In Memory Of Lynette Skelton
Lynette Skelton, once named in a newspaper article as “The Mrs Pankhurst of Women’s Rowing in New Zealand” has died in Auckland aged 82.
Lynette was a fierce advocate for women in the sport and was instrumental in bringing about change to regatta programmes to include women’s races, which ultimately resulted in a women’s coxed four oared event being included in the NZ Rowing Championships in 1967. She presented the “Skelton Cup” for this race, which became a coxless event, in 1991.
She was the first president of the New Zealand Women’s Rowing Association, and represented NZ in Australia as stroke of a coxed four which won the Queen’s Plate regatta in 1966.
Lynette’s involvement in the sport is legendary – after she moved to Australia in 1971, she continued to row and coach for Mosman, Sydney and Balmain Rowing Clubs. Lynette rowed as a master rower at many overseas regattas as well, until she finally returned to NZ with her single scull in tow, in 2014.
A proud “West Ender” Lynette’s achievements and contribution to women’s rowing will be recognized at her memorial service to be held at West End Rowing Club on Sunday 5th November at 11am.