York St John Boat Club: 170 years on
Established in 1852, York St John University’s Boat Club is our oldest sports club. The Boat Club has changed a lot over the years, including changing its name from the Rowing Club and back again. Over the years the Boat Club has seen the River Ouse flood multiple times, a new Boat House in 1958, and multiple students join the team during their time with us!
The Alumni Team have worked with the Boat Club to create an exhibition showcasing the club’s long history. In the summer of 2022, we installed an autographed paddle from the old Boat House and a framed blazer. The blazer was donated to the university by alumnus Raymond Walker, who rowed for St John’s College in 1941-1942.
Creating the timeline display
To celebrate the 170th anniversary of the club, we have created a timeline documenting their expansion. Using material from the University library’s archive and images shared by the current team, the display travels along the River Ouse and follows the club’s journey.
We’ve worked with York-based designers HBA Graphic Design to create the timeline. They previously designed a sports timeline for York St John University’s Sports Park which was installed in late 2021. The timeline was installed in February 2023 after the spring floodwater had receded. Despite the short delay caused by the flood, the team are happy with the result!
We’re absolutely delighted to see this brilliant project come to fruition and mark our 170th anniversary with something so unique. A snapshot of our rich history all mapped out along the place that so many of us have, and do, call home: the Ouse!
Ben Hamilton-Rhys, Boat Club Vice-Captain
The Boat House is not just a place for the team to store equipment, it is now a space celebrating the club’s history and its bright future ahead. We know many of our alumni have fond memories of rowing for the club and we hope you can relive your student memories when you next visit!
If you would like to see the exhibition when you next visit York, please contact us beforehand by emailing alumni@yorksj.ac.uk. We can arrange with the Boat Club for you to see the new display.
Will need to scan it in. There doesn’t appear to be a ‘button’ for attachments on this site??
Hi Richard
I think you are correct. There does not appear to be a facility for attachments. Shame.
Hi Richard
I rowed for St John’s in an eight and have photos of the crew on the Thames a couple of times back in ‘77 & ‘78. Currently rowing at Tees R.C. It would be good to see the photo of your crew in action.
Regards
I rowed in a four for St John’s from 1965 to 68 for which I have a photo of our crew in action. We won our Junior status, winning at Yarm on the Tees( before the barrier was installed, so the river was tidal!