You’ll undoubtedly be aware of the passing of Graham Pointer.
Graham joined the Club after the second world war having rowed for Oxford in the war time boat race. He rowed in several post-war Henley Wyfold Fours including one beaten in the final by our former Treasurer, Keith Osborne. Graham continued to row in Club first Vlll’s throughout the fifties and into the early 1960’s.
Graham was Captain of the Club for 5 years, Club Secretary for a number of years and a past President;
In his will Graham very generously left the Club £100,000 with the stipulation that half should be used to buy an eight/ two fours with any balance being put to the Re-building Fund along with the remaining £50,000.
The Club has bought an Empacher VIII which will be named in Graham’s honour.
It was Graham’s wish that his ashes be scattered over the River Dee.
Due to COVID restrictions it has not been possible to fulfil this wish until now.
On Sunday, 19th September the Club plans to join with Graham’s family in commemoration which will include the formal naming of the new Eight.
A small number of family and club members will travel by boat to Eccleston Ferry and on its return will stop at a suitable point to scatter Graham’s ashes.
The boat will then return to the club where the Eight named after Graham will be formally unveiled.
Any club member who knew Graham and who wishes to travel on the boat (Lady Diana) should arrive at the club for 10.30am, please contact Bonner Davies or Chloe Sheward if you wish to attend the boat trip.
The family boat naming ceremony of the Graham Pointer VIII will take place at the club at midday. Members are welcome to attend the ceremony to show appreciation for our former member and generous benefactor.
Further to this event, there will be a wider boat naming ceremony for the other new additions to our fleet, on the 9th October - this will be a club wide event and all are welcome, details for this will be circulated, please see posters around the club.