Above Cyril Baker at Stroke in 1953

1953 at Christchurch Regatta, Cyril Baker 1st left.

Cyril Baker joined Medway Rowing Club in 1949 and he soon established himself as a leading player amongst its members. During the 1950's he was one of the Club's most prolific oarsmen and he won many races. During 1957 and 58 when Medway Rowing Club was undergoing a lull in in fortunes, it was Cyril's enthusiasm that is often attributed as the major cause that kept the Club afloat. He was among those who negotiated the amalgamation with the Chatham and Gillingham Rowing Club and was heavily involved in the move to the Blaw Knox Slipway.

He was very keen on the Club uniform and always attended regattas wearing his blazer adorned with the buttons, badge and flashes that indicated his rank as a senior oarsman. This would be accompanied by the Club tie and in his younger days he loved his boater.

He was a keen photographer and often placed in competitions with entries that were sometimes of a rowing topic.  His devotion to his other hobby is one reason why the Club has such a useful photographic record of crews and members, particularly for the fifties and sixties.

Cyril Baker in 1955 during his  reign as Captain of Medway Rowing Club.

Cyril and "Gully" Nicholls

Cyril served terms as Secretary and in 1965, when the Club celebrated its centenary, he was again pleased to be elected as Captain of the Club.  In the  photograph on the left he is seen attending the Centenary Club Dinner that was held at the Sun Hotel. He is engaged in conversation with  G. O.  "Gully" Nicholls" who at that time was Chairman of the Amateur Rowing Association.

An event particularly favoured by Cyril was the Head of the Cam.  He stroked the Club's eight in the inaugural event in 1963 and the last time he raced there was in 1969.

Cyril stroking the Club eight at the

Head of the Cam in 1964

Cyril again in the stroke seat at the Head of the Cam in 1969

Cyril served two terms as President of Medway Towns Rowing Club and held the office at the time of his death in 1990. It was his great ambition to see the Club have a new Boathouse and throughout the years after the amalgamation, it was an ideal that he worked towards.  Unfortunately it did not happen in his lifetime but it was he that made it possible by his enthusiasm and the generosity of his Will.  If he were now able to come along the Esplanade and turn into the Slipway it is very likely that the boathouse he would see would exceed his expectation of what was possible. The members have done all  they can to fulfil their obligation to his ambition but gratitude alone cannot be enough.  The Club is indebted to him and the debt can never be repaid except by building the boathouse he wanted the Club to have.

Cyril in 1990 wearing the Presidents badge