Members and friends are invited to a boat naming ceremony on January 4th at which the Club’s new Stampfli coxless quad will be named after former inspirational coach and oarsman Bill Parker who died in June 2021.
All are welcome to attend the club at 1pm on Saturday, January 4th as members of Bill’s family name the boat and we share memories of Bill.
The bar will be open and food will be available for those who wish to raise a glass and share some stories.
Bills contribution to Durham ARC, and rowing across the region and the country cannot be overstated, from being part of the all conquering multiple Grand Challenge Cup winning 4+ in the early 1960s, to introducing rowing at Consett Grammar School and establishing St Leonard’s School Boat Club, before achieving astonishing success over multiple decades as coach at both St Leonard’s and Durham ARC.
He was awarded the Beryl Crockford Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Junior Rowing at the 2020 British Rowing Awards.
Alan Granlund and Bill Parker with J18 8+ British Rowing Junior Championship winners 2014