Henley Royal Regatta

Once again, we have been generously invited to enjoy the Friday of Henley Royal Regatta from the garden of Old Blades for this year's rescheduled event. 

Members of both Cygnet and BBLRC are invited into the most exclusive Henley enclosure, namely the garden at Old Blades during Henley Royal Regatta Friday, which this year falls on Friday 13th August. This invitation has been very kindly made by our hostess, Mrs Pat Sly, who is one of Cygnet's Life Honorary Members..

For the newcomers at both clubs, the lovely cottage that is "Old Blades" is located halfway along the Henley Course and has a very large garden, from where you can see all the action - both on the water and the towpath!.

Timing

Club members are welcome from around 12 noon until 6pm (end of racing), at which point we have to have tidied up our rubbish and move on to the various commercial venues along the course.

Picnic

Those of us who have been before remember we used to organise a garden-wide picnic, with Cygnet members bringing alcoholic drinks and BBLRC members supplying salads, breads etc.

Because of the COVID-pandemic, we suggest everyone brings their own picnic with them. With social distancing still recommended, we believe sharing food and drinks the way we used to do BC (Before COVID) would not be a good idea. If you're coming in a group and want to organise a group picnic, that is of course absolutely fine.

Transport

The safest way to travel to Henley in the current situation, would obviously be driving yourself, or taking a taxi, as the trains will get very very busy, making social distancing very complicated!

Note that it may be possible to park on Old Blades property (very handy for people coming with small children). Please contact the secretary for Pat's email address should you want to make arrangements to bring a car.

Dress Code

Although this must be one of the most exclusive enclosures along the course there is no strict dress code. However, Gentlemen are expected to look smart (club blazers if you have them) and ladies are welcome to go all-out in summer frocks and hats. If you plan to go into the Stewards enclosure (there will be some tickets to be shared on the day) note that gentlemen will have to be appropriately dressed in club blazer, shirt and tie, and ladies MUST wear frocks with hems below the knee. Trouser suits are not allowed for the ladies within the enclosures.

That's it. If you need more information about HRR see "A Day at Henley Royal Regatta" or email me on my hotmail address for further details about Henley Friday at Old Blades.

Marjorie Israel

Hon Secretary

Cygnet RC