STAN WINGFIELD - A REAL DIAMOND

January 2007 saw the 60th anniversary of one of Gravesend Rowing Club's most familiar faces. Records show that Stan Wingfield was accepted as a member on January 22nd 1947. Many old rowing friends and past club members attended a celebratory lunch in his honour, including three past winners of the coveted Doggett's Coat and Badge (Eric Lupton and sons John and Robert) and several former Club Captains.

Stan (shown 6th from left) has himself had a number of wins over the years, and as recently as 1999 and 2000 was class winner in the Veteran Scullers Head. He continues to row every week in a veterans' eight and clocked up a total of more than 400 miles during 2006, as well as being in the winning crew of the club's Scratch Fours race in September. Current Captain, Carole Trowbridge, describes him as an inspiration and a true gentleman. "Like many others, it was Stan who coxed and coached my first ever outing at the Club. He's still fully involved in all activities, both on and off the water, and his knowledge and skill are invaluable."

Stan recalls that his own first outing was in one of two tub pairs, and that the only other boats owned by the club were two 40ft clinker fours, a 43ft clinker racing boat, a Thames double sculling skiff, and one rumtum.

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