Remenham Farm has been home to the Start of the Henley Royal Regatta since it began in 1839, and an established landmark of the regatta course, and can be heard in race commentary ‘passing Remenham Farm….’, between the ¼ and ½ mile points. It also witnessed Olympic rowing in both 1908 and 1948.
The Copas family has owned Remenham Farm, originally bought to cultivate potatoes and arable crops, since 1977, and over the years have gradually converted increasingly larger areas of the farm to facilities associated with the regatta, in response to the burgeoning demand.
In 1988, Tom Copas Senior was introduced to Christine Aistrop, who shared the idea of Henley Women’s Regatta with him, and that facilities on land would not be available at the Henley Royal Regatta site. The Copas family were immediately keen to support, offering Remenham Farm as the venue, and their family’s assistance in establishing Henley Women’s Regatta.
Over the years, Henley Women’s Regatta has grown in popularity and quality, and the Copas family has continued their support, building a solid relationship that continues to flourish.
Tom Copas Senior alongside HRH Prince Michael of Kent presenting prizes to Staines BC in 1993; at the start with the Mayor of Henley and other guests.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that the regatta was cancelled in 2020 for the first time. Not to be disheartened, the Copas family and HWR’s committee saw this as an opportunity for reflection and improvement; When the regatta returned in 2021, it was expanded into both a Rowing Zone in Farm Meadow and Spectator Zone in Temple Island Meadows, receiving fantastic feedback from both crews and spectators.
The old farm buildings that had hosted the first public bar on the royal regatta course ‘The Barn Bar’ since 1930’s, and shown in early prize-giving photographs from 1990s are now luxury offices, ‘Riverside Barns’, and overlook the Rowing Zone. This area is a dedicated area for competitors and their needs, pre, and post racing.
Additional space in Temple Island Meadows for the Spectator Zone, now offers the benefit of increased space for crews and spectators on the riverside, trailer and spectator parking, and hosts the shopping village, food and drink offerings, and officials’ area where the family are proud to present their ‘Copas Cup’ each year.
The Copas family are continuously looking for ways to improve the regatta and ensure its longevity and success in the future and we welcome any feedback.
Tom Copas Senior sadly passed away in 2021 but remained a passionate supporter of Henley Women’s Regatta throughout his life.
