A Short History of Bairnsdale Rowing Club
Chapter 3: Post WWI Decline
The Bairnsdale Easter Regattas recommenced after WWI and provided a carnival atmosphere including bands, a night carnival, food and drinks stores, dances and picnics.
An interesting story from 1923 regatta arose from an unusual starting process used at that time., possibly made necessary by boats being held at the start in the stream. Regardless, the boats were aligned from the stern and the Bairnsdale boat was three feet shorter than the eights of the metropolitan clubs. The Bairnsdale crew finished second. As a result of the race, well known pastoralist Mr R G Brownlow presented the club with a brand new and up to date eight. Also the rules were changed to align from the bow.
John Adams in his book describes the post WWI period for the club. “Rowing failed to have the same impetus in the town after the First World War despite Easter regattas. In 1927 numbers in the club had fallen as crews were broken up with members moving to Melbourne. A “learn to row” campaign was held in 1928 which brought in new members.
“The depression and the inability of the club to stage regattas led to a further decline but young members helped to revive the club. Another regatta was held in 1935 at which the Bairnsdale maiden eight team won their event., winning again in 1936, other teams winning in later regattas. In October 1936, Mr Lind unveiled a granite obelisk on the river bank behind the rowing shed, erected to the memory of club members who served in WWI.”
During WWII, RAAF personnel stationed at Bairnsdale held rowing regattas which were popular and well attended by the local community.
John Adams continued. “Rowing continued after the war but, despite the annual regattas through to 1953, still with many Melbourne teams competing, and despite the several attempts to encourage increased membership with: Learn to Row” campaigns, membership fell and enthusiasm waned. A valuable member in these years was Constable C Peppler* who was stationed at Bairnsdale and who had been Victorian champion sculler for five years. Despite some interest in rowing by secondary school teams and some keen competition, the club was eventually dissolved at a meeting on 7th July 1965. The boats were sold to Daramalan College, Dickson, in Canberra in 1966 and the historic old boatshed was dismantled the following year. A successful regatta attracted many school teams was held in October 1981 heralding a revival in this sport.”
*Carl Peppler commenced his rowing with Essendon Rowing Club winning a Maiden eight at Nagambie. On joining the Victorian Police Force in 1929, he took up sculling and also joined Yarra Yarra Rowing Club. He had a long series of success thereafter doing very well in the handicap care the Herald Shield and also enjoying the 1/4 mile sprint races. He unsuccessfully represented Victoria as the State sculler at three Interstate Championships, 1932, 1934 and 1935.
[image of Peppler]