The Albert Bell Club

STUART OLSEN (OGC 1993), ABC PRESIDENT

With no COVID-19, flooding or other natural disasters impacting the Barwon, the 2023/2024 rowing season started out well.

The 2023/2024 season

There was an increase in rowers, particularly in Year 9, and the boat shed felt abuzz. The tone set by the new Director of Rowing, Andrew Richardson, was full of enthusiasm and energy for the season ahead.

Racing throughout the season showed the promise of years to come, with strong results for the senior crews at the NSW state titles and the Year 10 girls at Head of the School Girls and Head of the River.

ABC Dinner

In mid-March, the 49th Annual Albert Bell Club Dinner was held in the College Dining Hall. The evening was attended by the ‘04’ decade crews, including representatives from the 1984 1st IV, 1993 1st VIII and the 1964 1st VIII.

Our guest speaker, Penny Smith, was very inspirational, telling us her story of success amidst several international selection setbacks. Penny has now been selected to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

ABC AGM

The AGM was over in a flash, with the re-election of the committee and the addition of Andrew Williams (OGC 1988) to Treasurer and Ben Thompson (OGC 2005) to Secretary. Thanks to Peter Lawson (OGC 1990) and Will Joske for their support as outgoing Secretary and Treasurer.

End of season presentation

The final event of the season, the College Boat Club held its end-ofseason presentation in the school grounds.

It began with the presentation of rowers and awards in the Cloisters, followed by impressive and at times, hilarious, senior crew videos in Morrison Hall! The event was well attended by students, parents and coaches.

I had the pleasure of presenting all Year 12 students with their Albert Bell Club pin, and Albert Bell medallions to the Year 10 Girls Head of the River winning crew. This opportunity allowed the Albert Bell Club to provide background to the David M. Caithness Award and announce the winners in this, its fifth year. I also took the opportunity to promote the Colin Carstairs Bell pathway rowing bursaries, with applications opening later in 2024.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Old Collegians, Angus Widdicombe (OGC 2012), stroke of the Australian Men’s VIII who came fourth at the recent World Rowing Cup II, Charlie Batrouney (OGC 2018) stroke of the Australia A Men’s four who competed at World Rowing Cup 1 and Alex Williams (OGC 2023) for being selected in the under 19 Men’s double scull to compete at the world Junior Championship in August.

Congratulations, also, to Oscar Tyrrell (OGC 2022) and Charlie Rahdon (OGC 2022) for winning medals at the Australian Rowing Championships.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has supported the ABC over the season, whether it be through attending functions, helping at events, donating to or supporting the TGC rowing program - it is all much appreciated and welcomed!

As ever, we welcome your feedback. Follow us on Facebook @AlbertBellClub or email albertbellclub@tgc.vic.edu.au