Ken and Daphne Maughan were recently celebrated and acknowledged for their 40 years of service to the Grafton Rowing Club.

Captain of the Club since the 1980s, Ken has been a distinguished coach and a champion rower who has helped many learner rowers reach State and National competition level.

At dawn throughout the last 40 years, Ken has opened the doors of the shed to assist rowers launch their boats and give friendly encouragement before easing into his single scull to provide timely assistance and comments on rowing techniques to many rowers.

Ken developed many effective coaching strategies over the years to assist junior and master rowers of the club.

He would often tell rowers “remember, successful techniques makes rowing a pleasure. Try to achieve a flowing rhythm by balancing the body with a quick, light-handed grip on the handles, a slow controlled slide, and an early roll-up to engage the oars in the water and finally, drive with the legs”.

As a competitive rower, Ken used to train for fitness by rowing five days a week, finishing with a 20km practice row to Koolkhan each Sunday with fellow enthusiast Bruce Allen.

The return was non-stop.

In 2005, Ken competed in the International Masters Regatta in Edmonton, Canada, along with John Brien, Greg Thompson, Tony Gallagher, Earle Cruickshank and their partners. They were placed in the early heats but missed the finals due to some “hiccups” with hiring boats.

Ken and Daphne have also been recognised for their untiring work for the community of Grafton. 

In 2003, Ken was awarded the honour of The Order of Australia for his community service for developing rowing as a sport in Grafton.

He served in the NSW Fire Brigade for over 30 years and received the Queen’s and National Medals for his outstanding service, including at the tragic bus crash at Cowper.

He was also a member of the Grafton Volunteer Water Brigade assisting during the many floods on the Clarence.

Despite receiving these many awards, Ken is always modest about his service and awards.

Daphne is a well-known artist in oil painting and was the President of the Grafton Art Club for many years.

She is also known throughout the Northern Rivers rowing fraternity for her dedicated work in catering for the many Regattas held at Grafton over the years, and for her skill in baking dozens of sponge cakes, (ably assisted by Ken).

At the end of a strenuous race when blood sugar levels of rowers, demand sweetening, her cakes vanish quickly.

Michael Collins, President of the Grafton Rowing Club, thanks Ken and Daphne for their outstanding service and friendship to all members of the club.

Editorial kindly contributed by Grafton Rowing Club.