On 28th September, Radley College welcomed 170 members of the Radley community for a memorable Rowing Dinner, celebrating the achievements of Radleians who have represented Great Britain on the international stage and paying tribute to the outstanding career of John Gearing, who recently departed from Radley after many years of dedicated service as a rowing coach at the College.
The evening began with a drinks reception, where guests – including Old Radleians, parents, current pupils, and staff – had the chance to reconnect and share their memories of rowing at Radley. The atmosphere was warm and particularly colourful (guests were dressed in their best Henley Stewards’ Enclosure attire, including one rower kitted out in his full RCBC regalia, down to a pair of RCBC sliders.
This was followed by a delicious dinner in Hall, accompanied by moving and inspirational speeches that highlighted the successes of Radley Rowing, both past and present. John Gearing was reunited with many of his former VIIIs, heartwarming moments that illustrate the deep impact that John has had on those involved in the sport and the lasting connection they have formed. The presence of Olympians Charlie Elwes (2010, J) and Ollie Wynne-Griffith (2007, D/J), two Radleians who have competed at the highest level, added a special sense of excitement to the occasion, with Olympic medals from several Games being shared with guests.
Throughout the evening, speeches reflected on John’s significant contributions to rowing and his role in nurturing talent that has gone on to achieve great things on the water. We also heard from Charlie and Ollie, who shared their own experiences of representing Britain at world championships and the Olympics, and the role that Radley has played in their journey. They discussed the nature of ‘success’ being the discipline needed to reach the competition, rather than winning the competition. These were certainly inspiring words for the next generation of Radleian rowers, many of whom were able to join for the evening.
John Gearing and Radley Rowing was also toasted from afar by a group of seven Mariners, gathered in Seattle for the wedding of Alex George (2006, F). This group included Alex, five members of the 2011 crew (including Olympian, Tom George (2008, G), one member of the 2009 J16 crew, and one member of the 1982 crew.
Mariners in Seattle Toasting John Gearing
Thank you to all who attended this special evening, particularly to John and Hazel Gearing who sportingly travelled back from their new home in Australia to be there on the night. Thanks also to our Charlie Elwes and Ollie Wynne-Griffith for sharing their experiences and inspiration. This was a night to remember for everyone involved in Radley Rowing, and we look forward to many more years of success on the water.
A photo album is available to view below, and also on Flickr.
