Wednesday 28th July saw the College host an exceptional gathering of some of Pangbourne's finest rowers.  To mark the 60th anniversay of the Colleges first victory in The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in 1963 a celebration dinner was held in the mess hall.

The College has been victorious in The Princess Elizabeth Cup no less than four times and this year also marked the 20th anniversary of our last victory in 2003.  Also present were members of the 1972 and 1992 winning crews as well as current members of the Boat Club.

All of the remaining 1963 crew were present and it wasn't long before the memories started to flow.  A display of items relating to the regatta and all four crews, as well as a fantastic film made by Mrs Alex Garnier  helped to jog memories and spark conversation.  After a drinks reception and welcome from The Head, everyone sat down to a delicious three course meal interspersed with inspiring speeches by Richard Follet, Director of Rowing and Mr Robert Hamilton, crew member of the 1963 boat.  Robert, who's two sons, Mark and Richard, were members of the winning 1992 crew, gave an excellent speech, conjuring the atmosphere and spirit of finals day in 63 and inspiring the current generation of rowers who took the opportunity after the meal to talk to the OP's from the winning crews.  Harrison Green, Captain of Boys Boats proposed the Loyal Toast and OP Chairman, Phillip Plato, closed proceeding with his own rowing memories and a special toast to the Boat Club.

As the post dinner conversation flowed there was the opportunity for a unique photograph which you can see above.  It shows the first time that a medal from each of the winning crews has been pictured together.  A perfect way to end a wonderful evening.