A tribute to Rolls Pollard, ARA Medal of Honour

It is with great sadness that British Rowing recently reported the death of Roland (Rolls) Pollard aged 82 years.  A tribute will be published in the June issue of Rowing & Regatta and we have been advised that the funeral will take place at Peterborough Crematorium on Wednesday 9th May at 2.30pm followed by a celebration of Rolls’ life at Peterborough City Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough.

A member of Peterborough City Rowing Club for over fifty years, during his Chairmanship Rolls ensured that the club was run on a business-like basis chairing several sub-committees as well as the main committee. At the same time he found time to be an umpire for many years playing a part in the formation of the National Umpires Commission and for a period was Chairman of the Eastern Umpires Commission. He was also for a period Chairman of the Eastern Region Rowing Council.

Rolls’ work for the sport in general was recognised in 1989 when he was presented with the A.R.A. Medal of Honour by Neil Thomas, the President of the A.R.A. More locally he won other awards including the Evening Telegraph “Unsung Hero” Award in 2001.

On retirement from the Chairmanship of PCRC in 2006 Rolls became President and remained active particularly in the 100 Club continuing to help with fundraising. At the same time he was made a Life Member of the club.