On Saturday evening, the bell that marked the final lap of Sir Roger Bannister's historic sub-four-minute mile was once again rung at Iffley Road. This time it was to celebrate the official opening of the Gallie-Lewis-Dean Gym (known as the GLD), the first phase of Oxford University's long-awaited redevelopment of its Iffley Road sports facilities.
The gym is named after former Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club (OUABC) head coaches Alf Gallie, Percy Lewis and Henry Dean, who between them gave over 100 years of service to the club. The multi-purpose activity room will be used by OUABC for training, as well as providing up to 22 exercise classes per week for students, staff and members of the local community.
At the celebration, local boxing legends Percy Lewis and Henry Dean rang the Bannister Bell and declared 'seconds out, GLD open'. Over 200 people came from all over the world to be at the ceremony, including many friends and family of the three former OUABC head coaches.
Alf Gallie, Percy Lewis and Henry Dean
Alf Gallie BEM devoted his life to boxing and rugby in Oxford, and trained and coached hundreds of local athletes in a career that spanned more than 40 years. He died in 1985.
One of Alf's protégés, Percy Lewis, represented Great Britain at featherweight in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics alongside teammate Henry Cooper. In 1957, he won the British Empire featherweight title.
Henry Dean, a former England international and sparring partner of Percy's, was instrumental in the Dark Blues' incredible run of 16 consecutive victories over Cambridge during the 1980s and 1990s, a record in any Varsity sport.
Supporting future generations of scholar-athletes
More than 120 University boxing alumni gave over £250,000 towards the new facility. A donor board, unveiled at the event by the Chancellor of the University, The Rt Hon Lord Patten of Barnes, CH, recognises their incredible generosity.
Chris Mack, a former Oxford student who trained under Alf, Percy and Henry, led the charge in fundraising for the gym. He says: 'The response from alumni to the appeal was fantastic, with donations coming from those who fought as far back as 1946. There is a huge team spirit within OUABC, and amazing gratitude and affection for all our inspirational coaches, past and present.'
The remainder of the first phase of the Iffley Road redevelopment is due to be completed in April 2018. Once open, the multi-sports complex, which will include the Acer Nethercott Sports Hall, a second four-court sports hall and a refurbished café and reception area, will enable Oxford to continue nurturing future generations of scholar-athletes for many years to come.