Regatta elects new president

FORMER Mayor Ken Arlett was elected president of the Henley Town and Visitors’ Regatta at its annual meeting held on Thursday last week.

Outgoing president Peter Knowles, who has been involved for 20 years, thanked everyone for an enjoyable year.

Mr Arlett, who was born and bred in Henley, said he was delighted and proud to be taking over as president, particularly as his father and grandfather had been professional boatmen.

Barbara Wilson was appointed deputy president.

Honorary secretary Neil Hewlett reported that the 2023 regatta featured 288 crews from more than 40 rowing clubs in 134 races.

The weather was kind and attracted good crowds of people who were able to enjoy the racing, the pop-up food stalls and friendly environment by the river.

The Peter Sutherland Challenge Cup for the most successful club at the regatta was won by Vesta RC from Putney after a close contest with Marlow and Wallingford.

The regatta held two social events last year, the president’s river cruise in June and the annual dinner in November, where the guest speaker was Annemarie Phelps, former chair of British Rowing and current vice-chair of the British Olympic Association.

Both events had been popular and contributed to the regatta’s finances.

Thanks were expressed to the regatta’s many supporters, including its subscribers, the stewards and the secretary of Henley Royal Regatta for the use of their land and their co-operation.

Thanks were also given to Henley Town Council, Hobbs of Henley, Henley Rowing Club and Dr and Mrs Walter Scott.

Chairman Mark Davies thanked Peter and Helen Knowles, who were stepping down from the committee after many years of service to the regatta.

This year’s regatta will be held on Saturday, August 3 with events for crews of all abilities, from novice to elite.

The dress code is casual and refreshments, including a licensed bar, will be available in the spectators’ enclosure.

For more information, visit www.henleytownregatta.org.uk