#23 Head of the River Trophy

This unique item is something very close to Pembrokians’ hearts. With Summer Eights only just over, we’re looking at a very special rowing celebration from 20 years ago. We’d love to hear from anyone who remembers this remarkable achievement and the celebrations.

1. This is the Head of the River Trophy from 2003

2. It is made of silver (and is very shiny!)

3. The designer and maker is Peter Musson.He is a silversmith who works both by hand and with computer aided design, and describes himself as an experimental maker.

4. The trophy was engraved by John Harris. The inscription reads “D.D. remigantionis amici alumnique Coll. Pemb. MMIII” which translates as “Given by friends and alumni of the Pembroke College Boat Club, 2003”

5. It is 25cm tall.

6. It celebrates the double headship achieved by the men’s and women’s 1st VIII crews

7. To achieve the headship, the men’s crew bumped Oriel, while the women’s crew held off Merton and New Colleges to retain their headship

8. In the same year, Pembroke achived a total of 13 bumps, and had the top men’s crew at every level.

9. Oxford also won the men’s and women’s Varsity Boat Race, making it a bumper year for Oxford rowing!

10. The double headship remains a unique achievement in Oxford rowing history.