We would like to thank Caroline Bramhall-Clay and Austen Dorey for their long service, loyalty and commitment to Oxford rowing over the last seven and 12 years, as Operations & Administration Manager and Boathouse & Equipment Manager, respectively.
Caroline joined us in 2017, focusing on the women’s programme, and added the administration of the men’s programme in 2018 and the lightweights when the clubs merged in 2024, liaising with athletes, coaches, the support team and the organisers behind the Boat Race. Before moving into the rowing world, Caroline worked at The Football Association for nine years, working across both the men and women’s youth teams, and with the England Senior Women’s team for five years.
Austen started at OUBC in 2012. He was brought up on the River Thames and has been building and restoring boats since he could hold a chisel. He has developed an enviable skill base and is widely regarded as one of the finest boatmen in the country. Prior to joining OUBC, Austen was boatman of Shiplake College for 12 years and Abingdon School for three years.
Allan French, OUBC Women’s Head Coach, said:
“On behalf of the coaching team I would like to thank Austen and Caroline for all the work they have put in to support the men's and women's squads over the years.
"We would like to thank Caroline for her support to all at the OUBC over many years which was focused across a huge range of areas within the club and always reflected her fantastic personality.
"Whether it was a last-minute repair or his cool, calm approach on Boat Race week, Austen's experience, skill and good nature were always hugely appreciated by everyone at the club.”
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of the Boat Race Company Limited, paid this tribute:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Caroline, a highly professional administrator who always has the students and the coaching team at the centre of her decision-making and delivery. BRCL cannot thank her enough for her ability to remain calm and thoughtful in all situations when she has many demands from competing work streams. Caroline is dedicated and loyal to the club and the Boat Race, collaborative and motivated to ensure delivery is to the highest standards.
“Huge thanks to Austen for all that he does behind the scenes ensuring the crews have everything they need to take to the water. The role of a Boatman and logistics manager is never easy but Austen appears unflappable, particularly during Boat Race weeks when the weather and external events result in a need to adapt to support the crews and ensure they are ready to take to the water, whatever is going on.”
Thank you both for everything you have done for Oxford University Boat Club and The Boat Race over the past decade.
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