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Profile of HRR Steward Alan Watson, courtesy of Henley Royal Regatta Alan Watson was elected a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta in December 1980. Born in 1929, Alan Watson was educated at Latymer Upper School, Hammersmith and Westminster College, University of London. Alan was a Master at Latymer Upper School between 1953-74 before moving on to Haileybury College, from where he retired in 1989. Alan first rowed at Henley in 1947 for Thames Rowing Club in the Thames Challenge Cup. He rowed again in 1951 and 1952 in the Thames Challenge Cup for the University of London reaching the semi-finals in both years. In 1952 he also rowed for the University of London in the first Brussels Treaty Race and won. He reached the Semi-Finals of the Grand in 1953, 1954 and 1955. Alan represented England at the Commonwealth Games in 1954 and won a silver medal in the eights. He also represented Great Britain at the European Games of 1955 and the Olympic Games of 1956, rowing in the eight in both competitions. Alan was Master i/c Rowing at Latymer Upper School between 1953-74 and Chief Coach for the University of London BC between 1958-74 and was been President of the Club from 1958 onwards. It was very largely Alan's coaching and guidance which enabled the University of London to achieve the leading position that the Club holds today in British rowing. Alan was a Member of the ARA Council between 1964-79, served on the Council for Youth Rowing between 1965-73 and was Chairman of the Junior Selection Board in 1971. Alan's recreational interests included visiting stately homes and gardens, garden centres etc. and walking in and around Sheringham. Alan Watson passed away peacefully on Thursday 15th February 2007 after a lengthy illness.
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