Lumley Ferry Rowing Club

The Club operated near the site of the present Chester-le-Street ARC on the River Wear during the years 1891 to 1898. Lumley Ferry RC existed at the same time as Chester-le-Street Rowing Club and both had professional members amongst their ranks, although the Lumley Ferry Club appeared to cease operating by 1898.

21st August 1891
The Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported:
AQUATICS. During the evenings of the present week an open boat handicap in connection with the Lumley Ferry Rowing Club has been rowed over a half mile course on the Wear, finishing at the ferry. The handicap was rowed in Mr James Curry's open boats.

1st February 1892
The Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported:
Lumley Ferry Rowing Club — The members of this popular Club are bestirring themselves for the coming season, and in order to bring the club more to the notice of the public, a performance of the "Silver King" was given in the Princess Theatre, Chester-le-Street, under the patronage of the club. The Pelton Fell Brass Band also attended, and rendered some choice selections during the intervals. There was a crowded attendance, and at the conclusion of the performance, Mr James Curry (Captain) on behalf of the club, thanked the audience for their attendance, and in the course of his remarks he said that the club intended to have the useful art of swimming taught to all the members, and that other attractions would be added, in order to maintain the Lumley Ferry Rowing Club as the premier and most successful club of the district.

13th May 1892
The Sunderland Daily Echo reported:
On Wednesday night, the members of the cub inaugurated the season. The attendance was large, and the proceedings were a thorough success, first boat launched was the skiff Catherine, in which was seated the captain of the club - Mr. James Curry. The newly-acquired four-oared boats were next set afloat for the first time. Mr Edge, of the Northern Rowing Club, performed the ceremony naming the boats the Tyne and Wear respectively.

25th March 1893
The Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported:
Lumley - A special meeting of this club was held at the club house, Kings Head Hotel, Chester-le-Street There was a large attendance of members, and a number of new members were enrolled for the incoming season. It was decided to open the Club on Wednesday, April 4th. The Secretary read the report for the year, which gave unlimited satisfaction, the Club having had a very prosperous year, was clear of all debt, and a very substantial balance was in hand. James Curry was re-elected captain, G. Bell, Vice-captain; J. Gladston Secretary; W Place, treasurer: J Swalwell, Chairman; Committee: John Edmondson, W Edmondson, Geo Gordon, John Waugh, Alf Hall, Will Turnbull. It was oleo unanimously agreed to held a swimming club in connection with the club.

12th June 1894
The Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported:
In answer to the Lumley Ferry Rowing Club, we, the Durham crew, will row them over the same course in best and best boats; on level terms for £25, open for £5O aside. Meet at J.G. Marley's Horns Inn, on Wednesday night prepared to make a match.

13th August 1896
The Newcastle Daily Chronicle reported:
Lumley Ferry Rowing Club - A meeting of the members of this Club was held last night at Mr. Cussons Dun Cow Inn, Chester-le-Street. There was a large attendance of members and friends, and in the course of a social gathering the prizes for the recent handicap were presented to the winners as follows: First: Wm. Beattie, 24 sec, Challenge cup and gold medal given by Mr Wm. Cusson. 2nd: R. Wray 25 sec. Gold medal given by Mr John A. Thompson, Kings Head Inn, Chester-le-Street. 3rd: Enoch Waugh 1 sec. Gold medal by the Club. 4th: Geo. Gordon, silver medal by Mr Joseph Ashworth, Fighting Cocks, Chester-le-Street.

21st August 1896
The Durham County Advertiser reported:
The final heat of the second handicap in connexion with the Lumley Ferry RC was rowed on Tuesday night in Mr James Curry’s open boats, over the usual half-mile course, and resulted as follows: Peter Waugh, scratch, 1; Gilpin Smith, scratch, 2. A splendid race from start to finish, Waugh winning by a short length

3rd June 1897
Durham regatta programme:


8th June 1898
Durham Regatta Programme: