13 July 2003 - 2 - Abingdon School

The New Boat House

13 July 2003 - Part 2

A moment to reflect…Last year Abingdon School’s 1st VIII won not one but all three national rowing titles, culminating in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. A triple record last achieved by Eton in the early nineties. In recognition of this, a group of those 1st VIII’s parents decided to build a beautiful timber frame boathouse by the river. Such stuff as dreams are made on.. The dream is now reality.

A very busy day unfolds. Speeches from the Headmaster and Mike Martin are followed by champagne and the ceremonial knocking in of the pegs.

However, not only those present at the site were able to watch this. Ben Aldiss, OA, rowed in the first IV in 1946. He has been following the website and sent the following email from Australia.

I have had a splendid weekend watching the great structure grow from dream into reality. Somewhere between a Viking chief's great hall and the upturned midships section of a clipper ship: Amazing. The team must be feeling very proud of themselves. The IT people should also be congratulated on the quality of the site. It was so good to see the river and the familiar scene again, even if the steps to the pontoon are 'new'. Thank you. Watching I wondered how many other electronic 'ghosts' of former rowers were watching with me - and enjoying the event at one removed: marvellous publicity.

Congratulations to everyone. This has been a truly International effort!

 

Photos: © Russell Ley 2003

via abingdon.org.uk