News & Events
Chris Gates
6th June 2015
Christopher St John Gates - 1934 to 2015
Every successful club needs both energetic and determined oarsmen and also an equally committed team behind them to provide the support to enable them to get on with winning races. Chris Gates, who died on 21st May, was definitely in the latter group - a very committed supporter of Cygnet RC yet one who never sought to be a member of a regular racing squad.
Chris Gates was introduced to rowing during an overseas posting with the Department of the Environment to Ndola in the copper belt of Zambia and was joined in this by his wife, Margaret, who although coming from a rowing family had not rowed before going to Zambia. There were not many opportunities for competition but events were held in conjunction with the rowing club in Harare, then in Southern Rhodesia. This led to rowing on the Zambesi River, which saw then rowing along the international border, requiring crews to carry passports!
On their return to London in 1973, Chris joined Cygnet and Margaret CSLRC (the forerunner of BBLRC). Chris was the epitome of the "casual oarsman", willing to turn his hand to anything and happy to construct scratch crews around whomever was available on the night. Such qualities did not go unnoticed and Chris was soon inveigled into becoming Deputy Captain in 1982, a post he held until 1985. The photograph below was taken later in the 1980s on the occasion of a president's supper with Chris pictured second from left.
Cygnet has often been regarded as a club of administrators first and oarsmen second. Chris Gates was very much of this mould and he was soon in demand as Chairman of the Boathouse Executive. As with rowing, so with managing the boathouse, Chris's conciliatory yet firm approach got things done. However, his rowing days were far from over and the late 1980s found him running the Business House Head, an invitation event for business house rowing clubs including the clearing banks, major oil companies, utilities and London Transport. It was he who arranged for a (victorious) Cygnet veteran Vlll to row as number 100 in 1990 (out of a field of 30-something) on the occasion of the club's centenary.
Chris Gates' move to a DoE posting in Bedford in 1988, to escape the London rat race, was much regretted by the Cygnet casual squad. However, never one to let the grass grow under his feet, he and Margaret were soon immersed in St Neot's RC, where those in authority sought him out to run St Neot's Regatta, an event much-loved and well-attended by Cygnet. Under Chris's five year stewardship, a competitor-friendly atmosphere coexisted with an efficient running order that took challenges such as multiple 'doubling up' by participating crews in its stride.
Even after Chris had passed on the reins of St Neot's Regatta, he and Margaret remained regular visitors, always keen to meet visiting members of Cygnet and BBLRC, until illness precluded his attendance. A memorial service for Chris Gates will be held at St Neot's Parish Church on Thursday 11th June at 2.30pm, with light refreshments afterwards at the nearby Chequers Restaurant.
Phil Brown and Paul Rawkins
A Personal Recollection
As another of the regular "casuals", I was often in contact with Chris. A frequent evening outing was 5 oarsmen in a IV+, with cox and stroke changing halfway. This was not always appreciated by the other 3 as just when they were beginning to dream of a gentle return to the boathouse for a pint a fresh stroke could set a challenging pace. One memorable outing with Chris was in "Non-Sequitur", we fitted well together, neither working very hard, and soon had this light pair skimming over the water. My last outing with Chris was a composite IV- from St Neots RC, when we were joined by Margaret and Rubina Curtis.
It was through Chris that I rowed in a St Neots crew in the Head of the River. One of his crew had not turned up and Chris spotted me settling down in the bar to enjoy watching the race. A plea that I had no kit was answered with "we will find you some", as indeed they did with the final item (a pair of socks) being tossed over as the boat pushed off from the hard.
When Chris moved to St Neots he handed over the running of the Business Houses Head to me. This gave me several year's of pleasure with the opportunity to meet crews from far and wide. It was really rather easy as Chris had established a well organised process. It was from Chris that I learnt the art of organising the draw. To make matters more interesting we set up local matches rather than a strict adherence to the results from the previous year - London Transport (District Line) were not worried where they came, as long as they "beat the buses" (London Transport (DRS)).
The Head gave rise to a useful little earner for Cygnet, probably devised by Chris, - the pennant factory. Having set up a process for cutting and sewing the felt and someone prepared to print the artwork, it was possible to expand the production batch by taking orders for other local heads, notably from CSLRC (as it then was) for the Pairs Head. Clearly this was too lucrative market to continue as Cygnet was undercut and the market was taken over by others.
On winter evenings, Chris took on another task, that of timekeeping for the Club run, which was run on a handicap basis. Once the last (ie quickest) of the runners had left, Chris would set off on a short run of his own, to return in time for the first of the returning runners.
For a number of years, Rubina and I made the pilgrimage to St Neots, to support our respective Clubs and to meet Chris & Margaret. There was Chris at the centre of the organisation and Margaret helping out with the refreshments. Often we ended up in a local hostelry for a meal. Sadly in recent years, Chris' health made it difficult for him to get to the Regatta. The tradition will continue, however, and we have already accepted an invitation to meet Margaret at this year's event.
Phil Brown
Cygnet Weekly Update: Monday 1st June 2015
6th June 2015
Righto,
Apologies for the radio silence last week, consequently quite a lot to get through this week...
First up, you may not have realised that there was some Cygnet racing at the weekend. Bart & Gav manfully lugged their IM1 2- up to Peterborough on the roof of the Ute. Unfortunately, their efforts weren't rewarded with a win - a long way to go to lose out by only 5 seconds, but they'll be all the faster for it in their next race.
Closer to home we had boats out training over the weekend, on some lovely water (if a bit on the low side - Black Flag was out for a bit).
Looking ahead to upcoming regattas, we've got:
- Barnes & Mortlake on Sat 13th. We're finalising crews to enter for this one, including doubling-up options, so now's your last chance to confirm your availability on the spreadsheet.
- Reading on Sat 13th and Sun 14th. It looks like we might have a pair heading to Reading instead of BMI, so if you're interested in some 2-abreast racing upriver, let us know.
- Marlow (Dorney Lake) on Sat 20th June. Again, and as mentioned previously, we've got at least one pair entered.
- Richmond on Sat 27th. One we'd like to hit 'en masse' particularly since we didn't get to race that stretch when Twickenham was cancelled.
Further ahead we've also got Henley Masters (Fri 10th and Sat 11th July), where our entries of two Mas.B 4+s and a Mas.B 2- got in just before the deadline and have been accepted.
And of course St Neots (Sat 25th and Sun 26th July, where we'd like to get as many Cygnets (and Barnes Bridge Ladies) racing as possible.
So this means my now weekly plea for all active oarsmen to update the spreadsheet until the end of July. We can't race you if we don't know whether you're available to race (and train).
This week
Tues evening - outings, crew lists to follow (apologies from Coach Sue for her lack of coaching recently, as she balances it with coxing BBL for Women's Henley).
This week's erg: 4 x 750m / 1 min light pressure between each. Then 6 minutes break and repeat.
Thurs evening - outings, crew lists to follow.
Thurs evening - post-outing food, this week courtesy of Nick Rae - please let him know if you're sticking around.
Sat morning - outings.
Sat morning - post-outing crash-course (excuse the pun) on boat-fixing - see below.
Sun morning - outings.
Sun lunch - 12 pm Sun Inn lunch, please let Vicky or Michelle (BBLRC) know (vickibowes[at]gmail.com/ mweiss[at]hotmail.co.uk /social[at]bblrc.co.uk )
Other Stuff
Boat-fixing - you may know that a) we rely on Neil's goodwill and boat-knowledge to a disgraceful extent, and b) he's buggering off to live in Kent shortly. In light of that, we thought it would be useful to have a session where he shows anybody who might interested about repairing boats. Conveniently, a couple of us have put a couple of dings in boats recently. So please try and stay for no more than an hour after outings on Saturday. Please let me know if you're intending to come.
Since we're on the subject of lending a hand, it's less than two months until the captaincy re-election. So now is a good time to think about it, and if you're at all interested having a word with me, Nick B (Deputy), or Ian M (Vice (Captain)). All of whom would be happy to talk you through what's involved, and reassure you that none of the roles are as bad as we perhaps occasionally make out.
Also on the subject, there is a Cygnets Bungalow working party starting on Monday 15th, for anyone that can. Please let me or Derek Bush know if you can help out, including if you would like to stay overnight at all. There will be many jobs to do so the more that come, the merrier!
125th
You've missed the boat if you didn't order cufflinks or tshirts. However, orders for blazers and ties remain open, why not do it now via the on-line order form only.
But in terms of rare opportunities, the House of Lords reception on Friday 17th July takes some beating. There will be plenty of attendees from Cygnet, Barnes Bridge Ladies, and Benrath, and you'd be a fool to miss out. Friends and family are also welcome to join us as well as any ex-members who you know of that might not be on the email circulation lists. It would be great if you could make the organisers' lives a lot easier by going on the website and indicating that you'll be coming along. All the details are there, as is a booking form and a contact for Paul Rawkins if you have any questions or prefer to do things the old fashioned way. There is a maximum number for tickets, so don't delay.
I think that's all for now.
D
Cygnet Weekly Update: Monday 18th May 2015
18th May 2015
Evening All,First up is the disappointing news that Saturday's Twickenham Regatta has been cancelled - apparently due to too few entries. A real shame, as we had four crews keen to race (and who would have utterly dominated, obviously), and it's been a regular for us in recent years.However, the time spent practicing for this weekend certainly won't be wasted, and good to see boats out in the week and over the weekend. And particularly good to see so many 'taking advantage' of the foul weather on Thursday evening to enjoy the Squad Erg, and then staying on to enjoy the Mountains' fine catering.
With Twickenham out of our diaries, attention turns to other regattas coming up later this month and next, including:
- Peterborough Spring, Sat 30th and/or Sun 31st May. It looks like we've got at least one Pair looking to race on the Saturday, and if there's enough wider interest and availability we can make it a trailer-load. Let me and Sue know if you're interested - including by filling in the spreadsheet.
- Barnes & Mortlake, Sat 13th June. Our next 'priority regatta' that we'd like as many of our active squad as possible to be available to double-up into different crew combinations. Please put it in your diaries, and make sure you have updated the spreadsheet until at least this weekend.
- Marlow (Dorney Lake), Sat 20th June. Again, it looks like we've got at least one Pair wanting to race, so if you're up for the experience of racing down the Olympic venue (twice, one in a head-style time trial, and then in the A,B, or C final), please let me and Sue know.
This week
Tues - evening - coached outings (crew already sent out).
Cygnet Weekly Erg: 2x 15mins (5mins r19, r26, r19), 1x 10min (2mins r19, r28, etc.).
Thems of us that are doing these regularly are definitely feeling the improvement. Good to see so many of last week's ergs being completed. According to the spreadsheet we had just enough to make up an 8 - but I know there were more than that, so do remember to record your time.
Thurs - evening - no set outings. Either organise your own crew, or enjoy the Squad Erg, above.
Thurs - evening - post-outing food, courtesy of Sue E, as per Cris's email please let her know if you intend to stay.
Sat morning outings - if you cleared your hectic social weekend diary for Twickenham Regatta, don't fill it just yet. We are looking at plans to have a slightly longer coached water session, perhaps alongside another tideway club who were expecting to race that day. Watch this space.
Saturday evening - is Eurovision, in the bar, from 7pm until late. Please contact Cris, our very own polyglot Social Secretary, who emailed about this, and on the night will be able to tell you what they're all singing about. Probably.
Sun morning outings (crew lists to follow)
Other stuff
Kit - as promised, and with thanks to Mike E, a kit ordering window has been opened for us on the Godfrey site. Key details are:
Kit page: http://godfrey.co.uk/club/cygnetrc
Collation information: http://godfrey.co.uk/collation-information
Sizing guide:http://godfrey.co.uk/sizing-guide (although based on the recent experiences of a couple of us, you may want to go for a size smaller than you first though - unless I've shrunk, or unless hoodies are being worn particularly 'room-to-grow-into' this season)
Closing date: 31st May
Details are as per usual for orders - No money is taken until after the cut-off date has passed. When they have had a chance to collate the orders, they apply the discounts and then payments are taken. Worst case scenario will be the 2-11 price level, even if someone is the only person to order a particular item, if it is ordered within the club ordering window.
And since we're on kit, another reminder about the 125th commemorative kit available - order via the online form on the website. So far only Cristobal has been man enough to order the full Cygnet Monty (blazer + tie + cufflinks + tshirt).
That's all for now - and I'm afraid you'll go without an update next week, as I'll be down in the West Country for half-term week. I'm sure you'll manage.
D
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