Well, we said it would be spectacular but nothing could have prepared us for the theatre that unfolded in front of our eyes – probably the most dramatic Boat Race in its 158 years: the neck-and-neck half-way struggle, the nearly decapitated swimmer, the restart, the broken oar, and the collapse not only of Oxford but sadly of their Dr Woods at bow. And where were we, the Society? Right there at the start, in a grand private room – painted light blue – on the first floor of a Victorian Grade II listed building directly overlooking the river. Our bar opened at noon and as the 40 of us got to know each other; the food (in copious quantities!) began arriving at 1pm. We all tucked in for an hour and then just before 2pm we picked up the BBC on our big screen. Shortly afterwards we flocked to our windows to witness the boats set off and power along the first stretch while cheering madly with the thousands below. As the eights went out of sight we returned to our food, our liquids, and to the TV – to be stunned at what followed. As you can imagine there was high emotion in the room – shock, worry, dismay, amazement, and then applause and utter delight at the result, tinged only with concern when we saw the casualty (subsequently restored to good health we’re glad to say). The last of us left at 5pm, and we were left with the strong impression that guests had very much enjoyed the afternoon. There seemed to be a broad consensus that this should become an instant Cambridge Society of London tradition – and that is what we intend. We’re not sure that we can arrange quite so much drama for next year, but we’ll do our best!
Organised by Alastair Gourlay. Speeches by David Peace