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A website, UNDER CONSTRUCTION, to celebrate Clive Hole's Life
Some words about Clive
Isle of Skye sailing expedition - by: Paul Dickson
I think it was 1977. I was camping at Dunvegan, Isle of Skye with a bunch of ODs and Clive drove onto the site out of the blue with Tuppence, hauling his wayfarer dinghy. We had some great expeditions in the wayfarer, fishing for mackerel, which we cooked back at the campsite and sailing round to the Stein Inn, a popular haunt, for a memorable afternoon session. Good fun and great memories. RIP Clive.
Uploaded by: Paul Dickson on 2021-05-09-09-59-19
Uploaded by: Paul Dickson on 2021-05-09-09-59-19
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Talkin Tarn A.R.C. - by: Mike Dodd
It was with deep regret that we heard of the untimely death of Clive Hole. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the family and to Clive’s many friends and acquaintances, especially at Durham A.R.C, I know he will be sadly missed by you all.
We remember Clive as a long-standing member of Durham A.R.C and a Northern Region legend, making an outstanding contribution to rowing in our region at every level over many years.
Clive was a regular attendee at many regattas over the years and frequented Tarn Regatta for as long as I can remember, he was known to have cycled to Tarn, race, and spend the night drinking and skinny dipping, then cycling back to Durham.
It was always a pleasure for me, to bump into Clive at Durham Regatta and chat about old times and bygone races. He could always come up with an interesting and humorous tale.
Clive was a true sportsman and a gentleman, highly regarded in the rowing fraternity.
On behalf of Talkin Tarn A.R.C and in particular, myself, I send our condolences at this very sad time.
Yours Sincerely
Mike Dodd.
Uploaded by: Mike Dodd on 2020-11-27-13-17-38
We remember Clive as a long-standing member of Durham A.R.C and a Northern Region legend, making an outstanding contribution to rowing in our region at every level over many years.
Clive was a regular attendee at many regattas over the years and frequented Tarn Regatta for as long as I can remember, he was known to have cycled to Tarn, race, and spend the night drinking and skinny dipping, then cycling back to Durham.
It was always a pleasure for me, to bump into Clive at Durham Regatta and chat about old times and bygone races. He could always come up with an interesting and humorous tale.
Clive was a true sportsman and a gentleman, highly regarded in the rowing fraternity.
On behalf of Talkin Tarn A.R.C and in particular, myself, I send our condolences at this very sad time.
Yours Sincerely
Mike Dodd.
Uploaded by: Mike Dodd on 2020-11-27-13-17-38
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coaching masters women - by: Gabrielle Moore
Clive taught most of us masters women how to sweep row, he was a very patient and wise rower and coach, though he didn't let you get away with anything... "Teddy bear hands Gabby, Teddy bear hands" he would shout as I cringed trying hard to flatten my wrist rather than reaching round the oar handle ! As ladies captain I passed many newcomers to Clive to be helped and coached by him in a tub pair..and the ones who started like this invariably became the better rowers! A lot of us owe him a great deal !
Uploaded by: Gabrielle Moore on 2020-11-25-14-43-44
Uploaded by: Gabrielle Moore on 2020-11-25-14-43-44
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Dedication to the cause - by: shirley ann robinson
So there we were at Tees in October 2016 with ET (sorry, Clive) about to cox us. I think we were due to row at about 2.30pm. Deb had brought along portions of homemade, nutritionally calculated "go-fasta pasta" and chocolate brownies for the crew and for Clive to eat at pre-determined times (our rowing was average, but our dietary preparations were second to none).
At the appointed time Deb announced that it was time for the pasta to be eaten and we all tucked in as though our lives depended on it. But not Clive. He just sat and dispassionately watched us wolf it all down. Deb, concerned, asked him why he wasn't eating. "I've had nothing to eat since 7.30 last night" he replied. "But why" asked Deb, even more concerned now. "Weight in the boat, weight in the boat" was the reply. No amount of cajoling would persuade Clive that he should eat. He believed that it would make a negative difference to our performance and that was the end of the discussion. He was ready to make a sacrifice on our behalf (even if we weren't!!). Thanks Clive. You were, and always will be, a legend.
Uploaded by: shirley ann robinson on 2020-11-18-17-27-14
At the appointed time Deb announced that it was time for the pasta to be eaten and we all tucked in as though our lives depended on it. But not Clive. He just sat and dispassionately watched us wolf it all down. Deb, concerned, asked him why he wasn't eating. "I've had nothing to eat since 7.30 last night" he replied. "But why" asked Deb, even more concerned now. "Weight in the boat, weight in the boat" was the reply. No amount of cajoling would persuade Clive that he should eat. He believed that it would make a negative difference to our performance and that was the end of the discussion. He was ready to make a sacrifice on our behalf (even if we weren't!!). Thanks Clive. You were, and always will be, a legend.
Uploaded by: shirley ann robinson on 2020-11-18-17-27-14
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Break In and Fall Out - by: Simon Thomson
One night, in Brown's, many years ago and not long after my first sailing trip with him, we had all gone our separate ways to bed, Peter and Zelga to their room, me to mine and Clive to his and settled down for a well-earned sleep.
At about 1am, there was a loud BANG as the front door slammed shut due to the lean of the building. The poor soul who found the unclosed door and entered to see what he could find, was somewhat taken aback by the noise, turned and failed to reopen the door as the yale lock turned the wrong way to unlock it. We had, by now, all woken and rushed out on to the landing to see what the commotion was all about. Zelga and I took one look at each other and quickly returned to our rooms and donned a duvet each!
Clive, pyjama clad, but without his glasses on, shouted down the stairs. "What are you doing?”
The man took fright, ran, in panic out of the open door on to the small, low wall enclosed veranda, and jumped over…
It was quite a fall, some 15 feet to the landing stage and he didn’t land well, so there he stayed until the police came to take him away.
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-18-17-25-51
At about 1am, there was a loud BANG as the front door slammed shut due to the lean of the building. The poor soul who found the unclosed door and entered to see what he could find, was somewhat taken aback by the noise, turned and failed to reopen the door as the yale lock turned the wrong way to unlock it. We had, by now, all woken and rushed out on to the landing to see what the commotion was all about. Zelga and I took one look at each other and quickly returned to our rooms and donned a duvet each!
Clive, pyjama clad, but without his glasses on, shouted down the stairs. "What are you doing?”
The man took fright, ran, in panic out of the open door on to the small, low wall enclosed veranda, and jumped over…
It was quite a fall, some 15 feet to the landing stage and he didn’t land well, so there he stayed until the police came to take him away.
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-18-17-25-51
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Is it ET? - by: shirley ann robinson
From our earliest outing with Clive in 2012, Deb and I had progressed to being in a quad with Gene and Yvonne. We decided to enter our first "big girls race" at Tees Regatta in October 2016 (Deb and I must be slow learners!) After a bit of pleading we persuaded Clive to cox us. We turned up on the day and searched for the elusive Clive. Couldn't spot him. Eventually, someone looking like a cross between ET and a homeless person (see photo for comparison purposes) hove into view; Clive in his apparently usual coxing outfit! He then told us that he was rowing "commando" because during a previous capsize years earlier, his underwear had weighed him down and nearly caused him to drown!! Poor Gene in stroke; over 10 miles of studiously averting her eyes!! But then maybe it was one of Clive's genius coaching techniques - "eyes ahead, not down."
Uploaded by: shirley ann robinson on 2020-11-18-17-07-32
Uploaded by: shirley ann robinson on 2020-11-18-17-07-32
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Animals in the boat - by: shirley robinson
In 2012 Clive took Debbie (my sister) and I out in one of the very stable boats (tubs) in our very early days of rowing and tried to get his scary dog (Toby?) to get in with us. Toby didn't fancy his chances with 2 rowing novices, so declined the offer, much to our relief. We assumed taking a dog out in a boat must be normal in rowing! Whilst we were on the river Clive told us about previously rowing with a goat (or was it a sheep?) in the boat. Even we knew THAT didn't sound normal.
Uploaded by: shirley robinson on 2020-11-18-16-41-16
Uploaded by: shirley robinson on 2020-11-18-16-41-16
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He did it his way - by: John Wennington
Clive’s 57th birthday party was on the Prince Bishop. “Just bring a tin of Heinz” he said. 57 varieties! That’s when celebrating a 57th birthday suddenly made sense. We steamed off a label from a tin of beans and stuck it around a bottle of whisky. On the Prince Bishop I remember that the weight of guests got it grounded. We were stuck fast just before the Bandstand. We all had to shift our weight and jump to order to get the boat afloat again. Afterwards Clive joined a few of us Dragon Boaters in a Durham pub for a nice end to a fun day.
Off to a competition in China. We knocked at Browns. Clive wasn’t ready! Did he even remember? “Give me a minute”. Moments later he reappeared with a plastic bag and his passport. He bought some T shirts when we stopped off in Hong Kong. Then he danced in a tropical downpour as we sheltered from the torrential rain. Afterwards he brought his small amount of dirty clothing back to UK in a large, ornamental Chinese vase.
On that first China trip. We paddled in a procession with other teams around the massive lake with hundreds of thousands of spectators. With a Chinese girl stood up holding our name plaque -she was struggling to keep her balance. The boat wasn’t going straight! Clive had the helm. Eventually I just had to turn around. Clive was stood on the back with a camera taking photos of the crowd and proceedings while trying to keep us in line with the rest of the procession. The rest of the trip he often 'disappeared'. Hiding under that Chinese hat trying to blend with the locals.
Another trip. Flying from Gatwick. We’d stayed down there overnight for an early flight. Where was Clive? Then he turned up and removed his soggy passport from his back pocket. Passport Control looked at him suspiciously. “Oh, I slept under a bush last night”. Obvious really!
Racing in the Lake District. We transported Clive’s bike there too. I’m not sure how long it took him to get back or where (or how often) he stopped off on route. “I’ll just find shelter somewhere” he said. He was back at Durham when we turned up for training the next week.
How many times have we said, “Where’s Clive?” before we race. But he always turned up at the very last minute. Unreliably reliable or reliably unreliable? But he always made it just in time. Why sit around and wait when you can be collecting tree and plant seeds or exploring the local area?
At first meeting, unorthodox and bit whacky. Intelligent, clever and brave. Adventurous, skilful and always questioning. Reliable (mainly), caring and honourable. A one off! Someone who helped many and made a difference.
Uploaded by: John Wennington on 2020-11-18-15-29-12
Off to a competition in China. We knocked at Browns. Clive wasn’t ready! Did he even remember? “Give me a minute”. Moments later he reappeared with a plastic bag and his passport. He bought some T shirts when we stopped off in Hong Kong. Then he danced in a tropical downpour as we sheltered from the torrential rain. Afterwards he brought his small amount of dirty clothing back to UK in a large, ornamental Chinese vase.
On that first China trip. We paddled in a procession with other teams around the massive lake with hundreds of thousands of spectators. With a Chinese girl stood up holding our name plaque -she was struggling to keep her balance. The boat wasn’t going straight! Clive had the helm. Eventually I just had to turn around. Clive was stood on the back with a camera taking photos of the crowd and proceedings while trying to keep us in line with the rest of the procession. The rest of the trip he often 'disappeared'. Hiding under that Chinese hat trying to blend with the locals.
Another trip. Flying from Gatwick. We’d stayed down there overnight for an early flight. Where was Clive? Then he turned up and removed his soggy passport from his back pocket. Passport Control looked at him suspiciously. “Oh, I slept under a bush last night”. Obvious really!
Racing in the Lake District. We transported Clive’s bike there too. I’m not sure how long it took him to get back or where (or how often) he stopped off on route. “I’ll just find shelter somewhere” he said. He was back at Durham when we turned up for training the next week.
How many times have we said, “Where’s Clive?” before we race. But he always turned up at the very last minute. Unreliably reliable or reliably unreliable? But he always made it just in time. Why sit around and wait when you can be collecting tree and plant seeds or exploring the local area?
At first meeting, unorthodox and bit whacky. Intelligent, clever and brave. Adventurous, skilful and always questioning. Reliable (mainly), caring and honourable. A one off! Someone who helped many and made a difference.
Uploaded by: John Wennington on 2020-11-18-15-29-12
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Interesting Catering - by: Paul Rutter
Now I've only seen a pigs head cooked twice. My wife Sarah cooked one for some wacky recipe but my first experience was the one on Clive's Rayburn at Brown's Boathouse.
I'd been tasked to run along from the School boathouse to pick up some bits and pieces and firstly was so surprised that the building was completely unlocked, but venturing in through the kitchen area I saw this snout sticking out of a large bubbling pan on the Rayburn ( think it was a Rayburn or maybe AGA ). Definitely an enduring image.
Having been coached through National selection in a coxed pair for two intensive years and latterly regular discussions in the bar at DARC, I will miss his practical approach and words of wisdom.
Uploaded by: Paul Rutter on 2020-11-18-09-42-23
I'd been tasked to run along from the School boathouse to pick up some bits and pieces and firstly was so surprised that the building was completely unlocked, but venturing in through the kitchen area I saw this snout sticking out of a large bubbling pan on the Rayburn ( think it was a Rayburn or maybe AGA ). Definitely an enduring image.
Having been coached through National selection in a coxed pair for two intensive years and latterly regular discussions in the bar at DARC, I will miss his practical approach and words of wisdom.
Uploaded by: Paul Rutter on 2020-11-18-09-42-23
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Generosity - by: Roger Bean
In November 2012 I purchased an historic but derelict clinker sculler from my old club at Hexham without thinking where I might store the 26 foot boat while restoring it. Clive came to the rescue. "You can use my loft" (of the huge boat shed adjacent to DARC). When I asked about rent he turned away muttering something about whisky. He smilingly accepted 'occasional' bottles of Glenmorangie until the renovation was complete, and then helped me get the boat out of the loft without using the hoist (see picture sequence) and loaned me a lovely pair of sculls from his collection. Such generosity was typical of Clive.
Uploaded by: Roger Bean on 2020-11-17-22-52-56
Uploaded by: Roger Bean on 2020-11-17-22-52-56
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Clive Arrives at Durham School - by: Gordon Woods
I was in the Lower Sixth when Clive arrived at Durham School; by the end of that year Clive had asked me to be Captain of Boats for my final year. What an honour! It also proved to be a fantastic leadership opportunity. My parents always remembered Clive for ringing up at the end of a half term with the immortal words “I am hemmed in by a warm front" - he was on the Scilly Isles (I think) and trapped by fog, with the result that I had to run the entire School Boat Club for a week as none of the staff really knew what to do! Clive was one of the most intuitive and thoughtful rowing coaches I have ever rowed under - and his inspiration gave me a life long love for the sport, which at a modest 65, I am still involved with. When I left school Clive gave me, as a thank you, a membership of Durham Amateur Rowing Club where I rowed for a year before going up to Oxford. What a gift. What an experience. Men and boys and all that, but once again, he had done something that had a lasting impact on me. He remained in touch with my family after I left Durham. What a gent. I regret not keeping more directly in touch myself but I will never forget all that he gave me: a life long passion for a great sport.
Uploaded by: Gordon Woods on 2020-11-17-22-28-38
Uploaded by: Gordon Woods on 2020-11-17-22-28-38
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Sir Clive - by: Keni Mayes
In the early noughties, when Three River Serpents bought the new race boat, there was only one person we wanted to honour when choosing a name.
'Sir Clive' was launched and baptized by Clive with a bottle of cider. His name is painted in gold lettering underneath his helming stand. He will always be with us.
Uploaded by: Keni Mayes on 2020-11-16-21-36-32
'Sir Clive' was launched and baptized by Clive with a bottle of cider. His name is painted in gold lettering underneath his helming stand. He will always be with us.
Uploaded by: Keni Mayes on 2020-11-16-21-36-32
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Clive helmed us his way - by: Keni Mayes
Three River Serpents were at the Dragon Boat National Finals at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham.
Clive lined us up in lane 4 for our first race of the day. We had a strong start but soon started veering off to the right into lane 5, missing the boat in that lane, luckily. The dragon's head was well into lane 6 before Clive swung us round. We charged back across lane 5 before finally crossing the line in lane 4 where we started!
The inevitable called came for our crew manager to go to race control. I was firmly told to have a word with our helm.
'Clive, have you been drinking?' I asked.
'No!', he replied and breathed on me to prove it.
'Well, get to the bar and get a pint of cider down you!' I said.
Clive did as he was told, and from the way he sashayed along the bankside for our next race, I think he'd had two. But he held us poker straight all the way up the course, for a win!
Uploaded by: Keni Mayes on 2020-11-16-20-56-17
Clive lined us up in lane 4 for our first race of the day. We had a strong start but soon started veering off to the right into lane 5, missing the boat in that lane, luckily. The dragon's head was well into lane 6 before Clive swung us round. We charged back across lane 5 before finally crossing the line in lane 4 where we started!
The inevitable called came for our crew manager to go to race control. I was firmly told to have a word with our helm.
'Clive, have you been drinking?' I asked.
'No!', he replied and breathed on me to prove it.
'Well, get to the bar and get a pint of cider down you!' I said.
Clive did as he was told, and from the way he sashayed along the bankside for our next race, I think he'd had two. But he held us poker straight all the way up the course, for a win!
Uploaded by: Keni Mayes on 2020-11-16-20-56-17
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Get out of the way bunnies! - by: Mick Seed
I knew Clive from not long after he first came to Durham. I rowed from about 1973 at “the other” school, St. Leonard’s, where we were coached by another legend, Bill Parker and often came up against Clive’s Durham School crews on the regatta circuit. He was a familiar sight coaching on the river banks, always accompanied by Tuppence. After school I went on to row at Durham ARC. On one occasion, rowing in a coxless pair with Alan Granlund at some weekend event at Nottingham, we got left behind by DARC as we were the only crew rowing on the Sunday. Clive came to the rescue and offered us a ride back to Durham on the Monday morning. We somehow managed to squeeze into his car which was crammed with riggers (and Tuppence) and because Alan had to be at work in Durham at 9am, set off rather early in the morning with a very full boat trailer on the back. Clive assured us he knew a short cut and could get back before 9, and set off along some narrow country roads heading for the A1. Being very early, and because we were following the back roads, there were loads of rabbits on the road, and my abiding memory is of Clive with his foot down, shouting “Get out of the way bunnies!” at regular intervals and swerving to avoid them with the trailer all over the place behind! As far as I remember, he didn’t hit a single one, and we were back at Brown’s at 8.45am.
Farewell Clive and Rest in Peace – the world is a much poorer place without you in it.
Uploaded by: Mick Seed on 2020-11-16-16-25-32
Farewell Clive and Rest in Peace – the world is a much poorer place without you in it.
Uploaded by: Mick Seed on 2020-11-16-16-25-32
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A Chat with Clive - by: Jane Kemp
As a child Clive spent 5 years of the war in Grasmere and here he went out in a friend's rowing boat. He said he was fascinated by the water, by the movement of it. Clive started rowing regularly aged 15.
Clive went to Cambridge University and studied Natural Sciences (Embriology, Anatomy and Physiology). He wanted to be a doctor and also considered being a pilot as two uncles were and a third fought in the war. At Cambridge he tried for the rowing crew but was not chosen, his favourite seat was stroke.
Clive got a 3rd at Cambridge and went on to become a teacher. He taught Geography, Maths and History at a Wiltshire prep school for three years then taught at the Welsh School of Medicine for a few terms. Clive then taught Biology as a supply teacher at Tulse Hill Comprehensive School in Lambeth, London and whilst there he rowed at Quinin Boat Club in West London. Clive said this was his most challenging job as he had a posh accent while the pupils did not! Clive admitted he lost his focus at this time and unsure what to do, adventurous Clive saw an advert in a newspaper for a Primate Research Institute in Kenya and spent 4 months there! On his return Clive spent three years teaching Biology at St George's College, Weybridge. He continued rowing and would coach at Cambridge at least once a year. Clive was even an Outward Bounds sailing instructor one season on the Moray Firth.
In 1972 he came to Durham to teach Biology at Durham School and naturally he joined DARC and coached rowing. He taught til 1980 and lived at Brown's Boathouse from 1976 to 2000. With Paul Lishman and Eric Whiteley they formed Brown's Boathouse Ltd operating pleasure boats, then the Prince Bishop from 1989 and the row boats. The Prince Bishop was built in Norfolk and designed by Clive to fit through the bridges. When Milburngate Shopping Centre was built they wanted the Boathouse modernised so it was sold and is now a pub.
Clive was instrumental in forming the Three River Serpents dragonboat club. Chris Kenyon a fellow DARC rower liaised with the Hong Kong tourist board who wanted rowers from Great Britain to represent the country in the World Championships. Hong Kong donated a teak dragonboat to DARC so the crew could practise. Clive was the helm and Peter Duncan (from Blue Peter and Duncan Dares fame) joined the crew spending a week in Hong Kong for the World Championships. There was much press coverage and it was televised on Duncan Dares in May 1985.
The teak boat stayed at DARC for about 4 years and was then used by the Tynemouth Tsunamis, a club in Blyth and the Hartlepool Powermen. The Three River Serpents were formed in the late 80's and the BDA formed in July 1987. Clive was an integral part of the club, helming the serpents to many victories in his colourful clothes and straw boater! He travelled extensively with the Serpents competing in China in 1992, India in 1994, South Africa (Serpents won!), twice in Canada and again in China in 2000 at three locations (Bejing, Hangzhou and Xiamen).
Clive said he first met Rita in 1989 and they got together some ten years later and that Rita has looked after him ever since!
Clive will forever be part of the Dragonboat Club and remembered for his incredible knowledge of weather and water conditions, his love of all boating, his amazing stories, his ability to partake in a drink or two (and ride a bike after!) and his cheery nature and wonderful smile ?
"Once a Serpent forever a Serpent"
One our our boats is named "Sir Clive"
Love and hugs to all
Jane (Kemp)
Uploaded by: Jane Kemp on 2020 11 15 06:41:30
Clive went to Cambridge University and studied Natural Sciences (Embriology, Anatomy and Physiology). He wanted to be a doctor and also considered being a pilot as two uncles were and a third fought in the war. At Cambridge he tried for the rowing crew but was not chosen, his favourite seat was stroke.
Clive got a 3rd at Cambridge and went on to become a teacher. He taught Geography, Maths and History at a Wiltshire prep school for three years then taught at the Welsh School of Medicine for a few terms. Clive then taught Biology as a supply teacher at Tulse Hill Comprehensive School in Lambeth, London and whilst there he rowed at Quinin Boat Club in West London. Clive said this was his most challenging job as he had a posh accent while the pupils did not! Clive admitted he lost his focus at this time and unsure what to do, adventurous Clive saw an advert in a newspaper for a Primate Research Institute in Kenya and spent 4 months there! On his return Clive spent three years teaching Biology at St George's College, Weybridge. He continued rowing and would coach at Cambridge at least once a year. Clive was even an Outward Bounds sailing instructor one season on the Moray Firth.
In 1972 he came to Durham to teach Biology at Durham School and naturally he joined DARC and coached rowing. He taught til 1980 and lived at Brown's Boathouse from 1976 to 2000. With Paul Lishman and Eric Whiteley they formed Brown's Boathouse Ltd operating pleasure boats, then the Prince Bishop from 1989 and the row boats. The Prince Bishop was built in Norfolk and designed by Clive to fit through the bridges. When Milburngate Shopping Centre was built they wanted the Boathouse modernised so it was sold and is now a pub.
Clive was instrumental in forming the Three River Serpents dragonboat club. Chris Kenyon a fellow DARC rower liaised with the Hong Kong tourist board who wanted rowers from Great Britain to represent the country in the World Championships. Hong Kong donated a teak dragonboat to DARC so the crew could practise. Clive was the helm and Peter Duncan (from Blue Peter and Duncan Dares fame) joined the crew spending a week in Hong Kong for the World Championships. There was much press coverage and it was televised on Duncan Dares in May 1985.
The teak boat stayed at DARC for about 4 years and was then used by the Tynemouth Tsunamis, a club in Blyth and the Hartlepool Powermen. The Three River Serpents were formed in the late 80's and the BDA formed in July 1987. Clive was an integral part of the club, helming the serpents to many victories in his colourful clothes and straw boater! He travelled extensively with the Serpents competing in China in 1992, India in 1994, South Africa (Serpents won!), twice in Canada and again in China in 2000 at three locations (Bejing, Hangzhou and Xiamen).
Clive said he first met Rita in 1989 and they got together some ten years later and that Rita has looked after him ever since!
Clive will forever be part of the Dragonboat Club and remembered for his incredible knowledge of weather and water conditions, his love of all boating, his amazing stories, his ability to partake in a drink or two (and ride a bike after!) and his cheery nature and wonderful smile ?
"Once a Serpent forever a Serpent"
One our our boats is named "Sir Clive"
Love and hugs to all
Jane (Kemp)
Uploaded by: Jane Kemp on 2020 11 15 06:41:30
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A little bit of mischief - by: John Everett
Clive would often arrive down under with a T shirt for each of my boys. On one occasion Mark, then about 12 seemed particulalry pleased with his which had one line of small writing on the left breast. Very close inspection revealed the words; "Nosey little f@#ker aren't you?". (Copy amended here for the easily offended).
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-16-11-03-01
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-16-11-03-01
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Hello John got a new motor? - by: John Everett
During my time at Ford NZ, I gained an unwanted reputation for returning company vehicles with varying degrees of panel damage, so I'd been particularly pleased to return a Mondeo in mint condition. Some time later the company workshop manager made a comment about that car, intimating it was severely damaged. Apparently the underside of the car looked as if someone had taken a sledgehammer to it. I was very confused. It was days before I worked out that Clive's visit a few months earlier, was a very least, a contributing factor. It was on this trip that that we set off to climb Mt Tarawera, the volcano that, in 1886, erupted causing a 17km split, giving it the appearance of an open clam shell.
We arrived at the rocky, boulder strewn track leading to the summit (it's now gated and a fee payable to the local Iwi). I looked for a parking space. "Drive a little further" says Clive, so like a mug, off I set. The car bump and ground onwards, Clive egging me on, until eventually the boulders just got too big and we could go no further. It was a great walk, a bit of a slog as I remember, and because of the weather not great views, but interesting geology and a spectacular crater.
The drive down and out was less challenging and I'd clean forgot to check the underside of the car.
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-16-10-56-31
We arrived at the rocky, boulder strewn track leading to the summit (it's now gated and a fee payable to the local Iwi). I looked for a parking space. "Drive a little further" says Clive, so like a mug, off I set. The car bump and ground onwards, Clive egging me on, until eventually the boulders just got too big and we could go no further. It was a great walk, a bit of a slog as I remember, and because of the weather not great views, but interesting geology and a spectacular crater.
The drive down and out was less challenging and I'd clean forgot to check the underside of the car.
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-16-10-56-31
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Sights for Sore Eyes - by: John Everett
I remember this as being Clive's first attendance at Durham School's annual "Arduous Training", as it was called in those days; so I'm guessing Easter 1973. As always we'd got special permission to camp in the glen, in the shadow of the impressive Aonach Eagach Ridge, pretty much opposite Ossian's cave and the "Three Sisters of Glencoe". Each night ( usually after hitching to the Clachaig Hotel climbers bar and back) we'd doze off to the incessant sound of water running off both sides of the valley. Just as deep sleep engulfed us there was a sudden voice and urgent flapping of the heavy canvas of the army ten man tent. "Boy's if you want to see two amazing sights, get up quickly. The first is Mr Hole in his underwear; the seciond is the aurora borealis". The sight of this light show highlighting the jagged outline of the imposing Aonach Eagach will stay with me forever. Thankfully I was too in awe of that to even notice the underwear.
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-16-10-30-16
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-16-10-30-16
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Stop that Car! - by: Simon Thomson
I had been living in Browns for over a year, getting in the way… I mean, helping Peter with the pleasure boats and the like. I particularly enjoyed showing off my skills taught to me by Peter, for getting the boats from the landing stage to the top of the queue ready for letting out. A good push from the landing stage and then lean to make the dinghy turn. No oars needed and could be completed standing up.
On this particular occasion, I had just pushed away from the landing stage, at the bottom of the slope on the Elvet Bridge side of Browns and as I stood up, Clive's dulcet tones echoed across the river.
"Stop that car."
I turned and was surprised to see Clive's car cantering down the slope, towards me with Clive, not far behind. As it reached the bottom, it hitched up it’s skirts and leaped into the river. I grabbed an oar and tried to, with as much dignity as possible, to slow the pleasure boat turn it around.
Surprisingly, the car didn't just nosedive to the bottom and wait for rescue but, it floated purposefully towards number 2 arch of Elvet Bridge, with Clive in hot pursuit. Clive leapt into the river and grabbed the tow bar and skilfully slowed its forward motion and guided its 'bow' to the landing stage.
"Simon" he called, "Get in the river and stop her floating away."
I was now safely back by the side and, abandoning the boat, I joined Clive in the river, waded to the far side of the car and held her, as she bobbed around, gently filling with water. Clive, meanwhile, brain working overtime, ran up the slope and collected some breezeblocks which he told me to place under the front of the car, to stop the water getting in the engine. I took one of the afore mentioned breezeblocks and dropped it next to the front wheel. To my amazement, the aerolite breezeblock bobbed to the surface and headed off down river and I found it impossible to get any to stay under the car as she slowly, but gracefully sank. Finally, we admitted defeat and stood on the landing stage contemplating our next move.
Clive then looked through the open window of the car to the back seat, where Tuppence was sitting, happily waiting for the next life experience to be offered to him.
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-15-19-41-13
On this particular occasion, I had just pushed away from the landing stage, at the bottom of the slope on the Elvet Bridge side of Browns and as I stood up, Clive's dulcet tones echoed across the river.
"Stop that car."
I turned and was surprised to see Clive's car cantering down the slope, towards me with Clive, not far behind. As it reached the bottom, it hitched up it’s skirts and leaped into the river. I grabbed an oar and tried to, with as much dignity as possible, to slow the pleasure boat turn it around.
Surprisingly, the car didn't just nosedive to the bottom and wait for rescue but, it floated purposefully towards number 2 arch of Elvet Bridge, with Clive in hot pursuit. Clive leapt into the river and grabbed the tow bar and skilfully slowed its forward motion and guided its 'bow' to the landing stage.
"Simon" he called, "Get in the river and stop her floating away."
I was now safely back by the side and, abandoning the boat, I joined Clive in the river, waded to the far side of the car and held her, as she bobbed around, gently filling with water. Clive, meanwhile, brain working overtime, ran up the slope and collected some breezeblocks which he told me to place under the front of the car, to stop the water getting in the engine. I took one of the afore mentioned breezeblocks and dropped it next to the front wheel. To my amazement, the aerolite breezeblock bobbed to the surface and headed off down river and I found it impossible to get any to stay under the car as she slowly, but gracefully sank. Finally, we admitted defeat and stood on the landing stage contemplating our next move.
Clive then looked through the open window of the car to the back seat, where Tuppence was sitting, happily waiting for the next life experience to be offered to him.
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-15-19-41-13
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Someone even rode a bicycle on the river. - by: Simon Thomson
In the cold winter of 1978/79 think it was, when I arrived for my first visit in Durham. The average maximum temperature in Brown’s Living Room was -18°C.
After a few days of living off of Jugged hare in the only warm room of the house and the only one with running water, also after thorough testing, Clive, ventured out onto the ice on the Wear to see if it would hold his weight. It did, with much creaking, crackling and groaning. He walked, warily towards New Elvet, then, with a smug look, he returned to Browns.
The next issue of The Durham Advertiser was bestowing the dangers of walking on thin ice and even went as far as saying that someone had even ridden a bicycle on it.
Clive's response was to say he was careful under New Elvet as the warmth from the concrete and the shallow water meant that the ice would be thinner there and anyway, it was an old bike!
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-15-19-39-03
After a few days of living off of Jugged hare in the only warm room of the house and the only one with running water, also after thorough testing, Clive, ventured out onto the ice on the Wear to see if it would hold his weight. It did, with much creaking, crackling and groaning. He walked, warily towards New Elvet, then, with a smug look, he returned to Browns.
The next issue of The Durham Advertiser was bestowing the dangers of walking on thin ice and even went as far as saying that someone had even ridden a bicycle on it.
Clive's response was to say he was careful under New Elvet as the warmth from the concrete and the shallow water meant that the ice would be thinner there and anyway, it was an old bike!
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-15-19-39-03
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Generosity - by: Freddie
Clive has been exceptionally generous over the years. He sent me a large sum of money which helped me fund my gap year interests as well as life in university. I am ever so grateful - thank you Clive.
Uploaded by: Freddie on 2020-11-15-10-50-13
Uploaded by: Freddie on 2020-11-15-10-50-13
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The Trot - by: Simon Thomson
The Trot
Venue: Isle Chausey, about 10 miles south of Jersey and 11 from Granville.
Players: Clive Hole (lead roll) Simon Thomson
Setting the scene:
We were a couple of weeks in to my first ever sailing adventure with Clive perched on his 17’10” Wayfarer dinghy. We had sailed through the shallows, dodging rocks and other submerged and partly visible obstacles, into the main channel and on, into the harbour.
Action:
After a couple of minutes Clive announced to anyone who was listening, well, probably just me, "I’m going to set up a trot". He then proceeded to explain what a ‘Trot’ was. It’s basically a pulley system with a loop of rope through the loop on the arm of an anchor for mooring the boat away from the quayside.
With descriptions described and the physics explained, Clive coiled the anchor rope and held it in his left hand and, with the anchor grasped firmly in his right, he swung "One". The people disembarking the ferry further down the quay stopped.
"Two" another swing, building momentum, caused the, now fascinated ferry passengers to turn, en mass to watch this amazing feat of seaman’s knowledge, pan out.
"Thr…" Clive was interrupted by an “Oi!” Shouted from further up the quay. However, the third and final swing had been committed to and, as his body twisted in a pirouette any ballet dancer would have been proud of, he failed to gain adhesion, Clive then followed the coiled rope, anchor and his dignity into the drink.
Never have so many people laughed so much at a truly wonderful execution and recovery. We sailed out of the harbour and placed the anchor on top of a large rock for me to swim out to later and walked ashore!
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-14-10-14-29
Venue: Isle Chausey, about 10 miles south of Jersey and 11 from Granville.
Players: Clive Hole (lead roll) Simon Thomson
Setting the scene:
We were a couple of weeks in to my first ever sailing adventure with Clive perched on his 17’10” Wayfarer dinghy. We had sailed through the shallows, dodging rocks and other submerged and partly visible obstacles, into the main channel and on, into the harbour.
Action:
After a couple of minutes Clive announced to anyone who was listening, well, probably just me, "I’m going to set up a trot". He then proceeded to explain what a ‘Trot’ was. It’s basically a pulley system with a loop of rope through the loop on the arm of an anchor for mooring the boat away from the quayside.
With descriptions described and the physics explained, Clive coiled the anchor rope and held it in his left hand and, with the anchor grasped firmly in his right, he swung "One". The people disembarking the ferry further down the quay stopped.
"Two" another swing, building momentum, caused the, now fascinated ferry passengers to turn, en mass to watch this amazing feat of seaman’s knowledge, pan out.
"Thr…" Clive was interrupted by an “Oi!” Shouted from further up the quay. However, the third and final swing had been committed to and, as his body twisted in a pirouette any ballet dancer would have been proud of, he failed to gain adhesion, Clive then followed the coiled rope, anchor and his dignity into the drink.
Never have so many people laughed so much at a truly wonderful execution and recovery. We sailed out of the harbour and placed the anchor on top of a large rock for me to swim out to later and walked ashore!
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-14-10-14-29
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The snowhole - by: Stuart Wilson
That was an amazing night....you're right, it was Ed Kaye and not Wilf Hammond. My memory is that we put our feet on poor Tuppence to keep our feet warm!! That really was one of my most amazing experiences in the hills. An amazingly long day too..as I recall we set off up the Mamores, did a couple of peaks, down into Glen Nevis, and then up to the top of Carn Mor Dearg for the night! That summer trip to scotland....I seem to remember us taking the plunge into a small mountain lichen in the Mamores. I remember Wilf Hammond doing a running jump into the water!!
Uploaded by: Stuart Wilson on 2020-11-12-20-40-08
Uploaded by: Stuart Wilson on 2020-11-12-20-40-08
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Taking the plunge! - by: John Everett
Although I'm the "butt" of this tale, I post it because of the joy Clive had in retelling it, and especially when he was able to share it with my boys on each of his visits to us in NZ and Aus. Summer '75, I grabbed a bike from the DS boathouse as I was coaching my brother's crew ahead of inter-house races. Clive was standing in the middle of Prebends Bridge talking to his sister who was visiting Durham. As I wizzed by I was vaguely aware of him gesturing and calling. I turned off the bridge and shot down the bank by the Count's House expecting to make the tight left turn onto the towpath. It was at this point that I realised the brakes weren't working. To the surprsie and delight of my brother and his crew, I suddenly burst through the bushes and landed in the water next to the boat. I was wearing one of those dreadfull 1970's nylon tracksuits and the weight of the water dragged the crotch level with the top of my Wellingtons, and as waddled towards Clive, his sister who had her back to me must have wondered what had struck him. He was in hysterics, but still managed to say "The brakes aren't very good on that one!" So many wondeful memories of this amazing man.
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-12-12-15-55
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-12-12-15-55
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Tickled Pink - by: John Everett
Along with Stu Wilson and Tom Peacock we'd joined Clive; (and probably Wilf Hammond?) on a summer trip to Glencoe / Glen Nevis; Stu's post confirms that timing. My memories of that trip, which if it was '73 was when we "boys" were 16, is of falling into the Kings House hotel on Rannoch Moor after a big day, en-route back to camp in Glen Coe. Although summer, we sat around the fire in the bar, Clive stoking it with the poker. This was the first time I saw him use a hot poker to dunk it in his pint to expell the unwanted "fizz". For his Australian family, we Poms like our beer warm and flat!
On leaving the comfort of the hostelry, we stood watching the trout in the adjacent, crystal clear, burn. I was soon to enjoy another of Clive's wonderful lessons in life. He removed his boots, socks, and rolled up his trouser legs before paddling out. Patiently he placed his hands under a trout, holding them there for some time before suddenly scooping it onto the bank, where it wriggled and flapped; before repeating the process with a second. We three boys stood open mouthed. And damn good they were too!
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-12-11-56-42
On leaving the comfort of the hostelry, we stood watching the trout in the adjacent, crystal clear, burn. I was soon to enjoy another of Clive's wonderful lessons in life. He removed his boots, socks, and rolled up his trouser legs before paddling out. Patiently he placed his hands under a trout, holding them there for some time before suddenly scooping it onto the bank, where it wriggled and flapped; before repeating the process with a second. We three boys stood open mouthed. And damn good they were too!
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-12-11-56-42
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Mountaineering - by: John Everett
Following on from Stu Wilson's post, while Wilf Hammond was instrumental in the formation of the DS Rambling Club, the other companion on the snow hole trip was in fact another teacher Ed Kaye - see photos elsewhere. During an extremely cold night; "17 degrees of frost" I remember Clive musing, on Carn Mor Dearg Arete - not "arrested" - we took turns placing the legs of our sleeping bags over Tuppence (Clive's amazing dog) to keep him alive. As first light of dawn broke on The Namores opposite, visible through the "cave" entrance; Clive chirps "Well Mr Hole isn't pretending to be asleep any longer" which led to spontaneous laughter from everyone else, and signaled time for a brew. Not sure any of us actually slept, but our reward was an early glorious summit of The Ben, and the subsequent look of dissapointment on the faces of another party who'd clearly set out early from the glen, expecting to be first to summit that day, whom we passed shortly into our descent. Another notable memory was that, as the rest of us dug the snow hole, out of sight of anyone in the CIC Hut in the Coire below; had they looked up, they'd have been in awe of a strange man walking a dog back and forth along the ridge (to keep warm) in the fading winter light.
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-12-11-33-47
Uploaded by: John Everett on 2020-11-12-11-33-47
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Out on the hills - by: Stuart Wilson
Clive taught me biology at Durham School in the early 70s. A big influence in me...I worked in biologic sciences all my life. However, my big memories of him are heading out to hills. Some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Remember sleeping in a snow hole just below the summit of Carn Mor Dearg one March night. Brilliant clear sky. As I recall, Clive, Wilf Hammond, John Everett, Tom Peacock and Tuppence the dog. There was also the traverse of the Anoch Eagagh ridge, with dog in rucksack for more challenging sections. A couple of years before that (1973) a summer trip to scotland. Epic traverse of the Mamores, followed by Ben nevis via CMD arrested next morning. The most memorable hit was the bivvy in Glen Nevis....sleeping out in the open. The midges were horrendous. I have a few photos of those days....will look them out and post some.
Uploaded by: Stuart Wilson on 2020-11-11-16-15-50
Uploaded by: Stuart Wilson on 2020-11-11-16-15-50
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Clive - by: Simon Thomson
Clive was like my elder brother and Peter, my best friend. Clive's pursuit of adventure and enjoyment gave him, to my eyes, an appreciation of the excitement I was in search of and an ideal I hold to today.
I had known Uncle Clive all my life and remember vividly the birthday present of a length of rope for my 6th birthday, a present which, after hours of struggle to understand how I was going to play with it, in the end, gave years of enjoyment, as a rope ladder and swing in the back garden.
I have so many lasting memories, a lot filled with humour and some of trepidation, of Clive from many an outing to the Lake District on New Year’s Days, to Scotland, Sky (Tennent’s Larger) and hill walking. He introduced me to and coached me rowing at Durham Amateur Rowing Club, taught me weather forecasting, reading the wind and clouds. He encouraged me and guided me through so many walks of life but, most importantly of all, in my mind, he introduced me to sailing.
After completing a 500-mile walk around the coast paths of Devon and Cornwall, I returned home full of a summer cold and, as most 21-year olds, I was laid up in bed feeling sorry for myself when Mum, Clive’s Sister, called upstairs,
“Clive wonders if you’d like to go sailing with him…”
Less than 24 hours later I was flying into Guernsey Airport at the beginning of a trip that changed my life. Clive gave me an opportunity to expand my life choices and, after a 3 month trip in a 17 foot open sailing dinghy along the North Coast of France (without passports), across the English Channel (using an AA Road map to navigate with) and up the East Coast to Tee’s Rowing Club, arriving not only in time to land the Wayfarer on the flooded grass outside on the high spring tide, but also managing to interrupt Peter on his first night in the arms of Zelga… Thank God that didn’t stop them!
Clive has been my mentor, guide and inspiration and his attention to life will be remembered for a long, long time by so many people, from his family in Guernsey and around the globe, to his rowing family in the D.A.R.C. and beyond, but also by all his friends and acquaintances and people who just crossed his path.
See you later Clive.
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-09-20-46-20
I had known Uncle Clive all my life and remember vividly the birthday present of a length of rope for my 6th birthday, a present which, after hours of struggle to understand how I was going to play with it, in the end, gave years of enjoyment, as a rope ladder and swing in the back garden.
I have so many lasting memories, a lot filled with humour and some of trepidation, of Clive from many an outing to the Lake District on New Year’s Days, to Scotland, Sky (Tennent’s Larger) and hill walking. He introduced me to and coached me rowing at Durham Amateur Rowing Club, taught me weather forecasting, reading the wind and clouds. He encouraged me and guided me through so many walks of life but, most importantly of all, in my mind, he introduced me to sailing.
After completing a 500-mile walk around the coast paths of Devon and Cornwall, I returned home full of a summer cold and, as most 21-year olds, I was laid up in bed feeling sorry for myself when Mum, Clive’s Sister, called upstairs,
“Clive wonders if you’d like to go sailing with him…”
Less than 24 hours later I was flying into Guernsey Airport at the beginning of a trip that changed my life. Clive gave me an opportunity to expand my life choices and, after a 3 month trip in a 17 foot open sailing dinghy along the North Coast of France (without passports), across the English Channel (using an AA Road map to navigate with) and up the East Coast to Tee’s Rowing Club, arriving not only in time to land the Wayfarer on the flooded grass outside on the high spring tide, but also managing to interrupt Peter on his first night in the arms of Zelga… Thank God that didn’t stop them!
Clive has been my mentor, guide and inspiration and his attention to life will be remembered for a long, long time by so many people, from his family in Guernsey and around the globe, to his rowing family in the D.A.R.C. and beyond, but also by all his friends and acquaintances and people who just crossed his path.
See you later Clive.
Uploaded by: Simon Thomson on 2020-11-09-20-46-20
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