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David Ronald Fangen and Nicholas Wallrock
Old CLayesmorians have had many strange encounters the world over since the dawn of time (actually since 1876). Had the school been founded at the time of the celebrated meeting between Doctor Livingston and Mr Stanley it would not stretch the imagination to conclude that they were a couple of OCs who had strayed from the comfortable North Dorset Hills to the centre of the Dark Continent.
It was therefore not a total surprise, though a considerable pleasure to the two protagonists with their respective families and supporting their two off-spring, that two OCs from the 1960’s met on the high concrete grandstand on the scene of the 1996 Junior World Rowing Championships in Poznán, Poland. The lake/regatta course was built by a certain Mr Hitler and the colour and scene would have brought water to the eyes of David “Admiral Rodney” Spinney.
One hero was David Ronald Fangen (61-66) and the other Nicholas Michael Wallrock (62-67). Their really heroic children were Victoria Fangen rowing for GB and the other, Sam Wallrock, rowing for Australia.
The Wallrock had emigrated to the other side of the world many years before whereas the Fangens remained in the UK to bring up home-grown GB athletes.
This wonderful encounter resulted in four days of catching up on twenty years past, the reminiscing amply aided and abetted by copious glasses of the local brew - not bad for third world country (no offence to any OC pole; or any other Pole come to that).
The GB and Aussie parents and supporters struck up a grand rapport - yes I did cheer for Aussie crews and they for us. They can be quite reasonable people you know.
The days were filled with sunshine, good companionship, more local brew and yes, of course, the rowing. That is why we met. That is why we were there and Victoria came back with a Bronze Medal in the Women’s Coxless Fours and Sam a Gold in the Men’s Coxed Fours.
A marvellous and wondrous time,
DRF.