Clubs & Societies
There are many OA clubs and societies, some of which also accept non-OAs as members. Contact details may be found on p 19.
active or ‘retired’ oarsmen, whether they rowed at Dulwich or took up the sport later in life. We have the generous use of the College boathouse and regularly train together in the summer on land and on the water. We are also a very social club, and this year has already seen the return of our annual dinner and a Christmas reunion. We also plan to expand the regatta and incorporate an after-party into the event. There are also opportunities to volunteer with DCBC to support rowing at the school. If anyone is interested in learning more about our events and the Club, please visit us on Facebook at ‘Old Alleynian Boat Club’. The regatta also has its own page – ‘Alleynian Invitational Regatta’. Finally, the Secretary is always happy to give more information about the club, email tocsaunders@googlemail.com for information and membership requests. OAFC is currently going through an exciting phase of growth and improvement, both on and off the field. We have been steadily improving as a rugby club over the past few years and I now feel that the time and effort from all involved is starting to pay off. On the pitch we now run four senior sides in competitive leagues, a ‘veterans’ side (35+ years), an u21s and a thriving mini rugby section. Off the pitch we have a proactive committee under the ever watchful eye of chairman Roger Looker, while the clubhouse has never been so well stocked, so regularly used and well managed by grounds manager Phil Morgan. As I write, 2011-12 is going very well, with all teams performing competitively and all fixtures being fulfilled. The new coaching team of Fraser Gemmel and Paul Boullard have given the Club a real boost and competitive edge throughout the sides. This has resulted in the 1st XV currently sitting top of London SW3 and playing the confident and assured type of rugby that makes us all hopeful of promotion. Skipper Jonny Wright, now in his second season, has asked for and received greater commitment from all senior players, has always led by example and leaves little to chance. I must also mention Rick Wilson at this point and thank him for all his coaching efforts, as well as his numerous off the pitch efforts. After 25 years of coaching the OAs through thick and thin, he has stepped aside to let the younger generation take over, but does keep an eye on things and provide support from the sidelines. The 2nd XV, efficiently captained by Tim Wood, currently lie fourth in Kent Invicta1, which is a very Tom Saunders (01-06) OA Football Club
OA Boat Club
It has been a busy year for the OA Boat Club, in which we have seen more events, more funds raised and more members than ever before. A large group of OAs attended the DCBC annual dinner in the Great Hall in March. This was a hugely enjoyable event which has gone from strength to strength over the years. Thanks go to the Club for inviting us and being such gracious hosts. Several OAs made the trip to Henley Royal Regatta to cheer on the 1st VIII in July. Despite a promising start, Dulwich were rowed through just past Remenham and went on to narrowly lose, despite fighting back hard past the enclosures.
The Club runs the Alleynian Invitational Regatta, which is the largest public school alumni rowing event in the UK. This year we had record entries, with nine crews entering. OABC II was the first crew to take to the water and set the pace by beating a fancied Hampton crew in the first round. OABC I was not to be outdone, however, and comfortably beat Latymer in their opening heat. OABC I lined up against a fast Westminster crew in the final – which we later found out contained two of last year’s Cambridge Blue boat – and after a close race lost by half a length. Crews and their supporters then retired to the boathouse for a well earned drink. Thanks go to Simon Croucher and DCBC for helping with the organisation and for allowing us use of the boathouse, and to all members who helped make the day a success for everyone. This year also saw the departure of Matthew Gardiner as Secretary. Matt has been with the Club since its founding, and in that time always endeavoured to promote its best interests. Thanks were given for his service at the AGM in October and Tom Saunders was elected to replace him. The Club is always keen to hear from OAs who are
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