RIP Ann Southey

British Rowing was sad to hear of the death of Ann Southey, just days before the latest Henley Women’s Regatta, which she co-founded

Ann was a stalwart of St George’s Ladies RC, which later became part of Twickenham RC, and then – for a great many years – of Civil Service Ladies RC (now Barnes Bridge Ladies RC), as well as of many major competitions.

As a rower, a career highlight was winning the Women’s Coxed Fours with St George’s Ladies RC at the inaugural National Championships in 1972. Her crew, which also contained Beryl Mitchell (later Beryl Crockford) and was coxed by future British Rowing Chairman Di Ellis, went on to be selected to represent England at the Home Countries International Regatta, which they also won.

In 1988, she was one of the group who founded Henley Women’s Regatta, and was the committee member responsible for compiling the Regatta programme for 15 years until 2002. She will be deeply missed this weekend in the Chairman’s Enclosure where in recent times her many friends in rowing have enjoyed her friendship, lively conversation and insight.

Ann was a very deserving recipient of the Amateur Rowing Association Medal of Honour in 2008. This recognised her enormous record of volunteer work as a member of the ARA Council as a divisional representative, member of the Women’s Rowing Commission, member of the Competition Committee, organiser of the Women’s Head of the River Race, co-founder and long term member of the Henley Women’s Regatta Committee, member of the Pairs’ Head Committee and National Championships Committee, coach and umpire.

She passed away peacefully at home after a short illness.