Yet another December Virtual 5 kilometre club event

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Following the unfortunate cancellation of the Dick Maxwell trophy race on December 2nd, it has been agreed that we organise a December Virtual 5 kilometres in addition to that envisaged for January. Both will count in the overall Club Handicap competition. Your December clockings should be sent to Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com by Friday, December 29th at the latest. This will allow you to indulge yourselves without worry over the New Year’s weekend!!

Greg Smith, winner of the December 2022 Virtual Handicap

Weather allowing, this gives members nigh on four weeks to fit in a 5 kilometre blast, which should stand everyone in good stead for the longer challenges ahead. Dave Evans has already drawn up his handicap sheet and forwarded it to yours truly. Thus, given my dedication to the cause, I will put together the scratch and handicap results on New Year’s Eve, posting these on the website on New Year’s Day! There’s a promise! In addition, we are going to include for interest an age-graded percentage in respect of each member’s performance. We did this during COVID and in fact, Ian Hilditch won this year’s AJ Taylor Trophy on the strength of his excellent age-graded effort in the Horwich Masters 5 kilometre championship.

Ian Hilditch, winner of the AJ Taylor Trophy, 2023

If you’ve got the means or inclination, an anecdote or a photo related to your December effort will be gratefully received.

Impressively John Gordon is the first off the mark. Much appreciated.

A bloody cold one!

My walk details for today – December 2nd

Venue; Cardiff Airport

Time: 11:00am

5K Time : 32min 49 secs

Although conditions were frosty, the roads were surprisingly good. Bit of Sun starting now. Needed a warm-up and the tights were on. Early flights had gone so got roads to myself.

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Lightning does strike twice: Our Xmas race cancelled for the second year walking!

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Tony Taylor

URGENT MESSAGE

I did tempt fate by joking about last year’s cancellation of our Xmas race. In 2022 we fell foul of a Heaton Park Xmas extravaganza, which meant our usual course was out of bounds. This year Zeus has ignored my overtures and heavy snow is forecast for the North of England over this coming weekend. Hence, we have had little option but to cancel the event. I’ll follow this urgent message with more details about replacing the fixture with a December Virtual 5 kilometres. In the meantime, keep warm and, if you can’t get out on the road, what about some mobility exercises?

Snow on the Cretan White Mountains
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Dick Maxwell Memorial and Xmas 10km, December 2nd

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Tempting fate I’m reproducing a modified version of last year’s post, announcing the forthcoming Xmas 10-kilometre race in 2022, which was alas cancelled. My comment under Pat’s photo was indeed pessimistic and prescient! Here’s hoping Zeus looks down kindly on the 2023 edition.

Dave Evans alerts us to the fast-approaching Dick Maxwell Memorial and Xmas 10-kilometre race to be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at Simister, starting at 1.00 p.m.

Back in 2021 and back into the warmth!

We will be using our usual 10k course, out and back (twice)into Heaton Park. As the weather can be a factor [wise words indeed!] we have moved away from the original ‘nightmare’ course and will now just race on the regular 10k course from our headquarters. Dave would appreciate it if all club members could confirm their availability by email at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk, indicating if they are walking or would be available to help with marshalling and any other tasks.

Not to be pessimistic but take account of Pat’s apparel!
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Remembering 1968: Guy reveals the ‘secrets’ of IAC research while sadly Arthur Jones, Mexico Olympian has died

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Guy Goodair reports on this fascinating, historical piece of research, which took place in the spring of 1968 ahead of the Mexico Olympics.

Fifty years ago five members of Wakefield Harriers became pioneers for the International Athletics Club research into the effects of drinking during a marathon (remember this was back in the days when it was forbidden to take a drink before 10 miles in a distance race) and also to confirm the findings of Dr Saltin of Sweden on increasing the store of glycogen in the muscles before a long distance race (now known as ‘carbo-loading’). It was coordinated by Martin Hyman and designed to help any athletes going to the Olympics that year in Mexico City. John Newsome and Tony Child were in the running group which was testing the effects of drinking during a race whilst George Barras, Roy Thorpe and Guy Goodair were testing the diet as race-walkers. Both groups were split into two A & B and the tests were conducted on May 5 & 19 at Bracknell ( a fairly long drive as the M1 wasn’t fully open to Leeds until October of that year.

All athletes had to do a solo 40km time trial on both days – Set A taking drinks (runners) or being on the diet (walkers) Set B runners doing 40km without a drink and walkers on their normal diet. A fortnight later the positions were reversed. Because it was bitterly cold on both occasions – the drinks test was a bit inconclusive (non-drinkers being on average about a 1 minute faster) but this was put down to time lost in taking the drinks on board and the slight extra body weight due to drinking. Whilst with the walkers although the average times were similar between dieters and non-dieters – those on the diet were significantly faster over the last 10km clearly indicating the diet gave greater stamina. Both the running and walking sections of the Harriers were quick to adapt to the diet and it’s one of the reasons the club became one of the strongest road running and race walking clubs in the country.

Here are the split times (equivalent to 8 consecutive Park runs! and on your own at that) I wish I could run one park run now in the time I could walk one in those days.

I did have a copy of the WALKERS’ splits but can’t find it but attaching a copy of the total times taken / The walkers were John Moulin, Phil Embleton, Peter Marlow, Pat Duncan, Roy Thorpe, Shaun Lightman, George Barras, Guy Goodair, Colin Young and Paul Maidment

George Barras and Guy Goodair dominating in the Blackpool

Sadly, remembering 1968 brings us to the news that Arthur Jones, who placed 11th in the altitude-effected Mexico 20 kilometres walk, has passed away in Australia, where he lived in Adelaide. My first memory of Brighton’s Arthur is of him finishing a perhaps surprise third behind Shaun Lightman and the winner, Ron Wallwork in the 1967 National 10 miles staged in Bolton.

RISING STARS – photos by Jim Coomber

He cemented his growing reputation a few weeks later by coming second to Ron in the National 20-kilometre championship on a stiff, undulating course at East Ewell. Arthur made a bright start to 1968 finishing an outstanding second to Paul Nihill in the Southern Track 7 miles, clocking 50:21 but didn’t compete in either the National 10 miles or 20 kilometres. However, he was to time his season almost to perfection, winning the AAA 2 miles in 13:35.6 and being awarded the Fowler-Dixon style prize before finishing 3rd Briton behind Bob Hughes and John Webb in the Olympic Trial at Cwmbran. As the Race Walking Record [RWR] commented he finished a very creditable 11th in an Olympic 20 kilometres remembered for the close finish. Only five seconds separated the first three home, Golubnichy, Pedraza and Smaga. The RWR added its hope that if Arthur could maintain his progress he would be a strong contender at the next Olympics in Munich. This was not to be as he emigrated to Australia the following year.

A revealing obituary honouring Arthur is to be found under International News in the VRWC ‘Heel and Toe’ Newsletter Number 46 at https://www.vrwc.org.au/newsletters/heelandtoe-2023-num46.pdf. Thanks to editor, Stu Cooper

ARTHUR JONES RIP

Below you will find tributes that are being forwarded to Dave Ainsworth.

Don Cox C787 – Sadly just got the news from Australia, Arthur Jones died today. Arthur was in the GREAT BRITAIN team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. When I lived in Adelaide, Arthur and his wife Carol lived in the same road as me, we sometimes did a long Sunday training walk in the Adelaide hills. Good days, RIP Arthur.

Alan Buchanan – Arthur Jones was a neighbour and good friend in the sixties and we had our families about the same time. He joined Brighton AC from Herne Hill Harriers and was a decent half-miler before taking to walking and gave it a boost in Sussex when he moved here. He first inspired Dave Boxall to have a go then I also tried a 7miles in November 1966 after having run 4 Marathons that year. His ambition was to make the team for the Mexico Olympics and I remember coming back on the train from the National 20km where he’d not done well and was very down and determined to up his training as he was basically a good track Walker with a safe technique. When the final trial came he produced the goods to make the team and finish as leading Brit. It was not without some controversy as Peter Fullager, who had spent a month living and training with Arthur in Hove thought he should have been selected. It seemed at the time the RWA selectors had more faith in Arthur’s technique. I took over as club Secretary duties so he could concentrate on training and he was one of three athletes Brighton and Hove AC had selected for the 6 weeks stay in high altitude Mexico City. The following year we said goodbye when he and the family emigrated to Australia on an assisted package. We lost touch in recent years as he had dementia but he was a good friend who led me into my many happy walking years. I will inform the club as we were both life members.

Inter-Club 7 miles 16/12/1968 – perhaps one of Arthur’s last races [Number71] in the UK. Thanks to Alan Buchanan [Number 72] for the great image. Number 34 is Phil Embleton, a future Olympian.

Chris Maddocks – Sad news. Nice to read Don’s comments about the good training days with Arthur.

Roy Lodge – It was with great sadness that I received news of Arthur’s death. So sad that one had to compose oneself to come to terms with such sadness. Arthur and I were selected to represent Gt. Britain in an international athletics meeting against France in La Baule 1967. Ken Bobbett made up the trio in the 20k track walk. We shared a room in a splendid hotel and became great friends although fiercely competitive in racing. I admired Arthur’s upright walking style and his training regime. He was intent as I was to go to Mexico. For Arthur that ambition was realised and how proud he was and rightly so. I shall treasure memories of a truly good friend and a race walker of the highest calibre. Rest in peace and rise in glory.

Peter Marlow 1972 Olympian – I remember training with Arthur. He was a bespectacled and very tall walker and he was charming.

Bill Sutherlas BEM 1970 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist – Very sad news indeed to hear of the passing of Arthur Jones. A very stylish race walker who achieved an outstanding performance at the 1968 Mexico Olympics – 20 Kms Walk. He was certainly one of the stars in Brighton and Hove A C in the late 60’s before emigrating to Australia and enhanced their depth in top race walkers. May he Rest in Peace and always be remembered fondly. With sincere condolences.

Mike Parker – Saddened to receive the news about the death of Arthur Jones. I have tried several times over the years to track him down in Australia. Whenever I have been over there I have enquired as to his whereabouts but alas, always to no avail. The last time I caught up with Peter Fullager back in 2018 he was unaware as to where Arthur Jones was residing, yet it now appears they were both living in Adelaide.

I will never forget the day I won the National 10 at Exeter in 1981. I felt extra proud that I had emulated Arthur’s feat in winning that particular Championship. I’m not sure, but I think Arthur and I remain the only male racewalkers from Brighton & Hove AC to have won a national title. Except of course for George Larner, many years earlier, certainly many moons before the emergence of the RWA.

So it has been a sad day, another one of the old Brighton & Hove AC racewalkers gone.

I’ll add more tributes as they become available and an Australian perspective – see now above link

Tony Taylor

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Training and Coaching Day, Sunday, November 26th

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Adrian Edwards – straightened leg on contact

In a very welcome initiative, Adrian Edwards is making available the Woodbank Athletic Facility for a coaching and training session a week this coming Sunday.

He informs us:

I’ve booked the Woodbank Park track from 12 until 5pm. Sunday 26th November. There’s a car park at each end of Turncroft Lane, by Woodbank Park, just off junction 27 of the M60.

Woodbank Stadium, Woodbank Park,
Turncroft Lane, Offerton, Stockport SK1 4JR

The session will give Sailash or anyone else who wants to build up their mileage a chance to walk on a flat track with toilet and drinks facilities on hand. Anyone else is welcome to turn up at any time to do a track session, for as long as they want. If they have a phone with a video function we can video them so they can see their technique visually which may help.

I can do some coaching and anyone else with enough experience who turns up can input too.

We are indebted to Adrian for making this possible and would encourage members to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.

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A Murky Day in Simister: the Club AGM 5 Kilometres

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Tony Taylor
The wonderful Andrea Lennon defying the elements

Dave Evans reports:

As if delivering an early Christmas present we managed to field 17 walkers in the AGM 5k bringing together not only the usual nucleus but some friends from afar. Tony Taylor made the long trip from Crete, Dan Maskell risked the train lottery on the Brighton line, whilst Tony Bell and Martin Payne crossed the Pennines. Deciding against a yacht handicap where the cards are already on the table, the handicapper threw caution to the wind and despatched the aspirants en bloc.

With so many walkers on the road there were few spare bodies to tackle the officiating, however, step-forward volunteer Chris Harvey who manned the turnaround point in Heaton Park in commanding style dressed all in orange but confusing those who thought Halloween was yesterday. Eric Horwill is an inspiration to us all and despite having to journey from the wilds of Dudley and Stourbridge he arrived in good time to register the finishing times of all participants.

Ken Connor is still learning the ropes and on this occasion didn’t manage to exhibit the correct walking technique so had to be excluded from the final handicap results. Another newcomer, who has no sporting background, came to Simister to see how it’s done. Nigel Shaw, a young 61, walked with some style and will surprise a few people in the next year or so once he has more racing experience. His final time was excellent given he has no racewalking credentials. The rain held off for the majority of the 5k.

The AGM in progress

The AGM followed the usual post-race get-together and incorporated the awarding of prizes to the first 7 in the club’s annual handicap competition, the nomination of individuals to key club posts, the presentation of awards to the individuals assessed to have produced the best individual performance of the year and the best long distance performance.

Roy Gunnett takes the Annual Handicap Trophy from Dave Evans
Ian Hilditch receives the AJ Taylor Award for the year’s outstanding performance from Tony Taylor
Martin Payne receives the Cliff Royle Silver Salver for the best long-distance performance from Dave Evans

Our club has been in existence since 1907 and across the years it has been appropriate to reward long service and outstanding performance with Life Membership. 2023 has seen the awarding of LM to Eric Horwill and John Payn and to round off the year another name was been added to the roll of honour. Tony Taylor has been a catalyst in keeping the club on its feet and on its toes. He has managed the club website from his home in Crete and created a one-stop shop for racewalking for both the club and external arms of the sport. His skills as an orator and activist are well known and his commitment is second to none. He richly deserves this accolade for his communication skills and a career in the sport from the age of 6!

A proud Tony Taylor is honoured with Life Membership

At the close of the AGM, Eric Horwill paid a touching tribute to the late Noel Blatchford and the meeting as a whole sent its best wishes for a speedy recovery to Steve Uttley following his recent operation.


Race results

  1. Ken Connor 27 mins 28
  2. Tony Taylor 29 mins 05
  3. Adrian Edwards 30 mins 40
  4. Tony Bell 31 mins 54
  5. Martin Payne 32 mins 05
  6. Nigel Shaw 32 mins 06
  7. Roy Gunnett 33 mins 02
  8. John Crahan 34 mins 47
  9. Greg Smith 35 mins 32
  10. Sailash Shah 36 mins 15
  11. Joe Hardy 36 mins 33
  12. Dan Maskell 37 mins 14
  13. Pat Evans 37 mins 17
  14. Phil McCullagh 38 mins 16
  15. Ian Hilditch 38 mins 32
  16. Steven Wilde 39 mins 31
  17. Andrea Lennon 43 mins 12

Handicap results

  1. Roy Gunnett 27 mins 02
  2. Tony Taylor 29 mins 05
  3. John Crahan 29 mins 17
  4. Andrea Lennon 29 mins 27
  5. Greg Smith 29 mins 32
  6. Adrian Edwards 30 mins 05
  7. Sailash Shah 30 mins 15
  8. Martin Payne 30 mins 35
  9. Joe Hardy 31 mins 08
  10. Tony Bell 31 mins 14
  11. Dan Maskell 31 mins 14
  12. Phil McCullagh 31 mins 31
  13. 13 Pat Evans 31 mins 32
  14. Steven Wilde 32 mins 31
  15. Ian Hilditch 32 mins 47

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Noel Blatchford RIP – an extraordinary sporting career

Posted on October 29, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Grateful thanks to Ron Wallwork for circulating this tribute. For many of us in Lancashire Noel was an engaging regular at the BMAF 5km championships in Horwich, where she invariably dominated her age-group.

Noel Blatchford RIP 

The race-walking fraternity has been stunned by the passing of Noel Blatchford. Following her brilliant silver medal performance at the Euro Masters championships in Pescara, at the end of September, she became unwell and was hospitalized where it was discovered that she had a stroke. Unfortunately, more were to follow and she passed away on the 20th of October.

The news devastated anyone who had had the privilege of knowing her.  Noel was not only a competitive racewalker; she was a qualified official and carried out duties across the athletic spectrum.  

A Golden double at the 2019 Euro Masters at 10 and 20kms (pictured) which earned her not only the BMAF Outstanding female walker of the year, but the equivalent recognition by the European Masters  Association. 

The tributes below are testament to what a wonderful lady she was. 

Just to say that I appreciate you sending news of the very sad passing of Noel. Apart from being a fine athlete she was a lovely lady who I shared some great conversations with at Donkey Lane. I feel very sad. She will be missed. Diana Braverman 

Terribly sad. Noel was always such an enthusiastic, upbeat, positive lady who radiated enjoyment for everything in life, and racewalking in particular. What a finale, winning that medal, and she would just have been cross, I’m sure, not to have been in the 10k too. Cath Duhig 

We are so shocked to receive the sad news of Noel, such a lovely lady, and so enthusiastic about our sport. We had only just sent her a get well card! When you get news of the funeral details please let us know as we would like to go if at all possible. Kind regards to you and Joan. Pam and Eric Horwill 

I am very sad to learn of the terrible news of Noel’s passing. She achieved…. Great race walking success … this is stunningly bad news. Adrian James 

So sad. Condolences, I have been a colleague on similar trips but couldn’t get off work for Pescara. Great admiration for Noel. Ed Shillabeer c590 

Gosh. That’s so sad. RIP Noel xx. Kathy Smith 

What a shock! A lot of the LWC lads and lasses got to know her through the Masters event in recent years – this is so sad. Tony Taylor 

Please pass our condolences to Andrew. Arthur has no recollection of Noel. I am going through old photos to see if I  can find any to jog his memory – extremely poor these days. Bonita Thomson 

We were sorry to hear the very sad news about Noel and we send our condolences to you and your families. Noel’s cheery smile and her company will be missed at Enfield League walks. Tracey, Tony, George and Callum Wilkinson 

Noel was such a lovely lady, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her, so sad Mark Williams

It is so sad. Kindly let me have Adrian’s address. Dave Annetts 

It is very sad news. If you contact Andrew please tell him how sorry I am to hear this news. Sue Barnett

Sad news indeed. If you receive any further news regarding funeral arrangements, please let me know. Ken Bobbett

What terrible news. Noel was such a lovely person I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling very sad to hear what has happened.I can only send my sympathy to her family and friends. Peter Hannell, Surrey Walking Club

Sorry to hear the news of Noel. Please pass on our condolences as we do not have an address for Andrew. Roger Michell

This screenshot of her performances in this very year gives only a partial insight into her athletic endeavours across the years.

For more background go to this link https://thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=37292 or go to Power of 10 and look up Noel’s profile under Athletes [Women]

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CLUB AGM and 5 KM, SIMISTER, NOVEMBER 4th

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Tony Taylor

You will find below details relating to the forthcoming AGM. Particular thanks to Greg Smith for sorting all this out. Members should have received the notification and accompanying reports via email. However I’ve copied and pasted some of the material in case this is helpful. I must apologise for some formatting problems but my ageing laptop is proving more and more temperamental. Looking foward as ever to seeing everyone on the 4th.

Gathering this year at Chorley

Dear member,

On behalf of the Lancashire Walking Club, I would like to invite you to attend this year’s 116th AGM to be held on Saturday 4th November 2023 at Lady Wilton Hall, Simister Lane, Simister, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2RX.

MAP OF VENUE

The AGM will be held after a 5km Race which starts at 1.00pm.

It is essential that you make every effort to attend in order that your valued contribution will help with the election of officers and decisions to be made for the future success of Lancashire Walking Club.

Kind Regards,

Dave Evans

Chairman                                                     email    dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

HEALTH THE FIRST WEALTH

Founded November 1907

Lady Wilton Hall, Simister, Manchester
Saturday 4 th November 2023

116 th Annual General Meeting

Agenda

  1. Chairman’s Welcome.
  2. Members present to sign the Attendance Register
  3. Apologies for absence
  4. Minutes of the 115 th AGM: see the attachment Minutes of the 115th AGM of
    Lancashire Walking Club
  5. Matters arising from the Minutes not on today’s agenda: if you think the
    Minutes contain any factual error or inaccuracies and thus are not a correct record
    of last year’s meeting, or if there is any matter arising from those minutes that we
    are not scheduled to consider in the remainder of today’s agenda, then please raise
    them at this point.
  6. Annual Reports from the Chairman and the President for 2022/23: see the
    attachment, Chairman’s Report 2022-23. President’s Report to follow.
  7. Treasurer’s Report of Accounts for Financial Year Ending 30 th September
    2023: see the two attachments Income & Expenditure 2023 and Treasurer’s Report
    2023.
  8. Annual Awards 2022/23: see the four attachments: Handicapper’s Report 2023;
    Handicap Prize Analysis Sheet for 2023; Handicap Prizes 2023; Trophies-Cups-
    Shields As at 31 st October 2023.
    Please note the proposal in the Handicapper’s Report about how the 2023-
    24 competition might be organized: for discussion at the meeting.
     There are two awards decided by a vote of the membership and announced
    at the meeting: (1) the A. J. Taylor Award, which goes to the best
    performance by a Lancashire Walking Club member. It can be objectively
    or subjectively ‘the best’; (2) the Cliff Royle Silver Salver, which is
    awarded for the best long-distance performance by a Lancashire Walking
    Club member.
  9. Election of Officers for the Year 2023/24: The current officers are:
  • President of Lancashire Walking Club: Adrian Edwards
  • Chairman: Dave Evans
  • Treasurer: Roy Gunnett
  • Racing Secretary and General Secretary: Roy Gunnett
  • Trophies Officer: Roy Gunnett.
  • Auditor: Ian Hilditch.
  • Handicapper: Dave Evans
  • NARWA Representative: Sailash Shah
  • AGM Secretary and Club Captain: Greg Smith
  1. Provisional Fixtures for 2024: see the attachment, LWC Fixtures List 2024
  2. Any Other Business
  3. Date of the next (117 th ) AGM: Saturday 2nd November 2024.

Chairman’s Report 2022-23

Despite a few hiccups during the year caused by the unavailability of race venues we still managed to contest a full programme of events including two virtual races. Heaton Park decided to play host to a Christmas programme, so our usual festive celebration was kicked into touch and we had to go virtual. Given the likelihood that January would bring adverse weather conditions underfoot we promoted a second virtual event. Other interruptions were flagged up as potential game changers with Simister having to undergo rewiring and health and safety aspects and the Bury running track a resurfacing. Both were eventually completed in time for our fixtures and many thanks to Roy Gunnett for keeping his finger on the pulse and liaising with the powers that be over their completion.

Our numbers have remained fairly constant, boosted on occasion by visitors from further afield. Fred’s principle was that we should endeavour to hit the 20 mark whenever we could and on the day of his relay we had at least that number but 5 were helping with marshalling and recording. The Horwich BMAF races were promoted again in June thanks to sterling work by Eric Horwill and Adrian Edwards. We came away from these championships with a tidy haul of titles and medals. The Centurions 100 mile took place at Middlesbrough again and although we had no club members aiming to participate at the full distance, we saw Martin Fisher doing 50 miles and a quartet of our regulars opting for the 50k challenge. Adrian Edwards was our first home in 6 hrs 19 with Martin Payne a very solid 6 hrs 43, Roy Gunnett a fine 7 hrs 19 and Sailash Shah bringing us home in 7 hrs 55.

Whilst our normal race venues are now secured, I would like to offer the club’s very grateful thanks to all of our hosts and in particular Eric Crompton and Louise Whaite for the Chorley headquarters and Marshall Barnard for the Macclesfield equivalent. Fortunately, both arelinked to the sport from the 1950’s and before. While we retain a tight group of first claim members, I should mention the walkers who have supported us throughout the competitive year. Glyn Jones is a shining example of someone who loves the sport and is always happy to provide his expertise to us as well as dividing his attendance between competing and marshalling. His partner in crime is Eric Horwill, who was awarded Life Membership in 2023 and later joined by another 90-year-old in the guise of John Payn. Both are Centurions. While we tend to promote our own events over distances between 5k and 10 miles at least one of our number, Martin Payne, pursues those of a longer distance and he regularly walks 50
miles.

Two of our club members are responsible for the health and wealth of our association with Roy Gunnett keeping our finances and fixtures under tight control an integral part of any club and Tony Taylor who commands such respect in the race walking community. The Club’swebsite, which he manages, regularly provides well written epitaphs of walkers who have sadly passed away and for whom Tony’s meticulous attention to detail gives them a worthy send off. Our infrastructure would be matched in very few clubs around the country, and it is to both Roy and Tony that we should offer our sincere thanks. Behind the scenes Chris Pearce supports our endeavours as did Fred and we continue to exist thanks to their contribution to club life.

We move into the new competitive year with a sound bank balance and a lot of goodwill. My final thoughts are that we might encourage new members to join us, and one recent addition is already “rocking the boat”! Can I wish you all good health and success in achieving your goals and always remember our club motto: “Health the first wealth”.


Dave Evans, Chairman.

Treasurers Report 2023

Roy Gunnett and Eric Horwill at the BMAF championships

I’m pleased to report that all active members have paid their Annual
Subscriptions for 2022/2023 and we have no outstanding debts.
For the year Race receipts, Subscriptions and Donations amounted to £1,197
The club won £20.00 in the RWA 200 club.

The main item of expenditure for the club is the England Athletics Fee which
was £422 for the combined club and membership fees.
The next main item of expenditure is Room and Track hire. This was £420 of
which £270 was for 2 races at the Bury Track.
We also made a donation of £100 to help towards the rewiring of the Lady
Witton Hall at Simister. Another £100 donation was made to the St Peter’s
Club at Macclesfield.
The purpose of this was a small token of thanks for all the years we have
been able to use the club.

At the end of the year there was a deficit of £29.00 Therefore total income
and expense were again remarkably similar.
The Lancashire Walking Club remains in a strong financial position with our
Financial worth now at £1866.18 together with a stock of club vests with a
value of £151. The annual subscription for members will remain at £20 for next year.

Roy Gunnett
Hon. Treasurer
October 2023

Handicapper’s Report 2023

The basic principle in handicapping is to offer all participants the opportunity of competing against colleagues on an equal footing. To do this the handicapper prepares a list of competitors and estimates in advance their predicted time for the coming race. Once the race is over every time is adjusted to produce a Net list which is the finishing time less the handicap adjustment. As you will appreciate this is not always as accurate as we would like especially when we all suffer injury and illness.

This year’s prize winners, headed by Roy Gunnett, contested at least 8 events with Roy supporting them all. Roy has suggested that we offer an alternative method of calculating our prize winners. Instead of trying to do all of them you would choose your top 8 races taking the pressure of you to squeeze in all 11. Roy will work out the points for each race you do and add up the best 8.

Dave Evans.

Regarding the AJ Tayor Award and the Cliff Royle Silver Salver, which are awarded by the membership. please send your nominations to Greg Smith at smithgwh@gmail.com

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From Rags to Riches in barely a month. Bravo, Ken

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports:

An atmospheric shot revealing the beauty of the course sees Trophy winner, John Crahan ahead of Sailash Shah

Ken Connor made his debut in the sport just over 5 weeks ago after an illustrious career in running. A one-hour track race at Bury offered him the opportunity to test the water in this new enterprise and although his heart was very definitely in it the strict rules of walking were not displayed but helpful comments from observers were gratefully accepted. The absolute novice was commended for his application but reminded that progress in this event required contact at all times.

Ken on his way to victory, showing much-improved technique

Thirty-six days later Ken has developed a very correct walking style and suggested the surface has only been scratched. He passed the timekeeper Eric Horwill at 2 miles in third place but 2 miles further on was leading and going strong. With his background in endurance events, he managed to stretch this gap between himself and his closest pursuer to over 2 minutes by the finish and has arrived!

Glyn in eye-catching yellow shows the way to Joe Hardy. Pat Evans and Dave Hoben

Amongst his followers was the tenacious John Crahan who has been regularly frustrated by travelling problems but on this occasion coped admirably and won the Albert Rigby 10k handicap by a couple of minutes. A suitable reward for past troubles and the large tin of Celebrations will have sweetened his journey home.

The marvellous Andrea Lennon finishing in front of her adoring fans

Results: 10 KILOMETRES SCRATCH

  1. Ken Connor 67:28(23:23,45:35)
  2. Tony Bell 69:58(23:17,45:50)
  3. Roy Gunnett 72:07(23:16,47:04)
  4. John Crahan 73:49(24:09,49:12)
  5. Sailash Shah 75:11(24:11,49:09)
  6. Joe Hardy 76:33(25:22,50:58)
  7. Pat Evans 77:03(25:30,51:06)
  8. Dave Hoben 77:56(25:27, 51:04)
  9. Ian Hilditch 79:03(25:35, 51:42)
  10. Andrea Lennon 88:36(29:05,58:42)

5 KILOMETRES
Greg Smith 36:10

HANDICAP: ALBERT RIGBY TROPHY

John Crahn almost lost for words on receiving the Albert Rigby Trophy from Marshall Barnard
  1. John Crahan 63:19
  2. Dave Hoben 64:56
  3. Pat Evans 65:03
  4. Joe Hardy 65:03
  5. Andrea Lennon 65:36
  6. Ken Connor 65:58
  7. Roy Gunnett 66:07
  8. Sailash Shah 66:11
  9. Tony Bell 68:13
  10. Ian Hilditch 68:33

As always many thanks to Glyn Jones, Eric Horwill and Chris Harvey for their support on the day- not forgetting Marshall and Kath for the excellent after-race buffet.

Satisfied and satiated the assembled await Dave’s wise words

And, as ever, grateful thanks to Greg Smith for the excellent photos.

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THE ALBERT RIGBY TROPHY, OCTOBER 7th

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Our next club race will be the Albert Rigby Trophy 10 kilometres in Albert’s old stomping ground, the village of Sutton Macclesfield. The event will take place on Saturday, October 7th, starting at 1.00 p.m from the Sutton Ex Servicemen’s Club, Hollin Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0HL

MAP OF VENUE

As many of you will know Marshall and Kath always put on an excellent post-race buffet. Thus if possible, let Dave know by Thurday, October 5th if you are attending and in what capacity, which will help enormously in gauging how many butties, pies and cakes to prepare. Mouth-watering, Thanks for your cooperation.

dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

Thinking of Dave, ‘a man for all seasons’ in Peter Fawkes’ words, he made a rare appearance on the road race walking in the recent Police and Civil Services championships. Indeed Dave’s emergence on to the race walking came through his deep involvement in the Civil Services Athletic Club. For a fuller story see

https://lancswalkingclub.com/2020/03/30/reminiscences-one-dave-evans-looks-back/

Thanks to our great friend Glyn Jones for the result. Four participants from the Lancashire Police suggests we may be missing out on a possible source of membership!!

Dave in one of his final club races before becoming the fixative keeping us in one piece

PSUK Race Walk Championships (10km)

Police – v – Civil Service (Ryan Cup)

Civil Service Championships (10km)

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham – Wednesday 27th.September 2023.


C/Service PSUK Pos. Name Force/Service Time

1 1 Matthew Henney West Midlands 59.44

1 2 2 Martin Slevin Dyfed – Powys 60.12

3 3 Colin Harle Met Police 61.51

2 4 Mark Culshaw Land Registry 63.24

4 5 Stuart Bennett Met police 65.31

3 6 Jason Brewer HMRC 66.24

4 7 Ian Wright HMRC 66.46

5 8 Jason Holt HMRC 66.49

5 9 Steve Broadbent Lancashire Police 67.50

6 10 Dave Wilkinson Lancashire Police 70.09

6 11 Dave Evans HMRC 72.41

7 12 John Hall DEFRA 72.45

7 13 Glyn Jones West Midlands 73.10

8 14 Chris Flint Met Police 78.43

8 15 Bill Kingston HMRC 79.58

9 16 David Watkinson Lancashire Police 88.21

Ryan Cup.

1st. P,S.U.K 1, 2, 3, 5, = 11pts

2nd. Civil Service 4, 6, 7, 8 = 25pts


P.S.U.K. 1st Team – Met Police 22pts

2nd.Team – Lancashire Police – 35pts

Civil Service : 1st team- HMRC 21pts

Martin Slevin (1st.) Qualifies also for Civil Service (Ministry of Justice) but not scoring for Ryan Cup.


5km Championships (Women)

1 Alexsandra Majewska-Ani HMRC 32.56

2 Jane Hodge HMRC 37.46

3 Cecilia Woods DWP 37.47

4 Geraldine Legon DWP 41.52

5 Ann Crofts Lancashire Police 43.35


Glyn Jones

Glyn’s commitment on amd off the road is unsurpassed

PSUK Athletics Section (Race Walking)

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