27 FEBRUARY 1926, Page 19

A FAMOUS ROWING COACH

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The memory of a " Colliery Director " has led him astray. The coach of the Cambridge eight when a professional trainer was allowed was Coombes, a Thames waterman for many years and the champion sculler. Coombes it was who objected to washing. The Cambridge crew was so successful under his management that in order to give Oxford a fair chance it became necessary to bar professional trainers. Coombes was a most interesting person, and I wish there were more records of his quaint sayings and doings. I knew him on the Thames.—I am, Sir, &c., B. PRESCOT-DECIE, COL Kilworth, St. Winifred's Road, Bournemouth.