Star Boating Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Star Boating Club |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Motto | Semper Refulgens |
| Location | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°17′19″S 174°46′47″E / 41.2886°S 174.7797°E |
| Home water | Wellington Harbour |
| Founded | 1866 |
| Membership | 200 (approx) |
| Affiliations | WRA, RNZ |
| Events | |
|
|
| Notable members | |
|
|
| Star Boating Club | |
|---|---|
|
Star Boating Club
|
|
| General information | |
| Type | Rowing club |
| Architectural style | Victorian |
| Location | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Current tenants | Rowing Club |
| Completed | 1886 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Chatfield |
| Designated: | 26 June 2009 |
| Reference #: | 1431 |
The Star Boating Club is a famous rowing club located in Wellington, New Zealand. It sits right by the water next to Whairepo Lagoon. This club is super old, started way back in 1866! It's one of the oldest active rowing clubs and sports groups in all of New Zealand. People of all ages, from kids to adults, can join and learn to row here.
The club's building is so important that Heritage New Zealand calls it a "Category I" historic place. This means it has "special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value."
Contents
Club History and Growth
The idea for the Star Boating Club came about in 1866. People met to talk about starting a "Wellington Regatta Club." A regatta is a series of boat races.
The club officially began in 1867 as the "Star Regatta Club" and had four boats. Soon after, its name changed to Star Boating Club. In 1881, Star and Union Rowing Club Christchurch started the first "club rowing races" that we know today. By 1903, the Star Boating Club had grown a lot, with over 400 members!
The club faced tough times during the Great Depression, a period when many people lost their jobs. Also, many members went to serve in World War I and World War II. About 150 members served in World War I, and 117 in World War II. So many members joined the army in World War II that a special 'Star Platoon' was formed within the Wellington Regiment.
Famous members from that time included George Cooke, who was the club's best rower in the 1920s and 30s. Sadly, he was killed during World War II. Another notable member was Lord Freyberg, who was a former Governor-General of New Zealand and received a very brave award called the Victoria Cross. The club even had to delay its 50th anniversary celebration for ten years because of World War II.
In 2016, the club celebrated its 150th birthday! It still has many members in Wellington who are proud to wear the club's blue and white colours.
The Club's Building
The Star Boating Club has had three different clubhouses over the years. As Wellington City grew and its waterfront changed, the club had to move four times. The first two clubhouses were simple sheds. The first shed was near where the Wellington Cenotaph is now.
In 1874, the club moved to its second shed, which was next to Plimmer's Wharf on Victoria Street. By 1883, the club needed to move again. This is when the current, more permanent building was constructed. It was designed by William Chatfield, who was also a member of the club and an architect.
The building was built on special wooden supports called sleepers. This was so it could be moved closer to the water as more land was created by filling in parts of the harbour. The building officially opened on 7 June 1886. It was then moved on rails, pulled by a steam engine, in 1889.
Building Upgrades
As part of making Wellington's waterfront better in 1989, the building was moved to its current spot. At the same time, it was also greatly improved and updated. After the big 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the clubhouse was made stronger to better withstand future earthquakes.
Other Uses for the Building
Between 1969 and 1973, a theatre group called Downstage Theatre used the clubrooms for their shows. The rowing club still used the ground floor during this time. The building has also been used for other big events in Wellington. These include the 1992 Fringe Festival, the 1993 Gay and Lesbian Devotion Festival, and the International Festival of the Arts in 1994 and 1996.
Famous Members
Many talented rowers have been part of the Star Boating Club. Here are some of them:
- Lord Bernard Freyberg
- George Cooke
- John Gibbons
- Louise Trappitt
- Ruby Tew
- George Bridgewater
- Peter Taylor
- Jackie Kiddle
Joining the Club
The Star Boating Club welcomes rowers of all skill levels, from young juniors just starting out to experienced masters rowers. The club has helped many of its members become successful rowers at national and international competitions.
Schools Connected to the Club
The Star Boating Club works with several local schools, helping their students get involved in rowing:
- Queen Margaret College
- Rongotai College
- Scots College
- Wellington East Girls' College
- Wellington College
- Wellington Girls' College
- Wellington High School
