🍾 Celebrating 100 Years: "An Oar-some Century" 💜
On April 11th, the RUBC hosted a landmark gala dinner at the stunning Greenlands Campus in Henley to celebrate a truly historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of the University of Reading receiving its Royal Charter.
The evening brought together 120 guests—including alumni, university leadership, and current student-athletes—to toast a century of rowing tradition and the club’s vital role in the university community.
Honoring a Storied Past
The event featured a captivating Historical Showcase and Rowing Exhibition. Guests explored decades of memorabilia, archival photographs, and personal stories that charted the club's journey from its early days to its current position as a world-class sculling program.
The significance of the Royal Charter centenary added a layer of prestige to the evening, emphasising RUBC’s long-standing contribution to the university’s identity.
Inspiring Voices
The room was filled with reflections on how rowing has shaped lives and built a lasting community. Key highlights included:
The Vice-Chancellor spoke on the club's enduring legacy and its central place in the university's history.
Adam Freeman-Pask, a distinguished RUBC alumnus, shared insights into the club’s culture of excellence and technical precision.
Current Student Leaders reflected on the modern squad’s dedication and the inspiring bridge between generations of Reading rowers.
A Bridge to Future Achievement
While the gala was an opportunity to look back, it also served as a powerful catalyst for the future. The event connected the University Council and local community leaders with the next generation of athletes, ensuring the club’s trajectory remains upward.
This spirit of excellence was perfectly exemplified just weeks later at the 2026 BUCS Regatta, where RUBC achieved a historic Triple Crown victory. Winning the Overall, Men’s, and Women’s Victor Ludorum was the ultimate tribute to the 100 years of foundations celebrated at Greenlands.
The Next 100 Years
Thank you to everyone who joined us to commemorate our rich history and toast to a bright future. Here’s to the next 100 years of rowing excellence!
