Sad News: Bert Bushnell

Bert Bushnell, the oldest surviving rowing gold medallist, has sadly died, aged 88.

He won the double sculls with Dickie Burnell in the 1948 Olympics when Henley hosted the rowing events.

During the Games, Mr Bushnell struck up a friendship with Jack Kelly, a fellow competitor and the brother of Grace Kelly, who became Princess Grace of Monaco.

He even had a dinner date with the actress.

Mr Bushnell, who lived in Stoke Row Road, Rotherfield Peppard, and was a member of Leander Club, donated his Olympic medal to the River and Rowing Museum.

The funeral takes place at 14:30 on 27 January, St Mary’s in Henley.