He Won!

Morning everyone.

I do hope you are feeling good, I'm one very proud Mummab!  Read on to find out why.

Getting ever nearer to hopefully the ending of lock-down, although I know many people aren't entirely pleased with it.  It's a big topic of discussion that I wouldn't even dream of entering into as everyone has their own opinion of what should and shouldn't happen, what I will say is it can't come quick enough for me now!

So back to the post, you might have been following my IG stories recently when I shared the fact my youngest son would be competing in the oldest rowing race in the world - The Doggett's Coat and Badge Wager, and you can read all about if here. 

If you've followed me for a couple of years or more you may know he's already attempted the gruelling 7,400 m course back in 2019 - becoming runner up which was amazing since he'd only started rowing a few months earlier!  After last years race being cancelled due to Covid restrictions he continued to train more or less every day and also followed a strict diet.  Getting himself got into tip top shape.  He's been training on a lake local to us under the guidance of the head rowing coach at Kings School, he's been lucky to have this personal trainer who's kept him on the right track and helped immensely.  With this and his sheer effort & determination to succeed bought home the coverted title of 306th Doggett Coat and Badge winner!  Well done James I'm bursting with pride. 🥇💗

Travelling up to the start, we had time to prepare for the race (I sound as if I was rowing, but quite honestly I felt as if I was .. lol)

After years of impressing the importance of wearing a life jacket and pleading for promises to always wear one I got my just deserts!  Actually I didn't have to wear it inside or on the deck, just if I ventured to the front of the boat ... which I didn't 😇  Look quite fetching though eh!

Unlike 2019 I went with hubby on a smaller boat that followed along behind, it was nice to have a different perspective on the day, and also nice to see the whole of the race rather than be waiting to cheer our boy on at the finish line.  We also hired a bigger boat which meant we could gather family and friends to witness history - everyone agreed it was a thrilling and exciting day, especially when he won!

My view until my boy took the lead!

Waving at the camera, well bloggers have to take advantage of every photo opportunity don't they?

Realization!  He's won the prestigious Doggett's Coat & Badge race. 

Proud parents!  We are both bursting with pride at our son's achievement. X

With the help of my daughters we supplied a small buffet of sandwiches, pizza, sausage rolls, cocktail sausages, pork pies and chicken dippers, you know the usual snacks to accompany a few drinks.  My daughter made a mixture of delicious cakes - shall I name them?

Yes!! rocky road - yum, chocolate brownies, millionaire shortbread - divine, school dinner cake or Tottenham cake - (apparently if you know you know 😋) and cupcakes decorated with white icing and sprinkles. 

Everyone was well behaved on the open topped boat - keeping distance below deck etc.  

After a small presentation where James received a Harold Pinchbeck watch & a bottle of champagne, we took photos and eventually boarded our family boat, along with James, where there were plenty of happy tears and congratulatory conversations.  He will also receive his own traditional Waterman's red jacket complete with silver badge - this will be awarded to him at a special ceremony later in the year.

If you saw my Instagram stories you'd have seen everyone was asked to wear something white - yes not the best colour especially when the grand-kids were on board too!  I managed (don't know how) to keep clean and stain free, but to be honest I was so happy I probably wouldn't have cared!

Come October James will have his own Coat and Badge.

A flowy dress was my first choice of what to wear, however when I knew I'd be on the smaller boat I felt jeans would be better for climbing between boats and onto the pier.  I wore a birthday present white tunic over 3/4 jeans along with my white trainers, taking along a cream jacket just in case it got really cold - somehow I didn't need it,  maybe the alcohol was a good insulation - ha ha!

If you'd like to see the race - you can find out more about this amazing experience here.

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Time for the #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Most favourite blogger from last week is Alison - Midlife and Beyond.  What a pretty dress, love the delicate embroidery over the pale blue summer dress.  

Now let's start linking up.

Here are some guidelines.

Please follow your host on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Link up you fashion and beauty posts, other topics allowed.

We all like to get compliments, so please leave a nice comment when visiting a blog or two.

Also link back to Mummabstylish blog post.

You can also share the love on social media.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thanks for stopping by today, you are very kind - please do leave a comment as it's nice to hear from you too.

If you'd like to hear about my eldest son's attempt back in 2016 you can find it here!

Bye for today. X