The Founding of Radley Athletic Club

Local athletics enthusiasts Eileen Kear, her husband Charles, Jill Slatter and Vie Franks founded Radley Ladies AC in 1972. The club grew from this point and evolved into a premier athletics club for females in Oxfordshire and the South of England region.

During 2002 the club voted to extend its membership to include male athletes and became the club we know today as Radley Athletic Club. Today it has over 200 members from all different abilities and age groups.

The club was first based at the cinder track at Radley College, this being the origin of the club’s name. The club trained there from 1972 until the new grounds at Tilsley Park were built in 1996 which offered better training facilities.

Eileen’s MBE

In 2006 Eileen Kear, the founder of Radley ladies AC, received an MBE in recognition for her services to athletics. Mrs Kear joined Oxford Ladies in 1947 and was a member for 25 years before forming a new club with her husband Charles. Mrs Kear said ‘We have developed into a flourishing club and I am so pleased to have helped in its progress. It is so satisfying to coach young people and see them come forward’

Charles Kear

Charles was involved in sport generally for over 65 Years. After playing amateur football for 20 years, he found himself joining his wife in athletics, and supported her in the administrative side of the sport.

He spent 10 years as Committee Member for Oxford Ladies AC, as treasurer, chairman, coach and qualified as a timekeeper.

In 1972 he left Oxford Ladies with his wife (Eileen) to start Radley Ladies AC. He served 2 years as treasurer and then 24 years as chairman of the club.

Charles served over 25 years as a committee member on the Oxon County AA committee where he also acted as Chairman.

He also served as Vice Chairman of the UK Women’s League during the 80’s when Radley were involved in the league.

Charles coached at club level, and attended every club meeting as a timekeeper without fail – his commitment and dedication to the sport was second to none. He was also invited to undertake timekeeping activities at many of the major championship events.

In his later years his health deteriorated following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Charlies died on Thursday 9 July 2015 at home aged 80. He is remembered by Radley Athletics Club with our Charles Kear Memorial Open Meeting which takes place in April each year.