Imperial’s 'Veritable Professor of the Oar' honoured in Boathouse naming ceremony

Bill Mason's twenty-six years of service and rowing success celebrated - News

Monday 23 April 2007
By Naomi Weston

The outstanding career of Bill Mason and his commitment to rowing at Imperial was honoured with the naming of the Bill Mason Club Room at the College Boathouse in Putney on 28 March.

In recognition of 26 years of service, a plaque was unveiled by Professor Rees Rawlings, Pro-Rector for Educational Quality, honouring Bill’s career and impact on rowing. The new plaque reads: ‘This room has been named in honour of Bill Mason 'Veritable Professor of the Oar' (The Guardian) on Wednesday 28 March 2007.

The newly named club room is bursting with memories of past successes including photos of the winning rowing teams. Bill represented Great Britain 32 times in major championships over the years and coached Imperial and Queens Tower teams through 28 Henley Royal Regatta finals. Bill has also coached numerous rowers that have taken part in the past seven Olympic Games, from 1980 to 2004. In addition, Bill himself competed in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games as an oarsman.

"The past 26 years have gone past very quickly," said Bill, "I was lucky enough to coach both the Imperial and Great Britain teams for two decades. Imperial has always come first however. The College supported me and my family over the years and I saw it as my future. I would like to thank the College for this honour."

Professor Rees Rawlings added: "Bill has achieved a huge amount over the years. But most striking is his personality and selflessness. His enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the sport are remarkable. He is reliable and honest and has enthused hundreds of young people."

After joining Imperial in 1980, Bill became the College’s waterman and Putney Boathouse Manager before becoming Director of Rowing. He was made an Associate of Imperial College in 1993 and in the following year was awarded the Amateur Rowing Association's highest award, the Medal of Honour. In 1996, he was chosen as Chief Coach of the Great Britain women's rowing team for the Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Students at Imperial have enjoyed success in a number of prestigious rowing events including the Henley Royal Regatta, Women’s Henley and British University Sport Championships.

Bill has seen a number of changes spanning his time at Imperial, in particular the redevelopment of the Putney boathouse in 1999. The new facility included enlarged boat racking space for 80 boats, a well equipped gym, club room, workshop and changing rooms.