Leeds University BC – 100 not out
For much of its hundred year’s existence Leeds University Union BC has been the only rowing club to offer the sport in one of Britain’s biggest cities.
Formed in 1912, the club has seen many changes in its long history. Recently uncovered documents from the middle of the last century alluded to the decision to ‘allow female members’ – albeit grudgingly, harking back to times and attitudes long since gone.
The author and playwright Alan Bennett even referred to the rowing club in his childhood memoir ‘A Life Like Other People’s’, remarking that Leeds University wanted to promote itself to a ‘higher class of student’.
Today, the rowing club trains out of a boathouse in York, but plans for a shared facility with Leeds Rowing Club are on the horizon. In 2012, the club had one of its most successful years of recent times, with high placing for men’s and women’s crews at BUCS and strong showings at Head of the River.
The Olympic boost has contributed to record levels of interest in the club this year, with 501 students signing up for a taster session during freshers week. A centenary dinner will take place in Leeds on 27th October, featuring guest speaker, Guin Batten.
Alumni or friends of the club wishing to attend should email: [email protected] or visit the club website: http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/clubsandsocieties/sports/boatclub in the next seven days.
