Blyth Rowing Club

Blyth Rowing Club was a professional rowing club, formed in 1899 and based in South Harbour, Blyth, Northumberland. They changed their status to amateur during the 1950/60s. Significant members were Phillip Pearson, a professional sculler and father of the Pearson Brothers Tom, Doug and Jimmy, who carried on rowing well into their eighties, eventually moving to Cambois Rowing Club when Blyth folded. Tom and Doug were absolute gentlemen and great supporters of rowing generally and very close; in fact they passed away within minutes of each other in Wansbeck Hospital; together in life and together in death.

14th November 1899
The Shields Daily News reported:
In the presence of a large gathering of patrons, the new house acquired by the Blyth Rowing Club, was opened Saturday afternoon by Richard Nicholson, President of the club, who, in the course of a pithy speech, mentioned the fact that already a membership of over 50 was on the books. The house, he said, boasted exceptional facilities and accommodation for carrying out the intentions of the club. There was room for a large number of boats. At present the club was in possession of four, two of which had been christened the "Isaac Tucker" and "Dr Newstead" respectively. After the ceremony a boat race was rowed between two members of the club, Messrs Anty Scott, of Blyth, and Robert Thompson, of North Seaton. The course was over quarter of a mile for £10. The river was scarcely as smooth as the proverbial duckpond, a fresh breeze causing a nasty ripple. The North Seaton man got away fast at the commencement, and held the lead for the first hundred yards, but Scott then got on terms, and eventually won a good race by two clear lengths. Sunday morning, another member of the club, Mr Luke Rhodes, whilst taking practice in one of the club boats, came into collision with a jetty, and upset his craft. He managed to get hold of one of the cross beams of the jetty, and held on till he was rescued from the shore.

26th August 1905
The Morpeth Herald reported:
An interesting ceremony took place at the Theatre Royal, Blyth, when, during the interval, Mr. Fred. Ferry, representing Isaac Tucker and Co., Gateshead, presented the Tucker Cup and prizes to the successful rowers. The prize-winners A. Uddgreen (cup winner), J. Charlton 2, 11. Nicholson 3, A. Henderson 4. Mr. Thomas Lee and a number of supporters of the club were present the stage. Mr. Fred. Ferry, of Gateshead, in handing over the Cup, said that he had been honoured in being asked make the presentation. He then gave a brief outline of the club's history, and said it was inaugurated in 1899, and the Isaac Tucker Challenge Cup was rowed for the following year, when it was won by Philip Pearson. (Applause.) Thomas Hudson won in 1901, John Tate in 1902, Geo. Davis in 1903, C. Allan in 1904, and this last year by Mr. Uddgreen. (Applause.) Mr. Ferry went on to point out that in 1900 Mr. Pearson won the Tyne Christmas Boat Handicap, and three years later A. Bushell succeeded in rowing a good second. At the various regattas the club had always done well, and could claim to the best single sculler and the beat four-oared crew in the North of England. (Applause.) That was a record of which the townspeople should be proud, and he hoped that they would all give the club all the encouragement they possibly could. Mr. Ferry further pointed out that the sport of rowing ranked first as far as muscle exercise was concerned, not only one, but every muscle of the body was developed. He then handed the cup and gold medal over the care of Mr. Uddgreen, promising that the club could be assured the support of his firm. — Mr. Uddgreen briefly returned thanks. An amusing incident occurred when Mr. Thos. Lee came forward to thank Messrs. Tucker and other supporters of the club. The curtain by some accident fell, and Mr. Lee's speech remained undelivered.

9th December 1905
The Morpeth Herald reported on a struggling financial situation:
Mr. Thomas Lee, Secretary of the Blyth Rowing Club, at the meeting on Friday evening, presented the annual balance sheet, which showed an income of £11 3s, and expenditure of £6 16s 4d, leaving a balance of 6s Bd. After discharging loans this balance will be exhausted.

3rd November 1921
The club must have been in dire straights in respect of activity (presumably because of the effects of the Great War) because in 1921 a meeting was held to attempt to revive the Club. The Blyth News reported: A meeting of those interested in the revival of the Rowing Club was held in the Quoits Ground, Cowpen Square, on Sunday morning. Mr Alex Mather was appointed pro tem. A further meeting will held at the same place next Sunday morning, when it is expected that the number of members who handed in their names last Sunday will be considerably augmented.

22nd May 1924
The Blyth News reported:
The Blyth Rowing Club is making satisfactory progress, and has just added four new boats - one double and three single scullers, to its equipment of craft. The new boats will be "christened" on Sunday week. the ceremony taking place at the Import Dock.

10th May 1937
The Blyth News reported:
A club handicap is to be held by Blyth Rowing Club in the South Harbour on Coronation Day, the start being timed for 2.30. Ample facilities exist for spectators wishing to enjoy an afternoon of interesting aquatic sport.

18th May 1937
The Blyth News reported:
Blyth Rowing Club regatta in the South Harbour on Wednesday afternoon, provided interesting sport for members and their friends. After a number of close and exciting races W. Allen's crew beat J. Evan's crew and J. crew for the final honours. The winning crew was S. Menzies, D. Pearson, S. Stafford and W. Allen (stroke). It is proposed to hold a full professional handicap in the summer.

24th December 1941
Taken from the Blyth News, Ashington Post:
Tom Lee Recalls Great Rowers and Notable Races: Christmas Day Charity Match at Croft Park Anybody knowing the history of Blyth Rowing Club from the late part of the last century to about the last ten to fifteen years of the present century will also know Mr Tom Lee. On the other hand, what Tom himself does not know of the same history isn't worth knowing. If he had forgotten much of it he could be readily excused, seeing that he is now going on for 87 years of age. Actually, however. he retains a wonderful memory of details and he astonished me by the easy way he quoted dates, races, individual rowers and crews. More than that, Tom impressed me as a splendid type of veteran sportsman. One of Mr Lee's memories of 1903 was the performance of Tony Bushell in the Tyne Christmas Boat Handicap. In spite of having to give four seconds start in the final to J. Humphrey, Newcastle. and also having the heavier side of the course in consequence of the prevailing weather conditions, Tony finished a close runner-up. Turning again to the professional four-oared handicap at Durham Regatta. Tom well remembers their members winning the finals of 1909 and the following year and reaching the semi-final in 1905 and 1911. Tom was born at the Old Folly - now an extinct part of Blyth in June, 1855, and lived for 60 years at 11 Cowpen Square before removing to his present address, which, of course, is near by. When he finished work on reaching 72 years of age. he had done 60 years and three months as a miner and all under the Cowpen Coal Company. Throughout the years Tom was connected with the Rowing Club he kept an "ever-open door" for the members, who found this very handy because of his home in Cowpen Square being so near the river.