Covid in 2020 and then blue-green algae in 2021, 2023 and now again in 2025 meant the Tony and Jane Schiemann sponsored race for the Dusty Rhodes Bowl once more went walkabout. A small absence for the magnificant trophy, which disappeared from the fixture list after 1992, but returned in 2018.
Dusty Rhodes was one of the club's many "characters" to have adorned our ranks over the decades, and centuries. WW2 submariner, Brentford docks stevedore and penny farthing rider. He also found time to enter Masters' swimming events.
2024 winner Ian MacEachern retains silver polishing duties for yet another year
Dusty Rhodes presented the trophy to the club in 1976 and for many years it was raced-for in the height of summer over 880 yards. According to club legend, Dusty found it in a skip, polished it up and donated it for the race. For those of us that remember Dusty, any apparent tall-tail has a 99.9% chance of being absolutley true, however imponderable.
Dusty died in the late 1980s. Dusty's son did visit for the race when over from Australia after Dusty's death. Sadly the club subsequently lost contact with the family and the race dropped off the fixture card after 1992. In 2018 the trophy was reintroduced onto the fixture card for the new 440 yard (400m) Tony and Jane Schiemann race that had been inserted into the schedule.
The magnificent trophy was reintroduced in 2018
First winner of the Rhodes Bowl's new era, Katie Berlyn-Holmes
Dusty Rhodes, winner of the 1975 Peter Pan Cup.
This photo from a national daily newspaper truly captures Dusty's cheeky, devilish character. You can see it in his eyes and pearly white grin.
Dusty was one of those amazing characters the club periodically attracts. He is remembered by those of us that knew him with the same revered but chaotic fondness as Mario McClarnon, Bill Phipps and, dare I say, Gordon Brodie. Dusty joined the club in the mid-1960s. He lived in Isleworth and worked as a stevedore at Brentford docks until they closed in 1972. WW2 saw Dusty a submariner in the Pacific theatre. At the end of the war he was attached to the Royal Australian Navy. I remember him telling me how, due to a shortage of specialist skills, the Navy refused to demobilise him and kept him out in Australia for years after the end of hostilities. Something he bitterly resented.
Dusty was well known for his penny farthing, riding it in many charity fund-raising events as well as occasionally entertaining us on a Christmas morning. In 1981 he rode the penny-farthing over the whole course during the very first London Marathon. It was never clear whether he had permission or not from the organisers, not that such formalities would bother Dusty.
(recollections from Brian Thomas)
Dusty's penny farthing made many appearances for charity, even going the distance from Land's End to John O'Groats.
A 1977 training excursion
London to Brighton with ease
In 1987 the local press reported that Dusty had completed his last marathon, aged 73.
He still swam and cycled, though.
Dusty the Master
Dusty also found time to swim in Masters' competitions
Brian and Dusty, the end of the Bridge to Bridge, 1977.
One of my favourite memories of Dusty
A beautiful trophy
2024 - The Rhodes Bowl, plus custom made mugs courtesy of Tony and Jane.
2024, and President Rob Ouldcott told tales of Maltese Tony and Eel Pie Jane
Maltese Tony and Eel Pie Jane?
"Maltese", because Tony recently had the priviledge to aquire a passport from the country of his family's origin.
"Eel Pie", because Jane and Tony live on Eel Pie Island in the River Thames. Lucky for the Schiemanns, they can enjoy a regular swim even whilst the blue-green algae stifles the club's activities.
Tony and Jane joined the club in 2006. A retired accountant, Tony still undertakes work for a local charity. For many years Tony was a member of the Thursday morning cleaning squad (along with Gordon Brodie, Rosie George, Tim Oulten and others) who scrubbed away at the club room mats, floors, walls and windows.
Tony was elected to the committee in 2014 and succeeded Kirsty Neilson as Hon. Treasurer in 2016, a role he served admirably until he decided to stand down in 2021.
Last year's cup and mug celebrations
Cup winner Ian, flanked by third place Charlie and second place Sophie (photo: Kazia Jukes)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)