A Special Visit from the Melvin Family
An evening of family, memories and rowing history as we celebrated the remarkable connection between Doug Melvin and Lancaster John O'Gaunt Rowing Club.
We were delighted to welcome Simon, John and Janet Melvin, together with their partners, to Lancaster John O'Gaunt Rowing Club for a very special gathering celebrating their father, Doug Melvin.
A piece of JOG history comes home
Doug first joined JOG as a teenager in the 1940s and won his first rowing pot at Lancaster Regatta in 1946.
The family brought that very trophy back to the club, together with his Wingfield Sculls medal, giving current members the chance to see some wonderful pieces of rowing and club history.
Club stalwarts Colin and Neil were also there to welcome the family and share plenty of stories and memories of Doug and his years at JOG.
From Lancaster to the Tideway
Doug's rowing talent was recognised by local businessman Sir Harold Parkinson of Hornby Castle.
Sir Harold arranged for Doug to transfer from the North Western Electricity Board to the London Electricity Board, allowing him to move south and train on the Tideway.
Still racing for JOG
There was one important part of that arrangement: Doug would continue to race under the Lancaster John O'Gaunt banner.
London may have become the base for much of his racing career, but his connection to Lancaster remained.
An exceptional rowing career
Doug went on to enjoy an outstanding career in the sport while remaining closely connected to JOG.
A boat bearing his name
The highlight of the visit was the naming of one of our Swift single sculls in Doug's honour, with his daughter Janet performing the christening.
It was a fitting way to mark a connection with JOG that began more than eight decades ago – and means that Doug's name will continue to be seen out on the Lune.
Another piece of rowing history
Simon also very kindly presented the club with a copy of Water Boiling Aft: London Rowing Club – The First 150 Years.
The book includes Doug's story and records his contribution to both London Rowing Club and Lancaster John O'Gaunt.
Rowing certainly runs in the Melvin family. Simon and John both followed their father into the sport, and Simon remains heavily involved today as Chairman of London Rowing Club.
Family, friends and club memories
It was a brilliant afternoon bringing together family, old friends and current members – sharing stories, looking back through the club's history and celebrating someone who played such an important part in JOG's story.
Doug's competitive achievements were remarkable, but this visit was also a reminder of something much bigger: the friendships, family connections and memories that can grow from a lifetime in rowing.
We are delighted that a boat carrying his name will now ensure that Doug Melvin remains part of JOG's story every time it takes to the water.
Gaunt to the fore.