When I was a young boy , I used to pinch a few of my father's bamboo canes and spend hours splitting and then carving into a pair of oars. These were then tied up with Light or Dark blue ribbon , again nicked from my mother or grandmother . A safety pin was attached !
I would sit on an appropiate wall ,with plenty of passing trade and sell them for 3 pence ( thrupence) each.
I always sold out !
It was such a big event in the fifties
In the sixties , my father was always invited to the "Duckham Oil " marquee situated on the bank of the Thames about half way along the race.
Food and Champagne was served by flunkies for free to the guests . A wonderful afternoon out !
I didn;t realize that it was on today until my wife mentioned it this morning