COMMITTEE REPORTS

THE VIEW THROUGH MY OLD EYES

Just where has 2010 gone? It really seems like only yesterday I was clearing ice off the car and this morning I was doing it again but it is late October! Never mind it’s not Xmas yet and there’s not been any snow - well not in Blackpool anyway. I started my last report with an item on Steve Littler winning the Edinburgh Marathon so I suppose there is no harm in mentioning that, just the other day, he won the Langdale Marathon. Quite a feat but not quite as prestigious as the above, unless I tell you that he broke the course record by 15 minutes. Now that is prestigious, so, once again, well done Steve. What a year you have made this, for Wesham Road Runners.

So, moving on, what is next? Well there is our own race, the Wesham 10k, coming up shortly on November 27th; entry forms are available at club nights or from the website. This year there are two fairly major changes. Firstly we have decided to use chip timing and secondly we have a new race HQ at St Mary’s School on Darkinson Lane. There is no parking there, but it is only 100yds from the BNFL car park so is a superb asset for us. This is thanks, in the main, to Alan Taylor who is now the head caretaker there. As usual the plea is for assistance from as many members as possible on the day. Please contact either me Dave Waywell [01253 357637 - 07762 283626] or Keith Rhead [01772 685700- 07764 602749] as soon as possible if you are available to assist in any way.

That night we have, of course, our Annual Dinner Dance and Presentation Evening which this year is at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood. Further details regarding this are to be found within this magazine. We do ask you all to support this event if at all possible. Derek and Celia spend hours putting the whole thing together and its success has been down to them for the past 10 years, for which we thank them both enormously. Sadly Derek as had to curtail his running career due to injury and has decided regrettably that he will no longer be able to continue with the organisation of the event. We can only thank them both for all there efforts and wish them all the best for the future.

Moving on, the next thing on the calendar is the Rudolf Red Nose Race which this year is on Sunday 19^th December. The start is at 11am and at the same venue as before. Hopefully we won’t have the floods and ice as last year, but the alternative we used was OK - same distance and it allows the race to continue without the need to rearrange - as happened with many races last year. Entry forms are now available at club nights or from the website. As with the Wesham 10k any help is appreciated so just contact me and let me know you are available.

It seems a long way off, but just to let you know the St Anne’s 10 is on the 20th March 2011 and again there have been some changes, namely the Fylde Borough have now made the start area car park ‘pay and display’. However, they have indicated that it should not affect the race. Once more I do need the army of helpers who constantly support me at this event; last year there efforts were rewarded with a £750 donation to the club. So can I again ask you all to put it in your diary and let me or Keith know if you are available to help? For those wishing to run it, the entry forms are now available at club nights and on the website.

The Central Lancashire G P series for 2010 as now been completed and it is with some pride I can report that we have taken some of the individual honours. Joanna was both overall Ladies Champion and 1^st over 40. Sarah was runner up in over 35’s and Kath runner up in over 50’s. So it is a massive congratulations to the ladies. In the men the only winner was Dave Waywell in the over 65’s. I am aware that the series did involve a fair bit of travelling, but the races are well organised, not all on boring roads as many incorporate tracks and trails. This does make it somewhat different to what we get in the majority of our Inter Club races.

At the series AGM, I am asking for the two club Championship League races qualification criteria to be amended to include females in the teams of 10 and 8. So let’s see whether they change it or not. It would benefit Wesham and quite a few of the other clubs if this was done, not necessarily to win the league, but at least to improve there chances. The AGM is not until December so the first couple of fixtures will not be available for this magazine. However, lists of the races will be available at the club nights and sent as a round robin as well as being displayed on the website.

Whilst on the subject of AGM’s, ours is on the 14^th February and, following a discussion at the last members meeting, it is my intention to seek a change in the constitution regarding Section 3(b) DEFINITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP, were under Sub. Section (ii) Second claim it says: “They may partake in all activities agreed by the committee and may win and/or affect the results of the club internal Marathons.” My proposition is to remove the words “and may” after the word committee replacing with the words “but cannot”. If it was to be passed, then, if members wished, the subscription paid by 2^nd claim members to be reduced then that should be proposed and voted on. Again, if passed, it would be at the Committee’s discretion as to when the changes were to be commenced.

2010 saw the start of our involvement with the Cuerden Valley Badger 10k runs. Thanks to the support of many members the club we were rewarded with a donation of over £1000 which went straight into the club’s funds at a time when it was needed to fund our own club 10k race. We have, on your behalf, agreed to carry on with our arrangement for the 2011 Series so once more both Graham and myself will be asking for your assistance in controlling and marshalling the three races which next year are on June 2^nd, 30th and August 4^th. As you can see, it is a massive financial benefit to the club and also ensures the continuation of these three fantastic races.

I always like to remind members of just how much activity we enjoy within the club, As well as all the above events, and they are only a small part of our years commitment, we also have the Wrinkly Wruns, Road Race, Age Related, Cross Country and Fell Running Championships. These are all internally administered by members of the club for your benefit, which many of you do support, sometimes in large numbers sometimes not so large a number. We, as a club, have always been renowned for our commitment to races and I can only ask you to help us retain that commitment in these difficult financial times especially when time seems to be an ever more precious commodity. It is fantastic when I turn up at a race and see that sea of blue vests. They are not all super fast runners, but they impress others with there comradeship and friendly nature with all around, and that is all I ask of you, just get out there and enjoy being a member of the best club in the country.

The last thing, as always, is a little mention for those people who are, for whatever reason, absent from duty and from the last magazine, two names spring to mind: one being Yvonne Russell, who, I am told, is recovering from her injuries and we have all seen some improvement, however small, each time we have been in her company. The second person is Pauline Weller, who, every time, I see her, impresses me with her courage, not to allow the illness to detract her from leading the normal life she craves for, and will, god willing, be back soon, we pray. John Keohane is now starting to get back to normality, and, although progress as been slow, he also will not be one deterred by illness from regaining as much as he can, the life he had before he was struck down by a form of DVT.

It is nice to say that the vast majority of those mentioned in the last magazine, and some others that have been absent recently, have returned and are getting back to were they left off, which is great news for them and for the club in general.

For those who haven’t quite made it back fully yet, be assured, you are still in our thoughts and we welcome the day when you do return.

Finally, can I on behalf of all the committee wish you all a very merry Xmas and a happy, prosperous and healthy 2011 and, as Brucee would say, “Keep on running.” OK!! IT’S “DANCING” but that would have looked stupid and I wouldn’t want you to think I’m John White(wash)man.

Written by: Dave Waywell Chairman

Submitted: 22^nd October 2010

LADIES CAPTAIN’S REPORT

It’s that time again and another report required for the November Edition of our magazine so fingers to keys and typing I start albeit slowly. I do not have the luxury of being a touch typist just a couple of fingers at a time and no sarcastic comments from Mr. Edge please!!!!!!!!!

It has been a good summer for the ladies who have turned out in numbers for the new Central Lancs Grand Prix events raising a team in all but three and finished in third place, so well done girls. On an individual basis Joanna won the Individual Championship and the V40’s with Sarah 2^nd V35 and Kath finishing in 2nd position in the V50 so we are doing well. Keep it up next year.

I went to the last of the series of the Horwich 5 and was extremely proud to be Wesham’s Lady Captain. Our girls just kept on going up for prizes. Joanna as first lady, Carmel, Sarah and Michaela all scooped prizes which were vouchers and bottles of wine. We had just finished the race and got changed before the heavens opened to an almighty thunderstorm. We were glad we had all got into the village hall where we waited for rather a long time due to the cock up with the results by the organisers and they still got it wrong by giving Carmel’s vet prize to the wrong lady until we put them right.

The Interclubs have now finished where we finished 3^rd overall with some good performances from many of you.

A special mention must go to Angela Colby who just seems to turn out PB after PB in races. I wish I knew how she was doing it. I couldn’t believe she knocked 4 minutes of her half marathon time on the Fleetwood course where we all got a free body exfoliation care of the wind blowing at over 29mph. So well done you and keep it up.

By the time you are reading this magazine Nicola and Helen will have completed their first Marathon at Loch Ness and what fantastic times they produced - long may in continue for the next one which is in the spring I believe. I know I should be talking about the ladies but I must also congratulate Dave Young for his outstanding performance in the same Marathon. Well done Dave and Barry - you all did the club proud.

The girls managed a team at the relays in September and, although we didn’t win anything, it was the first time I had done relays and really enjoyed them especially under the guidance of Sarah and Michaela who have done relays many times before. Hopefully this is the first of many for me.

I must also welcome our latest new member Laura who has just started running as well as joining the club. We now just need to work on persuading her husband to join as they are doing the Freckleton Half in the summer of 2011.

Finally it’s time for me to sign off. I get a rest for the winter season as Tracey takes over with the Cross Country events where we all get cold, wet and muddy and enjoy it!!!!!!!!!

Until the next magazine Goodbye & Happy Christmas!

Written by: Kerry Eccles – WRR Ladies Captain

Submitted: 19^th October 2010

MEN’S CAPTAIN’S REPORT

My third Marathon of the year was an exciting adventure in Switzerland – the Swiss Alpine Marathon in Davos on 31st July. I travelled there with Russell Mabbett and three Blackpool runners – John Wright, John Houghton and Mick Cronshaw. However the Blackpool runners did not compete and instead enjoyed a long distance walking holiday. It was the twentieth anniversary of the Swiss Alpine Marathon and there were several races. 78k which was obviously far too tough for me to do, even if it had been flat. There were two Marathons a tough race K42 with 1890m climbing and an easier Marathon C42 with 450m climbing. I wanted to have a pleasurable run so chose the easier Marathon. Big hills are more difficult to run up and can take away the pleasure of the Marathon, particularly if above the recommended body weight of a runner in relation to height, (body mass index), so it was a wise decision to take on the C42 race.

The Marathon was well organised and started on the sports track in Davos and after a loop of the town headed out into the country. The race was on roads, trails, through fields and up and down hills with plenty of water, energy drinks and bananas at the various stations on the course which was most welcome. An unusual feature of the course which I had not encountered before was running through caves, which happened several times along riverbanks. An unusual and charming touch to the race!

During a mountain Marathon there will inevitably be places on the course quite steep, but fortunately on this course not demoralising steep, and most enjoyable with spectacular views of lakes and mountains. Russell completed the course in 3 hrs 29 mins, whilst I did 4 hrs 35 mins, which I think is most acceptable considering the hills and rugged terrain. Entry to the race was about £60 and everyone completing the race received a medal and a running jacket. A bit expensive but everything in Switzerland is relatively expensive so I do not judge the fee too harshly. This was my third long distance Swiss mountain race, the others being the Jungfrau Marathon and the Sierre Zinal mountain race. All have there unique features and whilst offer more of a challenge to the runner, the sense of achievement is greater than the usual Marathon and the scenery more eye catching and memorable. Long live Swiss Mountain Marathon races. You may run a poor time, but will have an enjoyable time!

The Relays. We have had two recent relay events. The first on 18^th September at Leigh Sports Village, where we had a very impressive three team turn out. Medals were at stake and I was reminded by Russell Mabbett that during his captaincy Wesham had won medals at these meetings, so it would have been nice if it could happen again. Alas, the three teams failed to bring home any silverware whatsoever. Unfortunately during my leg I went the wrong way and lost the team valuable time. I would like to apologise to my fellow team members for the grave error I made during my leg. There were many good performances however the runner of the day was Peter Cooke who had been struggling with back problems for many weeks and answered the captain's call to run, and put in a solid shift to ensure we had three complete teams and did not have the indignity of having an incomplete team. Peter wins a 40% off voucher for Ego Restaurant where famous sporting captains Charlie Adam and Finlay McCalman still frequently dine.

The teams competing were

Team A – Alex Rowe, Troy Watson, Steve Myerscough (5^th)

Team B- Alan Hudson, Mark Midgley, Gary De Banke, Russell Mabbett (6^th)

Team C- Alan Glasgow, Finlay McCalman, Dave Young, Peter Cooke (13^th)

The final relays of the year were at Wythenshaw on 2nd October – the Northern Six Stage relays. I struggled to raise two teams for the event, but on the day it all came good and once again we had no incomplete teams competing. I had hoped to be a spectating captain for these relays and subsequently entered the Rivington Half Marathon trail race on the same day. Last minute injuries and illness to Peter Cooke and Russell Mabbett meant I was required, but of course I was willing to step in and do my part.

The teams were:

Team A – Lee Barlow, Karl Lee, Troy Watson, Gary De Banke, Trevor Rayner, Steve Myerscough

Team B – Alan Hudson, Mark Midgley, Chris Moss, George Kennedy, Peter Bartlett, Finlay McCalman, and again Chris Moss.

Runner of the day had to be Chris Moss for putting in two fantastic legs and he is awarded with the prestigious 40% off Ego Restaurant Voucher

I have evaluated the performances of all the runners competing in the relays this year, and I have decided the Wesham Relay Runner of the Year 2010 is Gary De Banke. Gary has competed in all the relay teams, improved throughout the year, and is a worthy winner!

My fourth Marathon of year was the biggest Marathon in Poland - Poznan on 10^th October. Conditions were ideal and a flat course too. However, it all went wrong. I was hoping to live off the training from my previous Marathons, but it was not to be. I went through half way in just over two hours, but the wheel quickly came off shortly after at 25k, when I realised I didn't have the necessary stamina to keep the plodding pace. This resulted in walking, jogging, eating lots of bananas, and drinking energy drinks in the hope of my legs coming back to life. It didn't happen and I finished in a very poor 4 hrs 44 mins. Russell enjoyed a better experience and finished in a respectable 3 hrs 6 mins.

Whilst the performance wasn't there, the Marathon was certainly a good one, flat, plenty drinking stations, great bands, t-shirt and medal, all for £17! Very well organised and has the potential for fast times, if you turn up in shape!

My poor performance has generated a few discussions and even the call from former member Peter Cruse that I should stand down as captain. After careful consideration and discussions with family and close friends, I have decided to soldier on.

The Poznan Marathon now brings closure to my competitive season, as I will now go into intensive winter training and just do a handful of leisurely races free from the big time pressures of being captain. I would like to thank everyone for their support to the relays throughout the year and invite all runners to put themselves forward for events next year, particularly the many new members the club has recently acquired.

Yours in Sport

Written by: Finlay McCalman - Captain and International Marathon Star

Submitted: 22^nd October 2010

MESSAGE FROM Track & Field CAPTAIN

The Track season is over until spring next year and my aim is to make, for us, next season's Track & Field bigger and better. Mainly I want to focus on attracting new members to come and try it out. If you read my reports from the past and from club runners’ experiences, they will tell you just how much fun it is and, most importantly, how much it will help improve you for the longer distances. It’s not all about running. You can get involved with field events which have been a great success with members from the club who have tried the long jump, shot put and javelin and have done well too. I’m sure everyone knows who I am so, even though it's a long way off until the start of the new season, I will be looking for those who may be interested in trying it out I shall be there on club nights if you want to know anything come and see me if I haven't seen you already.

I will also be requiring helpers, which I do find the hardest thing to do, but those that come and help out will be helping the club greatly regarding points added to the team. You also get a free packed lunch. When helping, it requires people mainly helping out with time keeping on the finish line but sometimes you may be moved to another location i.e. field events for measuring.

My ambition is to make up a Championship but this requires a number of athletes to turn out in force. So, if next season goes well, then I wish to start the Championship for the following year.

I would like to get the interest of the club runners to think about going to Stretford, Manchester, on a Tuesday night which takes place every two weeks from May until September. They are very popular meetings which get interest from international standard athletes down to those just making out in the sport. This is one I hope to try and get the club known at for next year though I may struggle with it being in midweek.

Anyway, I hope to see you on the track next year so please come and talk to me if you are interested but I shall be going round everyone in due course.

Karl Lee - Track & Field Captain

21^st October, 2010

. The Secretary’s Summary of the past Four Committee Meetings

July Members Meeting

• The planning for the Club 10K was discussed including Chip Timing, the use of St Mary’s Primary School and the parking arrangements.
• The costs incurred by the Club of submitting teams for away events particularly the Welsh Castles.
• Not every person who comes to run with us on a Monday evening appears again and joins the Club. Some discussion ensued on this matter.

July Committee Meeting

• The costs to replace Brenda’s computer would be met by the Club.
• A meeting would be arranged with a representative of the Freckleton Sports Committee to clarify the future involvement of the Club with their Half Marathon event..
• The possibility of producing a race booklet for the Club 10K was discussed.

August Committee Meeting

• Members who organise races, a practice to be encouraged, using the Club’s name should, in the first instance, speak to the Committee re their intentions.
• Northern Athletics changed their club entry procedure for their events. Entry will be via their website and not as previously by paper entries.
• The request for the club guaranteed London Entries has been submitted.

September Committee Meeting

· The Runners Runner Award would be presented at the Club Presentation Evening.

· The Club were informed that the Freckleton Half Marathon Sports Committee have affiliated to the UKA.

October Committee Meeting

• The Rudolph Race has been selected by the UKA for licence scrutiny.
• The Monday evening Performance Group is operational once again with Alex.
• The UKA is no longer operating the Buzz Britain scheme because of lack of support.

October Members Meeting Summary

The Chairman’s Report

• One or two members have queried the cost of the Club 10 K. David explained that we had to pay for the chip timing planned for this year, the race memento had to be paid for and we have no sponsorship this year.
• The reason for trying chip timing was to make the start and finish much simpler, with less people involved. The chip, worn on the shoe, will have to be handed back on completion of the race. It was commented that race entries generally were down, and at the moment we have 320 entries for our race.
• David intends to submit a proposal for the AGM regarding Second Claim members. That they should be allowed to run in Club races but will not be able to affect the results. Their membership joining costs need to be considered also.
• Derek G. is stepping down as organiser of the Dinner Dance and Presentation evening. A new organiser needs to in place fairly quickly in order that the planning for the 2011 event can commence. The tickets for the 2010 event will be on sale at the Club by Dette Dickinson.
• The response to the Runners Runner Award has been poor but the trophies will be presented.
• Alex made the point that the planning for the Pennine Bridleway relay in January needs to be getting underway.
• It was reiterated that club vests should be worn at all Inter club events.

Brian Wilkinson – WRR Secretary

Submitted: 18^th October 2010

TREASURER’S REPORT

MEMBERS MEETING

18^TH OCTOBER 2010

MONEY

We have £4,200 in the bank

RACE ENTRIES

We have received 303 entries so far. Promises from Lee Barlow and George Kennedy.

COSTS OF RELAYS ETC

Further to the discussion at the last members meeting a sub committee was set up and it was decided on the following:

1. A maximum of £15 per member running would be paid out for all team events. This includes all petrol; van diesel but not accommodation. For example if there are 3 runners in the car a maximum of £45 will be payable. Wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands do not count.

2. All entry fees would be met on top of the petrol etc

3. However the following criteria had to be met for the petrol etc to be payable.

a) It must be an event for which we pay an entry fee.

b) It must be an event for which there are a set number per team.

c) The onus is on the driver to contact me as Treasurer if they wish to claim petrol – not the other way round

d) Preferably, there should be a valid receipt provided. This is possible if you fill up before you set off and then again at the end of the trip. The receipt has to be for the event only.

e) However, as long as a reasonable amount is requested for the distance of the trip then it will be accepted but a receipt is better

The maximum payable for Welsh Castles with one team entered – with an entry fee of £325 – would therefore be £625 (£1,130 in 2010)

The maximum of two teams would be £650 plus £400, (the maximum a head would be reduced to £10 as there would be more runners) – a total of £1,050. However, when are we likely to get two teams – sorry Alan?

Cheers

Pete Cooke - WRR Treasurer

Submitted: 18^th October 2010

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT

Since the last magazine I would like to welcome the following new members to our club:

Mark Belfield	Ian France	Claire Hardman	John Hughes
Kevin Flitcroft	Mark Gold	Richard Haughton	Laura Wilsdon

Could I also welcome back Les Cornwall who has rejoined us after his “long holiday in Australia”.

As we are now approaching the end of our club year I’d like to remind all members that a Club Membership Renewal Form will be available both on the website and at club from the 1^st January onwards. The fees remain the same as for 2010.

England Athletics are changing the way they issue competition licenses to individual members from a paper-based/letter system to an electronic one. Further details will be in the next magazine. The main change to our Renewal Form is that England Athletics will require me to pass over members’ email addresses, which was not the case in the past. If you have any queries or problems regarding this please let me know.

Peter Earnshaw – WRR Membership Secretary

Submitted: 18^th October 2010