The History of CCBC

Although the enthusiasm of early members survives to this day, not all traditions have survived. Notably the annual picnic, given by the members of the Boat Club and friends interested in the welfare of the Club, was abandoned in 1871, despite its success. However, staff support, particularly the Principal, Vice-Principal, and the Head of the Modern (Military & Civil) Department, greatly assisted the Club’s development. Their support, in addition to friends of College, ensured the purchase of equipment and establishment of prizes.

A blow to the Club came in June 1881, with an anonymous OC letter published in the Cheltonian, suggesting that College ‘did away with the Boat Club’. The author argued that College ‘attempt[ed] too much in games’ and ‘considering how often we fail in some, (…) it is a great mistake to go in for them all’. They argued that College would compete better in sports such as cricket, as talented pupils would no longer be diverted by ‘more independent ways of amusing’ themselves.

The Cheltonian’s next edition saw a pointed reply from A. F. Sim (Boat Club Captain), asserting that ‘anonymous letters, treating matters of importance, are considered valueless. Men who have suggestions to make worth listening to are not, as a rule, ashamed to put their names to them.’ Sim went on to highlight how the variety of sport offered College the opportunity to rejoice in its ability ‘to hold its own in every branch of athletics’. Fortunately, his sentiment was shared by College!

To support the Club, Hugh Reeves (1882-4, Hazelwell; Cheltonian Society President, 1923-4; College Council, 1929-1952), bought the land on the Cheltenham side of Lower Lode ferry at Tewkesbury as the site for a Boat House. Previously the Club had used Bathurst’s Boat House in Tewkesbury. The new facilities were a great success: built in 1928, the Boat House allowed for the efficient transfer of boats to and from the river, and improved road access to Lower Lode reduced wasted time spent getting to sessions. Spacious dressing rooms and shower baths on the first floor were installed, and a permanent boatman was employed to care for the boats and see to the team’s needs. Today’s pupils have also benefited from major renovations to the Boat House, including a new roof and first floor refurbishment.

By Katie Barrett (2019)