North Seaton Rowing Club

North Seaton Rowing Club was a professional rowing club formed in 1908 and was based on the north bank of the River Wansbeck at North Seaton. Although the Club was formed in 1908, there are occasional reports of races prior to that date with scullers from North Seaton.

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. 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 over a course of a quarter of a mile for £10. 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.

4th July 1913
The Morpeth Herald reported:
NEW BUILDING - New headquarters are being erected for North Seaton Rowing Club on a site kindly given by the Cowpen Coal Company, and this will enable the members to take greater advantage of the tides. The Coal Company has also generously subscribed towards the cost of the new building.

29th August 1919
The Morpeth Herald reported:
CONCERT IN AID FUNDS - In aid of funds for the North Seaton Rowing Club, a successful concert was held on Wednesday evening in the Hippodrome, which was kindly lent for the occasion. There was very large and appreciative audience. Colonel J.H. Nicholson, of Cowpen presided. The chairman said that it must be very gratifying to the club members to see such a large audience. He was glad the club was endeavouring to keep up the good old English sport of rowing. The club was formed eleven years ago, and remembered when they had to go down to the shore for the boathouse. They asked the Colliery Company if they could have the boathouse built at the village and he knew that it had been greatly appreciated. The Coal Company appreciated the club’s thanks, knowing that had been a success. The club went on very well until the war. Of course, they had had ups and downs. Once when the club was in low water, Mr. Young granted them the use of the Hippodrome, and as the result of an excellent entertainment, they raised a goodly sum. During the war, nearly all the members had enlisted, and now that they had come back the club had got started again, and he hoped the club would be very successful in the future. Mr. Young had again granted them the use of the hall as he was always ready to help the North Seaton People. The club had bought two new sculling boats, and he felt sure that the club would benefit considerably, as a result, of that concert. (Applause.) The programme, consisting of vocal and instrumental music proved a great musical treat. Those who contributed to the programme were all well received. The artistes were Miss Stewart (soprano). West Sleekburn, Miss Tweddle (soprano). North Seaton, Mr. L. W. Crane (comedian). Bedlington, Mr. P. Riggs (bass), Choppington, Mr. J. Jordan (rag-time comedian), Newcastle, Mr. J. Stewart (tenor). West Sleekburn, Mr. C. Hunter (clog dancer), Bedlington. Messrs. A. Owens and T. Ritson (duetists), North Seaton. Pleasing selections were played by North Seaton Colliery Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr. R. Kirkup. On the motion of Mr. Isaac Brown of the Colliery, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Colonel Nicholson for presiding.