CLUBS & SOCIETIES
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OAFC RUGBY CLUB It gives me great pleasure to report that the 2022/23 season has started well for the OAFC. The 1st XV, under the newly appointed captaincy of Josh Winduss (taking over from Charlie Thompson) and coaching of James Knox, are currently first place in the Counties 1 Kent league. I was pleased to watch the first-placed OAs take on Bromley, in second place, early in December and win convincingly 27-13 as part of an assured team performance. The 2nd XV are, at the time of writing, in fourth place in their league, and the club regularly fields four teams in the senior section as well as a veterans team. The age-grade, junior section of the club is also thriving, with over 600 members and affiliated players, and continues to provide valuable financial and non-financial support to the wider club. We are the second largest club by membership in the UK: an impressive achievement that should make all involved in the club, past and present, proud. Across the club we rely on over 200 volunteers who give up their time freely to coach, manage and support the activities of the club. We remain hugely grateful to all those who provide their valuable time and other resources for the club’s benefit. This year the club celebrates the 125th anniversary of its foundation on 8 October 1898. There will be a number of events to celebrate the club’s long history, including the 125th Anniversary Ball on 24 June 2023. Please do contact me if you are interested in more information on how to contribute or participate in this event. I have made it a priority as the incoming Chairman to build on the existing relationship we have with the College. The continued representation of OAs through playing and contributing to the club, our long shared history, and playing under the Old Alleynian name all maintain our important ties to the College. We remain hugely grateful for this connection and the wider support of the Old Alleynian Association and the College. The OAFC has established an important role supporting the local community through promoting rugby and its wider benefits, to a diverse audience. As well as OAs, players include individuals from multiple backgrounds, age grade teams exist for both boys and girls and the rugby for all programme provides financial support to those who require it. In this respect the club firmly supports, and contributes to, the positive influence that the College has in the local community. I want to continue to build on this to ensure that the club gives back to the College in a positive way. It is a privilege to have been appointed Chairman earlier this year. I’d like to use this opportunity to thank and recognise Mike Lobb, the outgoing Chair, for his
OLD ALLEYNIAN SHOOTING CLUB
Pete Leggett (68-76) My dad was in the Dulwich Shooting Team in the 1930s and it was a given that I would follow in his footsteps. We used the College’s 22 indoor range, which was then to the right of the gym. Most sessions were run by Tony Salter. Wednesday afternoons saw RSM Morgan, ‘The Raz’, drive a transit van full of cadets to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Range at Shoreham in Kent for an afternoon’s 303 target practice. After such a good grounding in the sport, I was able to maintain my interest though the OASC, shooting at Bisley during the summer. For me, shooting is an alluring combination of precision engineering and mental and physical control. Hitting V-bulls at 1000 yards can be immensely satisfying. Roger Hiorns (71-78) I joined the CCF primarily for the chance to learn how to shoot a rifle. I took to it so well that I made the Shooting VI and was awarded my school colours. I certainly wouldn’t have got them for rugby or cricket! Immediately after school, I joined the OASC. Gay Tuckerman was very welcoming and encouraging, making Bisley a second home. I now shoot once a fortnight. For every bad day, I know there will be a good day when the planets align and I shoot well. Not knowing when that day will be keeps me coming back for more. Siddarth Thaker (94-99) My primary school was in Knightsbridge. We had access to the Duke of York’s Barracks which had small bore ranges that we could use once a month. Unfortunately, I never shot at the College; the range was closed well before my time. I got back into shooting in 2021 to hone my target rifle skills, including focus, discipline, mindfulness and breathing control. It's also a social activity, where members can get together, talk about life experiences and compete as a team against other schools. It is a great time to join the club. If you would like to try your hand at target shooting, please contact us. Pete Leggett Secretary OASC
The Big Bang Experience
The College has had a long history of Target Rifle Shooting. We asked the OA Shooting Club (OASC) members how they got involved in the sport and why they still make the pilgrimage to the National Rifle Association ranges at Bisley several times a year. Kit Sturges (52-59) I was never great at sport in school. I took up shooting because the idea appealed to me, and because my friend, Jerry Wing (52-60), did it. I started at Musketry Camp which meant visiting Bisley. I was then recruited into the Cadet Pair and progressed into the Shooting VIII. When I joined the OASC, I entered the Bisley Imperial Meeting. Surprisingly, I was the only OA to make the Queen's Final. That persuaded the club to propose me as OASC Captain, a role I retained for forty years. Neil Blaydon (56-62) I started shooting the first year I was eligible to join the CCF. In those days, shooting was very enthusiastically run by RSM Morgan and Geoff Waterworth. During the Summer term we travelled down to Bisley every Wednesday afternoon. Saturday shooting was limited to the team and a Cadet Pair; we piled into the open backs of Land Rovers with our rifles between our knees. Shooting was the only sport I have ever been any good at, plus you can do it lying down. I keep coming back because the challenge still overcomes any disappointment from my fading form. David Nicholson (59-67) I quickly realised that I was spectacularly bad at cricket and should find an alternative sport for Wednesday afternoons. RSM Morgan was a good shooting coach and never seemed to give up on a schoolboy. My memorable experiences include the dreadful old huts at Bisley Shooting Camp and competing in the Ashburton. It was enjoyable with all those schools on the firing point. I always ask myself, ‘Why do I keep on shooting?’ I enjoy trying to improve on my last score, but then it is almost impossible to explain in any way other than by saying, ‘I like doing it’.
significant contribution to the OAFC over eight years in this role. I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months and years and would warmly welcome the opportunity to hear any thoughts and suggestions you have for the continued success, and the next 125 years, of the OAFC. Phil Kent Chairman OAFC
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