Lea member Albert Scruby awarded British Empire Medal
Lea Rowing Club member Albert Scruby has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to rowing in the 2021 New Year Honours list
Albert pictured with fellow Lea members Mick Robson on the left and John Carter on the right (c) Paul Vernall
Albert Scruby, aged 78, has been rowing for 60 years, starting at Gladstone Warwick before he moved to Crowland, and before both clubs amalgamated into the Lea Rowing Club in 1980.
Pictured in the middle above, Albert has been coaching junior rowers on the river Lea since 1971, including Steve Harbut who won the Britannia Cup in a coxed four at Henley Royal Regatta in 1973.
Reaching the semi-finals of the Thames Cup at Henley Royal in 1967, missing out to Cornell University, and winning the World Masters Championships in 1971 are among Albert’s many personal achievements.
Albert was born in Hackney within the sound of bow bells on Empire Day in 1942. He was heartily congratulated by all at the club on his honour. The coincidence of his birth date wasn’t lost on him. “It took me 60 years of rowing to get the British Empire medal,” he said.
Antoinette Jucker, Lea RC President said: “Albert has given so much to the club and its predecessors for many decades. What a great end to the Lea RC’s 40th anniversary year for him to be given this well-deserved recognition.
“As well as being fantastically dapper, I remember Albert being rigorous and demanding when he taught me to row!”
Thanks to Lea Rowing Club for kindly sharing this article.
