In 1910 the Wairau Rowing club was formed on the banks of the Wairau River. The 19-21st of November marked the centennial year.
The Centennial celebrations were a fantastic weekend with a number of past and present members, supporters and families turning up for the festivities.
The celebrations began with a gathering on Friday night at the Marlborough Convention Centre foyer where the area had been decorated out with memorabilia and equipment to remind us all of rowing in the past. On arrival each registered person received a welcome pack of goodies. For many this evening was the first they had seen of past friends for some time consequently there was much to catch up on and groups began forming to talk about the past and what has gone on since then till today. The formal part of the evening commenced with club president Ivan Sutherland welcoming all to the celebrations. This was followed by various speakers who took us through their time at the club and spoke of some of the more outrageous things that occurred travelling to and from regattas and of course the regattas themselves. Some of the stories were just simply hilarious none more so than George Macdonald explaining the grief he went through when having to answer to parents why their children were in the hands of the law while on Wairau RC business (regattas). A great night.
Saturday morning all met at the rowing club for a formal planting of a tree (Kahikatea) to acknowledge the centennial. Generational photos were taken followed by an opportunity for those willing to have a row. For many it was the first time they had ever seen the new club house building. The old green shed is gone replaced by a two story purpose built facility that provides one of the best rowing environments in New Zealand. Many were simply astounded by the modern facilities, a testament to all those who toiled so hard to have it built. Of course many on the water soon discovered that their youth had escaped them some time ago and what was easy many years ago was now physically quite difficult. A reminder of how fit and well they all once were in their heyday.
Saturday concluded with a formal dinner. Mike McManaway was the MC for the night and he did a magnificent job of ensuring that the evening would be a huge success. Mahe Drysdale was the evening quest speaker and he gave all an insight into the life of an Elite athlete at the highest level of the sport. It was then left to representatives from various generations to speak on a period of club history. All the presenters made the evening not only interesting but entertaining. Various photo opportunities arose as the evening concluded with group photos of such things as all present red coat winners and people from other significant rowing events. Another great night out.
The weekend concluded with Sunday brunch at the rowing club, a last opportunity to sit with friends and mates and talk before having to say goodbyes. A fantastic weekend of celebration and well done to all who did so well with the organisation of the event.
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