I am sorry to have to inform you that Roly Metcalfe, a long standing member of DARC, passed away peacefully on Friday, after a short illness.
Roly was a member of DARC for many years, indeed he was one of the Vets who introduced me to rowing over 20 years ago, coxing his crew at Tideway several times as a Junior.
More recently he has been at the forefront of fundraising at the club raising money for club funds and St Cuthberts Hospice, amongst others, with his band.
Friends are invited to join family for his funeral next Tuesday 10th December. The service will be at St Cuthberts Church (North Road – Durham) at 12.15 then at Durham Crematorium at 1pm. Everyone is invited to join us afterwards at the club for refreshments.
Mark Bell
General Manager
Richard Mortimer writes:-
Roly held many roles within the Durham Regatta Committee and will be greatly missed. He served as Regatta Secretary for a number of years and was instrumental in forging links with many local bands, along with being a very keen supporter of our various video projects, that help us to showcase the regatta at its best.
After stepping down as Secretary, Roly took on the Sponsorship Secretary role and was instrumental in helping to increase our sponsorship income and bringing in a number of title sponsors.
During the regatta weekend Roly always played a central role in the start marshaling areas and was also a member of Barry Owen’s timing team in past times.
Roly was always cheerful and willing to help. He will be sorely missed.