COMMITTEE
REPORTS
THE VIEW
THROUGH MY OLD EYES
I often
don’t quite know where to start when compiling this report, but I suppose a
good way is to congratulate (no, not Blackpool
FC), but our very own Steve Littler,
who, after missing out on the London
Marathon due to an injury, went along to the Edinburgh Marathon and
won it in a dramatic, but convincing manner.
His conquest in this very high profile race has put Wesham Road Runners in the national frame once more, so thanks go
to him and a proud club salute’s him on this magnificent win.
On the same theme, we are already well into the number two
series of races, namely the Interclub and
the
Now onto the Birthday
Race and Party. It is down to me and, for consistency, and the fact that we
managed 45 people to the meal and 38 in the 3 mile race; I have stayed with the
same/similar date again. This will be Monday
23 August, 2010. Meal price is held
at the same price as 2009 and the
menu is the same as the venue The Garden
Place Restaurant on
Another series of races we are involved in, and which
hopefully will not only give some of you the opportunity to do an excellent 10k Trail Race, but will also provide
some financial benefits for the Club
for our help with the management and marshalling of all three races. The series is the Badger 10k Runs held in Cuerden
Valley Country Park and the one remaining race is on Thursday 5th August.
Of course we desperately need volunteers for this race to marshal
key points, so if you read this and are perhaps free that evening, please get
in touch with me, Dave Waywell, or Graham Vickers (01772 882914 / 07533
316774). The first race in this
series was held on 3 June 2010.
For those of you who like doing something different there
are Richard Davies’ off road
training night runs, without the need for torches at this time of year and
notice of these are sent out by e-mail or word of mouth at club nights. This activity is both excellent and
entertaining.
Right! Let’s get down to two major races in the calendar. Firstly the Wesham Interclub on Monday
19th July 2010. The
involvement of many of you as marshals and helpers is paramount to the success
and safety of the race. First of all the
venue is at the now nonexistent Salwick
Club, or nowadays the BNFL car park
off
The second major race is the Wesham 10k on Saturday 27th November and all I will say is that we
have hopefully secured a race HQ
close to the BNFL car park which
will make life a little easier, but, as of yet, I am still processing several
changes for the day. The only thing that stays the same is our need for you and
your family and friends to volunteer for helping in whatever capacity on the
day, so for now just put 27th November
2010 in your diary and watch this space.
Just when I think I have covered everything, I suddenly
remember the race I think most people enjoy, the Round the Park Relays which this year are on Friday 9th July
2010. Entries will be on the day
only, three person teams, 7.15pm start with registration 5.45pm to 6.45pm at Blackpool Fire Station and the usual
generous prize giving after. One change
this year is the team categories which are: Mixed (Gender only); Male or
Female (Gender only); Junior
(All under 20); Fire Service (All
members of Fire Service Sports Club). Hope this makes it simpler for you all. Entry forms from Dave Waywell or on Club
nights.
Now let’s just finish off with news of the ones who we are
missing at the Club at this
time. First of all Pauline Weller who is now almost through her chemotherapy
treatments so, fingers crossed, is on her way to a full recovery and we always
enjoy seeing her down at the Club on
Monday nights and this will
hopefully be more frequent in the future.
Secondly there is Yvonne
Russell who we were delighted to see at the St. Annes 10 marshalling and news on her is that both she and her
boyfriend are progressing satisfactorily. Again I’m sure I speak for all of you
who know her that we look forward to her joining us again in the near future.
Thirdly, there is of course John Keohane and again news is that progress is slow, but positive
and he is getting out a little more and hopefully we will see him on a Wrinkly Run sooner rather than later.
Derek Buckley remains on the wanted list, although we do know
he was struggling with a leg injury, but other than that I can tell you no
more. Now the tale of two people, both ‘pains
in the neck’ but I love them both, (not literally – please give me some
grains of common sense). Firstly Dave Jones who, after several months
out waiting for his hernia operation, is now on the road to recovery and
whatever you do, don’t ask to see the scar.
My second person is Captain Jack,
(Mick Edge, for the innocent,
unassuming runners information), who went under the knife in early June and is expected to be out of running
for around three months. Whatever you do, don’t let your defences down because
there’s a highly probable chance that you will come round a corner or over a
hill in a race and, wham! He’s
there, doing his duty as the best dressed, (or undressed), marshal.
Joking aside, I, on your behalf, wish all those mentioned
above and any I have regrettably missed out, all our best wishes for speedy
recoveries and look forward to seeing them all sooner rather than later.
Written by: Dave Waywell – Club Chairman
Submitted: 1st June 2010
Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor
Secretary’s Summary of the past five
Committee Meetings
And the April Members Meeting
March
Committee Meeting,
- The
race memento will once again be a T-Shirt, colour Royal Blue.
- The
Club affiliated and registered
the members to UKA for 2010.
- The
Membership Secretary reported
that he was pleased at the response he had received from members
rejoining.
April
Committee Meeting
·
The position of Thornton
Cleveleys Running Club in relation to the Inter Club races was discussed, with the committee agreeing to
support the decision of the Inter Club
Committee.
April
Members Meeting, the first of the Club year. Well supported by members.
·
With much of the Salwick
facilities not available to us it is pleasing to learn that St Mary’s Primary School will loan us
their facilities for the race.
·
The Club is producing
some good results at the CLGP
events, particularly the ladies.
May
Committee Meeting
·
The Membership Secretary
reported on the current membership situation. Gradually most members have
rejoined although one or two, it would appear, are not planning to rejoin. We
continue to pick up new members making membership total fairly constant.
·
Men’s Captain reported that the Birmingham Relays were an unqualified success.
June
Committee Meeting
- The
Club clothing is now back with
us, Sweatshop having
relinquished the job. See DW on
a Monday evening at least at
the moment.
- The
bulk of the meeting was mostly confined to discussion of the Inter Club race and the 10K, in November. Some changes have been forced on us by the Salwick situation and some changes
such as the possibility of chip timing could enhance the race and its
organisation.
Written
by: Brian Wilkinson Secretary
Submitted:
17th June 2010
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT
Could I thank the vast majority of
members who paid their 2010
subscriptions by the deadline of the 30th
April. To date we have ten members who have not yet paid and have not
responded to emails/letters reminding them.
We have currently a Membership of:
|
First Claim
Members: 131 including 16 new
members |
Life Members: 6 |
|
Second Claim
Members: 5 |
Honorary
Members: 4 |
|
Social Members:
5 |
|
|
Total: 151 |
|
We have lost 11 members who have
resigned.
I would like
to welcome the following new members who have joined us in 2010:
|
Hazel Barnes |
Graham Jones |
John Oliver |
Ruth Turner |
|
James Davenport |
Emma Lund |
Annemarie Robinson |
Tracey Ward |
|
Leigh Dawson |
Gary Monaghan |
Julie Sherwood |
Johnny Winter |
|
Roy Glendinning |
Tracey Murphy |
Malcolm Sherwood |
Linzi Young |
Some time in the near future,
(hopefully), you will receive your Competition
Licence Card from England Athletics. With his card will come a letter containing a
code for you to access your details on the
Peter
Earnshaw, Membership Secretary
Submitted: 19th June
2010
MEN’S CAPTAIN’S REPORT
One of the major tasks as captain is to organise relays and
I have previously mentioned in my manifesto when I was unanimously voted in as Captain, that I would take the relays
seriously.
So I have taken the relays
seriously. First stop was the Northern Twelve Stage Relays on Sunday, 21 March 2010. Previous captains have briefed me with their
frustrating experiences of trying to raise a twelve stage team, and I was
slightly frustrated too, which is unusual as I am not easily frustrated. After much consultation with a wide variety
of athletes, a team was selected to represent the club, and gave the following
performances:
Karl Lee (26:43) a real
statement of intent from the White
Kenyon leaving us in 36th
place with it all to play for. Russ Mabbett (19:07) rock steady and ran
with his heart on his sleeve. Troy
Watson (28:01) an outstanding run from the rising star. Barry Peatfield (18:58) a welcome
return from injury putting in a shift for the club he loves and loves him even
more. Steve Myerscough (28.01)
amazingly ran the same time as
Although the club did not qualify
for the National finals it was a
wonderful day. I brought motivational
music to play which included ‘
Runner of
the Day
was a very difficult one to decide as everyone ran well, so I decided to give
it myself and keep the £20 Debenhams
voucher.
On to the next relays at
The Vet 35 team athletes were Lee
Barlow, Steve Myerscough, Gary De Banke and Trevor Rayner and they came a solid 18th out of 27 teams, The Vet 40 team put together were subject
to much change, frustration and laughter.
I like to put out runners on the first leg to make a statement of intent
to all other clubs and so it was fitting we put out the fearless braveheart
warrior Alan Taylor. He did not bring us home at the front of the pack,
but there was real intent in everything about his performance, particularly in
the way his legs moved fast. Other
incredible athletes were Gary Moore,
Peter Cooke, Graham Vickers, Captain
Finlay McCalman, Chris Moss, Barry Edwards and Gary De Banke again. Gary had recently suffered great
disappointment in his life as Blackpool
had crushed his team 6 – 4 in the Championship
Playoffs, and it is a great chapter in British
sport that he was able to pick himself up from those dark times and perform so
heroically, not once, but twice with several Blackpool football fans as team
mates. The Vet 40s finished 31st out of 36 teams.
The Vet 50s category was a very serious team
who had previously been champions. There
was much discussion regarding the running order and it became clear in the
weeks leading up to the event, on how much individuals were focused on their
performances at the relays. The team
consisted of John Bertenshaw, John
Collier, Alan Hudson, Martin Bates, Gary Pendlebury and Alex Rowe. I could see from the looks on all their faces
as they ran how much effort they were putting in. The Vet
50s came 8th out of
39 teams. I think it was a fantastic
result to be 8th best
team in a National Relay Championships,
but as we made our way from the event, I sensed a little disappointment amongst
several athletes. The team was already refocusing for next year’s assault to
get in to the medals again. Who would
bet against them? I am sure several
people would, but who would have thought a little boy drummer Kieran Gaffney would come 3rd in Britain's Got Talent beating Chandi
the dog? Not many, as the dog was far
more talented! So I would say the Vet 50s could easily be in the medals
again in the coming years! Yes.
Vet 60s team came 29th out of 40 teams and the
proud athletes were Barry Peatfield,
Peter Bartlett and Dave Young,
who all put in rock solid performances.
As Wesham has many Wrinklys I would like to focus more
attention on the Vet 60s and Vet 70s in the future years and feel we
could worry quite a few teams if we get things right on the day.
Runner of
the Day
was very difficult. There were some great performances, particularly from the Vet 50s, but it was difficult to single
any one Vet 50s athlete out. Alan
Taylor with his brave first leg, Finlay
McCalman, the modest captain, ran an awesome leg, but the star of the day
was Gary De Banke who ran two legs,
but don't tell the organisers! After
running so well for the Vet 35s, he
ran another astounding leg for the Vet
40s.
Captains
Relay Review - Many people do not wish to run the relays for a variety of reasons,
including:
·
It takes up too much time. A
day event to run about 3 miles. Sod
that, it isn't even a training run!
·
Some people don't think they are good enough. You are – if the Captain is in the team, there is hope for all! The captain will, on occasions, step down and
sacrifice his individual happiness for the happiness of others, particularly if
you are better than him - which isn't hard!
·
There are other races on nearer to home, which I will enjoy
more. There may be races nearer, but you
also have the opportunity to mingle with other team members and run against
many top athletes, and have an athletics day experience.
·
After two relays events I am getting to know who wishes to run, and
who does not wish to run, but would stress the door is still open to all
athletes to run. So please put your name forward, and I will try and
accommodate everyone. Please don't be
like Chris Sutton turning down the
opportunity to represent
·
Talk to athletes who have competed in recent events and ask for
feedback on whether they are good to do.
As Wesham's Top International Marathon Runner I have been competing in
accompanied by Lee
Barlow, Peter Cruse, Simon Eaton and Tanya
Ashworth and we took in Blackpool
FC's crushing victory too at
As I continue my preparation for
the Swiss Alpine Marathon in Davos I entered in Chester Marathon on 31 May
2010 with Martin Bates. A flat traffic free rural course with good
organisation, it was an out and back course, so you see the leaders and the
runners at the back of the field. There
were only about 1000 in the race so there were relatively few spectators, but I
feel it was well marshalled with good water and sports drink provision so will
give the race the thumbs up. Again
toilet provision was poor but there were plenty open fields with trees. I ran 4hrs 11 mins, Martin Bates 3hrs 32 mins and Peter
Waywell 3 hrs 15 mins and would recommend the race for fast times, but if
you need a crowd to spur you on to a fast time, then it may not be the race to
do.
I will feedback on my premier
target for the year, the legendary Swiss
Alpine Marathon in the next magazine, and whilst I mention premier, I can
not let the opportunity pass without congratulating Blackpool Football Club on their promotion to the Premiership. Many Wesham
Road Runners attended Wembley to
witness this magnificent achievement and I believe this surpasses the
achievement of Wesham Road Runners
winning the Inter Club Grand Prix Series a few years ago.
Congratulations
With all good wishes to all for a wonderful summer of running!
Written by: Captain Finlay
McCalman, BA BSc (Hons) and 20 Marathons
Submitted: 7th June
2010
LADIES CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Well
it’s that time again and for this magazine I don’t really have much to
say...................go on say it, that doesn’t usually stop me!
The
main item for me is to congratulate our lovely Jenny Salt who ran her little legs off at the Lochaber Marathon to smash her previous marathon time by miles and
achieve a PB. So many congratulations Mrs Salt you deserved it with all the miles of training you did.
Sadly though Tracey picked up an
injury just before hand and wasn’t able to run but at least she is back
pounding the lanes now and has kept her fitness up into the bargain.
The girls had been flying since the last edition but just
recently have come unstuck again with bugs, virus’s and various assorted ailments
and we were unable to field the V35 team
at the Relays in Sutton Park in May which I had entered but that’s what happens when you run a lot.
It is nice to see a few of the ladies taking part in fell
races this year. Keep it up girls. Even I went to Paddy’s Pole and did the route but not the race. Don’t forget the CLGP races and, if you keep winning
those, you never know what the end of season will bring.
Now the Freckleton Half Marathon is over I can
hopefully get on with running the distances I prefer which are the shorter 10K,
5 miles etc. But, Freckleton is such a classic, I had to do it eventually and it
lets me qualify for the club championships.
I have
just got back after the race, feeling totally knackered but pleased that I got
round in a PB time with the help of
a stranger. I did my best to get him to
join WRR so watch this space on that
one. Thank you to all the support you gave me on the course Andy who was the stranger. He couldn’t believe it; he said everybody was
so friendly. It was great to watch the prize giving with Wesham ladies taking the
team prize. Well done Joanna,
I must thank Brian
Porter for all his efforts with this race I just hope it continues next
year without Brian’s being the Race Director.
Keep up the good work ladies until the next report that’s me
signing off.
Written by: Kerry Eccles - Ladies
Captain
Submitted: 20th June
2010
Photo of Jenny Salt kindly provided
by Sportsunday