Author Alex Robertson is compiling a reference guide to Leander Club HRR badges, but he’s hit upon a problem. In the 1980s, there was a run of undated plastic badges. If anyone can help identify the years they were in circulation, please contact him on robertson.alexander@outlook.com
He writes:
For every Leander member, the arrival of the Henley Royal Regatta pack is a day to look forward to. Tearing open the envelope to see what colour this year’s badge is, and whether the design has changed since last year. It’s worn proudly on the lapel throughout the Regatta, then come Black Monday, tucked away safely with previous years.
Leander’s badge design has stayed remarkably consistent over the past 45 years: a circular badge bearing the club crest at its centre, with the fitting varying between a clasp and a medallion style. The first metal badge was issued in 1990, but throughout the 1980s the club issued a run of plastic badges.
While putting together a reference guide for collectors of Henley Royal Regatta badges, I’ve struggled to pin down exactly when the first plastic badge was issued, and which design belongs to which year. Only two badges from this period are dated, 1983 and 1984, leaving the rest a mystery. Working back from 1990 and the nine plastic variations identified so far, my best guess is that the first was issued in 1981.
If you remember which badge belongs to which year, or if you have an example that doesn’t match the ones pictured above, please do get in touch, I’d be delighted to hear from you!
