I was amazed at the activity I saw, not to mention your boat-manufacturing plant= Incredible= As for girls rowing at Monkton, well, well, well.

All very different from my day. Although I haven't been back since 1948, Monkton and surrounding countryside seemed largely untouched by time, although of course the school buildings are greatly improved and much expansion has taken place.

I think I was happiest during the Lent and Summer Terms for then it was rowing, or coxing for me for much of my school career, gravitating from Farm I cox to 2nd VIII in 1946 and then 1st VIII in 1947. As you know, it was Monkton's last big swan song in the Ladies Plate and it was a privilege to witness the crew's efforts from the cox's seat. To beat Trinity, Oxford's Head of the River boat, made everyone sit up at Henley that year. I think there were a couple of Blues in their boat. We had a hard race, going up by a length from the start and hanging on to that lead the whole way. Trinity Dublin were not of the same calibre and went down by 13/4 lengths according to my photo and notes of the time. Funnily enough my future brother-in-law was in that crew and he still recounts their amazement at being walloped by a bunch of schoolboys.

I firmly believe we could have given Eton a closer fight. Unfortunately our No.5, C.D.Mitchell (Fatty M - weighing 15 stone) pulled a tummy muscle after or during the second round. Our semi-final was delayed at the start due to Don's bow breaking his oar, resulting in the effects of a pain-killing jab wearing off. So M was suffering a bit during a hard race when we made no impression after going a length down from the start. The crew never lost cohesion, though, making Eton respond to our every challenge.

A double ten at Fawley was our usual tactic. Striking rates for 10's didn't get much above 40 from what I can remember, due to a longer stroke in those days. Don were stroked by Chris Davidge who went on to do great things in later years.

I don't believe our 1947 crew gained individual rowing distinction after leaving Monkton. But as a unit they were pretty good, I reckon, on their day. The whole training programme was of course geared to Henley. We had no other prior racing experience alas, beyond meeting the Bryanston VIII. We trounced them (at home that year) which gave Dick Hole some hope that we might do well at Henley. I seem to recall that he was greatly pleased with our last Henley full length time trial at home. Memories like great stride, vigorous attack and splendid tens come back to me, although Hole was never too effusive.

I was lucky to be in the boat at all, as at 15 weight was beginning to be a problem. This necessitated shovelling malt at the local Henley brewery along with several other university coxes, plus runs down the towpath. I managed to keep down to 8 st 10 lb, I think. 1948 saw me rowing, thank goodness=

My other memory of Henley that year was of a girl. no ordinary mortal, but the fabulous Grace Kelly. She and her equally beautiful sisters were there to witness her brother win the Diamond Sculls. Ah me, ah my ... I am waffling on too much. It still all seems like yesterday. Anyway, for the Boat Club's records I enclose five race photos of Monkton's efforts at Henley that year.

It would be nice to meet up with my crew again. Would you have their home addresses by chance? Names are: F.R.Spink, D.H.Douglas, 3 B.R.Phillips, 4 H.B.Glenny, 5 C.D.Mitchell, 6 D.H.Clark (Captain), 7 R.S.P.Scott-Mitchell, str D.R.McGill and