COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

THE VIEW THROUGH MY OLD EYES

 

I started my last report with the statement “flaming June”. Little did I, or anyone else, know that the first word would not be needed again this year. However it does mean that many of us who do not particularly like the sun when running have actually enjoyed these last couple of months. It would be nice however if we could have a little less rain and wind over the next two or three months as we change from road to cross country, (well some of us do anyway).

 

The calendar takes on a very busy look now with the Inter Club finished. There is still the final  Age Related race at Garstang on the 21st September, which also doubles up as the last half marathon in the current road race championship, this also includes the Green Drive 5 (19/10) and Preston 10 (16/11), before being completed. There is of course the start of the Winter Handicap on October 6th and shortly after that, on the 12th October, we have the Veterans 10 mile race at St. Annes which should be a ‘must’ for any of you over the age of 35. We have a very generous prize table and team prizes as well. The next real test is of course our own Wesham 10K on Saturday, 29th November. It brings with it all sorts of challenges, including all the pre-race tasks.  It also challenges the Wesham contingent on race day when hopefully a finely tuned organisation swings into action.

 

Both these races need helpers on the race day and it would be a tremendous help if you would all note the dates, and, if you are free to assist at either or both of them, let me know so I can put you on the list, which if not full causes me massive problems as the races organiser. The money raised on these races, as with all other races organised by the club, does help a great deal in keeping the subs we pay annually as low as they are at present. So, to help ensure this is the case again this year, please pick up the phone and ring me on 01253 357637 or just let me know any way you wish if you can help.

 

The other event on the same day as our club race is, of course, the annual Presentation of Awards and Dinner Dance which this year is at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood. I sincerely hope that you will support this evening as many hours of hard work go into making it happen and, being quite a small club, if support wanes then obviously the evening can be spoilt. So get those tickets ordered and paid for and we will have a ball. Derek Goodenough is the man to see.

 

Another race which you can put in your diaries now is the Rudolf Red Nose Race which is on the Sunday 21st December with, I hope, all the usual Santa suits coming out the store rooms for there annual airing. Yes the goody bags will be as good as usual but with chocolates as an alternative to wine for a change. Wonder if it’s our turn for some snow this year? Now that would be the icing on the cake, as long as there is not too much.

 

It never fails to amaze me how quickly the time between writing these articles seems to pass and the pressures that is put on by, in particular, our wonderful Editor who, I noticed, had said in her last Editorial that she had completed 12 issues. Now that really is dedication! I know she often says how much she enjoys it, but it is incumbent on every one of us to ensure her enjoyment continues by just putting aside a little time, if only once a year, and writing an article that you think will give pleasure to the readers. The subject can be literally anything, as long as its written and sent, then you can say you have done your bit. You can rest assured you will have made at least one lady very happy. So don’t think about it, just do it, any time you feel like it, and just leave the rest to Brenda and her team.

 

It’s now time to mention all those who are not able to join us on the runs at present, due to whatever it may be. The most frustrating one is, of course, the dreaded injury and, at present, I do not know of anyone who is what I call ‘long term’ absent. Although several have tried ‘comebacks’, unfortunately, as is often the case, a reoccurrence or other niggle sets them back for awhile. So without naming names, you know we all wish all of you who are in this situation, a speedy return and look forward to seeing all of you back running injury free in the very near future.

 

That’s me finished for another three months and guess what it will be Xmas and then 2009 and our Silver Centenary or so I am led to believe so, as they say, watch this space.

 

Written by: Dave Waywell

Submitted: 4th September 2008

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

 

Secretary’s Summary of the past four Committee Meetings

June meeting

  • Some ideas were discussed to encourage members to rejoin the Club, if that is their intention, in good time following the AGM, in order that the Membership Secretary’s business can be facilitated. The Committee thought that the end of April would be an appropriate cut off time.

 

July meeting (a Members Meeting. No Committee Meeting)

  • The suggestion that the Club have a publicity exhibition, or something similar, at the 2009 Freckleton Half Marathon was discussed and in general the members present favoured the idea.

 

August meeting

  • The Committee agreed that as a policy it would support financially recognised team events that were out of the area.

 

September meeting

  • The arrangements for this year’s Club Presentation Dinner Dance at the North Euston were all but finalised, with the cost being settled at £20. Thanks were given to Derek and Cecelia for their efforts.
  • Karl has agreed to be co-opted onto the committee with special responsibilities for Track and Field.
  • Brenda’s work with the Magazine has been reduced somewhat with the appointment of two advertising coordinators.
  • The 2009 Club AGM will be on Monday February 9th.
  • Club vests are now available at Ribby Hall Sweatshop.

 

Brian Wilkinson, Secretary, October 2008.

LADIES CAPTAIN’S REPORT

 

Well now the Interclub season has come to a close, it’s nice to see that the Ladies excelled this year with a strong second place in four out of the six races and managing to come a fab second overall with 28 points, beating third place Preston Harriers by just 2 points.

 

We must remember that it’s not just the first five finishers that matter; it’s also the runners who cross the line after our fifth runner, who have also contributed to our success in the Interclub this year. I must give a special mention to Nicola Unsworth and Dawn Hodgkins, who both took part in their first Interclub this year at Wesham and did extremely well, (Nicola even came back for more!!!).

 

Below is the final overall table for the Interclub Series 2008.

 

WOMEN

Club\Fixture

LSA

PH

BWF

WRR

CAC

RR

Total

BWFAC

6

6

6

6

6

6

36

Wesham

4

5

4

5

5

5

28

Preston H

5

4

5

4

4

4

26

LSA RR

3

3

3

3

3

3

18

CAC

2

2

2

2

2

1

11

RRRR

1

1

1

1

1

2

7

 

The Road Relay events have now also come to a close and, although I had one or two offers from ladies who wanted to take part in the events throughout the year, I’m afraid one or two wasn’t quite enough as we need 3, 4 and even 6 ladies to make teams.  So that’s a bit disappointing really because it’s nice to represent Wesham in these team events. But never mind, there’s always next year, (bet you can’t wait, eh?).

 

So finally, I shall sign off now and pass you over to your Cross Country Captain, Julie Cruse, as the start of the Cross Country Season is now upon us and I know how you enjoy running through all that lovely mud, getting cold and wet, having to clean your spikes and wellies ….. Gosh, sounds very much like this year’s summer really!!! ……. Oh, and I think you’d agree that sharing the Wesham tent with the lads and enjoying the banter have got to be the ‘best’ bits.

 

The Mid Lancs. Cross Country League is free to enter and you use the same race number for each event ….. So please remember to keep your number safe throughout the season.

 

First Mid Lancs. Cross Country is on Saturday 8th November at Townley Park, Burnley.  Ladies race starts at 2.00pm …… so see you all there!!

 

Finally, the first Cross Country, (not in the Mid Lancs. League), is on the 1st November at Mansfield.  I believe there is a coach being organised for this event, so again, please talk to Julie Cruse who will have all the details.

 

Written by: Kath Hoyer - Ladies Captain

Submitted: 10th September 2008

 

LADIES CROSS COUNTRY CAPTAIN’S REPORT

 

Once again the Cross Country Season is almost upon us so it’s time to dust down your spikes and dig out your wellies.  It’s a great day out and good fun too.  We get to share a tent with our lovely men, (when they finally manage to put it up as us ladies supervise), that is.

 

First event kicks off on 1st November at Mansfield which we may have a coach for so please let me know if you are interested.  I am always at club on Monday nights and will keep you up to date on that.  I am also hoping to get a team out for Liverpool which we haven’t competed in for a while due to Wesham 10k being held on the same day.  At the moment I have three people up for it so, come on ladies, let’s have a good turn out this season.

 

Written by: Julie Cruse - Ladies Cross Country Captain

Submitted: 4th September 2008

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

 

Fell Championship, so far…

 

This season’s Fell Championship is coming to the end.  It’s been very exciting with a male ‘three horse’ race to find out who will be crowned Fell Champion 2008.

 

The three main contenders, reigning champion Richard Davies, (AKA Bogtrotter). New Kid on the block, Steve M, and the extremely versatile Lee (Magnificent) Barlow, went head to head to head at the recent Oldfield Fell Race. A great course, which had a little of everything, the magnificent claimed top spot. After a long duel between New Kid and Bogtrotter, New Kid finally prevailed taking second place leaving the Bog stuck in the mud with a very creditable 3rd.

 

Several of the women turned up. Joanna Goorney, once again excelled in this event claiming first spot and second female overall, (check internet for correctness), putting her in the leading lady position for the Fell Championship, leaving Kath, and Sarah to fight it out for second place.  Noticeably, the women’s sense of direction went haywire, as a few wrong turnings were made lengthening the 5 mile race in some cases by at least another mile, (you know who you are!)

 

It was great to see several other fell competitors, George Kennedy, Nigel Shepherd, John Rudd and John Sharples, all enjoying the thrills and spills of the mud, the ups and the downs of Oldfield.

 

Briefly, at Whittle Pike, the heavens opened and only the fool-hardy attempted this race. A special mention must go to Chairman Dave who stood like a formula 1 model armed with a brolly protecting magnificent from the torrential downpour.

 

Back to the race - Bogtrotter, came true to form and stormed round to finish in 1st place leaving magnificent wallowing in his wake. 

 

It was good to see Shaun tackling this course along with Kath and Sarah.

 

With only two races to go in this year’s championship, unfortunately both have collided with team events. It is too late to change Hodder Valley however Shepherds Skyline will be replaced with Rivock Edge on Sunday, 23rd November.

 

Rivock Edge Race Details:

SUN.NOV 23. RIVOCK EDGE (R). AM. 11.15 a.m. 6.2m/1600' from Bridge pub, Keighley Road, Silsden (GR SE041461). £4. Teams free. ER/LK/PM. Over 18. Records (new route): 49.25 M. Horrocks 2005; f. 59.20 T. Hird 2005. No safety pins. DO NOT recce route - part on private land and future events could prejudiced!

Details: Derek Wild, Well Croft, 17 Summerhill Drive, Steeton, Keighley, BD20 6RT. Tel: 01535 654644.

Email: derek.wild1@btopenworld.com

 

Next Seasons Fell Championship will be kicking off earlier than usual with a race this December, Bolton by Bowland

 

Bolton by Bowland Brief Details:

SUN, DEC 7. Bolton by Bowland (SM) 11.30 am 8m/800’ft near Clitheroe Village. Cost £3.00 Contact Roger Dewhurst 01200 447634

 

Come and give it a go! It’s very, very easy peasy.

Many Thanks

Lee (Magnificent) Barlow xxx

 

MESSAGE FROM MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY CAPTAIN ALAN GLASGOW

 

Dear Comrades

 

After steering the good ship Wesham through many successful years as the Cross Country Captain Dave Young has finally decided to sail off into the sunset and hand over the helm to myself. Good move? Only time will tell.

 

Dave will be a hard act to follow. His softly, softly approach was the key to his success. My approach to life, and thus the Captain’s role, will be more akin to the Great Communist Dictators of the World, Castro, Stalin, Mao Tse Tung, Chauchescu, and Honecker, 

Ø       Where insubordination will not be tolerated,

Ø       Where non attendance at XC events will be punishable by excommunication from the Club and eternal banishment to Blackpool Wyre and Fylde,

Ø       Where assisting with tent erection duties will be compulsory, 

Ø       Where any Vet 50 will be expected to fall in behind me at the races thus enabling myself to sweep before me, all club honours, need I go on?

 

Naturally, like all great Dictators, non of the afore mentioned rules, to name but a few as I will be making them up as I go along, will apply to me or any member who pays suitable homage to myself.

 

Enjoy your season.

Men’s Cross Country Captain

Alan Glasgow 

 

Track & Field Greeting Message

Hello and welcome to the new Track & Field Section which I only hope will be popular with the mighty Wesham runners.

 

For those who don't know me, I’m sure you will before long. I'm Karl Lee... A.K.A White Kenyan! I'm 23 years old and probably the youngest member to ever be on the Committee!? I have been at the club for 6 years and it is the best thing that could happen to me. I have been the Club Track & Field Captain for two years but have now been recognised as to my position and I will look forward to bringing you regular reports on forthcoming meetings.

 

Unfortunately, though, it is at the end of the season which probably is a bad time to bring you reports and information.

My aim is to get our club recognised on the track and try to tempt more of you to take this up, they are all great fun! If you are not made for the track you can try a field event which has proven a hit with one or two club members.

 

Karl Lee
Track & Field Captain

 

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT

 

By now, those of you who have paid/renewed your Club Membership should have received an Information Pack from England Athletics containing your Competition Licence Card for 2008/9. Those of you who paid later should receive this information in due course. As requested in the accompanying letter I would ask you to check your details on their website and change them as necessary. I would also appreciate it if you would let me know of any changes so that I can keep my details up to date.

 

The club has not attracted many new members this year. If you are in contact with or come across anyone who might be interested in joining us please ask them to look at our club website or contact me for further information. To encourage new members we ask them to attend a few Club Monday Meetings before making up their mind about whether or not they wish to join us.

 

Peter Earnshaw, Membership Secretary

 

MESSAGE FROM JOHN RUDD - SWEATSHOP

All members please note:  The new Club vests are available now from Sweatshop, (Ribby Hall). The price is £16 and Club discount is NOT applicable on them.

 

Many thanks,

John.