Ryde Rowing Club 1910
Ryde Rowing Club is one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest sports clubs having been in continuous existence since 1877, providing facilities for competitive and recreational rowing as well as social facilities. The present club house is at Appley. The Rowing Club had successfully enquired of the Ryde Town Council in 1971, for a permanent base at that site, to be able to continue as a competitive club.
Below is a snapshot from 1910 when the boathouse was on the Pier.
May 1910
Mr. J. B. Purnell has retired from the captaincy of the Ryde Rowing Club much to the regret of the members, after holding that position for fourteen years. He is succeeded by Mr. John I. Barton, who will be a very popular officer, and there is little doubt that under him the Club will continue that prosperity which has been so remarkable in the past. (More about John I. Barton here)
June 1910
One of the pleasantest outings given by the Ryde Rowing Club, was observed on Saturday last, when a large number of ladies were rowed by the members in the beautifully kept boats of the Club, to Fishbourne. The Captain, Mr. John I. Barton, entertained the party to tea and an extremely enjoyable afternoon was spent.
Ryde Rowing Club Races 1907
July 1910
The second race in connection with the fortnightly galley races took place off the Pier on Thursday evening in rather stormy weather, all the crews finding it hard work to reach the posts in the face of a strong wind and a choppy sea. Langdon’s crew led at the turn by three lengths, and maintained their lead to the finish. Purnell’s and Newbold’s crews made a good fight for second place, the former just getting home by a bare canvas.
August 1910
Visitors may obtain boats on the slipway on the Esplanade or on the Canoe Lake. The Ryde Rowing Club issues tickets to visitors at 10s.6d. for one month, or £1.6d. for the season, which entitles the holder to the full use of the club. The boat house is situated on the Pier, and is one of the most convenient and well arranged on the coast. The boats are numerous and exceedingly well kept. —Weekly tickets for boating can also be obtained at the Vectis Rowing Club boat house on Ryde Pier.
September 1910
The annual regatta of the Ryde Rowing Club takes place on Saturday and a very interesting programme of races has been arranged including the final of the season’s fours and a ladies sculling race. The first event takes place at 2 o’clock and some nine events will be brought off during the afternoon.
October 1910
The annual presentation of prizes and smoking concert at the York Hotel, when the Captain of the Club, presided over a crowded attendance including members of the Newport Rowing Club, the Chairman proposed the toast of their visitors, saying it was very kind of the members of the Newport Rowing Club to come to their little gathering. The Newport and Ryde clubs had always been on friendly terms, as of course they should be. Newport had beaten the Ryde club, and he hoped the Ryde men would take their licking to heart and not be always changing the crews. He was confident that Ryde would go one better next year.
December 1910
The Ryde Rowing Club had a successful season as in any previous year. The number of members was increased, while the Club’s position was very sound financially. Mr. John I. Barton succeeded Mr. J. B. Purnell as captain of the Club and proved himself a very excellent officer. The usual club races were held, the prizes being presented at a very successful smoking concert at the York Hotel in September. The annual dinner was held at the Pier Hotel on June 29th when there was the usual large gathering which was presided over by Mr. W. Player Brigstocke.
Source: IW Observer & RSHG Archive
Images: Postcards courtesy of Paul Kingswell
Article: Ann Barrett