A Brief History of

Medway Towns Rowing Club

In 1958, Medway Towns Rowing Club was formed from the amalgamation of two other clubs, these being Medway Rowing Club and what was then known as Chatham & Gillingham Rowing Club. Resources were pooled and it was agreed that the officers, traditions and histories of each parent body should continue to be recognized.

 A new boathouse was built from the remains of two huts purchased from the Royal Engineers at Upnor and erected on the site at Rochester by a sub contractor. Club members completed the fitting out and built the veranda.

 Medway RC's colours were Kentish red and white and the Chatham Club, amber and black, each on a white singlet.  In order to retain continuity with the two previous Clubs, one colour was chosen from each and so Medway Towns colours became Kentish red and amber on a white singlet.

Although Medway Towns Rowing Club had only been around for seven years, the Club marked its origins with centenary celebration in 1965. The Centenary Dinner was held at the Sun Hotel on Friday 7^th May and although fifty-nine people signed the attendance sheet, it was reported that seventy five were present.  Guests of honour were G.O. Nicholls, J. H. Page O.B.E. and Jan Railton.  “Gully” Nicholls of Leander Club was then Chairman of the Amateur Rowing Association, Jeffery Page the Secretary and Jan Railton the ARA Coach in charge of physical fitness.  Of the remaining attendees, one member of MTRC signed the attendance register as representing Medway Rowing Club and three others as representing Chatham Rowing Club.

In 1979, the Boathouse was renovated and the outside clad with white plastic weather boarding.  The roof was made good and the facility re-opened in the spring of the following year.  Later, services of water and electricity were added.

In 1990, Cyril Baker, the Club’s President, passed away.  He bequeathed a significant sum of money to the club with a wish that it be used towards the purpose of building a new Boathouse. It was an ambition he carried that was not achieved in his lifetime but he made it possible with his will. The new Boathouse is now standing and work is continuing towards its completion

In the years since the amalgamation, the Club has continued to organize events and travel to regattas with varying success.  The officers continue to develop the sport in the Medway area by making rowing available to as many sections of the community as possible.

This year, 2008, will see the 50th anniversary of Medway Towns Rowing Club and coupled with the jubilee celebrations will be the opening of the new Boathouse.  The Boathouse is bigger and will be better than any premises the Club in all its entities has occupied throughout its long history dating from 1865. Its opening will see the beginning of a new era for Medway Towns Rowing Club.