In the presence of many friends

including representatives of the Women’s Amateur Rowing Association, the West of England Amateur Rowing Association, Bideford Regatta Committee, and the two men’s rowing clubs in the town, Bideford and District Ladies’ Rowing Club on Tuesday evening entered a new era in its history by opening new boathouse and headquarters on the Pill. 

On the ground floor is the boathouse, with four craft – Rosalind, Nil Desperandum, Christine Mary and Vernon – stowed on their racks, and on the first floor is the Club room where, after the Mayor (Mr J H Sharley) had declared the new HQ open, the Mayoress unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Mrs J Mounce, chairman of the club, presided, and called upon the Captain and secretary, Mrs I Williams, who first spoke of the eight eventful years spent in their old headquarters. She recalled how much they owed to Mr Frank Day and Mrs C A Grant in starting the club, and to Mr Fred Sanguine (of London, an Old Bidefordian) for his generous gifts which, with one they bought themselves, meant that they now had three good boats.

“Undoubtedly you are undertaking considerable financial obligations but I am confident Bideford will not let such a club of really good triers down” continued the Mayor.

He gathered that in addition to Messrs. Acford and Waldon, they had received assistance from Messrs Jack Mitchell, R C Lamey, Ivor Williams and Mr and Mrs F Patt, and many others.

Mr D F B Stucley, Lord Lieutenant of Devon, whose wife was attending the ceremony as President of the Club, proposed thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress and commended the contribution of the club to the life of the community.

Mrs Mounce paid tribute to the enthusiastic hard work of Mrs I Williams for the Club.

With the commemorative plaque: Mrs J Mounce, Mr E F Day, Mrs C A Grant, the Hon. Mrs Stucley, the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr D F B Stucley, Mr Fred J Sanguine, Mrs I Williams.

Article dated 14 September 1956