A bench has been purchased in memory of Bill Dennis by some current and former members who fondly remember his contributions to the life of the club. Bill joined the club in the late 1970s and was an active participant until his death last year. Over the years he served as vice-captain, bar steward and is also remembered, among many other things, as chief firework-lighter on Bonfire Night and as a driver of umpires’ launches at our local regattas.
Prue Dennis with Bill’s Bench
On Sunday a short dedication ceremony was held where Bill’s widow, Prue, unveiled the bench on the eastern terrace of the clubhouse. The event was attended by the majority of the donors as well as Bill’s niece Sally Barnes and her husband, who had travelled from South Africa. Sally read “An Ode to Great Uncle Bill”, written by her daughter Megan, as reproduced below.
Great Uncle Bill, so kind and true,
A gentleman in all you’d do.
With a trick up your sleeve and a heart so wide,
You brought joy to all who stood by your side.
Nature’s own, a sportsman at heart,
Rowing together, a memory to behold.
The quad gliding along, laughter filling the air,
A bond we shared, beyond compare.
The New Year’s Eve nappy run, a moment so cherished,
You filled our lives with joy, never to perish.
Thank you to Prue for performing the unveiling and to all the donors. Roger Hine arranged the purchase of the bench.
Standing, left to right: Mike Harris, Simon Wood, Linda Hine, Frank Webb, Dave King, Paul Gunn, Aubrey Capel, Geoff Garbow, William Medlicott, Roger Hine, Adrian Ballardie,Malcolm Cook, Tony Zucker, Dave Vickers, Bev Vickers, John Peters, Graham Lloyd, Trevor Hartley.
Seated: Bill’s niece Sally Barnes, Prue Dennis, Gay Redon, Sally Peters.
Donors absent: Chris Adams, Lionel Bailey, Andrew Bramah, Nick Gittins, Andrew Goulden, Roger Griffiths, Dave Nicol, Jeremy Randall.
