Sports & Recreation

The Thames Traditional Boat Rally is, simply put, a huge 2-day display of the very finest-looking traditional boats one can see. It was the dream, back in 1977, of a few keen boaters. Most of these were members of the River Thames Society, others were members of the Inland Waterways Association or Thames boat clubs. Their idea was to encourage owners of traditional craft to cherish and restore them to all their former glory, as well as to continue to use them upon the river. The Rally was to be both a meeting and a showcase for owners and craft, at one of the most beautiful spots on the River Thames, with various trophies and prizes awarded. Happily, it is still going, and becomes more spectacular every year.

Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. Originally staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose.

The Confrérie du Sabre d'Or is devoted to promoting the act of Sabrage and the enjoyment of Champagne. The Heart of the Order is the growing number of Caveaux de Sabrage where Sabrage may be performed. The Caveaux range from small restaurants and Wine Bars to the grandest of Hotels. They all have two things in common - Champagne and fun. This is a wine and far too good to be left only to special occasions. A programme of events throughout the year held at prestigious venues gives all our members and their guests excellent value for money and plenty of opportunity for Sabrage as well as enjoying excellent Champagne and food.

“AVAIL” is a membership club for interesting, professional people, and people of integrity who wish to attend top level events and functions throughout the English and International ‘social season’ both Summer and Winter.

Come along and enjoy some great entertainment, whilst experiencing over 500 exhibitors from power and sail boats, dinghies, engines, electronics, deck equipment, charter holidays, sailing courses and much more…It is a day out not to be missed!

Crockfords was founded in 1828 by William Crockford, who was sponsored by the Duke of Wellington. William Crockford created an exclusive membership club that attracted the cream of Regency society with gaming properly conducted in opulent surroundings and offering the finest food and wine. Crockfords in Curzon Street carries forward that tradition into the modern era of gaming.

Established in 1886, The Queen's Club was the first multipurpose sports complex ever to be built, anywhere in the world. It was named after Queen Victoria, its first patron, and is widely renowned as one of the premier Lawn Tennis and Racquets clubs in the world. The Club has hosted as many as twenty-five different sporting activities and, as well as lawn tennis, has been the scene for such varied sports as ice-skating, baseball, athletics and rugby.

Purdey was established in London in 1814, the year before the battle of Waterloo. The founder, James Purdey, had previously worked as head stocker for Joseph Manton, the foremost gunmaker of his time. Purdey set up his gun making business in Princes Street and soon moved to Manton's former premises in Oxford Street in 1826. As early as 1838, Queen Victoria is recorded as having bought a pair of Purdey pistols. The company was granted its first Royal Warrant in 1868 by The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, an honour that has been bestowed on the Managing Director of James Purdey & Sons Ltd by each succeeding Monarch. Today Nigel Beaumont holds the Warrants of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales. In 1882 the company moved from Oxford Street to the new premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where it remains to this day. James the Younger designed this building to accommodate his showroom, the factory for making guns and cartridges, and later it provided living quarters for his family. Although James Purdey & Sons Ltd was bought by the Seely family in 1946 it was to remain a family-owned business until 1994. The Hon Richard Beaumont, a Seely nephew and Chairman since 1970, decided to retire and the company was acquired by the Richemont Group. Nigel Beaumont became Chairman of Purdey in March 2007 following the retirement of Richard Purdey.

Holland and Holland, established in London, specialises in bespoke Best London guns, shooting clothing and accessories, shooting instruction, books, and sporting art.

Autotune is a small family run business specialising in all types of Sporting and Historic Cars. Established in 1969 by Anthony and Carolyn Taylor, then joined in 1999 by son Richard, the firm specialises in both the production of high quality replica sports cars, and the maintenance and preparation of Historic Racing cars. Individual marques whose cars Autotune specialise in include Jaguar and McLaren.

Motor racing first came to Goodwood in 1936 when the 9th Duke of Richmond held a private hillclimb through the park. Five years earlier he had won the Brooklands Double 12, and then in 1948 he opened the Goodwood Motor Circuit. These early events inspired his grandson, the present Earl of March, to bring motor sport back to Goodwood. This resulted in the first Festival of Speed, held in 1993 in the picturesque parkland surrounding Goodwood House.

AK Sportscars is based in Peterborough in the UK specialising in the design and manufacture of one of the finest cobra kit replicas in the country – the AK 427.