Philippa Ratcliffe

Not so Hooray Henley

I was amongst the many thousands of people watching the 158th Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race yesterday.

I was also amongst  the many thousands of people who were dismayed and angered by the idiotic behaviour of one individual which in turn affected the outcome of the race, one mans health and a years worth of committment and training for those taking part; and what of those crew members, were they in the boat because of their financial wealth…did they buy their seats? No, they were rewarded a seat in those boats because of the hours and hours of training, self discipline, motivation plus sheer drive and determination.

What has driven me to write this post is not the action by the self-centred individual that swam in the path of the Oxford crew but a tweet by @wildswim aka Robert Pennington who describes himself as “Outdoor swimmer, would-be revolutionary, anti-capitalist, green scottish nationalist, knitter”

Well done #TrentonOldfield! A bit more disruption of toffs at play would be a great public good. How about #henley? >:-)

— Robbie Pennington (@wildswim) April 8, 2012

I would like to know if the above twitter commentator is aware of the demographic of the crews who take part at Henley Royal Regatta and more importantly the demographic of the largest proportion of people who are involved in the sport of rowing.

Rowing is an amateur sport. Rowing Clubs up and down the length of the UK will have club members ranging from the unemployed to barristers. The sport does not divide on the grounds of wealth and upbringing but on ability, ambition, dedication and commitment. Out on the water twice a day in the summer months and regularly in the winter months. Competing in regattas throughout the summer and head races during the winter interspersed with with weight training, hours in the gym, running and on rowing machines…easy silver spoon stuff hey!

My family moved to Henley when I was two years old. I went to the local primary school and then was schooled at the local comprehensive in Henley. This is when I got involved in the sport after the women’s club captain came to my school and introduced myself and my peers to the sport.

I rowed as a junior at Henley Rowing Club and then went on to cox mens eights, from novice crews to elite crews. My crews contained, builders, plumbers, carpenters, bakers & solicitors.

I was a very proud member of Henley Rowing Club and equally proud of my home town, the Regatta and it’s history. The Regatta is world renowned and winning there is deemed as one of the pinnacles of a rowers achievement apart from wearing a GB or national vest.

I was around when Steve Redgrave, now Sir Steve, was struggling to be able to compete as there was no money available in the sport of rowing and was grateful for the sponsorship of the local butchers in Marlow to allow him to continue in his career. I wonder if Mr Pennington respects Sir Steve Redgrave‘s 5 Olympic gold medal achievement?

I think before blurting out a ridiculous statement and jumping on the bandwagon of an idiotic and frankly dangerous stunt, Mr Pennington ought to cram up on his subject matter.

So, respectfully, before labeling rowing as a #toffs sport, you may want to think again, Sir.