Emma Pritchard

When members of the Grafton Rowing Club Peter Mears and John Higham turned 90 on January 7 and 11 respectively, the most pragmatic way for them to celebrate their milestone birthdays was to pick up a set of oars and head out on the Clarence River.

Amidst perfect summer conditions, and with their family and friends watching proudly from the shoreline, Mr Higham and Mr Mears expertly matched their strokes as they completed a short course circuit along the northern side of Susan Island.

Mr Higham began rowing 13 years ago when a member of the Grafton Rowing Club visited him at the Grafton Men’s Shed during a recruitment drive, while Mr Mears took up the sport after accompanying his granddaughter to rowing lessons.

Along with fellow rowers Nick Reeve and Ken Maughan, they are affectionately known as Dad’s Army, and are a familiar sight on the Clarence River every week.

Mr Mears and Mr Higham were joined by their loved ones and fellow members of the Grafton Rowing Club at the Crown Hotel Motel on January 9 for a special birthday celebration.