Readers may remember that they were asked last year to sponsor British rowing in geneal and Bluefriars in particular by taking out a TSB Trustcard. The response was good enough to get us a mention in Regatta Magazine as the leading school in April. The main prizes will have been won by the time you read this.

We now have in stock all the items mentioned on the order form printed in the middle of this newsletter. UMBRELLAS have been added this year. I must apologise that mugs, tracksuits and sweaters took a long time to reach pur- chasers last year; we have now changed sup- pliers who provide good quality items, and delivery is much quicker. We cannot afford to hold large stocks, so some delay is inevitable if demand is heavy.

I am always grateful for Henley tickets, so that the Monkton crew can be taken into the Enclosure. Many thanks to those members who give them to us when they have spares.

The Monkton Bluefriars Small Boats Head Race will be held in November 19th, at Saltford. Funds

Last year, the Newsletter went out not only to members of Bluefriars but to all Old Monktonians and friends of the School. One of he results was that new members joined, and the amount given by regular Bankers' Orders rose to over regular income, we have received several special donations, besides making a small surplus on 'shop' sales and a profit on the running of the Bluefriars Head Race.

All this enabled Bluefriars funds to subsidise the very expensive trip to France by about 10 days, was about £4,000.) Following well established custom, we were able to pay almost the entire cost of the trip for some oarsmen, whilst other parents paid their share of the bill in full. We have also bought another ergometer, and sundry small items of equipment for use at the river.

We are all very grateful that those who have benefited from the fund in the recent past are now putting money back into it so that their successors can gain equal or better enjoyment from holiday rowing. Thanks as well, of course, to older OM's who give generously. Parents of some present members of the school Boat Club are members of Bluefriars.

The bankers Standing Order Mandate, printed in the middle of this newsletter is for new members, and for any others who wish to increase the amount they give each year.

School crews took part in several regattas in the holidays, rowing in Bluefriars colours — The Head of the River Race in the Easter holidays; Worcester, Monmouth and Hereford at half term; then Llandaff and Burton at the end of term. Bluefriars funds paid all the entry fees for these events.

I am glad to report that the boathouses are going to be extended and modernised in the very near future. An announcement concerning the opening of the new building will be made as soon as possible and we will try to arrange a worthy occasion to which OM oarsmen will be invited.

The editor is always grateful for articles for publication in the newsletter. There was no room for all the MCS Henley results from 1920 to 1988 this year; I hope they will be printed next year.

I am always grateful for unwanted blazers. New ones are expensive! We were given a 1938 blazer this year, and it was proudly worn at Henley in 1988.