Whenever I think about Chorley and our Sunday morning strolls [as they used to be called] I remember with fondness being out on the road with Eric Crompton. By chance this photo of the start of the 1975 10 miles championships held in Brighton has just appeared on Facebook. It shows Eric leading out the field with Roger Mills and Bob Dobson in close order. Eric’s 11th position was his best ever placing in a National, illustrating the great shape he was in. Coming through the ranks was a youthful Chris Harvey with Tony Malone in the first fifty. If the rift in our club, which saw the loss of Ron Wallwork, Julian and myself, had not occurred it looks as if we would have been battling for team medals.

Hopefully we will see Eric on Saturday, March 2nd when the Alison Trophy 15 kilometres is contested – starting at 1.00 p.m. from the St Peter’s Church Hall, Harpers Lane, PR6 0HP. As is usual it would be really helpful if you could let Dave Evans at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk know if you are attending and in what capacity.

Map of Venue

Thanks to Dave Ainsworth for another photo of the 1975 National 10 Miles start at Southwick. Image supplied by Alan Buchanan.

This photo is related to Ilford AC winning a first National walking title at Southwick in 1975 over 10 miles with a scoring 4 of Roger Mills 3rd, Steve Gower 9th, Lew Mockett 16th & Geoff Hunwicks 26th. Sadly only Roger, finger on the cork of bubbly, is still with us.
Photographer : Mike Street RIP.