Blazers, boaters and blissful weather

We had a super afternoon at Henley Royal Regatta on Friday 30 June with around 80 alumni, friends and family attending our free annual tea party.

Considered one of the key events of the English social season, Henley is one of the oldest events on the British summer calendar and has been held every year since 1839, apart from during the First and Second World Wars.

The Regatta has seen more than 200 rowing races over the five days, with teams from as far as New Zealand and Japan competing. 

Once the reunions and greetings were done, guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of nibbles, sandwiches, chocolate brownies, flapjacks, strawberries and Victoria sponge. There was also delicious Prosecco and cold glasses of Pimms on offer which seemed to go down a real treat.

Our striped blazers were truly out in force along the banks of the River Thames. It was lovely to see so many guests enjoying themselves including several who had travelled quite a distance purely for this occasion.

A particular highlight for the Alumni Team was observing Jim Walker OKS participate in a ‘row over’ during the Friday Tea interval at Henley, to mark 25 years since the University of London Boat Club’s ’92 Grand win and the club’s long & continued success at the Olympic Games.

As usual, this was a thoroughly enjoyable event for all involved and it was a pleasure to host so many alumni. Huge thanks to all those who helped to make our tea party such a success including David Blackham, Director of Rowing and Matt Jump, ‎Head Boys Rowing Coach.

Hats off to our recent leavers who performed remarkably well throughout the Regatta – doing us, and their University Clubs, proud.

If any Alumni are free on Wednesday 5 July, please be sure to join us at our Boathouse for our annual alumni v School Boat Races.