Current and former members of MCS Boat Club came together on Saturday for a very special occasion. In between the heavy showers, thunder and lightning over 150 pupils, staff, parents, grandparents and OWs gathered on School Field to name our latest double scull, aptly called ‘Spowie’, celebrating the 40 years and counting that Stephen Spowart has given to the school and the Boat Club.

A wonderful speech was given by Bill Platt, who has coached at school for 13 years alongside Mr Spowart, although their friendship extends much further through City of Oxford Rowing Club. Over the years, Mr Spowart has taught hundreds of pupils how to row, many of whom are still seen out on the Isis rowing for their colleges, or at races around the country. As Master in Charge he has seen the boat club move location, celebrated its 175th Anniversary and taken crews to The British Rowing National Championships, National Schools’ Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta and the Coupe de la Jeunesse not to mention many local head races and regattas around the South East. He is a key role model for the pupils under his care, still training on a near daily basis himself, rowing before school and joining in with land sessions in the winter months.

The BBQ was a huge success and it was great to catch up with so many supporters of Mr Spowart and MCSBC.