Durham Amateur Rowing Club names five new boats

Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC) held the event on Sunday, December 14, with members and past rowers gathering to reflect on the club’s progress and the people behind it.

Many of the new boats were named in tribute to long-serving members and contributors.

Club president Angela Lund names The Darc Energy (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

The first to be named was a coxed quad, the Fred Snowdon & Gordon Beattie, in honour of former club president Fred Snowdon and junior coach Gordon Beattie.

Mr Snowdon’s association with the club dates back to the 1960s, while Mr Beattie began coaching at DARC around 30 years ago, guiding international rowers like Jess Eddie and Hope Cessford.

Crowds gather for the ceremony (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Next was the Major George Adair, an octuple named for the former club captain and masters vice-captain.

Club President Angela Lund also named three other boats in typical DARC style: the Prince of Darcness (a pair), DARC Humour (a single scull), and DARC Energy (an eight).

The club had planned to follow the ceremony with a scratch regatta, but high winds forced those plans to be cancelled.

Named in honour of Major George Adair (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Instead, members gathered for a group photograph and a paddle-past by the 3 River Serpents dragon boat with photographer Kevin Creaghan on board.

The morning featured reflections from chairman Nigel van Zwanenberg, president Angela Lund, and former rower Jess Harris, who now coaches at St Peter's School in York.

The Major George Adair is named (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

The ceremony served not only as a celebration of new equipment but also as a tribute to the people who have shaped the history and spirit of the club.

Members then retired to the clubhouse for refreshments and a chance to catch up with former teammates and volunteers.

Taking to the water (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Darc Humour (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Fred Snowdon and Gordon Beattie (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Current and former members honour the club’s growth and community spirit (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC) celebrated its expanding fleet with a boat-naming ceremony on December 14, bringing together current and former members to honour the club’s growth and community spirit (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Major George Adair (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)