ORIGINS

The Legion was formed at a meeting on 10 April 1931 at the Swan River Rowing Clubhouse, Riverside Drive, Perth, convened by Frank Shaw, President of the Fremantle Rowing Club and the WA Rowing Association. The twenty-four people present elected Mr Shaw, Chairman, Sir Walter Dwyer, President, Mr Justice J P Dwyer and Mr W H Young, Vice-Presidents, Stan O'Brien, Hon Secretary-Treasurer, Bob Jeffreys, Marks Miller, Harry Gullen and Carl Brady as Committee.

A Constitution was adopted. The aims included to band together and cultivate a Spirit of camaraderie among all persons who had participated in or supported the great sport of rowing, to foster, improve and perpetuate the sport, to take an active interest in rowing clubs, and to assist crews competing in the King's Cup and other amateur rowing contests.

Qualified for membership were those who were or had been members of rowing clubs, who had actually rowed or sculled, who supported rowing, honorary members or elected life members. The annual subscription was set at one guinea, launch trips were to be organised for members to watch the Champion Eights and final trials of State crews, and the WA Rowing Club's regatta on 9 May 1931. These trips were well supported.

The first Annual General Meeting on 26 April 1932 resolved to admit members of the WA Rowing Association Ladies Committee as members, to reduce the annual subscription to ten shillings and sixpence and to arrange a visit to Collie. The membership was 43. Eastern States interest developed and steps taken to establish a similar body in New South Wales with a constitution corresponding to that of the Legion.

The depression years of the later 1930s and the war years sent the Legion into recess. It was revived at a meeting on 16 September 1947 at the Swan River Rowing Club when George Nelson was elected Chairman, Sir John Dwyer, Patron, and Dr Leslie Le Souef, President.

TODAY

Whilst its primary role is to foster strong bonds between rowing enthusiasts through its activities. The Legion provides tangible support through sponsorship of an annual Pennant Regatta and donations for particular purposes such as items of equipment.

Membership is currently 270 and new members are very welcome. The annual subscription is $5. The main activities are the annual send-off for State crews and the Xmas function.

JOIN THE LEGION AND ENJOY THE COMING EVENTS

Membership open to all current and former oarsmen, oarswomen, coxswains and rowing supporters.

Phone: Ben Dudley 0413 946 358, Colin Douglas-Smith 9384 4337