Club mourns East Sleekburn rowing stalwart

Posted by The Journal on Oct 19, 09 11:20 AM in News

Norman Howitt of Cambois Rowing Club Tributes have been paid to a highly respected rowing enthusiast who devoted his life to one North East club and helped introduce countless talented youngsters to his beloved sport.

Popular Norman Howitt, the president of Cambois Rowing Club based on the River Wansbeck in Northumberland, died in hospital earlier this week, aged 71.

His death leaves a huge hole in the thriving club to which he gave six decades of voluntary service as a rower, coach, official and supporter.

Mr Howitt, a former coal miner who lived with his wife Ann in East Sleekburn near Bedlington, was awarded an International Olympic Committee certificate in 2002 in honour of his tireless work for the sport of rowing. He was also honoured by the Amateur Rowing Association.

A keen oarsman himself in his time, he was a passionate and hard working member and official of the Cambois club, which was first established on the River Blyth in 1911.

Mr Howitt first got involved with the club at the age of 11, became coxswain to the crews and went on to become a stalwart for 60 years. He also served as an expert umpire at rowing and regatta events across the UK.

He visited the club every day, combining his duties as coach, president and safety officer with tasks such as keeping the boathouse clean and tidy. Mr Howitt died in Wansbeck General Hospital last Monday, after being taken ill the previous day when he returned home from his daily visit to the club.

Yesterday Cambois Rowing Club chairman, John Matthews, said: "Norman has been involved with the club for most of his life and has been an absolute stalwart. He was at the club every day and did all sorts of jobs.

"Over the years he has gone out to schools to recruit young people into the sport and has coached countless rowers, including Elaine Johnstone who recently represented Great Britain at the world championships in Poland.

Norman Howitt "His death has been a terrible blow to the club and he is probably irreplaceable in terms of his commitment and the amount of time he spent here. Rowing was his life for as long as I can remember and his world revolved around this club."

Mrs Howitt, 67, said: "Norman was well respected all over the North East. Rowing was in his blood and he always loved the sport. He never got paid and just did it for the love of it. I am devastated by his loss because we have been together for 50 years."

Mr Howitt's family, who will gather for his funeral service at Cowpen Crematorium, Blyth on Tuesday afternoon, have asked for any donations to be made to the rowing club.

To leave a message of condolence, go to www.journallive.co.uk/remembrance

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