Union Rowing Club History

The 1970s URC Reunion

The 'maiden eights' from 1972 to 1974 and coach Jim Little met for a reunion weekend in November 2012, nearly forty years to the month after the crew first took the water.

The reunion weekend was to remember and honour Brent Ashley, a good man, a good friend and URC clubmate, who died on 26 September 2012 aged 56. We also welcomed Brent's family including his wife Robyn, sons James and Robert, and mother Robin. Brent continued to have a long term link with rowing after his Union career ended. He held several positions in the Wellington Rowing Club in Wellington and took a keen interest in both sons' rowing, a high point being James Ashley's selection in the NZ under 21 squad.

The reunion stirred many memories: of wooden boats and blades, of Blenheim training camps, life under canvas in the AA Motor Camp and the Grove Tavern across the road, and of regattas at New Year. The social events gave rise to plenty of story embellishment and exaggeration. Richard Cretney narrowly won the URC 'Bullshit Bib' award presented by Jim Little from several close contenders. The compulsory row also provided an opportunity to prove that only a little of the talent and strength from four decades earlier had disappeared.

With James and Robert Ashley rowing in Brent's seat in the two eights boated, the 1972 /73 crew took to the water first as part of Saturday's events. This crew's first win [below] was the maiden eights in the Marlborough Championships at Picton on January 1st 1973: cox Richard McCall, James Sheehan in stroke seat, Brent [7], Mark Borgfeldt [6], Mike Fowler [5], Ross Paterson [4], Bruce Cardwell [3], Murray Knight [2] and Brian Lester [bow].

The same crew [with James Ashley in 7 seat and Richard McCall rowing in 2], 40 years later:

The 73/74 eight's win in the Estuary to Kerrs Reach Race in January 1974 was a highpoint of the season with this shot appearing in The Press: cox Peter Gamble, Richard Cretney [stroke], Steve Menzies [7], Mark Borgfeldt [6], Mike Fowler [5], Ross Paterson [4], Brent Ashley [3], James Sheehan [2] and Murray Knight [bow].

The 73/74 crew in November 2012 [with Robert Ashley in 3 seat]:

The crew is looking forward to Union's 150th celebrations in 2014, with the opportunity to jump in a boat again and perhaps even go for a longer row – what about the Brighton bridge, or even a re-row of the great Estuary Eights win?

Club Profiles

Jim Little

Emma Feathery

Nathan Flannery

Dale Maher

Robin Tinga

James Sheehan

Did you know?

Des and Bruce reminsce

That elusive redcoat

Union's boat naming tradition

URC boat shed opening

September 29th 2013.

Union President Brendan O'Dea described the opening of the boat shed as a new beginning for Union after the devastating impact of the earthquakes.
Brendan acknowledged the close connections between the Union and Canterbury clubs who together represent over 300 years of rowing in Christchurch.

He also acknowledged three distinguished URC life members: Des Borgfeldt, CRA and South Island Rowing patron, who performed the opening; Bruce Fraser, immediate past president of Rowing NZ; and Bruce Knight, the longest serving Union member who joined the club in 1946.
Brendan thanked Fulton Hogan for the magnificent land restoration work completed and the many Union club members who had contributed to the shed's fit-out.
He also paid tribute to Canterbury club member Brian Neill who undertook the project management of both the Canterbury and Union shed buildings.

Life member James Sheehan and URC Patron Jim Little at the flag raising

URC President Brendan O'Dea, CRC President Eddie Martin, URC Patron Jim Little, URC life member James Sheehan, CRC Patron Evan Caliman

URC life members Des Borgfeldt and Bruce Knight

URC Women's Masters

CRC life member Paul O'Brien, Jim Little, CRC President Eddie Martin

Union's Adaptive Rowers

Jűrgen and Kim who made a huge contribution to the club fit out and trailer renovation

Des Borgfeldt interviewed by TV One

URC 150th Celebrations

Everyone loves a good party and what a great party weekend the club had!

From the Meet and Greet on the Friday night at Winnie Bagoes to the final wrap up on the Sunday, it was just such a good time to be part of the Union family.

No party is a good party though unless you have guests that are in the right mood. Pat yourselves on the back for not only turning up, but also for getting into the spirit of the whole weekend event.

To those that travelled to be with us, a big thanks. Union can be proud of what it has achieved over its 150 years, and when you heard Jim cover all the successes and near success over the decades it makes one feel good to have been a part of it all. As Chairman of the organising group I would extend a big thank you to all for whatever part you played in supporting the 150th. See you at the 175th, of September 2039.

James Sheehan, Chairman, URC 150th Jubilee