South Shields Local History Group are looking forward to welcoming local playright Ed Waugh, who will be giving a talk about his show, Hadaway Harry, which features the story of the world renowned Geordie rower, Harry Clasper. Often referred to as the greatest North East sportsman, in addition to being a world rowing champion eight times, Tyneside born and bred Harry's designs influenced the designs of the boats used in today's Olympics and Oxbridge boat races. He also trained fellow world champions, including Walker based Robert Chambers. Ed will take us through Harry's life from his boyhood in Jarrow to him becoming a local, national and international star when Tyneside rowers and boatbuilders were to dominate the sport for the next 25 years.

Before transferring to Newcastle's Theatre Royal for three performances on Firiday and Saturday, February 24th and 25th, Hadaway Harry will have an out--of-town run at Putney Rowing Club, London (Feb 17th and 18th) on the banks of the River Thames, near the starting line of Harry's many historical victories.

The talk will take place at the Local History Group's new venue, Cleadon Park Library, 10 Prince Edward Road, South Shields, NE34 8PS, on Monday, January 16th, between 5.15 and 6.45 pm. There is a car park at the back of the building, and access by both lift and stairs to meeting room A, situated along the corridor above the library. As a.ways visitors are welcome at a charge of £1.