Albert Bell Club news

BY STUART OLSEN (OGC 1993), ABC PRESIDENT

The 2022/2023 rowing season got off to a delayed and disjointed start, with limited rowing activities due to COVID restrictions and frequent floods. However, as the season progressed, we overcame these challenges and even welcomed Year 8 students to the sport for the first time.

We commend everyone for their agility and resilience in ensuring competitive crew events at major regattas. Head of the River at Nagambie showcased some wonderful personal best performances, with the Girls Year 9 Coxed IV - Division 1 crew emerging as the winners. Congratulations to them and all competitors for their season-long endeavors!

In mid-March, we hosted the 49th Annual Albert Bell Club Dinner during the Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta weekend. Crews from the ‘03’ decade, including representatives from the winning 1983 1st IV, 1993 1st VIII, and 1963 1st VIII, attended the event. Our guest speaker, Alexandra Viney, delivered an inspirational speech about her journey to success despite facing setbacks, motivating us to overcome obstacles.

The AGM saw the re-election of the committee and my appointment as President, with Peter Lawson taking over as Secretary. The evening concluded with shared stories from rowing days past.

The end-of-season presentation occurred on the school grounds. It began with recognising rowers and presenting awards in the cloisters, followed by entertaining senior crew videos in Morrison Hall. The event had excellent attendance from students, parents, and coaches. Peter Lawson had the honor of presenting Year 12 students with their Albert Bell Club pins and awarding Albert Bell medallions to the Head of the River winning crews. The Albert Bell Club also announced the winners of the David Caithness Award, congratulations to Lucy Watts and Flynn Hanrahan! Peter also took the opportunity to promote the Colin Carstairs Bell Pathway rowing bursaries, with applications opening in 2023.

Additionally, we extend our congratulations to TGC students Sienna McCardle, Lachlan Mitchell, and Alex Williams for their selection and participation in the State Pathway crews. Sienna’s victory in the Girl’s Eight race is commendable!

We express our gratitude to everyone who supported the ABC throughout the season, attending events, assisting with functions, donating, or supporting the TGC rowing program. Your support is greatly appreciated. For updates, follow us on Facebook at Albert Bell Club or reach out via email at albertbellclub@tgc.vic.edu. au. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your continued engagement.