I hope you will forgive this self-indulgent note ahead of this Saturday’s Barnard Trophy 10k in Sutton. However in three weeks, with Christine Pearce’s support, the tribute to our dear Fred in the Relay of his family’s name will incorporate a recognition that it is 70 years since I first race walked in an organised event. The year was 1953 – more remembered for a Coronation than my first tentative attempt at ‘heel and toe’. My dad, Alf organised three age-group races in conjunction with a Lancashire WC event at the Hindley Green Labour Club. which was just up the road from where we lived. Not necessarily a coincidence!
Third in the 6-8 age group, I didn’t realise that the senior 6 miles race on the same day announced the arrival on the walking scene of the great Joe Barraclough, often referred to by Ron Wallwork as the most talented LWC member never to have gained an international vest. My achievements fade in comparison. So too, it is only in retrospect that I savour the honour of being awarded the style prize, which was presented by the 1924 Olympic silver medallist, Reg Goodwin.
Only a few years later, aged ten pictured with my dad before the Leigh Harriers One Mile Walk
My appearance in an actual race as a 76-year-old is less impressive than it sounds. For many years, whilst I didn’t stop race walking in training, I competed erratically. In a future post, I think it might be interesting to explore my disjointed career in more detail,
For now, I’ll be seriously pleased if club members and beyond turn up on July 22nd to remember Fred and give me a pat on the back. As things stand, amongst my dearest friends and foes from yesteryear, Ron and Joan Wallwork, Julian Hopkins, Mick Entwistle, Dave Vickers, Eric Crompton, Chris Harvey, Tony Malone, David Lamb and Guy Goodair are hoping to be there. One missing character will be the evergreen Chris Bolton, who will be completing his 20th appearance in the famous series of Nijmegen Walks. And, without exception, I hope the friends I have made in more recent years, since, encouraged by Fred, I began to turn out now and again, along with developing the club website, will honour me with their presence.
Crossing my fingers I might see you on the 22nd. Massaging an ageing athlete’s ego is not the worst thing you might be inclined to do.
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 
I too hope to be there. I remember well coming to Hindley Green and walking against you Tony, i don’t remember much, only starting and finishing, one result i have is from 1961, finishing in 59 minutes.
Dave – as I scribbled this note I should have remembered our tussles. What is the specific 1961 result? Please make every effort to be there. would be brilliant.
1961 is my first recorded race although I know that I had raced previously, but it is the first race I had at Hindley Green that I can remember and perhaps the first against you. I did race there more than once though but have no records. My time of 59 minutes was quite good for I have it as 5.8 miles, whether that is right or not, i don’t know.
My dad kept scrapbooks, which recorded all my races but my mum lost them somehow so I’ve no records. Was this race posted in the Record? I suspect not!!
Mum threw most of dads and some of mine away. Fortuneately I did have some records which I kept in my wardrobe but they are not complete. I will hopefully see you on the 22nd.
I intend being there and may I suggest that if people have scrapbooks or memorabilia, that they bring them along on the 22nd.
Excellent idea, Ron.
Will do.