Sixty years ago when, no doubt, we had proper summers, the post-war resurgence of student numbers led to Catz boating their first ever 3rd Eight, although it is unlikely that those pioneers would have anticipated the colourful appearance of their modern-day successors. Delving still further back into our history, we were contacted by the great-niece of a former St Catherine's oarsman who suggested he might be one of the 'missing' captains from the mid-1930s and she has responded to my request for more information on this character.

Having come close to winning last year's award, Mike has continued to make a valuable contribution at many levels throughout this year and the judges were particularly impressed that those nominating him covered the full range of Boat Club membership from committee to novices, with comments such as

'Mike Tran is the person to go to for any of my rowing questions, his sincere love of the Boat Club means he knows what, where and how everything works, and is able to offer great advice on whatever the situation is', and

'He put an awful lot of effort into getting freshers involved in Michaelmas term and has been very active all year with not only arranging outings but coxing, subbing and coaching. He was very much a 'face' of the rowing club when I first started rowing.'

After two terms of disruption the hope was for clear skies and green flags! We achieved both, though still found the problem of finding enough bodies for the boats a difficulty at times. Nevertheless whether training in Eights, Fours or Doubles any water time was put to use.

In the few weeks available before Summer Eights the squad enjoyed notable success in both City of Oxford Bumps and Bedford Regatta.

It was in the final week before Eights when both M1 and M2 could come together to undertake an intense week of training as a crew. Last minute lineup changes brought two boats of rowers with potential but untested, while M3, the returning Rugby Boat would again been a vocal presence at the boathouse making up for any lack of experience with great dress sense and a dogged enthusiasm.

It was an eventful week of bumps in the end. Comparisons with last year were unavoidable before racing kicked off, but each crew knew they would be rowing on their own terms after the difficulties faced all year. In the end it became a process of consolidation for most of the boats, M1 and M2 placed high in their respective divisions faced a lot of strong boats between them, while M3 having qualified with relative ease, would still enjoy a battle with Keble through the week.

All that's left to say is congratulations to all crews and my thanks to the committee and coaches. It has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding year and having handed over the Captaincy to my successor I wish Tim and next year's committee the best of luck.

After the disappointment of not being able to compete in Torpids, the women's squad was eager to get our training for this term started as soon as possible. The term commenced with a training camp, joint with Pembroke College, a week before term started. With newfound determination we settled into a jam-packed training regime. 

Following City Bumps, where we raced as two fours, we rejoined as an eight and continued our training preparing for Bedford regatta where we entered into both the College and S4 divisions. Due to a crash off the start in the College event were out after the first race. In the S4 division we beat Trinity Hall Cambridge, but subsequently lost to Bedford High School in a very exciting race. It was a great day of racing and we all enjoyed the excitement of competing outside of Oxford.

Summer eights came quickly, and both our 1st and 2nd VIII, were eager to get on the water. The 2nd VIII, composed of mostly novice rowers truly put up a valiant effort, despite moving down four places. They succeeded in experiencing rowing at its most fun, and all had a memorable time. Vast amounts of enthusiasm and determination were simply not enough to propel our first boat to success. We moved down three places over the first three days, but on Saturday managed to easily fend off University College and passed the finish line. 

This term has been a great success, despite the results. The team spirit and drive from the girls was admirable, and I thank them for making my last term as captain such a pleasure. I would also like to thank the committee, Rob Hollis and Anu for their time and eagerness in running the club. Being a part of SCCBC has been an absolute joy and I thank everyone for that opportunity.

15th October, 1946 At the outset the Captain was pleased to welcome no less than twenty four new members of the Club. Men with no rowing experience were to be trained by the Captain, on the fixed tub, until such time that they were sufficiently advanced to go out in tub pairs - with of course the ultimate aim of rowing in Clinkers; the change over from fixed seats to slides being not unduly hurried.

29th April, 1947 On a motion by Mr. Kelsey, and in recognition that wartime austerity had receded, it was agreed that refreshments should be provided on the Barge during Eights Week [A proposition heavily reliant on the wives and girl-friends of ex-service members of the Club]. The Captain then recounted how, aided and abetted by Mr. Bayliss and Charlie (the waterman), he had purchased 18 oars from Talboys on a Sunday morning, forestalling Reading University's intention of doing so on the Monday.

Charismatic, good looking, successful, enthusiastic, and happy are some memories of Ronald Charles Easterbrook (Ronnie or Ron). He was in the Intelligence Corps, an amateur dramatist, linguist, and most importantly a rower. He won scholarships to the City of Oxford School, and to St Catherine's. He matriculated in 1934, and joined the Boat Club.

At the time the Club boated from a barge and used pencil blades. Unfortunately, the Club also suffered from a lack of numbers. This did not deter Ron and he went on to become Stroke of the 1st VIII and won his College colours.

On graduation he taught languages at the Crypt School, Gloucester. He re-started the Rowing Club and immediately won back the inter-school Cup from Sir Thomas Rich. Meanwhile, the school magazine introduced Ron as having been captain of the College Boat. Is he the missing Boat Club captain of 1935-36? Do you have any memories of St Catherine's 1934-37, or of Ron?

The second annual Boat Club Garden Party took place on the 16th June. Distinguished guests and old boys alike braved the elements to the Henley Style Marquee on the banks of the Isis for a BBQ and few beers. In between the downpours the sun was very pleasant, and the array of old zephyrs, flags and blazer badges only proved to further confuse any discussion about what colour magenta actually is, as if it needed any further confusion! The rain prevented any rowing this year, but it didn't put the BBQ out and definitely helped keep the beers cold!

Darren sends special thanks to his parents, Dee and Colin, who manned the bar and the BBQ all day to keep a certain John Anderson with a burger and a Grolsch in each hand at all times!

Anu Dudhia (email: dudhia@atm.ox.ac.uk )