In memory of Bamber Gascoigne, a great friend to the River Thames community and a generous supporter of all things to do with the traditions of rowing.
Bamber was a regular user of the Thames, beside which he lived in Richmond; swimming in it and rowing on it, encouraging others to enjoy it and appreciate it.
His interest in young people was extensive. He was President of the 14th Richmond Sea Scouts, based near to his home, and when Mark Edwards produced a drawing for a new class of wooden boat, the Skerry, Bamber saw its potential for young people to enjoy the companionship of rowing and formed a charity, “Skerries for Schools”.
He was also in at the birth of the Richmond Bridge Boat Club, which was set up in number 3 Arch and started by rowing the Great River Race Thames Waterman’s Cutter. A design of boat suitable for the long distance of the Great River Race which Mark had drawn in 1992.
Bamber was a regular competitor in the Great River Race until his 80th year.
A familiar face on the waterfront at Richmond, always pleased to say hello and have a chat his genial figure will be greatly missed.