An invitation to Henley Royal Regatta 2022

Alum Amanda Talboys (WGH 2014-15) has generously agreed to host a very special trip for Alumni to this year’s Royal Henley Regatta.

Amanda (now Head of the Director’s Office at Goodenough) is the perfect host having an in-depth knowledge of rowing, gained as an athlete, a high-level coach and, more recently, as one of the Members of Stewards who host the Regatta.

Amanda says: “I’m looking forward to giving Alumni a great day out and providing a few insights into the Royal Regatta – one of the world’s most famous international rowing events, a highlight of the English social season and an event with a long association with the royal family. That connection stretches from Prince Albert through to Princess Grace of Monaco and on to the event’s current patron, HRH Her Majesty the Queen.

“As my guests, Goodenough Alumni will be welcomed into the Stewards’ Enclosure and the prestigious Leander Club, established in 1818 and normally reserved only for Club members.

“There’ll be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the days racing. We’ll be able to sip Pimms on the veranda, which boasts spectacular views of the town and boating dock as we watch crews set off and return.

During the day we’re likely to see a number of Olympians (Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent are also Stewards), sporting greats and successful business people so it’s a great opportunity to find out more about elite sport and maybe make a few contacts…”

Amanda started out in the sport at secondary school in the US where she went on to win a national championship (2003) and rowed for the University of Pennsylvania Women’s Rowing team.

While studying Cultural Heritage Studies at University College London and living at Goodenough Amanda rowed  for the ULBC (University of London Boat Club), winning the British University Championships and achieving a remarkable win at Henley when she set a course record with her fellow rowers in the Intermediate 4+ category in 2015 that still stands.

Amanda has also coached juniors at Winchester and saw a number of her rowers going on to win major awards, with one young man rowing for Oxford’s winning team at this year’s Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

Amanda adds: “I’m delighted to host this year’s event for Alumni at Goodenough. Tickets are available now and all the proceeds will be donated to the College’s Mecklenburgh Fund, which provides vital financial support to Members in need.”

Booking tickets

Places are limited and the College is seeking donations of a minimum of £150 per ticket for this exceptional day out. The funds raised will go to supporting the charitable work of the Mecklenburgh Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to Members in need.

The day starts at 09.30am (We recommend travel by train to Henley-on-Thames Station but a limited number of car parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis.)

Please register your interest by emailing alumni@goodenough.ac.uk