Hidden Henley

With the Henley Festival in full swing it’s doubtful whether any of the thousands of festivalgoers will notice two marker stones next to the Thames here, each with the HRR logo and the text “Finish Line Olympic Games”. One is marked 1908 and the other 1948.

In his comprehensive 2001 guide to “Henley Regatta and Reach”, Michael Jones says: The Olympic Regatta took place at Henley in 1908 and 1948 – the only town to host the Olympic Regatta twice. In 1908, relying on veteran oarsman from Leander Club for the second eight, Great Britain won all four gold medals (eights, coxless fours, coxless pairs and single sculls) and this remains Britain’s best ever Olympic rowing gold medal tally. Obviously, the book details the extraordinary achievements by Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent. Then in 1948 Britain won gold in the coxless pairs and double sculls.

But all this will be unnoticed and irrelevant as visitors enjoy the art, the peculiarities of the Roving Troupe and listen to such artists as Boy George and Culture Club, Sugababes and Lulu!