The races treated us to lots of bumps, including King's Ladies. All King's crews are pushed out by Roger Thorogood - his thousandth push he says (and later receives a Saunders Cup for his commitment to the Club). The men produce a cracking start. On foot, I couldn't keep up, so missed their bump round Grassy. Back to Boathouse. Boatman Cameron has four clubs to look after and eighteen bumps crews; Claude had one club, six crews. A great gathering on the boathouse lawn with wine - present crews and lots of old heavies - some not so old. Great spirit and enthusiasm. Admired new high-tech "Lady Johanna". Rudder only credit-card size - what does the cox get when crew gets "oars"? (Answer: an old-style large rudder. - Ed.). New trailer, video gear, rowing machines, and archive photographs on display on the lawn! What achievements!
Then off to King's back lawn in evening gear. More wine! Boat Club knights (Adrian Cadbury and "Ollie" Forster) swapping yarns with 1950 contemporaries - David Chipp (bad hip prevented usual towpath cycling), Jeremy Debenham, Bob Hayward - and George Eddie all the way from Melbourne. With Fisher that's seven of 1950 May boat! Plus Pasteur (winner of the faded blazer contest), Bastin and me from the 52/53 boats.
Bump supper in Hall. More yarns. Met Gerard Arnold (from the thirties) and some, but alas not all, of ladies and gentlemen from more recent years. Noisy hilarity - suppose we were just as rowdy, but at least we had Choral Scholars to lead the College Boating Song (which remains largely unchanged)! Good speeches from President Owens, Chairman Saunders and both Captains. Cadbury medals to 1st Men's Boat and from Kirsty Gill to Ladies. Cheers for a tankard to "Chippy" who coached and wrote rowing after King's.
The next day a grey morning and a damp breakfast in the Fellows' garden as Hall is being prepared for June Event (modern May Ball substitute). Champers helped sudden rush to Boathouse for brief "Steering Committee" meeting. Then outing in eight full of Heavies - except Sen. Treasurer Leo (Oxford Blue) at bow. Amazingly it all came back, but my commands are probably old-fashioned now; should I yell "May I come by, please Sir or Madam" ? Veteran Eddie, still rowing regularly in 69th year, set a good rhythm. Slightly wobbly paddle at first, but it soon came together. Even two quite good rowing starts ("tell 'em only ten strokes" said George!). Stopped often so no heart attacks - though several hadn't touched an oar for 45 years. Suddenly we were A CREW - on the Cam again - enjoying the old "togetherness". A great ending to a splendid week-end. Thanks to all who made it so. Superb organisation, great hospitality, wonderful memories and, above all, good to see that present members are still so keen and even making provision for the future success of the Club. So glad we didn't "never look back".
Christopher Saunders Cup for exceptional service and dedication to the Club. Created to honour Christopher Saunders, whose commitment to the Club over four decades is second to none. Recipients: Christopher Saunders, David Chipp - for his dedication in the 1950s, Roger Thorogood - for his dedication since the 1970s.
Adrian Cadbury Medal for the year's most successful men's crew. Created to honour Sir Adrian Cadbury, a 1952 blue and Helsinki Olympics oarsman. Recipients: Men's 1st May with the medal in bronze for their two bumps, their win in Poland and their third place in the University head race in France during Easter term.
Kirsty Gill Medal for the year's most successful women's crew. Created to honour Kirsty Gill, women's blue and CUWBC President 1993/94. Recipients: Women's 1st Lent with the medal in gold for their four bumps in the Lents.
King's Challenge Sculls for the year's best sculler. Recipient: Matthias Hammer.
Paul Stonehart Novice Chalice and Plate for the year's best novice. Created to honour Paul Stonehart, who rowed and coached for King's 1959-62 and subsequently became one of the Club's major benefactors. Recipient: Ceri Jones (received in Lent term and since then elected Women's Captain).
KCBC Ergometer Champions for the year's best 2000m time on the rowing machine. Women's recipient: Joelie Foster. Men's recipient: Matthias Hammer.
If you are visiting Cambridge over the summer (except in July) and would like to go for a row or would like a tour of the boathouse, please ring 01223-312700 to arrange an outing or a visit.
Following the success of the 'early 1950s heydays reunion' at this year's Mays Events we are keen to repeat the exercise. So if you would like us to organise a reunion of a particular crew or vintage for the Mays Events 1998, please let us know well in advance.
The Junior and Senior Fairbairn races will take place on 4th and 5th December respectively and members are welcome to watch and support crews from the riverbank. Please write to the Alumni Association Secretary if you require further information.
Lent term '98
The Lent Bumps dates are in the process of being moved. Once dates have been decided upon, invitations to the bumps and the ensuing supper will be sent to you with the Michaelmas issue of Henry's Eight.
Easter term '98
The May Bumps will be held in the middle of June. The third Mays Events will be along the same lines as this year's, including a reception after the races, the May Bumps Supper, overnight accommodation in College on Saturday, as well as a champagne breakfast and an alumni outing on Sunday. Invitations to the Mays Events will be sent to you with the Lent issue of Henry's Eight. If you would like us to organise a re-union of a particular crew for the Mays Events, please let us know well in advance.