Albert Bell Club News

By Peter Lawson (OGC 1990), Albert Bell Club President

In November 2018, The Geelong College christened three new racing shells. An eight was named the “Colin Carstairs Bell” and two fours named the “David M Caithness” and the “Roger Smith”. It was wonderful to have the Bell family, along with David and his family present on this special occasion.

The 45th Annual ABC Dinner was held in the Dining Hall on the Head of the Schoolgirls’ regatta weekend in March. The night was well supported and included guest speaker Jeff Watt, who recounted Head of the River success with TGC, both on the Barwon and at Nagambie; recognition of decade crews; and an update from College Director of Rowing Peter Blanchfield. Original patron certificates were issued to David Ramage (OGC 1953), Louise Monotti (OGC 1983) and Andrew Lawson (OGC 1956). The AGM was held and we thanked departing committee members Duncan Ashby (OGC 1991) and Thane Joske (OGC 1990), and welcomed new members Stuart Olsen (OGC 1993) and Will Joske. It was great to see a mix of old and new faces, and lots of catching up and sharing of rowing memories!

Head of the River day at Nagambie started out damp and overcast before heating up in the afternoon. Tailwind conditions at times proved difficult, especially for some of the junior rowers. Congratulations to the five victorious HOR junior girls’ crews and well done to all crews and competitors! Thanks must also go to the supporters who made the journey and a great marquee. The final event of the season was a TGC presentation dinner at GMHBA Stadium. This was very well attended by students, parents and coaches. I had the pleasure of handing out Albert Bell Medallions to the winning HOR crew members and giving all Year 12 school leavers their Albert Bell Club boxed pin. I was also able to remind everyone about the Colin Carstairs Bell pathway rowing bursaries that will open for applications later in 2019.

In other rowing news, the following rowers represented Victoria at the 2019 Sydney International Rowing Regatta: Mimmi Balaam (OGC 2018) won a bronze medal in the Bicentennial Trophy (Interstate Women’s Youth Eight); Tom Page (OGC 2017) won a silver medal in the Wilkinson Cup (Interstate Men’s Youth Eight); Angus Widdicombe (OGC 2012) won a silver medal in the King’s Cup (Interstate Men’s Eight); and James Wilson (OGC 2006) coached the Penrith Cup gold medal crew (Interstate Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four)! Congratulations to them and any others still on the staging. Thank you to everyone who has supported the ABC over the season, whether it be through attending functions, helping at events, donating or supporting The Geelong College rowing program – it is all much appreciated and welcomed! As ever, we welcome your feedback. Follow us on Facebook at Albert Bell Club or email lawspa5@gmail.com

Peter Lawson, Jeff Watt and Dr Peter Miller at the 45th Annual Albert Bell Club Dinner.