In 1944 the only Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race not rowed on the River Thames was contested on a stretch of the Great Ouse, near Ely.
Next Wednesday, some 70 years later, Martin Whitworth, who was number four in the Cambridge Boat, will host lunch for one of his old opponents, Michael Brooks, in celebration of the race’s anniversary.
Michael, who lives in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, rowed at number three for Oxford and his crew won the wartime race by three-quarters of a length.
Cambridge levelled the wartime series the following year at Henley-on-Thames, with Martin at stroke.
Martin lives in Woodbridge, Suffolk, and is president of the Isle of Ely Rowing Club. To mark the occasion, the Ely club will also name their new boat Michael Brooks, in honour of Oxford’s victory.
At the commemoration event held on Wednesday, a framed photo and naming ceremony DVD will be presented to Michael.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here