I first met Bob in 1955 as an apprentice at Newall Engineering, Bob a turner.  He convinced me and three other apprentices to form a crew.  In those days we travelled  to regattas by bus with boats strapped on top. On one trip I remember (Norwich regatta after the dance) I challenged  Bob to lead the singing all the way back to Peterborough (rowing songs) and he did. When I started coaching in the 70s the crew lost in the final. Again Bob came to the rescue – he said tell them you have reset the boat to go faster. l did this and they  won! One of Bob’s  rules was that all were meant to be broken, and he would always be  controversial if possible.

A good friend for the last sixty five years who I will miss.

(And from Esme – vivid memories of Bob, on Sundays at noon in the bar, deliberately scattering crisps for the dog to scoop off the floor. And he was adamant that Jaffa cakes were part of his diet plan.)