The charred bow of the boat set on fire after Lady Margaret Boat Club (LMBC) retained Head of the River in last year’s May Bumps has gone on display in the bar at St John’s.
Their win on the River Cam was celebrated after the final races of the four-day inter-collegiate competition with the traditional burning of a decommissioned wooden boat on the Backs of the College.
Boat burning takes place when LMBC, fondly known as ‘Maggie’, gains or retains Headship by finishing first, with rowers jumping over the boat while it is on fire.
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The bow of the burned boat has been restored and painted with the names of all the crews and coaches involved in the club’s campaign during its bicentenary year – students, Fellows, staff and alumni.
Jamie Turner, who captained the men’s rowers to victory and spearheaded the plan to display the bow in the College, said: “To have had such an incredible achievement during Maggie’s bicentenary year is something none of us will ever forget.
“I’m very proud of all the crews that were part of the Club during its 200th anniversary celebrations. Bumps is a team competition and we win or lose together.
“We want the display to commemorate the camaraderie of Maggie as much as the victories, because that’s what makes rowing so special at John’s.”
Founded in 1825, LMBC is the oldest rowing club in Cambridge and one of the most decorated in British history. The term ‘blazer’ even originated with the distinctive bright red jackets worn by members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club in the 19th century.
The Club helped establish the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, produced generations of elite rowers, Henley Royal Regatta winners and Olympic athletes, and introduced thousands of students to rowing after arriving in Cambridge. Notable rowing alumni, whose names are also etched on the bow displayed in the bar, took part in a special row-past at Henley Royal Regatta to mark LMBC’s 200th anniversary.
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Turner, who studied mathematics and graduated last year, explained: “The vast majority of people who row for Maggie learned at the Club and many, myself included, arrived in Cambridge with no previous experience of the sport.
“It is a very welcoming community to join and around half of our students give rowing a try during their time here.”
Turner is now one of the coaches of the Fellows and Staff boat at LMBC,
The bicentenary fundraising campaign exceeded its target, raising more than £820,000 to support improvements to training and rowing facilities.
The refurbishment, described by the Club as the most ambitious overhaul of the boathouse in a generation, is now underway. Plans include a larger ergometer room, upgraded strength and conditioning facilities, and improved lighting and ventilation throughout the building.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed by the Michaelmas Term.
