NUI Galway Alumni Event at Henley Royal Regatta; 7th July 2007

Henley Royal Regatta:
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best known rowing regatta in the world and it holds a unique place in the respect and affection of all oarsmen. Founded in 1839, it is famous both as a great sporting occasion and a social event; and people come from all over the world to attend, either as competitors or as spectators. Uniquely, Henley also offers a fantastic social occasion, and is a highlight of the English summer social circuit. Henley Royal Regatta is a five day event, running from Wednesday to Sunday in early July annually.

NUI Galway Rowing Club has enjoyed outstanding success at Henley in recent times. In 2003, NUI Galway Rowing Club won the Visitor’s Fours event at Henley Royal Regatta, beating both “Boat Race” crews from Oxford and Cambridge along the way, and then repeated the feat by winning the same event in 2005. An earlier generation of oarsmen, completing as UCG Rowing Club tasted victory in the Thames Cup in 1987, and in the Britannia Challenge Cup in 1990.
This year the 20th Anniversary of the Club’s first Henley win will be marked by the 1987 crew rowing over the course during the afternoon tea break in racing on Saturday 7th July. This commemoration of a piece of NUI Galway sporting history should be a highlight of a memorable afternoon by the Thames, whether it is spent carefully monitoring the progress of the racing, wandering along the river-bank enjoying the unique spectacle that is Henley Royal Regatta, or socialising with other Alumni. Whether you spent the afternoon in any or all of the above activities, please be sure to make your presence felt by cheering on the competing NUI Galway crews, as well as the ’87 old boys.

Further details of the regatta can be obtained from http://www.hrr.co.uk/.

NUI Galway Alumni Meeting Point:
The NUI Galway Alumni meeting point will be the Regatta Enclosure Main Entrance (i.e. the entrance nearest Henley Bridge / Stewards Enclosure) at 2:00 pm on Saturday. Regatta Enclosure Entry tickets will be distributed to Alumni at that time (availability may be limited). On the day, areas of both the Regatta Enclosure Grandstand, and the Regatta Enclosure Bar will be established as NUI Galway Alumni areas.

Alumni who cannot make the meeting point at 2:00 pm, may arrange to meet up with the NUI Galway party by phoning Noel Stapleton on 353 87 232 7215.

Regatta Dress Code:
While the Regatta Enclosure does not require formal dress, any guests who wish to visit the adjacent Stewards Enclosure are advised that the following dress code applies:
Those attending the Regatta in the Stewards' Enclosure must dress in accordance with long-established tradition. Gentlemen are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets or blazers with flannels, and a tie or cravat. Ladies are required to wear dresses or suits with a hemline below the knee and will not be admitted wearing divided skirts, culottes or trousers of any kind.  Ladies are encouraged to wear hats. Similarly, no one will be admitted to the Stewards' Enclosure wearing shorts or jeans.
Many patrons in the Regatta Enclosure choose to enter into the spirit of the Regatta by also adopting the Stewards’ Enclosure dress code.

The Barbeque:
After racing finishes (usually around 6:45pm), our event moves to the Maltsters Arms in Rotherfield-Greys (2 miles from Henley), a traditional English country pub / restaurant, for a Barbeque at 8:00pm.

We are delighted that Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway has accepted our invitation to attend both the regatta and the Barbeque, and will be accompanied by his wife, Rosaleen.

A shuttle bus will provide Transport for the short trip from Henley to the Maltsters Arms. The Shuttle Bus pick-up point will be the front steps of the Town Hall, which is located in the centre of a small square at the top of the Main Street, and is reached by walking back over Henley bridge (from the Regatta Course), and proceeding directly up the street. The Shuttle bus will commence at 7:00 pm, and should return at approximately 10 minute intervals thereafter. The same transport will also be on hand later in the evening to return our guests to their accommodation in Henley, or to Henley-on-Thames train station in time for the last train to London. 

Tickets for Barbeque will be distributed on the day in the Regatta Enclosure by Grainne Mhaol Club and NUI Galway Alumni Association representatives, or can be obtained by contacting Noel Stapleton (on 353 (0)87 232 7215 or noelgrainnemhaol.com), or Emma Goode (on 353 (0) 91 492721 or emma.goodenuigalway.ie)

Getting To Henley:
Henley can be reached by train from London Paddington (change at Twyford). Regatta specials are run for the duration of the regatta. The journey duration is 55 minutes. Times can be obtained from http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/

From Heathrow Airport, Henley can be reached by train, by either taking the Heathrow Express to Paddington, and then to Henley, as above; or by going via Hayes & Harlington and Twyford. Further details can also be obtained from http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/. Alternative options include a Taxi from Heathrow (approx £75 Stg), or car hire.

From the other London Airports, trains can be obtained to the city centre, and then to Henley from Paddington. Car Hire from Luton Airport is a popular option for people flying directly from Galway, but parking in Henley is quite hard to find, and expensive.

Course Map:
The Henley Bridge (shown on the bottom left corner of the map) is at the end to the Main Street in Henley, and only 2 minutes walk from the Train Station.
The course map below shows the layout of the rowing course, and the various Enclosures. Please note that the Regatta enclosure can be reached (on foot) by crossing Henley Bridge from the town side, turning right, and following the path past the Boat Tent Area and the Stewards Enclosure to the Regatta Enclosure Entrance. 

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