The original cover of the 1975 Regatta Program

Dr. Charles Humphrey Bonnycastle, founder and president of the Kennebecasis Rowing Club.

KENNEBECASIS ROWING CLUB

Coaches

Tim Frink

Keith Radcliff

Heavy Crew

Andrew Morrison (Cox)

Wayne McConnell

Stephen Gaunce

Mark Allan

Andy Messer

Light Crew

Pat Flood

David Allan

Mike Chapman

Norman Demers

Sean McGuire

"HUM"

Rebirth of the great sport of rowing in this area began, strangely enough, in a curling rink.

The year was 1971, and a pro-forma committee developed to stage a commemoration of "THE GREAT BOAT RACE" one hundred years before, was looking for a chairman. The man with all the qualifications, in the committee’s view, was one Dr. C.H. Bonnycastle, and two members of the group chose the relaxed atmosphere of the Club to "pop the question."

The rest is history. C. Humphrey Bonnycastle widely known as "Hum" not only agreed to become Chairman of the Renforth Centennial Regatta, but promised that if it were a success, that rowing would be returned to the Kennebecasis.

So, in 1972, began the Kennebecasis Rowing Club with Dr. Bonnycastle as its first President. The beginning was, to say the least, modest with the only piece of equipment a four-oared boat cast-off from another club. There was however, "Hum’s" boundless energy and enthusiasm, and it was not long before a building appeared and also a brand new boat.

Under this man’s dynamic leadership the Club’s development has been spectacular. Three additional new boats are now on hand, and the club has its own trailer to transport the sleek crafts from place to place. In addition, a variety of equipment such as coach boats and training aids have been acquired.

The fledgling Club has not been shy of getting into the thick of competition. Under Hum’s watchful eye they have taken part in the Canada Games in New Westminster, B.C. in 1973, and the Canadian Henley in 1974 and 1975. Participation in the Nova Scotia Sprint at Dartmouth and the Renforth Regatta have been annual events also since 1972.

The opinion of the experts is that the club’s performance in all it competitions has been nothing short of phenomenal. Rarely, if ever, do oarsmen reach the performance levels the Kennebecasis Club has achieved in only three short years and a very bright future for the Club is predicted. A fine tribute to the ground work so carefully laid by Hum.

Not content with all the trials and tribulations connected with the building of a "new" sport, Humphrey Bonnycastle has served continuously as Chairman of the Renforth Regatta. This, in addition to a great variety of other interests leave him little time for home and family.

Recognizing Hum’s contribution to water sports and the success of the annual Regattas the Village Council of Renforth in 1973 made him a Freeman of the Village; the first person to be so honored.

Wherever Dr. Bonnycastle has gone he has made many friends for the Kennebecasis Rowing Club, especially in the Canadian Association of Amateur Oarsmen where he is held in particular high regard.

Through this man’s efforts and guidance, a second rowing club has been organized in Fredericton, and another one is about to begin in the Northern part of the Province.

Hum Bonnycastle is truly the father of modern day rowing in New Brunswick and his name undoubtedly will appear in annals of rowing along with the greats of the past, FULTON, PRICE, HUTTON, and ROSS (The Paris Crew) and the incomparable HILTON BELYEA.