York St John boat club celebrates 160 years

York St John University boat club is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year, and marked the occasion with a special event on Saturday 10 March, depicting the club’s proud history in an exhibition at York St John Students’ Union and with races on the river Ouse in York.

Formed in 1852, the boat club began life just eleven years after York St John’s foundation in 1841. The boat club at York St John has gone from strength to strength over the years and now has a membership of over 50 students and regularly competes against other universities in the region.

The celebratory event coincided with Old John’s weekend, an annual get-together for York St John University alumni. The Students’ Union and Alumni Development Office work together to invite students back to the University to partake in a weekend of society and sporting participation as well as socialising. This year current students and returning ‘Old John’s’ rowed against each other on the river and members of the club from past decades also returned to witness the special occasion.

Brett Arnall, Alumni Development Manager at York St John said:

“This is one of the great parts of the job, welcoming back our alumni. The boat club has a very proud history and thanks to alumnus John Maw, we have a comprehensive history file of the boat club which goes back to 1893. Alumni of the boat club have sent us photographs dating back to the 1940’s for which we are very grateful for.”

Lloyd Frith, President of the boat club said:

“I am very proud to be president of such an established club, with such a rich history. Being able to participate in races whilst celebrating our 160 year anniversary as president has been a highlight of my time at York St John. Although I am in my final year I look forward to returning for the Old John’s reunion in future years.”