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Cygnet
Cygnet Rowing Club
on the Tideway since 1890
CSSC Sports and Leisure

1890s

1st February 1890

Relatively few photographs have survived from the first decade of Cygnet's existence, Perhaps the most iconic is an official club photograph taken on the Putney Embankment in June 1891. Most of the other pictures relate to upriver rowing excursions that were popular in the 1890s, glamourised by Jerome K Jerome's book, Three Men in a Boat. More recent pictures in this section depict rowing medals and swimming trophies that have since come to light, along with the first page of the first minute book.

How it all began

The first page of the first minute book, 12th February 1890

How it all began
First Official Club photograph. Putney Embankment, June 1891

Founder member 'Wally' Wheldal standing sixth from left in the second row from the back

First Official Club photograph. Putney Embankment, June 1891
Club Rules

The obligatory black leather-bound book of club rules covering virtually every boat club contingency that could be envisaged in the late 19thC

Club Rules
1890s_2.jpg
Early Upriver Expeditions 1894-96

This and the following series of pictures chart upriver trips to Cricklade on the Thames in north Wiltshire in 1894-95

Early Upriver Expeditions 1894-96
Early Upriver Scenes

No precise location mentioned

Early Upriver Scenes
Pitching Camp

No location given, circa 1894-95

Pitching Camp
Taking a Breather

Thought to be en-route to Lechlade

Taking a Breather
Punting out of the Shallows

No further details

Punting out of the Shallows
Checking the Ran-dan

A triple sculler that would have been loaded with tent and stores for the voyage

Checking the Ran-dan
Full Speed Ahead

Above Lechlade

Full Speed Ahead
Thames-side Overnighting
Thames-side Overnighting
Making Landfall

Between Lechlade and Cricklade

Making Landfall
Somerford Keynes

A small village in Gloucestershire, close to the Thames

Somerford Keynes
Gantletts Farm, Cricklade

Eggs 24 for 1/- (5p); Milk 1/- per pailful

Gantletts Farm, Cricklade
Cricklade and Beyond

No further details

Cricklade and Beyond
Thames Head Beckons

Half a mile from the Thames Head - the river seen here passing through two holes in dry walling

Thames Head Beckons
Mission Accomplished

Arrival at Thames Head

Mission Accomplished
The Ayling Cup Medal, circa 1898

Centre piece of the Club Regatta, this medal was awarded to winners of the race for 'equal half-rigged Tub Fours, with sliding seast'

The Ayling Cup Medal, circa 1898
The Plunging Handicap Trophy, circa 1893

Swimming was added to the club's activities in 1892 with races taking place in the Thames

The Plunging Handicap Trophy, circa 1893
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CYGNET ROWING CLUB

The Civil Service Boathouse,
Riverside Drive,
Dukes Meadows,
Chiswick
W4 2SH