Tideway Scullers School

Alex Hodges and I were in the Midland Bank Rowing Club eight in the early fifties that had the distinction of wresting the Inter-Bank Senior Eights Trophy from Westminster Bank, who had held it for the previous twenty five years. At the time this was considered a major feat , but it was a modest achievement when compared with what followed as Alec rowed, sculled and coached his way to be one of the giants of the rowing world. He was our Captain before joining a group that founded Tideway Scullers - a Club that quickly raced to the top. As hosts to the newly formed Club we basked in Alec’s glory and often forgot to mention that the Head of the River Pennant, displayed in our clubhouse, was not ours, but theirs!! I saw Alec from time to time on the banks of the Thames at Henley. - he always had that twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips. I will miss him.

Alex Hodges and I were in the Midland Bank Rowing Club eight in the early fifties that had the distinction of wresting the Inter-Bank Senior Eights Trophy from Westminster Bank, who had held it for the previous twenty five years. At the time this was considered a major feat , but it was a modest achievement when compared with what followed as Alec rowed, sculled and coached his way to be one of the giants of the rowing world. He was our Captain before joining a group that founded Tideway Scullers - a Club that quickly raced to the top. As hosts to the newly formed Club we basked in Alec’s glory and often forgot to mention that the Head of the River Pennant, displayed in our clubhouse, was not ours, but theirs!! I saw Alec from time to time on the banks of the Thames at Henley. - he always had that twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips. I will miss him.