Early in 1914 John Charles Paul stroked the winning Barwon crew of the Maiden Eight at Ballarat.

There is more than a touch of human interest in a letter from Lieut. J. C. Paul … It was written in Egypt on February 13th last and is from the pen of a man who has the power, in simple, unvarnished language, to draw a picture of the battle front as seen by a soldier. It tells of the introduction of the Australians to active warfare in the trenches, and is one of the most interesting epistles yet received in Adelaide.

Captain John Bell and his Monkey. Well, I tootled off with the other chaps behind me ….

Flight Commander H. H. Storrer. Choosing death, he went out like a man …

The Barwon Rowing Club is Geelong's oldest rowing club; it was established in 1870 but it's foundation was built upon a solid history of earlier clubs and rowers. In 1856, four young boys worked together in a local aerated waters and cordial factory located near the shores of Corio Bay in Geelong.They were employed as watermen, rowing the company's supplies and products from ship to shore.

A wooden pair has been hanging in the Barwon Rowing Club’s shed for as long as our oldest members can remember. For 118 years past and present members of the club have cared for the boat. Thanks to their committment, we are now able to confirm not only that the boat belonged to the great Steve Fairbairn but that it is one of the oldest and most important wooden shells remaining in Australia.

Who would have thought that organising the Barwon River’s first regatta could be so difficult! In 1876 in Geelong it became the subject of a fierce debate in the press and an acrimonious fight between two local clubs, with accusations of elitism and class bias.