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3rd Apr '07Charlie Allenby bjg
As many of you will already be aware, Charlie Allen died last Tuesday morning following a long battle with cancer.

Charlie arrived at Trinity in 2004 with a fine coxing pedrigee, having been Captain of Boats at Radley and having coxed for GB Juniors. After coxing briefly at the start of his time here, he decided to devote his energies to coaching, being particularly involved with the women's side of the club. Highlights of his coaching career include the infamous 'Up 6' Women's Lent VIII of 2005 and two strong 2nd Women's VIIIs in 2006.

Charlie's style was ruthless and uncompromising. In Lent 2006 he moulded Dom Hockley into a cox in his own image, leading to disqualification in Pembroke Regatta. For Charlie, this was merely a sign that Dom was learning the correct, aggressive approach to coxing - as his race report states, 'Dom, I am sooooo proud of you'. This was soon followed by the sinking of Downing in the Lent Bumps.

I will always remember the last time I was coxed by Charlie as a typical illustration of his attitude. He was subbing into the coxed IV last Michaelmas and we were doing a practice piece around the corners. Within a few strokes the rudder had snapped off but, undeterred by this, Charlie still steered between two crews and around First Post Corner using only his hands and expletives before finally giving up.

Charlie was heavily involved in drama, variously starring in, directing and producing plays including the Dryden Society's most recent production of The Country Wife. He was also an occasional speaker at the Magpie and Stump comedy debating society. He was a colourful and likeable character, and was well-known around college. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Charlie had planned to make a return to coxing in the Lents, but was unfortunate to be prevented from doing so by his worsening health. Despite his lack of involvement, he maintained a keen interest in and support for the club.

There will be a memorial service for friends and family in Warminster on Friday 13 April, and another in Trinity Chapel on Saturday 28 April at 2.30pm, which everyone is welcome to attend. If you need more details of these services, or would like to pass a message to his family or make a donation in Charlie's name, then please get in touch with Lynsey Porter (lkp25).
by BJ - Fri 4th Jan 2008, 3:37pm
During 2007, a Bursary was set up in Charlie Allen's memory at the National Youth Theatre, and Mrs Allen (his mother) has sent a letter of thanks from them addressed to all at Trinity College, giving details about the Bursary. The following is an extract from the National Youth Theatre letter, written by their artistic Director, Paul Roseby:

"The Bursary fund has raised an amazing total of £18,670 (including Gift Aid contributions). This money has helped get talented young people into the National Youth Theatre who would not be able to fund it for themselves. So far this money has directly helped 30 young people from across Great Britain to take part in our courses and to be involved in performances during our summer season. The fund will continue to help those in most need. We know that participation in the National Youth Theatre changes people's lives for better and forever. Your donations have provided a living legacy for all these young people in the name of Charlie. Thank you."

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