CELEBRATIONS are being held to mark Newquay Rowing Club’s 50th anniversary.

People with a connection to the club are invited to attend the event, which will be held on Friday, September 5, from 2pm onwards.

There will be old photographs on display for people to reminisce and there will be an opportunity to look around the gigs.

The Rowing Club Singers will perform at 6.30pm, the Welly gig race will be held at 7pm and the Harbour Rats will take to the stage at 8pm.

Weymouth Bennett, who was the chairman of the council at the time, officially opened Newquay Rowing Club on September 5, 1975.

Phil Trebilcock from Newquay Rowing Club said: “Anyone with any connection with the rowing club whether it be rowing, family connection, coxswaining the gigs helped build the club are most welcome to attend the anniversary event.

“A few old hands will be available to chat and old photographs will be on display. Bring along any old photos if you have any.

“Newquay Rowing Club was formed in 1921 in the building where the Boathouse Restaurant is now, which was built by fishermen, boatmen and local builders with material donations from businesses.

“Mr TA Reed was a benefactor giving the club the Silver gig in 1922.

“The clubhouse today was built in the same way. A self-build by local fishermen and boatmen. Luckily Reed and Mallik were rebuilding the South Quay wall at the time so it was handy for any leftover materials each day.

“A lot of businesses supported the rowing cub committee and trustees with this. It also coincided with the refurbishment of the Clipper Bar at Hotel Bristol. The Young family kindly donated the bar, carpets, tables and chairs to the rowing club. Also Ted Amor organised discos at Doublestiles with the harbour gang as bouncers on the door.

“Both Stuart Young and Ted Amor were made life members for their support.”