final after a foul by Northern rowing club. Stockton crew J.Walker R.Brown J.Ecclesfield J.Walker J.Milburn.cox
1895	(16/02/1895) Second "Sportsman" Challenge Cup - C.R.Harding (Chelsea) beat T.Sullivan (New Zealand) Mansion House to Scotswood Bridge in 21m 15s. [Seems the Tyne was seen as a neutral river to race on so no-one had the home advantage] Cook and Winship's Christmas Handicap Final: W.Emmett of HRC beat W.Ross of New Brunswick by 2 lengths
1896	Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap final W.Haines of Old Windsor beat J.T.Ecclesfield of Stockton by 2 lengths
1897	Graduate's Challenge Cup presented to Durham University BC for junior inter-collegiate fours, raced for since 1879 but the cup was only presented in 1897. Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap final J.White of Howdon beat J.Ferhie of Stockton by half a length.
1898	Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap final W.Fraser of South Shields beat J.Lamb by a length
1899	Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap Final: G.Brown of Stockton beat J.Gibson of Putney by 6 feet
1900	Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap Final: P.Pearson of Blyth beat W.Lawson. Pearson was 3 lengths in front when Lawson eased up at Singer's Quay. A letter in the Sunday Sun from America recalls Pearson crossing the line and shouting "Wheors aal th'Cockneys noo?" Newcastle Daily Chronicle reports of the 1900 Final Hexham Rowing Club clubhouse, made of tar and paper, burnt down, and was replaced by the wooden boathouse, some of which still forms the existing building in use today.
1901	[Photo of Durham Regatta officials on Baths bridge worth scanning in?] Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap Final: Alex Barclay beat R.Taylor easily by a length. Wilson Cup first rowed for. A trophy for the club scoring the most points in the mens senior and junior races at any regatta between the Tyne and the Humber
1902	(January 1902) W.Haines of Old Windsor moves to run the Buffalo Hotel in Blyth later to coach Lavery, Haines raced the Christmas Handicap ten times winning twice also winning the four-oared Championship of England four years running as well as the pairs and punts. Tees ABC buy from John Tims and Sons of Staines a "racing four delivered to Stockton for £38.00". Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap Final: Jack Dodds of Hexham Rowing Club beat E. Barry of London by a length and a half. The event received 109 entries and was watched by 100,000.
1903	International Boat Race: England v Scotland in fours T.Hudson, P.Pearson, G.Davis, W.Haines were coxed by E.Davidson for England, P.Davidson, W.Colvin, G.Banks, W.Birch coxed by E.M'Gruer for Scotland. Trainers W.Strang and T.Lee photograph. Cook, Winship and Hail's Christmas Handicap Final: Humphreys beat A.Bushell of BRC by 3 lengths. Anthony Bushell was also a coxswain of the Blyth lifeboat and died in South Africa aged 24.
1904	First Durham v Edinburgh University boat race. St. Chads College BC founded. Cook, Winship and Hail, Watson and Gilhesey's Christmas Handicap final Tim Purvis senior WRC beat W.Hunter HRC by 3/4 length.
1905	Northern Rowing Clubs' Handicap final J.H.Cummings beat J.C.Atkinson by 3 lengths.
1906	"On the Wear" painted by Ralph Hedley, showing keelmen at work. St. Chads College boathouse built. Cook and Winship's Xmas Handicap Final: W.Rowan of WRC beat R.Sword by half a length
1907	Tucker Challenge Cup, Blyth Final: Rowed from Flanker to the clubhouse opposite Cowpen Square Davis beat Lavery. Walker and Wallsend Clubs' Christmas Handicap Final: A.Hogarth of Sunderland beat A.Fraser of South Shields by 2 lengths.
1908	North of England Combination Handicap Final: P.Thomas of Stockton beat R.Fenn NRC (absent) raced on 2nd January and Fenn claimed the race on a foul the referee ordered the men to row again but Fenn refused and Thomas rowed over.
1909	St. Johns College BC founded. Messrs Wier and Watson's Handicap Ffinal: J.Lavery of Blyth beat J.Dodds WRC by 2 feet.
1910	J.Lavery defeated Peter Waugh of Castleton for £50 a side on the Tyne by a length and a quarter. Messrs Evans, Beadling and Moody's Handicap Final: R.McAlpine SRC beat J.Unsworth DRC by 2 lengths George Sims and Sons of Putney build for Tees ABC which is billed to the club as "a first class racing four with stel tubular riggers, roller slides, latest pattern movable stretchers, heel traps and rudder carted to Free Trade Wharf - £31.20". The boat was delivered by sea by The Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Co Ltd on the S S Claudia at a cost of 95p including port charges...! Interestingly the Sims letterhead includes the statement "Sectional boats a specialite".
1911	(24/02/1911) A very detailed account in the Durham University Chronical (sic) of a Boating Fatality on the River Wear. Wansbeck RC founded as a professional club, members mostly coming from the local pit, the local Rector was President and his Curate a Vice-president. Armstrong College BC founded and acquired a boathouse at Scotswood from the Northern Canoe Club. (March 1911) James Lavery of Blyth became assistant coach to a Boston, MA club, in 1936 he returned to Henley Regatta with two athletes in the Diamonds. Messrs Evans, Beadling and Moody's Christmas Handicap Final: J.Welsh DRC beat R.Taylor NRC by half a length
1912	Messrs Evans, Beadling and Moody's Christmas Handicap: T.H.Purvis DRC beat I.D.Murray WWRC by 2 lengths Whitby Amateur Rowing Club formed. Joseph Robinson of Hexham Rowing Club won the Hexham Christmas Handicap in 1912 before emigrating to Australia and making the ultimate sacrifice at Gallipoli.
1913	(Nov 1913) James Lavery of Blyth sculling as James L.Smith defeated Harry S.Bennett former US Champion over in a gruelling race over three miles for a big stake. Messrs Evans, Beadling and Moody's Christmas Handicap Final: G.Lewis of Blyth beat J.White of Tyne Main by a length
1919	Messrs Robinson and Anderson's Christmas Handicap Final: W.McFarlin GRC beat W.Hunter of Walker RC by 3 lengths. First Durham v Oundle school race held at York over a mile.
1920	(31/07/1920) Tees Regatta is jointly promoted by Tees and Middlesbrough on the Tees Club Course. At the AGM it is reported that a Roll of Honour has been hung in the boathouse "in memory of those gallant members who fell during the war". Messrs Robinson and Anderson's Xmas Handicap Final: R.H.Walker of Stockton beat J.Parkins of Hawthorn RC by a length and a half Greek-Latin Cup presented to Armstrong College BC by overseas students for Inter-Faculty races.
1921	Bagnall's Handicap Final: J.J.Farrow of Scotswood beat William Tait of Gateshead by a length.
1922	Tees Regatta offers 4 events including maiden (novice) coxed fours which is raced in fixed seat boats. Bagnall's Handicap Final: Jack Hopper of Hexham Rowing Club backed by Newcastle bookmakers to enter the Christmas handicap as Smith and reached the semis. S.Brownlee WWRC beat J.Mordue ERC by a length in the final.
1923	Handicap promoted by a committee of local sportsmen. Final: T.Tonks WWRC beat R.Russell of South Ryton RC by 6 lengths
1924	Handicap promoted by a committee of local sportsmen final T.English Percy RC beat J.Hand Percy RC by 2 lengths
1925	Colombo cup presented by "Three old Tyne men in East". Today, it is rowed for by Tyne RC members in a private sculling match. Handicap promoted by Messrs Robinson, Tot Anderson and Captain Arrol Final: E.Brannen WWRC beat Baba Lee Barnes Bridge by 3 lengths.
1926	Handicap promoted by Messrs Robinson, Tot Anderson and Captain Arrol final H.A.Phelps, London beat E.Brannen WWRC by 3 lengths. Ted Phelps won the Newcastle Handicap at the young age of 16 from the 16-second mark.
1927	Subscription Handicap Final: A.Rowan WWRC beat A.Watson ERC by 3 lengths in 3 mins 40 secs.
1928	(21/07/1928) Tees Regatta (promoted jointly with Middlesbrough ABC) is held on the Middlesbrough course. Subscription Handicap Final: G.Payne WWRC beat Bert Barry, London by 3 lengths in 3 mins 48 secs.
1929	Subsription Handicap Final: N.Ramshaw of Chester-le-Street beat R.Bewley of Ebchester who fell overboard after a few lengths.
1930s ?	A Southwick RC sculler, Frank Cunningham, drowned when he capsized after hitting a moored ship on the Wear at Southwick, Sunderland.
1930	(28/06/1930) Tees Regatta is jointly promoted by Tees ABC and Middlesbrough ABC on the Middlesbrough club's course (Billingham Reach). Probably the last event promoted by the two clubs. Handicap Final: J.Liddle Empire RC beat D.Waggot Gateshead RC who collapsed and had to be taken out of the boat 200 yards from home
1931	On the basis that a W. Fawcus was listed as a Life Member of Tyne ARC 1926 to 1931, it is assumed that this may be the famous William Fawcus who possibly died in this year. The end for Middlesbrough ABC as their boathouse is on the site of one end of what becomes Newport Bridge, which opens in 1934. Handicap Final: V.Ormston Empire RC beat J.Armstrong Chester-le-Street RC by 3 feet.
1932	Handicap Final: N.Ramshaw Empire RC beat E.Galloway Southwick RC not sculled out.
1933	H.A.Barry won the Newcastle Christmas Handicap from scratch, the first man ever to do so. Barry beat J.Hopper of Hexham finished alone, downward course fog, Hopper struck pier of Redheugh bridge.
1935	Misses Taylor present JG Joicey Challenge Cup for senior sculls in memory of their uncle to Tyne ARC.
1938	Last Gateshead Christmas Handicap. Handicap promoted by a committee from Empire RC and Gateshead and District RC. Final: W.Ferguson ERC beat J.Beavsides Southwick RC easily with three lengths to spare.
1939	The Middlesbrough Amateur Boating Club is still homeless and many of the members go off to war. Barnes RC stroked by Bert Barry raced a Tyne crew in an event aimed to revive the rivers rivalry (Newcastle Journal 12-20/06/1933) A race for County Eights started at York Regatta, and in 1949 the Northumberland County ARA ran the County Eights event on the Tyne.
1946	Tyne United RC founded to provide a home for the remnants of the Empire, Hawthorn, Gateshead and District, and Walker and Wallsend clubs. (09/02/1946) Tees ABC and Middlesborough merge. 3rd May 1946 - a meeting is held at Mr Beckwith's office in Albert Road Middlesbrough. Present are G H Rowland, T Jobling, C Atkin, H Martin and W A Stainsby. The following resolution is passed: "That the Tees ABC merge their activities with those of the Middlesbrough ABC to form a new club to be known as the Tees Amateur Rowing Club to further jointly the interests of both clubs. That all property of the club become the property of the TARC." Middlesbrough thereby add their cash assets to the assets of Tees ABC to form Tees Amateur Rowing Club. By then the Tees assets were only a site as their timber boathouse had collapsed during the war....Pre-war stalwarts such as Frank Hall and his business partner Alf Tomlinson lead the club's reformation....An approach to The Ministry of Works Regional Disposal Officer for a war surplus hut for use as a boathouse receives the response that "few huts are available and the demand far exceeds the supply". Approaches to boat builders reveals a shortage of boat building materials and skilled labour. An invitation to attend Tyne "At Home" Regatta is received but has to be declined. In respose to Alan Anderson John Soulsby writes (21 May 1946) "we have very little money, no boathouse,and no boats but lots of optimism and maybe in a year or so you may see our colours on the Tyne again".
1947	Last professional event at Durham Regatta.
1949	Tees Rowing Club - An approach to Eldon Estates for a boathouse site at The Friarage, Yarm is unsuccessful. Discussions to take a lease from Dorman Long on an old building at Newport for use as a temporary boathouse. 16 Feb 1949 agreement signed to lease premises at Newport Works at an annual rent of £1. Extensive correspondence with existing clubs (inc Berwick, Wigan, St John's College York. York City to try to find secondhand equipment. General Meeting 14 April - agenda includes "to consider whether to construct a landing at Newport or to build on the old Tees site". Becuse of the steepness of the river bank the cost of building a landing at Newport is prohibitive and the decision is made to "return" to the old Tees site in Boathouse lane. In the meantime the shed at Newport is be used to store any equipment that is bought.
1950	Tees Rowing Club buy an old army hut for £150. It measures 65 ft long by 25 ft wide (say 20m by 8m). Application for planning permission for the erection of this timber hut to be used as a boathouse on the Tees ABC site off Boathouse Lane is submitted to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Two fours are bought from Berwick ARC for 3£0 and two sculling boats are "thrown in" for good measure. These are stored at Newport. Planning Permission is granted on 22nd of June 1950.
1952	Simon Hobbs (Kings College, Durham University) spare man for GB Olympic team, so possibly the first international athlete from region.
1955	The National Amateur Rowing Association (NARA) merged with the ARA in 1955, bringing to a close a bitter debate over amateur status that had plagued British rowing for almost a century. Tees Rowing Club - A grant is obtained from Ministry of Education. Two "strake (clinker) fours are ordered for delivery in March 1956.(Named Tweedledum and Tweedledee). Four new oars ordered from Collars at a total cost of £26-25p.
1956	Tees Dockers Rowing Club and Grangefield Grammar School are active.
1957	Tees Regatta is held at Yarm - the first regatta on the river since 1939. Tees RC acquire old clinker Eight - it's name "Mary S. Johnstone" is retained. (This boat may have come from Thames Tradesmen RC in London where she was their Treasurer/benfactor for many years). Two clinker H C Banham clinker sculling boats are bought - named "Alexandra" and "Ship" after Tees RC watering holes. Six oars ordered from F Collar (12'3" long with 3'7" inboard).
1959	The "Tulip" blade was popularized at the European Championships in Macon, and adopted by many Clubs as standard equipment. Tees RC purchased a new Edwin Phelps sectional coxed four, believed to have been one of the first sectioned racing boats. Named "The Black Bull" after the pub in Yarm. Later, the gearing is lightened by the simple expedient of cutting the riggers in half and welding in sleeves to increase the span by no less than 50mm (2"). Eventually the boat was sold to St. Andrew's University. Permission is obtained from The Wear and Tees River Board to build "The Regatta Steps" at Yarm. (These were on that part of the river bank near the Black Bull pub. Because the river was tidal they silted up and had to be dug out each year in readiness for the regatta).
1960	Tees Rowing Club bought an old shell Eight. Sawn in three before the very eyes of it's previous owners, London Rowing Club, as a preliminary to DIY sectioning by Brian Lewis the TRC Hon. Boatwarden. The boat named "The Bay Horse" after the pub in Hutton Rudby.
1962	Cambridge University trained for the Boat Race utilizing an unwieldy and primitive device developed in Australia called an "ergometer."
1962	Tees Rowing Club gain planning permission for new boathouse - estimated cost on a mainly DIY basis is £4000.
1963	Newcastle University founded as Kings College, Durham becomes Newcastle University. Tees Rowing Club - Work starts on new boathouse on Easter Saturday. Steel frame built over old boathouse so that rowing activity can continue. Main part completed by Christmas.
1964	Tees Rowing Club - Centenary year. The new boathouse is opened by the then MP for Stockton, Bill Rogers (now Lord Rogers) remembered as one of the "Gang of Four" who broke away from the Labour Party and eventually evolved into the Liberal Democrats. Middlesbrough Port Transport donate £52-50 to the boathouse building fund. Principal Guest at The Centenary Dinner is Jack Wood, President of York City Rowing Club. Frederick Nattrass Boys' Modern School arrange to use the facilities on Tuesdays and Thursdays under the guidance of their teacher, club member Tony Sayer.
1965	Tees Rowing Club boat stock comprised: 1 shell eight - The Bay Horse (old), 1 clinker eight - Mary S Johnstone (ancient), 2 shell fours (The Black Bull- 1959 and Adam - ancient), 2 clinker fours (Tweedldum and Tweedleee - 1957), 2 clinker single sculls - The Ship and The Alexandra (1957). Mrs Eva Maiden, proprietress of The Collingwood Hotel in Trafalgar Street, Thornaby presents the club with a trophy which was won in 1895 by her father, "Nutty" Walker, a professional sculler. It is decided to use it as the trophy for the club's annual scratch fours event. This was the start of a long association with The Collingwood, committee meetings were held there for many years.
1966	(10/12/1966) The Rutherford Head Race was founded.
1970	(25/04/1970) Tees Rowing Club - New boats named. Fours - "John Baker" & "Tom Nattrass", Sculls "Alf Tomlinson" & "Frank Hall", and Tub Pair "Eric Colwell".
1972	Tees Rowing Club purchase a wooden site hut from ICI for £25 and erect it as a Clubroom alongside the boathouse. First Tees Long Distance Sculls is held as an invitation event. Course from North Tees Power Station to Victoria Bridge (3.75 miles). Won by Rolf Munding of Durham University BC.
1973	Tees Dockers RC reactivated. Selset Oarsmen established. The first edition of the North East Rowing News produced. (May) Official opening of Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. (03/06/1973) New Trophy presented at Tyne Regatta. The Barratt Challenge Cup for Senior B Fours, presented by Mr. L.A. Barratt, father of a Durham School oarsman who raced in that event on the day, but finished second to Berwick ARC in the final. St. Johns College completed work on their boathouse to support an unsupported wall. (13/10/1973) Tees Long distance Sculls becomes established after a trial event in 1972. Durham ARC won the Page Pennant in front of Durham University and Berwick ARC. (Nov 1973) South Hylton ran an experimental Scullers Head, won by Ian Boyd of Tyne RC. Canon H.Olsen, Chairman of the Governers of St. Leonards School named their new four 'Obelisk' after the well known landmark near the school grounds. Mark Hayter of Newcastle University Boat Club selected to row for GB Heavyweight Squad.
1974	(06/02/1974) A crisis meeting was held at the Chelmsford Arms to discuss the future of Ebchester RC which was in dire financial straits, and short of members. The Club held a crisis meeting at the Chelmsford Arms to discuss its future, due to dire financial straits, and few members. The outcome was not to wind the Club up, but to introduce recovery measures. Bede College and Durham ARC had Ebchester boats in their possession which they agreed to refurbish. An appeal was to be made to the local council to take over the buiding and lease back to the Club. It was agreed to hold two regattas during the year. Durham ARC agreed to pay the Ebchester ARA fees. Subscriptions were to be increased to £2 per annum. (16/03/1974) The Silver Jubilee of the Tyne Head of the River Race. A special guest at Durham Regatta was 'Hero', the steam launch featured in the 'Onedin Line' TV drama, and also the ATV series on Edward VII. Whitbread have reduced the regatta sponsorship from £350 to £50. (15/09/1974) Durham ARC become the first North East Club to win the 31 mile Boston Marathon outright. The crew was Hedley, W.Parker, J.C.Kenyon and G.Graham. Tees Rowing Club takes delivery of it's first new shell four since the Black Bull in 1959. The Roland Sims of Nottingham boat is named "John Baker II". Geoff Potts, originally Tees RC, but now Durham ARC, and coached by Eric Halliday of Durham University, selected as Gt. Britain Lightweight Single Sculler at World Rowing Championships in Lucerne. First time ligtweight events included. Geoff wins the first ever WRC lightweight race & finishes 4th overall.
1976	The first crew from the North East region to win at Henley Royal Regatta since 1874, Durham University BC win the Visitors Challenge Cup. Crew: Peter McManners, Tom Durie, Peter Scott, Chris Shawcross
1977	The Dreissigackers began production of light, durable composite material oars.
1978	(05/08/1978) Stockton Regatta is reintroduced having last been held in 1939. Sponsored by Stockton Borough Council and Evening Gazette. Tees RC member Chris Kenyon succeeds Ron Bradbeer of Tyne RC as ARA Divisional Representative (a position he holds for 16 years with a 100% attendance record at Council meetings). Tees RC buy new Ray Sims shell four named "John N Roe".
1979	Tees RC Page Pennant winning team Tees RC win the Page Pennant - a trophy presented to ARA Division One by Freddie Page, Honorary Secretary of the Amateur Rowing Association, to encourage competition between the clubs. Tees RC new fours "Tim Wilson" and "The Borough of Stockton-on-Tees" delivered. Tees RC at Henley 1979 The Club made their first ever appearance at Henley Royal Regatta (beat York City R1 Thames Cup). The crew were: Cox Gary Bettinson, Str John Inman, 7 Sean Wanless, 6 Denis O'Neill, 5 Dave Carter, 4 Jack Calvert, 3 Tony McMaster 2 Martin Rawson Bow Peter MackFall. The last Yarm Regatta is held.
1980	The Newcastle Handicap event was revived for one year only, to celebrate the "Newcastle 900" years event. 54 year old Jack Russell of South Hylton competed for the first time, his Father being a finalist in 1933. (September) Tees RC VIII win Boston Marathon (31 miles Lincoln to Boston). (Nov 1980) The City of Newcastle RC was formed. A few years later, It was to merge with Tyne ARC to become Tyne RC. Queen Elizabeth High School (Hexham) formed.
1981	Tees RC buy Donoratico Four "Lady Ann". Named "Ann" after late mother of Past President David Storry and "Lady" as this was the first Tees boat named after a lady. Durham University BC 4- selected to represent GB at Match des Seniors (U23s) James Stewart, Mike Roberts, Dave Rendle, Damian Hessian coached by Eric Halladay, 5th place.
1982	Paul Johnson of Tees RC wins Silver medal in senior sculls at National Championships and wins for England in senior sculls at Home Countries. Tees RC buy Brown's of Durham Coxless pair "Frances", named after wife of former Club Captain John Hilton. Durham University BC win the Visitors Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta for a second time. Crew: Simon Pelly, Andrew Purvis, Dave Rendle, Damian Hessian
1983	Tynemouth RC (G.Brown, D. McGuire, K. Flannery, K. Hastie, cox S. Muffitt) won the Palmer Grand Challenge Cup at Tyne Regatta for the first time since 1910, a lapse of 73 years. Sadly, the Ladies Plate, another magnificent trophy from the Tyne Regatta and won by Tynemouth RC more times than any other Club and in fact by the same crew as above bar one, was stolen during a burglary at a Durham College and never recovered. Tees RC win Grand Challenge Cup at Durham Regatta for first time since 1907. They also won the fours pennant at the 31 mile Lincoln to Boston Marathon. Yarm school are introduced to rowing - hosted at Tees RC. Blyth RC closed their doors for the final time, and presented the single J.A.Hutchinson to Tyne & Wear museums. Hutchinson was Lord Mayor of Gateshead in 1951, the single to be restored at the Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead.
1985	Tees RC host the annual Northern Rowing Council Cross Country Run (aka The Sausage Run) in Preston Park.
1986	Tees purchased "Demonstrator" Empacher Vlll assisted by a bequest from the late Mr. R Storry. Named 'Harold Macmillan Earl of Stockton' Tees member Don MacDonald rows in the losing Oxford crew in the Boat Race. 1986 Durham University WBC selected to represent GB at Match des Seniors (U23s) in HW4+. Finished 5th Jo Crookhall, Philippa Cross, Di Foster, Mary Sladden, cox Jojo Freeland coach Paul Mines.
1987	Tees member Don MacDonald is President of Oxford University Boat Club and leads them to victory in the Boat Race. This was the year of the infamous "Oxford mutiny" which resulted in the crew being virtually a reserve crew and thus given no chance of winning. The story was subsequently the subject of a book and a film both titled "True Blue".
1988	The major event "Tyne Great North River Races' in Newcastle City Centre ended in controversy. The races were held between Oxford, Cambridge and Durham Universities and Durham drew clear to win by 3 lengths. Cambridge finished second but raised a formal objection when they claimed a Police launch clearing the way almost sank them. The Umpire did not order a re-row. St. Leonards School and Berwick both had boats snapped in two as the support flotilla passed them. Cambois ARC won the £500 for Sprint Eights. Durham University BC won the Visitors Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta for the third time. Scott Taylor, Mark Towers, James Chaytor, O.W.Hall-Craggs
1989	Durham University WBC Kim Thomas represented GB at World Championships in W2- Durham University BC Mark Towers and George Every represented GB at U23s in HM8+ winning a bronze medal, Simon Amies in HM4-.
1990	Durham University WBC won at Henley Women's Regatta S2 4+, Sarah van Newkirk, Laura Morgan, Elisabeth Lugg, Caroline Phillips cox Russell Slatford. Durham University BC Russell Slatford and Roger Brown selected to represent GB at U23s in HM8+ winning a gold medal, Pat Weir and Ed Bellamy in HM2-.
1991	Tees RC buy coxed four from Browns of Durham, named "Chris Kenyon". Durham University WBC won Club VIIIs at HWR Anne Lancaster, Margaret Cooke, Fran Cunningham, Ali Holland, Sarah van Newkirk, Pip Graham, Caroline Phillips, Kim Thomas cox Ed Dutton.
1992	Durham University BC won Visitors at HRR Charlie Harris, Hugo Mills, Ed Bellamy, Simon Pattinson.
1994	Chris Kenyon of Tees RC is awarded the Amateur Rowing Association's Medal of Honour "for services to the sport of rowing". Tees buy coxless pair/double scull "Aggie". Built by Harris of Oxford the boat is unusual in that it is sectioned, a feature which has since proved very useful.(now hangs in the main room at River Tees WC). Durham University BC Hugo Mills selected as spare man for World Championships.
1995	Josephine Burns of Cambois ARC wins bronze medal in the GB 4- at the World Junior Rowing Championships (7th in the 8+). Tees RC name new Coxed Quad, Donald Cooper. Tees Barrage completed, making the greatest ever change in the river making 11 miles of navigable water non-tidal. Hartlepool Rowing Club merges with Tees RC. Tees Regatta relaunched after an absence of 5 years. Tees Long Distance Sculls adopts a new course from Thornaby Woods to University College.
1996	Ed Coode of Newcastle University Boat Club selected to represent GB in HM4+ at U23s wins silver medal.
1997	The 1st Northumbria Water University Boat Race in the centre of Newcastle-upon-Tyne revived the old inter-campus races that used to be held between Durham University's Colleges in Newcastle and Durham (previously held in coxed fours). Matthew Wells of Queen Elizabeth High School wins 2x Gold Medal in World Junior Championships with James Di Luzio of Mortlake Anglian & Alpha. Ed Coode of Newcastle University Boat Club selected to represent GB in HM4+ at World Championships and wins bronze medal.
1998	Durham University WBC - Lucy Heise selected to represent GB in HW2x at U23s, 4th. Durham University BC - James Cazenove selected to represent GB in HM8+ at U23s.
1999	Matthew Wells of Hexham wins bronze at World U23 Championships in 1x.
2000	Newcastle University Boat Club - Ros Carslake selected to represent GB at U23s in HW2- won gold medal. Matthew Wells of Hexham wins gold at World U23 World Championships in 1x. Five-times Olympic Gold Medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave Not in any way shape or form a Northerner, but what history could fail to mention the amazing Steve Redgrave who commanded huge media coverage rowing in the British coxless-four and winning his fifth Olympic Gold Medal in five consecutive Olympics, an accomplishment never before achieved, and possibly never to be repeated, in any endurance sport.
2001	(November) Tees RC leaves the site in Boathouse Lane that it has occupied continuously since its foundation in 1864 and moves to new shared premises at The River Tees Watersports Centre. Fittingly their oldest boat, the tub pair Eric Colwell, is the last to leave the old premises. The 1986 Empacher Eight, Harold Macmillan - Earl of Stockton, is thorougly refurbished including a respray. Durham University WBC win at Henley Womens Regatta in LW2-. Magdalene Barron in composite with TSS which goes onto win a bronze medal at National Championships and represent Scotland at Home Inyernational Regatta. Durham University BC - Peter Rudge selected to represent GB in HM4+ at U23s, then World Championships in HM4+ that won a bronze medal. Durham University BC and Durham University Womens BC merge to become one club. Steve Redgrave Supersprints staged in Durham.
2002	Peter J.C. Wells (formerly QEHS Hexham) wins gold at World U23 Championships in 1x. Peter J.C. Wells (formerly QEHS Hexham) wins the Diamnd Sculls at Henley. The 150th anniversary of Tyne Rowing Club. Special Dinner held at the Newcastle Civic Centre on 16th December with five times Olympic Champion Sir Steven Redgrave as guest of honour. Tees RC move to the new Centre sees a significant increase in members, and greater demand for more boats. Resultant purchases: From Walbrook RC - an Eight (Mississippi Canyon) which is named "Kate O'Sullivan", a coxed four (Walrus) which is named "John and Jane Inman" and a double scull "Amethyst" one of the last Ray Sims wooden boats which is named "Arthur" (after Arthur Bivens - former TRC Hon.Boatwarden). From Phoenix RC a coxed four (Brian Bowden) which is renamed "The Old Boathouse" and from Marlow RC a pair/double scull (Bryn Evans) which is renamed "David Carter". Tees RC is accepted for Project Oarsome, the ARA scheme to bring rowing to state schools. Partner schools are Blakeston School, Norton and Acklam Grange, Middlesbrough. Durham University BC win College VIIIs at Henley Womens Regatta. Naomi Hoogesteger, Louise Buxton, Bryony Oldale, Celia Kingston, Laura Gater, Helen Loughran, Marsaili Scott, Clare Leake cox Emma Crozier. Durham University BC Peter Rudge selected to represent GB at World Championships in HM8+ finishing 6th.
2003	Jess Eddie of Durham ARC won an international rowing medal when she collected an Under 23 bronze. Durham University BC - Steve Rowbotham selected to represent GB at U23s in HM2x, Marsaili Scott in HW4- 6th.
2004	Durham University BC won at Henley Womens Regatta in senior quads Clare Leake, Rachel Harris, Ann Fines Allin, Louisa Reeve. Paul Kelly and James Clarke selected to represent GB at U23s in LM2- and won bronze medal. Newcastle University Boat Club - Henry Pelly selected to represent GB at U23s in HM4x. Durham University BC won the BUSA Championship winning the Eric Halladay Memorial trophy, the first time that Nottingham had ever lost the title. Tony Flinn became the region's first Adaptive Rowing competitor, racing in the Tees Scullers Head.
2005	(02/11/2005) The three long-standing landmark wooden lighthouses on the River Tyne Head course were permanently removed. The last crew to collide with them was a Tees Mackfall/Bettinson Vet double in the Tyne Scullers Head a few weeks prior.
2007	Tyne Rowing Club Oarsman Kieren Emery won a gold medal in the World Junior Rowing Championships in MJ4+.