What's In a Name?

Celebrating the People Behind the Boats at Monmouth Rowing Club.

Alec Woods or MON 801

PLEASE NOTE - LINKS IN THIS BLOG WILL ONLY WORK FOR MRC MEMBERS

At Monmouth Rowing Club, we know that every boat has a story — and not just the story of races won or blisters earned, but of the people they’re named after.

This week, we’re delighted to unveil a new addition to the Members area of our website: a section dedicated to the history of the names behind our fleet. It's a place where you can read and contribute to the history of the legends (and lovable rogues) of the club’s past, and even add your own stories to keep the memories alive. Whether you rowed with them, raced against them, or just heard the tales passed down in the boathouse, we want to hear from you.

At the moment we have just two completed entries, but members can upload a photo (just one please) and add a story or some history.

Or if you want, just send a bio of your favourite boats to Alex, Our webmaster

The two we have to start are Alec Woods and James Alison.

James Alison or Coxed Four MON 414

Why are we doing this? Because names like Alec Woods and James Alison mean more to us than just some vinyl letters on a hull — they’re our friends, mentors, and predecessors. Their contributions made the club what it is today, and this is our chance to preserve their stories for the next generation (you know, the ones who think "sliding rigger" is a TikTok trend).

Take Alec Woods, for example. A man of many talents — most notably his time in the war and his life on and off the water and as a kind benefactor to the club.

And then there’s James Alison. Known equally for his love of adjusting boats as he is his medical skills, James has been supporting the club for nearly thirty years.

By sharing these stories, we’re not just honouring the past — we’re enriching our present. Every novice who learns in a boat named after someone great gets a little piece of that person’s legacy. And we think that’s something worth celebrating.

So, whether you’ve got a tale to tell, a photo to share, or just want to have a browse, head over to the new section on our website. It’s still growing, and we’d love your help to build it into something as rich and spirited as the club itself. Feel free to add your story or write a bio and send it to Alex.

Because at Monmouth RC, we don’t just row together — we remember together.

Now, who’s going to write the one about the boat that mysteriously ended up in the pub garden?

See you on the water.