EDITORIAL

Dear Members

 

Here we all are with 2009 now behind us and into a New Year 2010 and, as this is the first magazine of the year, Peter and I would like to wish you all a very happy and successful one.  Time does seem to fly by, especially when you are having fun. As you know Peter and I have done a fair bit of travelling last year. We visited and travelled through the beautiful countryside of France during part of June and into July. In October we went on a month’s cruise which took us to the Mediterranean first – Heraklion in Crete, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula in Corfu, Zakynthos, and then we went to Cairo from Port Said, through the Suez Canal to Sharm El Sheikh, Muscat in Oman, Dubai, Cochin in India, the absolute picture postcard island of Langkawi, Kuala Lumpar from Port Kelang, and finally Singapore.  Two of the most memorable moments for me were that I got to ride a camel again! This time I did so for 45 mins through a scorching desert and the trip took us to a Bedoin Camp – fantastic!! (My camel didn’t have a limp this time Boss - it was a real smooth ride!!!) Another wonderful experience was our visit to the Grand Mosque in Muscat. This was a truly spectacular place and we had to dress the part i.e. no shoes and all women had to have their ankles, arms, shoulders and head covered. I think I really looked the part don’t you? The marble floors were wonderfully clean and very cooling in the humid heat. The chandeliers and wall decorations were absolutely stunning and the grounds surrounding the Mosque were magnificent. It truly was a very spiritual experience. We have already done the first trip this year which was to Acapulco, Mexico then through the Panama Canal into the Caribbean on the 21st January arriving home on the 6th February. I then got right down to producing this magazine.

 

The Wesham Dinner Dance and Presentation in November 2009 summed up the year’s successes and what successes there were too. May I once again congratulate all those who won prizes and also those who did not? For, without the other runners, how would we know who had won and who did not? Everyone is essential to a good race. Not only the runners but also the organisers, marshals, timekeepers, photographers, the meal providers and those who just turn up time and time again to cheer the runners on. Each pays a crucial part in making a race a success. May I again also thank all Wesham Members for the beautiful cut glass, inscribed vase and the gorgeous bouquet of flowers presented to me on that evening?  I was totally and utterly taken by surprise and thrilled to bits and it now takes pride of place in my display unit.

 

The Front Cover this issue portrays the ‘true grit’ of our members who turn out in all weathers to represent Wesham RR. The photos came from the Red Nose Race, Blackpool, 2009, the Auld Lang Syne race. Mid. Lancs XC at Burnley and the Lancashire XC Blackburn. The ones I personally like, and the ones I think depicts the true Wintery, but cheerful, photo, are of our Kath taken at the Auld Lang Syne Race, especially when it’s in colour and the one of Mick taking advantage of the snow at the Lancs. XC, Blackburn. Photos were taken by Nigel Shepherd, Mick Edge, Linda Clarkson of Darwen Dashers and Heather Nelson from Lytham St Annes RR. When this Editorial goes onto the website you will be able to appreciate the true colours in the photos.

 

I was very pleased to here from Brian Porter just after Christmas that the Freckleton Half Marathon was voted 15th best race in the Runners World Forum Poll; even beating the London Marathon. I know Brian puts a great deal of hard work into this race and I congratulate him most sincerely on this achievement. Let’s move it up the scale a bit next year – how about it? Brian has also created a Freckleton Half Marathon website this year which he kindly allows me to co-edit. Please visit it on: http://www.freckleton.org/outabout/marathon.html

 

I would also like to take this opportunity of welcoming all the new members to our club. We have done quite well attaining many new members over the last few months and I wish them all a very happy running and social associations with Wesham Road Runners. I know I am biased but you couldn’t have chosen a better club.

 

As I write this Editorial we have just experienced a chilly few weeks and the snow and ice interrupted many races. It is lovely to see the snow but not so lovely to walk or run on. I am sure though that all Wesham members will be out there as soon as they can, taking part in their chosen races. Take care out there people.

 

I know I usually moan at you all about contributing to this magazine but not this time – no way José. You have been absolutely brilliant and the articles started coming through quite early too. I was absolutely over the moon and I thank each and every one of you who contributed. As you read on I know you will find some particular moving and interesting reports – OK, I’m keeping you guessing!!! So, all it remains for me to say now is, enjoy this magazine and please support its continuation in whatever way you can.

 

Fond regards

Brenda WRR Editor