2012 Boat Race Venue & Future Events

 

This is a copy of the letter sent to those members on our email list.  If you did not receive, or have mislaid, the email, please send responses to [email protected] – this is not a fillable form.

_________________________________________________________________________

From: Krissi Spinoza

Sent: January-26-12 4:43 PM
To: Krissi Spinoza
Subject: Oxford and Cambridge Society – Boat Race Venue and Other Activities

Dear All,

I am just following up from Reg’s email to wish you all a very happy 2012 and to let you know about the Vancouver Island Oxford & Cambridge Society organizing committee’s plans for the new year.

The boat race is fast approaching and to this end we are searching for a venue for this year’s event. The boat race is on April 7th, and the boat race celebration would probably occur in early May, although there is some flexibility in the date. Would anyone be kind enough to volunteer their home for this year’s event?

The organizing committee will take care of all of the audio-visual equipment, food and beverage preparations, and help with setting up and cleaning. The venue needs to be able to hold approximately 60 people. If you think you might be able to help or have venue suggestions then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I’m sure everyone has appreciated Reg’s generosity and kindness in sharing his home over the years; however the organizing committee has asked me to make it very clear that there is no obligation for anyone who volunteers to follow in his footsteps. Please don’t feel that offering your home as a venue this year will oblige you to continue in future years. On that note, if you have a venue suggestion for 2013 or beyond please let me know.

The committee was also wondering if people would be interested in any additional social events, activities and networks. Please find below a few questions which will help us in planning any additional events and activities.  If you could take a few minutes to answer the questions and email them back to me I would be very grateful.

Would you be interested in attending further Oxford Cambridge social events?
□ Yes
□ No

What sort of events would interest you most?
□ Arts events eg theatre trips
□ Dinner
□ Talks from guest speakers and alumni
□ Potluck picnics
□ Other social events

Do you currently have a LinkedIn account?
□ Yes
□ No

Do you have other suggestions for the Vancouver Island Oxford & Cambridge Society?

Thank you very much for your help.

Kind regards,

Krissi Spinoza

 

The Boat Race Celebration – 2007

Seventy members met at Reg and Wendy Mitchell’s house on April 27th to celebrate the
Boat Race.  After watching the DVD, we were treated to a ‘live update” from
Kristopher (Kip) McDaniel, a member of this year’s Cambridge Crew.
Both Cambridge and Oxford were “extensively toasted” for their fine performances.

The Boat Race Celebration – 2006

Sixty Oxonians and Cantabrigians met at Reg and Wendy Mitchell’s house on Friday April 21st to celebrate the 152nd Boat Race.  All enjoyed watching the ITV video of the race, though most Cambridge folk were a bit perplexed as to why no pump was on board.  Discussions about the weather on the Thames were much enlivened by liberal amounts of refreshments.  The toast to Oxford was made by Reg Mitchell (St John’s, 62) and was responded to by Peter Wood (Queen’s 52).

The Boat Race Celebration – 2005

Seventy two members gathered at Reg and Wendy Mitchell’s residence to celebrate the Boatrace.  After watching the ITV video of the race, Mike Spracklen (head coach of the Canadian Men’s rowing team and Oxford finishing coach -in photo 15 below)) gave us some special insights to the race.   Ken Lee (Emmanuel 54) proposed the toast to Oxford on behalf of Cambridge, and Bill Gibson (New College 35 -rhs, photo 17 below)) responded.  Two members even sported their original blazers (Clive Timms – Clare 64 – photo 15 below) and (Shaun Peck – Emmanuel 58 – photo 16 below). Liberal refreshments ensured that a good time was enjoyed by all.

Some photos of the group watching the video, are available as an acrobat pdf file below:
BR05
and additional photos from Donna & Clive Timms
BR05A

 

The Boat Race Celebration – 2004

Seventy members of the Vancouver Island Oxford and Cambridge Society met at the residence of Reg (St John’s, Cambridge 62) and Wendy Mitchell in Victoria for the annual boat race celebration. We enjoyed re-uniting friendships over wine and snacks, and then the BBC video of the race followed by an excellent rower’s overview by Scott Frandsen (03 Oxford Blue), who was introduced by Justin Fryer (Christ Church, Oxford, 58).

Some photos of the group watching the video, are available as an acrobat pdf file below:
BR04

The Boat Race Celebration – 2003

Seventy eight members of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Vancouver Island met at the residence of Allan (O, St Cats, 53) and Ewa Lupin on the evening of Friday April 23rd to celebrate the Boat Race.  John Money (C, Clare 60) proposed the toast to Oxford and Peter Hawker (O, Exeter 42) responded to Cambridge.  We watched the BBC video of the race and a great evening of food, drink, music and good conversations was had by all.  Our thanks to Alan and Ewa.

Some photos of the group watching the video, are available as an acrobat pdf file below:
BR03

The Boat Race Celebration – 2002

Some 71 Oxonians and Cantabrigians gathered at Reg and Wendy Mitchell’s in Victoria,

BC, Canada on April 26th to celebrate the annual Boat Race with much wine and food, while we wayched the BBC video.
Most of us found the race very interesting, and at least it provoked much cheering for the bulk of the course.
Shaun Peck (Emmanuel, 58) proposed the toast to Oxford and John Sandys-Wunch (Christchurch, 56) responded.

Some photos of the group watching the video, are available as an acrobat pdf file below:
BR02

The Boat Race Celebration – 2001

Some 60 Oxonians and Cantabrigians gathered at Reg and Wendy Mitchell’s in Victoria,
BC, Canada on April 20th to celebrate the annual Boat Race.
Most of us found the re-start very interesting, and at least it provoked much argument
and reminiscing about our own days at O&C.
The toast to Cambridge was made by Brian Richardson (Balliol, 57)
and the response to Oxford was made by Jim Gower (Queen’s, 56).