Rowing
History of Rowing in Orange and District
Rowing regattas were held when Gosling Creek Reservoir was first opened in 1890.
In Lucknow, a boating lake was built by the instigation of Henry Newman, constructed in their spare time by the men who worked in the mines. The lake was built to give the miners and their families a means of recreation and took to the water in a variety of craft. Women also became proficient at boating.
An enclosure extending the full width of the winning end of the lake was reserved for ladies with shelter from the suns rays provided. On the opposite side of the bank sat the starters, judges and timekeepers box. Bunting flying in the breeze from the poppet heads and posts around the lake suggested a gala festival. The normal attendants, a shooting gallery, swinging boats, merry-go round, doodle-em-buck, refreshment room and a stand for the band accompanied such sporting gatherings
Rowing in the district has remained popular. In 2004, Orange City Council granted Kinross Wolaroi School permission to undertake rowing training on Spring Creek Reservoir. The school has already been extremely successful, winning numerous medals in the 2005/2006 season and receiving wide acclaim for their success in such a short period of time.
The club now has a fleet of 29 boats, comprising 2 eights, 3 fours, 7 quads, 4 pairs, 2 double sculls and 11 single sculls. The program has taken off within the school and in 2006 there are now 88 rowers and coxens in the program.
The school is anxious to encourage other schools to participate and for the general public to become involved in the sport. Only in it's early days, the Rowing club looks set for a big future in Orange and district.
