DEREK RITSON
Derek Ritson, who was brought up in Milton village near to Brampton, was an outstanding member of Talkin Tarn ARC from 1946 until his death on 21 November 2006. He contributed in numerous ways to the wellbeing of the Club throughout that time.
As a competitor Derek was very successful and set very high standards of rowing technique and sportsmanship. He always set an example to other members.
Derek competed and won rowing events during seven decades, which is a fine example of his fitness and dedication to rowing.
He was one of the best strokes in the North of England and stroked Tarn crews to many a victory over the years. Those victories included the Cowan, the Palmer Grand, the City Plate, the North of England County Eights Championships and a gold medal in the British Veteran Fours.
He stroked Talkin Tarn crews in four World Masters, two in Scotland, one in Holland and one in France.
Derek was also a first class sculler and always said that the highlight of his sculling career was beating Alan Shiel of Tyne Rowing Club on the River Clyde in Glasgow to win the Senior Sculls.
He won the Tarn Championship eight times, the first in 1949.
As well as being a valuable member of Talkin Tarn ARC for many years, Derek also served the sport as an Umpire. He qualified as an Umpire in 1970 and was much respected in that position until he retired in 2003.
Derek’s vast rowing knowledge and experience has been invaluable to Talkin Tarn ARC, where he has served as Chairman, Captain, Vice Captain, Regatta Secretary, Welfare Officer and a Vice President. He also organised the very first Talkin Tarn ARC dinner in 1960.
Derek will always be remembered as a part of the Club’s history and shall be missed by all who knew him.
