Introduction
The OULRC Old Members' Association exists to provide a focal point for those who have rowed in, coached, or coxed OULRC crews, including Nephthys. Of the approximately 250 people who would fall into this category, nearly 100 have become subscribing members since the organisation was launched in 2001. The Association has a dual role, firstly as a social organisation and secondly as a fundraiser for OULRC.
OMA Support at the Henley Boat Races 2008
As well as providing newsletters on a regular basis, the Association organises 4 major functions in the year: the Trial Eights tea at Henley in December; the London Dinner, which is normally held the night before the Henley races; the Henley Boat Races BBQ on the day of the race; and the Henley Picnic, on the Saturday of the Royal Regatta.
Subscriptions are paid on a monthly basis, but there are no limits to the amount pledged, and many students start on £1 a month. Happily many Old Members raise this amount on entering the real world and the Association's financial strength has grown year on year. Subscription monies are committed to paying for a professional coach for the squad, which is seen as the corner stone of the club's recent success. Smaller amounts raised from the modest margins in the event organisation are occasionally made available to the squad for one off purchases. The most recent example of this was the purchase of a digital video camera in September 2004.
Anyone who has rowed or coxed for OULRC or Nephthys in the Henley races is automatically eligible to join and triallists are most welcome to apply for membership, subject to the approval of the President of OULRC and the Committee. The President is also encouraged to nominate individuals who have given particular support or help to the club in a non-rowing capacity as Honorary Members.
To join, please e-mail Ed Biden, or download the registration form.
The OMA is also spearheading a drive to raise a significant sum of capital to act as the basis for an endowment fund, this is being coordinated with the OUBCTF, as part of their campaign to raise an Endowment for Oxford Rowing. By combining our fundraising efforts with those of the OUBCTF we will be able to benefit from monies pledged for the whole of Oxford Rowing and not just OULRC, allowing the club to grow its endowment more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Separately the OMA has now set up its own charitable trust, the OULRC Trust Fund. Over time we hope to transfer donations to the OMA to this charity, enabling the OMA to claim back gift aid on all money raised.
As the old members continue to grow (both in number and in age!) it is increasingly important that changes of address, especially e-mail addresses, are communicated to the club so that we can continue to keep in contact via the newsletter and OMA function mailshots. Please send any updated details to Doug Turnbull.
Old OMA newsletters can be accessed here (password protected, if you have forgotten the password please e mail oma@oulrc.org so that it can be e-mailed to you).