FORMER DOGGETT'S WINNER CELEBRATES HIS 90th BIRTHDAY

Eric Lupton, Vice President of Gravesend Rowing Club and winner of the prestigious Doggett's Coat and Badge, celebrated his 90th birthday in March (pictured here with Mayor Harry Smith).

As a professional waterman he was due to race for the Doggett's Coat and Badge in 1940, but the postponement of all events from 1939-1945 meant that it was actually contested in 1947. An accomplished sculler, Eric was also the last European professional champion in sculls.

A real character, Eric is very much a part of the club's history. His sculling blades and one of his decorated 'backboards' (just visible in the photograph) hang in the club.

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