We were absolutely delighted to welcome over 100 OPs, current and past parents, and current and former members of staff to the College’s annual drinks reception at the Henley Royal Regatta.

This year’s event was particularly special as we marked the Platinum Jubilee of the Boat Club, celebrating 70 years since the foundation of rowing at Pangbourne in 1955. The College’s rich rowing heritage is a source of immense pride, with no fewer than four Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup-winning crews, a legacy that began with our historic first victory in 1963. It was a true honour to have four members of that legendary 1963 crew, Julian Coles, Rob Hamilton, Shaun Maynard and Garth McDonald join us to cut the celebration cake and share their memories of that remarkable achievement. 

The excitement didn't end their for one member of the 63 crew, Rob Hamilton and his wife Fee.  On Sunday they had the thrill of watching their Grandson, Fergus, row in the victorious Australian crew in the Grand Challenger Cup final, and become the latest member of the amazing Hamilton rowing dynasty alongside his grandfather, his uncle Mark, a member of the 1992 Princess Elizabeth Challenge cup winning crew and his father Richard, an Olympic oarsmen and also a member of the victorius 1992 crew.

We were also joined by our new Director of Rowing, Ed Green, who takes up his post in September and Assistant Director of Rowing, Olympic gold medallist Harry Brightmore. Their inspiring vision for the future of rowing at Pangbourne was met with great enthusiasm and promises an exciting new chapter for the Boat Club.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Pangbourne community who joined us to celebrate this milestone occasion. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year for what promises to be another unforgettable event. As always, details of next year’s celebration will be shared in future editions of the newsletter.