Anticipation grew on the morning of 2nd October 2004 as the school awaited the return of two Old Monktonians for a very special day. Not just two ordinary Old Monktonians but two Olympic Gold medallists, Rowley Douglas and Steve Williams. The boys were back in town! Rowley and Steve, along with Steves mum, Mary, were back at Monkton to officially name the new boys' eight.
The new Vespoli eight was the brainchild of the 2004 1st VIII who decided to find employment during the summer holidays and donate a percentage of their earnings towards the new boat. With some very kind donations from Old Monktonians and Bluefriars, 15,000 was raised and the eight was purchased.
On a very gloomy morning the sun popped out just long enough for the naming ceremony to take place in splendid sunshine as first the Head Master then Robert Quayle welcomed the 250 or so, parents, teachers and students. Mary Williams then officially named the boat Olympus in honour of both Rowley and Steves successes at Sydney and Athens.
The guys lapped up the applause and were than swamped by adoring fans as they gave autographs and pictures to many students. It was rather touching to see the way both Rowley and Steve passed their Gold medals around so as the children could get a close up of a real Olympic medal.
After all the signing and picture taking, a private ceremony, just for the Boat Club, took place, where another boat was officially named, again by Mary Williams. Tempo, a girls double scull was donated by Bluefriars last year and this was the perfect opportunity to name it.
The day was complete with the Director of Rowing toasting the success of Rowley and Steve and thanking them for finding the time to share their moments with the school.
Celebrations continued the next day at an informal family lunch party, where we were joined by Alex Partridge, who could not be there at the boat-naming because of training commitments.