Joint Regatta Minutes 1898 - 1903

[Bob Jefferson]

I am currently transcribing the PARC and EARC Minute Book of Joint Regattas, which covers the period 1898 - 1903, with kind permission of Bill and Derek Morrison, whose grandfather founded the Portobello Amateur Rowing Club in 1885.

PARC Boathouse
13 April 1898

Minute of Meeting of Joint Regatta Committee

Present: Messrs. Brand, Muir and Brimstone of the PARC and Messrs. Whitleaw, Black and Barton of the EARC.

On a motion by Mr Whitelaw seconded by Mr Barton, Mr Wm. C. Brand was unanimously elected Convener and it was agreed that the Convener have a casting as well as a deliberative vote.

Mr Brand pointed out to the meeting that, as recommened by a meeting of representatives of the Clubs held, it was agreed that as the income and expenditure of Regattas held under the auspices of the two clubs showed a great similarity they had recommeded that this Joint Regatta be worked on the lines of equality - which recommendation had been approved of by the committees of the PARC and EARC. It was also recommended that Joint Secretaries be appointed, one from each club, and the following gentlemen were elected :- Mr J.Y. Grimstone of the PARC to be financial secretary and Mr R.W. Whitelaw of the EARC to look after all entries. These gentlemen intimated their acceptance of office.

Mr Whitelaw pointed out that for the guidance of future committees it might be advisable to keep a minute of all proceedings and it was unanimously agreed that a minute book be purchased and an offer by Mr Muir to keep the minutes and to relieve the secretaries was accepted.

It was unanimously agreed to issue subscription cards to the members of each club and the secretary was instructed to solicit a guarantee subscription of not less than 5/- from each member. It was also agreed that the subscription card bear the names of both clubs, committee joint secretaries and date of Regatta.

As recommended by the committees of the respective clubs that the Regatta be held on Saturday the 25th of June, that date was unanimously agreed to and Mr Grimstone was instructed to engage the Pier for that date and to request from the Pier Company draft terms of agreement on the grounds of former years.

It was agreed to permit to Mr Brand to prepare a draft circular to be sent to the patrons of both clubs.

After some discussion it was unanimously agreed to engage a military band at a cost not exceeding £10 10/- and Mr Muir was appointed to call on the Royal Scots and Scots Greys and obtain terms.

It was also agreed to hold a yacht race for boats not exceeding 15 tons.

It was agreed that the next meeting be held on Monday the 25th Instant.

Thereafter the meeting terminated.