Dave Godfrey is appointed the new president of WEARA


Dave Godfrey is appointed the new WEARA president

At the recent AGM Dave Godfrey, from the Bideford Reds Club, succeeded Pete Atkinson as the President of the Association. The position is rotated annually amongst every club in the area and is only open to each club on a 13 year rotation cycle. 

Having undertaken many positions in local rowing during his rowing career, starting in 1966, this is the highest honour that has been bestowed on Dave, having already been made a Life Member of the Reds and also of WEARA. 

Most of his success as a rower came in the 70’s and 80’s where he was a successful member of Reds Senior and Veteran crews and was fortunate to have won a number of championship titles. He still rows on a regular basis and competes at the odd regatta and head race and combines his time training juniors at the club.

He was instrumental in securing the ‘Project Oarsome’ initiative to the club some 10 years ago which provided the club with a complete new range of racing boats and other equipment for the club’s juniors, having been able to obtain this package from British Rowing. The Bideford Reds were only a small selected number of clubs throughout the country to obtain this award and also included Dart Totnes and Castledore from the South West.

During his time Dave has been the secretary of Bideford Regatta, Bideford Head and the Bideford Reds Club itself, where he has also held the position of Chairman.  He has also been an officer and a delegate of the West of England and has served the past 12 years as its Press Officer.         

Next year it will be turn of Torquay RC to nominate their choice of President and have selected Nick Cleasby to become President-Elect and who also serve the next 12 months as Vice Chairman.