The King’s Cup medals were presented by the Commanding Officer Coldstream Guards, Lt Col Wells, to a raft of the United King’s military oarsmen and women, craftsmen and supporters at the Victoria barracks in Windsor. President Dick Lester represented Leander Club along with 20 athletes, and Jeremy Randall on behalf of The Leander Trust.
The presentations were supported by Doggett’s Coat and Badge winners and Watermen to The King.
They were applauded by 240 guests including Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta, Ambassadors and Defence Attaches, sixteen Livery Companies and representations from the University Vice Chancellors Offices of Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol.They were joined by Clubs including Leander, Thames Rowing Club, St Joseph’s College, Australia, Georgetown University Washington, Washington University USA and University of Bristol.
John Luker of Higgs & Co, the Rt Hon Theresa May, rowing author Christopher Dodd, and rowing journalist Dr Rachell Quarrell were presented with gold medals marking their achievement and support to the sport of rowing. Champion of the canvas, Mr Roy Wood marks his fiftieth year assembling Regatta marquees this year, was also honoured. Young Henley oarsman and already a Junior World Champion, Nat Garden, was tasked with presenting medals to Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matt Pinsent.
Twenty boatmen from schools, clubs and colleges were publicly acknowledged for their often unnoticed service to the sport.
Mrs Annamarie Phelps CBE of and Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff Major General Julian Buczacki CBE represented the Regatta and The Chief of Defence staff respectively.
UBBC Alumni Chris Hartley, Chair of The King’s Cup, said “it was a wonderful occasion highlighting the link between the UK Armed Forces and our sport. It was such a privilege to be able to acknowledge those who contribute so much to our sport and to our Armed Services but are seldom recognised. “
Photo credit ©KingsCup.org
