A SPECIAL dinner was held to celebrate the long service of Stratford Boat Club’s president.
Almost one hundred guests gathered at the Welcombe Hotel for the Inaugural President’s Dinner in honour of Paul Stanton who has held the post for 12 years.
Guests were invited to wear regatta inspired attire, and a guard of honour formed by young athletes and their blades welcomed attendees to the dinner.
Life members Sue and David Brooks were among the guests. Sue, originally from Durham, became the club’s first female rower after Paul Stanton opened membership to women during his captaincy in 1971.
King Edward VI School headmaster Bennet Carr and his wife attended, representing the long-standing history between the club and KES. The two organisations share not only the clubhouse but Olympic and Paralympic medallists.
The evening began with a drinks reception, followed by speeches from president Paul Stanton, life member Sue Brooks and Captain Ed Lewry. Olympian Esme Booth also delivered an engaging after dinner address.
A handmade celebration cake, shaped as a rowing blade, was unveiled, charting Paul’s rowing journey.
