THE VIEW THROUGH MY OLD EYES

I refuse to say that writing this small synopsis gives me an headache because it does not. What gives me the headache is trying to get focused on what is of interest between now and June and perhaps ahead of that even. So forgive me if something’s missing or don’t if you are that way inclined. So going back first: I am told the AGM ran like clockwork. At least the clock did not move too far from start to finish so I have to assume that was a good thing. One thing the AGM does is it sorts out the subs we all pay. So now you have all been told how much it is and, if you haven’t, then it will be inside this magazine somewhere. The point I am making is that you have to pay them, and if you have not done so by the time the June magazine is going to print, then you will unfortunately not be receiving a copy. This is not blackmail, it just makes financial sense, and, let’s face it, if you have not paid by June then, as applies in many clubs, you will be considered as a possible non-member and therefore no longer entitled to the privileges of membership. So just get them paid or, if you are leaving the club, please tell one of the committee of this then we can take you off the list of members.

Well by the time you read this the Cross Country season will be finished for another year and I have to say it as been an ever so fulfilling time for all of us in Wesham Road Runners seeing the influx of so many new female members of the fairer sex participating and making such a positive statement to every club connected with the organisation.

So what happens next? Well it is again time to dust off those cobwebs and get sorted out ready for the First Inter Club race which this year will be held at Lytham on Tuesday, 3^rd April and this will be followed by the presentation of trophies to the winners of the 2006 series. Please try your very best to support all of the races and who knows we may once more be the champions but that is only possible with help from all of you so “lets just do it” together.

Whilst on the subject, the Wesham Inter Club race is on the 16^th July, so get it put in your diaries as we will need marshals on the night as well as volunteers for many of the other tasks, to ensure we again have a successful race as in the past. It was proposed that the provision of free food at the end of each race was suspended for a year due to the ever increasing numbers needing to be fed and the fact that, on most occasions lately, there has been insufficient food for everyone. This is due in part to the greed of some individuals as well as the difficulty in knowing how many to cater for. The decision has however been challenged and, at present, we are not aware of the outcome. Be prepared to make the butties again all of you who help out every year and watch this space.

Another event that finished the other day was the Winter Handicap which means that Marion and Keith put away one set of rules and drag out of mothballs the ones headed Summer Handicap. Again this doesn’t just happen. It has to be planned in advance and all that is done by the two of them year in, year out. I just hope you will all let them both know how much you appreciate it by turning up at as many as you possibly can. You will find that there are benefits to it for each one of you personally and if you do not know what they are then ask me. I am only too happy to tell you.

Another championship starts this coming quarter namely Fell Running, which is a new venture for the club. I hope it becomes popular with members old and new because it really is an exciting racing scenario and far removed from the all normal forms of racing. It has been likened to the skiers “downhill” and “ski jump” only to be done by those with no brains but loads of courage, well maybe not quite as bad as that but it is a close run thing. Lee Barlow is the one to see about this event as he as all the details.

Continuing this next three months are the Club Championship, the Age Related Championship and of course the Competitive Mileage Challenge, all of which are shown on the website as they progress. So, if you have a quiet moment to spare take a look and find out exactly how you are doing in any or all of them.

Once again I finish off with news that I hear in passing and I pass it on to you so that, if you feel like it, you can do something about it or perhaps just give it a thought every now and then. I heard that one of our members Roy Pickles had a brain tumour removed not long ago and it was said that he is recovering well and I for one look forward to seeing him back running with us just as soon as he can. Another of our members as been struggling recently after making quite a good recovery from a previous illness only to now be hit by another quite serious injury and that’s Mike Owen who is likely to be out of running for quite a while but he is determined to get back. He proved he could do that last year so I don’t doubt that he will do it again. To both of them we all wish you and anyone else who is fighting to get back to fitness a speedy return and please, when you can, come along and see us on a Monday night. We can be a good tonic you know!

Written by: Dave Waywell, Chairman

Submitted: 7^th March 2007