The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Tribute paid to rowing stalwart Rowland, 82
TRIBUTES have been paid to the man behind the growth of rowing in Peterborough who has died.
Rowland Pollard – better known as Rolls – died last month aged 82 after a short illness.
Mr Pollard was best known in the city for his involvement with the Peterborough Rowing Club, where he was club chairman for 37 years, as well as holding the posts of captain and president.
Current chairman of the rowing club, John Canton, paid tribute to his predecessor and said: “Rolls has left a club immeasurably stronger and better for his involvement. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr Pollard was also known as a successful businessman and ran Pollard’s Flower Shop in Queen’s Street and later in Park Road.
He joined the rowing club in 1952, following his brother Jim, who was already a member.
Mr Pollard had such success at rowing in his early years that, he was made club captain in 1957, continuing in the role for two years, before the pressure of running his business forced him to stand down.
At the time the clubhouse was based in a large wooden shed with no amenities, but during his time on the committee, Mr Pollard played a big part in raising money through a local football pools scheme which enabled a proper boathouse to be built in 1961.
Mr Pollard stayed as chairman for 37 years through a period that saw great changes in the club, including the move in 1983 from the river to the purpose-built rowing course where it is now based.
Through his term as chairman there was also a big expansion in the number of members, most particularly in the number of juniors in recent years through membership of a scheme called Project Oarsome.
At the rowing club Mr Pollard was well known for his love of cooking, with his speciality dish being whole salmon poached in cider.
During his time as a florist, he was also a leading light in the Interflora organisation and was Chairman of the local region for many years. In 1975 he was awarded with the Interflora “Gavel” Award in recognition of the high standards that he maintained.
Mr Pollard’s funeral will be held tomorrow at Peterborough Crematorium at 2.30pm, which will be followed by a wake, being held at the club. All club members are welcome to attend.