A special reunion will take place during the 186th Durham Regatta this weekend.
All but one of the living members of Durham School’s 1965 First VIII will return from all over the UK and beyond to soak up the atmosphere at the historic event and cheer on the school’s current crop of rowers as they take part in many of the non-stop races which will thrill and entertain the crowds over Saturday and Sunday.
Director of development at Durham School Andrew Beales said: “The Durham Regatta is always an event which Old Dunelmians like to come back for, but it’s certainly unusual for a full crew to return to the riverbank together.
“We are delighted they are travelling back to enjoy the weekend, which always offers a lovely way to take in the beauty of the city as well as getting swept up in the competitive races.”
Chris Owen, John Sparrow, Peter Fletcher, John White, John Hall, Nick Hall, John Appleby and cox Simon Street are looking forward to a reunion which has been 54 years in the making. Sadly they will be without crew member Geoff Potts, who passed away a couple of years ago.
Nick Hall (Poole House, 1960-65), said: “Over half a century ago, we were a crew. Eight oarsmen and a cox. Now we’re just seven plus the demon driver who could steer his way through Elvet Bridge at racing speed.
“A year ago, three of us met in San Francisco to catch up on old memories and there set in motion the wheels of a reunion plot. It’s a year later and here we are.
“Of the seven remaining rowers, only one couldn’t make the journey. On Saturday morning we’re recreating the picture taken after our victory at Leeds Regatta in 1965 held at Roundhay Park with tankards raised in memory of Geoff Potts, our bow man, and Tommy de Winton, our coach.”
On the water, current students – who recently enjoyed success at the National Schools Regatta at Dorney Lake – will be hoping to replicate their performances at the Durham Regatta, which fills the weekend with competitive rowing on the River Wear, with races every two to three minutes from 8am to 7pm.
Sixty Durham School rowers will be taking part in 25 events across the weekend.
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Historically, Durham School has gained a reputation for their involvement with the Regatta, with many old Dunelmians returning to cheer on the new generation of rowers.
This year, they’re going one step further with the first outing of the Old Dunelmian Boat Crew (ODBC) who are planning to take on some current students in a race along the river as the Regatta comes to an end.
Eddie Bryant, Director of Rowing at Durham School, said: “Rowing has been part of the DNA of Durham School since the 1830s. The skills it teaches in terms of teamwork, good sportsmanship, endurance and dedication help our pupils develop confidence for life. When you see crews from over 50 years ago come back from all over the world to celebrate these values, as these guys are doing, it shows how special Durham School really is.”
Durham Regatta also sees a feast of free family entertainment taking place in the Regatta Enclosure along the riverbanks next to the Racecourse. Prices for admission to the enclosure are £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, with under-5s and disabled people admitted free.
