No longer a family affair for Pinsent

Sir Richard Pinsent, Obiter would imagine, is currently revolving in his grave at some speed at the news that his famous great-grandson is cosying up to another law firm.

Sir Richard was the founder of what is now national giant Pinsent Curtis Biddle and the firm has in the past made some play of the link, and sponsored Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave as they rowed to gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

But oh how times have changed.

Matthew took his three Olympic gold medals along as he shared his 'inspirational experiences' with businessmen in Southampton at the recent annual Challenge Lecture, hosted for the 12th year by south-coast law firm Blake Lapthorn.

To commemorate his achievements, he then received the Challenge Silver Bowl from senior partner David Russell.

The bowl was filled to the brim with jelly babies, which was the only snack Matthew had when he rowed to two gold medals in as many hours at last year's world championships.

If only Pinsent Curtis Biddle had continued its sponsorship to the 2000 Olympic games, then perhaps this sad family breakdown could have been avoided.