Fitzwilliam College went Head of the River for the first time in the Lent Bumps of 1969, and repeated this in May Bumps 1969. The Lent Headship was only to last 1 year but Billy remained Head in the Mays in 1970 and 1971. In 2019 the Billygoats Society and the Head crews intend to celebrate the 50th annversary of these momentous events at the May Bumps Supper. In this post members of the crew share some photos and memories, and I have scanned and uploaded many pages of the Boat Club Record Book.
Charles Lowe has these trophy photos and oars marking his three years at Head of the Mays.
Charles Lowe shares his memories of rowing for ‘Billy 1968-71:
My first memory was George Proffitt coming to my parent’s house in Cheshire in September 1968, before I had gone up to Cambridge, presumably to check me out and to encourage me to go up early for the start of training for the Light Fours (which ‘Billy won for the first time that year).
The second abiding memory was bumping Queens’ to go Head of the Mays, particularly the action of the Queens’ crew coming down the towpath to congratulate us which feels so different to the way some people behave these days.
Fast forward then to Henley in 1970 when, as stroke of our Visitors’ four I was so unprepared for success that I hadn’t memorised the Barrier or Fawley records and so missed the fact early in the semi-finals race on the Friday that we were a second outside the then records. Once well ahead we eased off to save ourselves for the final the following day (which in the end we won with a verdict of “Easily”).
My final rowing memory was of the Mays in 1971. We were conscious that year that there were other college crews that were possibly as fast as us, however we had the advantage of clear water. On the Friday we had Jesus behind us and by the start of the long reach they were threatening. At that point I saw the feet of Neville Robertson, our stroke, appear above the heads of the oarsmen in between so we lost the power of our stern pair for a good few strokes whilst they sorted themselves out. Steve Kerruish, rowing at 6, and I thankfully were able to keep the momentum going, as Jesus closed in on us, almost to an overlap. Once we were back to full strength and pulling away, they appeared to blow up.
The happiest time I spent at Cambridge was in the company of fellow College oarsmen. Perhaps the highlight was the surprise 30th birthday party held for Kenny Fraser where we all hid behind items of furniture in the house he and Susie were renting. We gave Kenny quite a shock when we stood up. There were many good dinners too, and even a few good speeches. Not to be forgotten as well is our Boatman George, who looked after our equipment brilliantly: a real craftsman and definitely a major contributor to our successes.
George Proffitt (Captain in 1968/9 and now President of the Billygoats Society in this anniversary year) shared some action photos of the 1969 Lent and May crews, and the 1970 May crew, which are interspersed with extracts from the Record Book.
1968 Michaelmas:
M. Robson, Clare by 1.8 secs.
was slightly less than hoped for and this reflected in their term’s results.
1969 Lent Crew
1969 May crew
proved that they were immeasurably the fastest crew in the Cambridge May races which they won last week for the first time in their history.
1969 May crew
skill in all his work. The club donated £26 to him, from members pockets. A fibreglass scull was bought.
1969 Michaelmas:
Sadly there is little recorded for the 1970 Lents:
There is no more in the Record Book for the 1969-70 season, and nothing for 1970-71.
1970 May crew
Stephen Kerruish had these photos of Henley Royal Regatta crews in the Ladies Plate, with him rowing at 6 in both crews. He says
The 1970 crew was really good. We won the Head of the Cam, Senior Eights at Cambridge Regatta and were Head of the River. We were knocked out of the Ladies Plate by a Dutch crew who went on to win it, I think. Four of us won the Visitors Cup at Henley Royal Regatta that year.
The 1971 crew (the pic with Jim Hart in his headband at 4) was also good. We stayed Head of the River and reached the last 4 of the Ladies Plate.
