Andrew WallsAlistair Walker

A row has erupted at St Peter’s Boat Club over the Presidency of the Club’s alumni society.

In an internal memo leaked to The Oxford Student, the Club’s Senior Member, Dr. Tim Mawson, expressed concerns about the Friends of St Peter’s Boat Club, an alumni society that raises funds for the Club.

In the memo he wrote: “There has been something of a breakdown of trust be-tween [the Friends] and the Development Office.”

Mawson stated that dif-ficulties arose after it was revealed that Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope had been informally offered the Pres-idency of the Friends Soci-ety.

Mawson said: “It would obviously be extremely em-barrassing were we now to do anything that made it look as if we were less than delighted with this.”

Stanhope, who is First Sea Lord of the Admiralty and the most senior officer within the British navy, as well as an alumnus of the College, is understood to have provisionally accepted the position.

Steps are being taken to ensure Stanhope’s smooth transition into the position of President. He was invited to the Boat Club dinner and an official job description is being constructed for the position of President of the Friends Society.

A joint statement from the Boat Club and the Col-lege’s Development Office refuted that there was any

dissatisfaction in the Club surrounding Stanhope’s unofficial appointment.

The statement reads: “Ear-lier this year, an Old Mem-ber of the College was ap-proached with the idea of taking on the honorary title of President of Friends of the St Peter’s College Boat

Club. There is, as yet, no formal job description for this role, and the Old Mem-ber has not provided written confirmation of intentions.

“The Friends, the College and the Boat Club would be delighted if this Old Mem-ber accepts the offer, once

a job description is written and agreed.”

A member of the Club’s committee, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed. He said: “The Presi-dent of the Friends of St Peter’s Boat Club is not a position which has existed before. It was felt that such a respected member would be an asset within such an important position.

“As far as I’m aware, the entire Boat Club is aware that the Admiral has been approached informally on the possibility of becoming President.”

However, another mem-ber of St. Peter’s Boat Club, contested the claim, saying: “I haven’t heard anything about the Friends of St. Pe-ter’s Boat Club making the First Sea Lord of the Admi-ralty their President.”

Admiral Sir Mark Stan-hope was unavailable for comment on his unofficial appointment as President.

Choppy waters: Peter’s, the First Sea Lord and the leaked memo

“It would obviously be extremely embarrassing

were we now to do anything that made it look as if we were less

than delighted with this”

the oxford student 7th Week Mt09 3

neWs

Leaked memo shows concern over informal Boat Club appointment

the OXFORD UNION...where else?

Debate. Meet. Party.

the OXFORD UNION...where else?

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It has been argued that much of Europe’s wealth today is based on past actions which, by today’s standards, are morally reprehensible. Given that without colonialism the relative wealth of continents would be completely di�erent, should we correct the wrongdoings of history? Or does the passage of

generations alter the course of justice?The Candidates for President will speak.

Thursday 7th week, 8:30pm

Shakira

Shakira is a world-famous Colombian singer-songwriter and musician. Her 2006 song Hips Don’t Lie is the most successful song in the 21st-century to date, and topped the charts in 55 countries. She has won two Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, and has been Golden Globe-nominated.

Monday 9th week,

Christmas Cracker Social

Mulled Wine and Mince PiesGingerbread MenChristmas Carols

Hot Chocolate and MarshallowsDecorate our Christmas Tree!

Monday 7th week, 7:00pm

MeetInG re the BoAt CLuB: the MeMo

“There has been a breakdown of trust between [the Friends of St Peter’s Boat Club] and the Development Office.”

“As I understand it, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope - a distinguished old member of the College - has been orally offered and accepted the post of President of the Friends organization.”

“It would obviously be extremely embarassing were we now to do anything that made it look as if we were anything less than delighted with this.”

“My inclination is to think as a matter of urgency whatever is necessary by way of paperwork to underline how pleased we are with this development, inviting him to the next Boat Club dinner, et cetera.”

“There has been mooted the possibility of the Friends hosting an event of some sort at the Admiralty Buildings - a venue redolent of the greatest naval achievements of ours, the greatest naval nation.”

Dr Tim MawsonSenior Member SPCBC

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope St Peter’s rowers at Summer Eights this year