The generosity of Sean Colgan continues to amaze us. He made another substantial donation to the Foundation in March which is very much appreciated. The Foundation has also been advised of a bequest from the Estate of the Late Rosemary Richardson. The Foundation continues to fulfil its purpose for the Club admirably, providing 4% of its capital to the Club annually for equipment and athlete support. If you would like to join the Foundation and assist securing the future of your Club, please talk with any one of the Foundation trustees – Mal Batten, Andrew Guerin, Tim Frederico, John Harry or Jeff Lawrence. Thank you to Mal and Pip Batten who hosted Sean and Bibi Colgan on their recent trip to Melbourne.
The Ron and Rosemary Richardson
Prior to her untimely death, club member Rosemary Richardson wanted to buy the Club a new eight and oars that would be used not only by the Club to win races, but also by the King’s Cup eight to win the King’s Cup. Rosemary’s father the Late Ron March was a long term and successful Victorian selector who attended the Interstate Championships annually taking his young daughter Rosemary along for these trips. Rosemary loved the Interstate Championships and became well known throughout the Australian rowing community. Her fond memories of her childhood stayed with her throughout her life and prompted her donation. Her boat was delivered in March, sadly after her death. It was christened by her family and used by the Victorian eight to win the King’s Cup. Rosemary would have been very pleased. The crew toasted Rosemary after their win.
Mercantile Umpires
The great tradition of Mercantile providing the sport with good umpires continues with Bill Webster being President of the Jury at both the Australian Rowing Championships and the Victorian Championships. He was ably assisted at both these regattas by Duncan MacKinnon. Andrew Guerin was President of the Jury at the recent APS Heads of the River regatta. Of note this year was the retirement from umpiring of Graeme Boykett. Thank you Graeme for your many years of service to umpiring.Mercantile umpires will again be prominent at international events this year with Duncan MacKinnon umpiring at World Cup 1 at Varese Italy and Andrew Guerin at the FISA Masters at Banyoles Spain. This will be Andrew’s last international umpiring job after an international career of 30 years which included umpiring at the 2000 Olympic Games and at two senior World Championship regattas.
Andrew Guerin – Patron