A. E. Drew (1906-1987)

Extract from Chapter VI of A History of St Catherine's Rowing 1875-1999

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[Alfred Drew was one of the founding members of the Rowing Society. Text for his chapter comes from a contemporary article which appeared in the Society Magazine]

Meanwhile our personality by dint of much hard work had arrived at an important stage in his career. He took Classical Mods. in summer 1927 and gained a brilliant second class. Then followed his election to the Junior Stewardship of the JCR Michaelmas 1927 saw the opening of his annus mirabilis. Under his guidance, the Togger of 1928 made four well-deserved bumps; but his chef doeuvre was his stroking the Eight to an almost unprecedented victory of six bumps. From this his presence in the 'Varsity Trials followed as a matter of course, and on December 1st, 1928, he rowed in `B' crew at Henley, thus gaining his Trials Cap. In the midst of these activities he yet found time to discharge the duties of his office of Senior Steward. He now coaches the Togger, admonishing and advising, with extraordinary control of language, those members of the crew (and there must be many) whose action is not quite to his liking.

Photo: The 1929 St Catherine's 1st Eight. From left to right, back row: A. B. Allison (2), B. C. Brookes (4), Ll. O. Williams (spare), J. G. Miller (3), J. Marsh (bow); middle: L. O. Kenyon (6) A. E. Drew (str) G. M. Brander (Exeter, coach) C. E. Dean (7) P. C. Kimball (5); front: M. L. Harvey (cox).