An event to celebrate the topping out of the Gallie-Lewis-Dean Gym (GLD) took place yesterday at the University of Oxford's sports ground at Iffley Road. Construction on the building has now reached its maximum height.
The new multi-purpose activity room will be part of the first phase of the University's long-awaited redevelopment of Iffley Road, and will be used by the Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club (OUABC) in addition to providing up to 22 exercise classes per week for students, University staff and members of the local community. It will be named in honour of former OUABC head coaches, Alf Gallie, Percy Lewis and Henry Dean.
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, as well as treating many for injuries, 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 record of 16 consecutive victories over their Cambridge counterparts during the 1980s and 1990s.
'Amazing gratitude and affection for all coaches past and present'
Percy and Henry, supported by family and friends, donned safety boots, high-visibility jackets and hardhats, before being given a tour of the new facilities by Jonathan Brock from Beard Construction, and David Jobbins of Bidwells.
Former Oxford student, Chris Mack, who trained under Alf, Percy and Henry, has been leading the charge in fundraising for this part of the project and is closing in on the target of raising £250,000 from fellow University boxing alumni.
Mr Mack commented: 'The response from alumni to the appeal has been fantastic, with donations coming from those who fought as far back as 1946. There is a huge sense of camaraderie within OUABC, and amazing gratitude and affection for all coaches past and present.'
The GLD is due to open at the end of October along with a new reception area, café and changing rooms. The rest of the £9.3 million building, including the Acer Nethercott Sports Hall, will follow in March of next year.