Many weird and wonderful crews have passed under Dundas Aquaduct since the Boat Club's inception, but perhaps never such a historical armada as on the occasion of Julian Bewick's 'farewell' to the club on 3rd September after 25 years at the helm. A selection of crews of varying age, ability and suppleness took to the water during the afternoon, many no doubt surprised at how little things had changed - including the perennial reeds and scowling anglers.

An impromptu tea was laid on in the newly enlarged and impressive workshop (renowned in my time at MCS for the then Boatman's reproduction Louis XV cabinets), which was followed by a more formal affair in the school dining hall in the evening. Here old and present members of the club, seated in chronological groups, had a chance to reminisce, among other things about pots and trophies paraded in the hall in previous years.

Introduced by Peter Askew ('83-'87), who can take most of the credit for organising the day, Jules spoke of his years with the club, sparing many of those present, but by no means all, from tales of individual mishap and embarrassment. To mark the occasion, Jules was presented with a mobile phone, in recognition of his increaingly peripetetic lifestyle.

I am sure many will share my view that such a memorable day served to highlight most of all Jules' remarkable talent for providing the Boat Club with such a strong sense of continuity, whilst personally dedicating all his skills and investing all ambition in each individual year. Whilst the club will doubtless go from strength to strength, his particular contribution will surely be missed.