The year started with a very promising-looking eight and an enthusiastic four that included several brawny novices. The Eight's season opened auspiciously at Henley Head with a solid row that showed fire and strength, but also highlighted a lack of fitness and some messiness in technique. This was followed by a more convincing row at the Avon County Head, a race that was spoiled by an enforced stop and restart caused by the poor seamanship of several pleasure cruisers at a vital corner that has a bridge half way around it. The anger and indignation generated by this hiatus was converted into power at the blade, and the crew did an excellent time. Thereafter, up to and until the Schools' Head, the crew experienced the sort of psychological and emotional turmoil worthy of a chapter in True Blue. The eventual resolution of these upheavals led at the start of the Summer term, to the formation of a competitive four, whose attitude was one of total commitment; and also a number of scullers, with a coxed pair, who hoped to enter some regattas. The four, physically only medium sized and giving a lot in weight to their opposition, made up in every way by giving of their very best, unstintingly and dependably.

A gruelling fitness programme and regular expert help in technique from GWB led to a crew with tremendous spirit, balance and drive. Being obliged to enter as Jl5B, the regattas available were limited. At Avon County Regatta, at Swindon, the crew put in a tremendous performance, reaching the final with a very good chance of winning, when sadly the final was cancelled due to the stormy conditions that had developed.

With this and only relatively few outings under their belts, (although they did reduce their 500 m. time by 12 seconds over three weeks), they went to the National Schools, and with great tenacity and courage, against larger crews than themselves, got through to the final, eventually coming fifth - an outstanding and thoroughly creditable performance, and a very satisfying way to start Half Term. Morale was high!

Again, in the second half of term in both Thames Valley Sprints and Reading Town Regatta, the crew excelled themselves rowing strongly, and improving their course time at each opportunity. Their start became more professional and explosive, and the finish likewise developed a new dynamism and drive. Sadly, in neither of these regattas did the prize come their way - in one event, losing by only a canvas, but they were well pleased, measuring success by the calibre of the opposition. Whatever the actual tally of first places may show, the development of technique and the rewarding team spirit that developed over the term will form a tremendous base for later years, when bodies and muscles have grown more sturdy and robust. It has been an uplifting and tremendously encouraging experience working together and watching the crew achieve so much; I congratulate them.