AMID cheers from spectators on the bank, three canoes were ceremonially launched on the River Cherwell in July 1960.

The boats belonged to the Old Marston County Secondary School canoe club and were assembled by boys at the school.

Supervising the event was Mr LW Taylor, the club's instructor.

Headmaster Mr DE Smith said: "As well as introducing boys to a new and interesting sport, the construction of canoes offers useful experience in handicrafts, plan reading and practical mathematics.

"It is of tremendous value to the boys to use the craft which they themselves have helped to construct."

The nearby waterways gave scope for all types of canoeing, and trained members of the club were encouraged to go off on tours of exploration, adding to their local knowledge and self-reliance.

Mr Smith added: "The boys are living in a university town in which the river, and the boat race, is important.

"There is no reason why they should not be inspired by that tradition."

He stressed the importance of being able to swim, with full members required to be able to to swim 220 yards and 50 yards in normal canoe clothing.