A satisfying reunion on the water and at dinner.
Graham Jex (66-71) writes:
"The reunion row at Henley Royal Regatta on July 2nd of the winning 1st V111 in the 1971 Princess Elizabeth Cup turned out to be most successful. Everyone involved could not have been more enthusiastic, plus the weather was perfect. We all met at our car park in Lion Meadow around 12.30pm where we had lunch. It was so good meeting up with the crew, their wives/partners, some parents and some children and everyone was in a very buoyant mood. Two brothers (and their wives, sister, father and son) of the crew member who died, Nigel Hardingham, were also there and we were delighted to include them.
Peter Politzer's son, Martin, took Nigel's seat in the boat for the row over. We proceeded to the boat shed at 3pm where we changed into our lycra suits and sweat shirts donated by Pangbourne College. The current head coach from Pangbourne, Phil Tinsley then filled us in on the technical workings of the boat. It was a lovely honour that the boat the College loaned us to use was named after our coach 'Peter Politzer'. Peter went in the umpire's following boat along with the Hardingham family.
It was all so familiar and just how it use to be and we paddled away as if we had done it the week before! We had a couple of wobbles and splashes but once we really got going there were no problems at all. We went right down to the Barrier and turned around and then had to wait a while before they started us on the course. There was a lot of clapping all the way down and especially when we passed the Stewards Enclosure where our families were all watching. We weren't too puffed out at the end and managed quite admirably.
Quite a lot of people gathered in the boat tent area to see and welcome us back, and a group photo was taken. Only two or three of the crew have rowed since we won in 1971 so it was all rather amazing. Peter said that he was very proud of us, and I've never seen him smile so much! It was amazing when we were in the changing room afterwards, Peter was in there talking to us just like he had done when we had finished the race all those years ago.
At 7.30pm we went to the Leander Club and assembled in the Eton Room for our dinner. We had a most delicious three course meal. At the end and before coffee was served I got up and spoke, and was followed by Peter, who surprised us all with what he said about us and also how our win made such a difference in his life and turned his whole career as a coach around. All sorts of opportunities opened up for him, it was certainly a milestone for him, and a marvellous accomplishment for all the crew that they can be very proud of. The father of Nigel Hardingham also spoke about his memories of the race and how proud they were, and how wonderful it was for them to be there to remember it all with the rest of the crew. We dedicated the row over to Nigel.
It was unfortunate that Peter's wife was not able to join us as she had injured her foot. Flowers had been ordered to present to her in the evening in acknowledgement of all the times Peter was out coaching and not at home. Paul Hickman, the cox, gave them to Peter to pass on. We left the Leander Club around 11.30pm - it was certainly a long day but it was a very satisfying one. There was talk of trying to get together at Henley more often, certainly in five years time, and to try to do it again in 10 years time!!!"
Five photos of the occasion may be viewed in the Gallery section of the website - Nos. 348-352.