The Billygoats Society was established in 1948 to provide financial support to Fitzwilliam College Boat Club. It uses its funds to purchase boats and other equipment, and fund coaching and training camps. Over the years 2002-2024 it has provided over £213,000 to the Club. In addition, members of the Society contributed about £300,000 towards the cost of the new boathouse opened in 2007.

All members of the Boat Club are subscribing members whilst in residence and all former members of the Club are eligible to join – on payment of an annual subscription.

The Society manages ‘Billy Field’ (Osier Holt) during the May Bumps to raise funds and hosts a Pimm’s Party there on Bumps Saturday.  It holds annual dinners in Leander Club on the Friday of Henley Royal Regatta, assisting current students to attend the dinner and the Stewards’ Enclosure, and in College at the end of the Michaelmas term, when it awards crockpots to the members of the best performing FCBC crew of the term.

Many Billygoats still row, with crews entering a number of races including the Fairbairn Cup and the Rhine Marathon.

Find out more about the Billygoats Society on their website.