South Shields Amateur Rowing Club
South Shields Amateur Rowing Club was based on the river Tyne, close to the North East Maritime Centre. The clubhouse and slipway still exist. The Club was founded in 1868 and folded in 1957. There was also a South Shields Working Mens' Rowing Club which may have been based at the same location.
4th June 1870
The Northern Echo reported: “LATEST SPORTING NEWS – The annual regatta of the South Shields Rowing Club has been fixed to be held on Monday July 29th, when prizes will be given for out-rigged fours, in-rigged fours, pairs, and cutter skiffs.”
4th July 1870
Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported: Durham Regatta. No SSARC representation at the regatta.
Tuesday 21st July 1870
Newcastle Daily Chronicle published: Notice of the upcoming SSARC regatta.
Monday 25th July 1870
Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported on the SSARC regatta preliminary heats.
Saturday 30th July 1870
Newcastle Daily Chronicle published a full account of SSARC regatta in which H. Chapman is prominent. The heading to the piece is SOUTH SHIELDS ROWING CLUB REGATTA. At this time the Chronicle doesn’t feel the need to spell out that the club is amateur.
Tuesday 2nd August 1870
Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported on a new fine four oared boat built by Robert Jewitt for Tynemouth RC, based on the model of the “Tyne”, which was the boat Jewitt built for Renforth’s crew in 1869 (Renforth book P75-80). This is relevant because he also built a very fine boat for South Shields RC, perhaps around the same time or soon after, which they later loaned to Renforth’s crew in 1871. See account of Tyne Regatta 1871.
Thursday August 4th (Newcastle Daily Chronicle) Account of delayed final race of the SSRC regatta – The Ladies Prize – won by H. Chapman (stroke) and his crew. The race was for coxed fours and was contested by three crews. Chapman and his crew won by a length and a half. The prizes were first, five silver tea caddies, second, five silver toast racks. The prizes were
13th August 1881
Bell's Life reported: The events left unfinished at the South Shields Rowing Club Regatta were brought to a conclusion on Friday week, over a half mile course on the Tyne, by the side of the South Pier, and favoured with fine weather, the proceedings were participated in by a large number of spectators. Mr. G.R. Potts was Starter and Mr. Andrew Harrison was judge. Results: Mackay Challenge Cup - final heat - J. Cook, R.D. Lawson, C.E. Bell and T.T. Anderson (Stroke), 1. D. McNeil, J.L. Stainton, F.F. Rennoldson and D.U. Law (Stroke), 2. With a little advantage from the inside station, Anderson's crew held the lead throughout and won a good race by half a length. President's prize - Heat 1. J.L. Stainton, R.D. Lawson, C.G. Bell, C. Rennoldson (Stroke), 1. A.E. Leete, J.D. Lawson, T.H. Morrison, T.T. Anderson (Stroke), 2. Won by a length. Heat 2 - R.W.C. Newland, W.A. Smith, Fred Rennoldson, John White Junr. (Stroke), a bye. Final Heat - Rennoldson's crew and White's crew - The former got away with a slight lead, which they held until 200 yards of the finish, when White and his mates spurted up to them and the two boats finished a dead heat. The decider was adjourned.