Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race Celebration

 

On May 28^th sixty or so people celebrated the Oxford and Cambridge 2012 Annual Boat Race by having a party, enjoyed by everybody it appeared.  Gordon and Sigrid Walker graciously hosted the event in their lovely and spacious home in Oak Bay.  Guests were also treated to a tour of their unique, beautifully tended garden.  The red and white wines purchased from a wine merchant were excellent and easily replenished from the self-serve bar.  Tasty hors d’oeuvres   provided by Cook’s Day Off and circulated by their staff were available throughout the evening.  Wonderful cheeses kindly donated by David Wood (Exeter, 1963) (Salt Spring Island Cheese Company) were also provided and much appreciated. During the event excerpts of the boat race were shown, ending with an unusually tame finish after Oxford lost an oar blade.  After that, Cambridge was toasted brilliantly by Dorothy Kennedy (Exeter,1997) and Oxford very entertainingly by Reg Mitchell (St John’s,1963)  The evening ended with an auction which raised much-needed funds for VIOCS.  The committee would like to thank our hosts the Walkers, David Wood and all those who contributed items to the auction.

Patricia Kongshavn (Newnham, 1952), on behalf of the VIOCS Organizing Committee

“It was a real treat to attend the latest event in Victoria. I was able to reconnect with long-time friends who I unfortunately don’t get to see very often and I also enjoyed meeting some very interesting new ones. If you attended Oxbridge and haven’t been to one of the Society’s events I would encourage you to do so – great company, excellent food and wine. It’s rather like popping back to the UK for a short visit but without all the inconvenient jet lag and expense!”

Fiona Hamersley Chambers
(Linacre, 1998)

“Oxford and Cambridge alums enjoyed a fantastic evening at the Walkers garden and home, where the boat race event has been transplanted. Those who missed it are advised to attend the 2013 event in this Edenlike setting. The new organizers are also planning extra events, such as ‘Oxbridge Musical Memories’ with appropriate treats, for an afternoon or evening. Your input would be welcome.”

Roger and Theresa Tallentire
(Wolfson, 1969)