Marion Fawkes’ evocative image of Andrew and a passing tractor made the front cover of the Race Walking Record
In a touching and generous gesture, expressive of the values of the race-walking community Marion and Peter Fawkes wished to honour Andrew’s legacy.
Peter takes up the story.
Andrew can be attributed to reviving the interest in Scottish Racewalking and is fondly remembered by all in the North of England for encouraging members of the Scotia Club (which he formed) to travel to many of our races over the years.
Unfortunately, he was taken from us far too soon, being a victim of depression, which brought on mental health issues.
Marion and I couldn’t attend his funeral in Edinburgh almost 2 years ago but thought we would like to remember the sterling effort he put in to ensure Scottish walking continued. We therefore commissioned a memorial trophy in his name both as a tribute to Andrew and a thanks to the Scotia Team members for their support at our races up North. We stressed that it was entirely up to the Scotia Committee how they were to use the trophy, as it belongs to them.
Before we could present it shortly after the funeral, Covid hit and it has taken until now to present it to the Committee. I’m happy to say that we have now righted that delay by travelling to Glasgow on Tuesday and handing over the Trophy to Bill McFadden, who has taken up the cause of Scottish walking from Andrew.
The pictures below show the Trophy and Marion presenting it to Bill at the Rutherglen Town Hall.
Bravo, Marion and Peter. Best wishes to Scotia from all at Lancashire Walking Club.
in the past few weeks race walking has lost three outstanding characters from within and without its ranks.
The first of these, Jack Englert of the Sheffield Unuted Harriers is perhaps the least known. However, he was a stalwart of the Sheffield club when it ruled the roost at a northern and national level in the post-war period. Jack competed across the 1960s and 70s. representing as well South Yorkshire in the national police championships. This grainy but evocative photo shows Jeck alongside the legendary Lol Allen, both resplendent in Sheffielld’s famous red and white hoops.
Thanks to Helen Elleker
Jack Englert’s daughter, Helen Elleker continued the tradition and was the AAA Women’s 10 kilometres champion in 1984, 1985 and 1986. She represented England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland. Across succeeding decades she has had a significant presence in our sport both as a competitor, coach and organiser.
Secondly, another stalwart, in this case of Essex race walking, Alec Banyard passed away last month. Back in the 60s and 70s the diversity of championships and open events, together with the importance of team success, meant that athletes met up regularly across the length of the country. Thus friendships were made. There was a strong bond between Lancashire and Essex athletes caught in Ron Wallwork’s comment at the end of this piece.
We are grateful to Dave Ainsworth for the permission to reproduce his tribute to Alec, which appeared in the Essex Walker magazine.
ALEC BANYARD (1942-2023) RIP
Thanks to Rob Elliott for unearthing this photo
We’re all sad to learn that, after a long illness, former International race walker and Southend-on-Sea AC member Alec Banyard, 81, left us on Monday 21 August while a patient in Scarborough Hospital. He’d been a long-time resident of Hockley, before moving north to settle in Filey some years’ ago. His name is always mentioned when those great heyday times of a talented Southend-on-Sea AC (as then called) Walking Section are recalled.
Alec was already doing well in the ’50s, as he was 4th in our 1959 AAA Junior 1 Mile Championship at Watford, clocking 7:36.8. Ahead were fellow Southender Peter Marlow, Dennis Read (Steyning/brother of 1956 Olympic gold medallist Norman) and Ron Wallwork (Bolton United Harriers) who’d clocked 7:05.4, 7:09.9 and 7:13.4 respectively. In 1960 this event moved to Hurlingham where Alec was again 4th with 7:32.1 on the stopwatch. Ahead of him that day were Ron Wallwork, Peter Marlow and Maurice Fullagher (Surrey AC) who recorded 6:59.1, 7:03.2 and 7:28.3 respectively. A position behind Alec was London Vidarian Dave Delaney in 7:44.0.
From L-to-R: Ray Pearce, Gordon Brown, Bill Wright, Colin Young, Colin Williams, Alec Banyard and John Webb. I1967 Essex Count Championship 10 Miles Walk – won by John Webb in 1:17.24 with Southend-on-Sea AC winning the team race. Bill Sutherland remembered the names!
CORRECTION – Thanks to the eagle eye of Olive, Bob Dobson’s wife, we can reveal that No 36 is in fact a youthful Bob and not Ray Pearce. Bob finished fourth in the race itself and went on to become a truly outstanding athlete with a remarkable record of success in the 50 kilometres event.
Alec was more interested in longer-distance races, at which he excelled with enthusiasm. However, he was a capable performer over all distances. Extracts from a 1974 Statistics Annual records his bests, at that stage, as 3,000m/13:32.2, 10K/48:23.0, 20K/1:36.31 and 50K/4:27.21.
The latter was 4th in our 1974 National 50K on roads (10 x 5K) around Hendon’s Copthall Stadium (now StoneX Stadium). The top 3 were Bob Dobson, Jake Warhurst and Roy Thorpe, who respectively recorded 4:16.58, 4:18.58 and 4:24.08. Surprisingly, despite 2 in the top 4, Southend failed to register in team competition as Messrs Dobson and Banyard were their only starters. 86 finished with a high number of retirements – 36, as filing past a changing room 9 times meant 9 easy opportunities to quit! Another interesting result from that time was at a York 20K won by Roy Thorpe in 97.13 with Ron Wallwork 2nd in 97.26 and Alec 3rd in 98.24. Alec rarely had an off-day – such consistency brought him to the attention of our International Selection Committee, who rewarded him with International status.
The 1975 Lugano sem-final. From L/R Alec, Charlie Fogg, John Lees, Julian Hopkins, Jake Warhurst, Roy Thorpe and Peter Marlow
Among such races were Lugano Trophy appearances – this was a big deal in Alec’s days; for those chosen to walk and many supporters who travelled far and wide to be part of these occasions. Alec proudly wore an Essex County AA representative vest but sadly never won an individual Essex County gold medal – only as Essex had many high-standard race walkers eligible for local races – for instance, Bob Dobson won 5 successive Essex County 50K titles in the early ’70s (1971-75). Alec served our Race Walking Association as its most efficient Honorary Treasurer from 1974-to-1979, as you’d expect from a well-qualified accountant.
Alec wasn’t often seen after Southend’s Walking Squad “exploded” in the mid-70s due to a “behind the scenes row”. This was covered in “Essex Walker” when the late John Hedgethorne was Hon Ed and in the local “Evening Echo” by athletics reporter Dick Marshall RIP. Walkers went to other Clubs leaving few at Southend – with Alec remaining loyal. Over decades Alec has turned up to support important occasions, such as dining at Southend-on-Sea AC’s Centenary Dinner, giving support at a couple of his Club’s annual Southend 1 Mile on August Bank Holiday Mondays and being there to give encouragement on both days of Southend’s 2014 memorable 100 Miles Walk at Garon Park Track. In the London Olympic year, he supported an “Athletes Reunited” luncheon at “The Mudlark” near London Bridge Station, at which a tribute presentation was made to his great friend Colin Young RIP. To his widow Dawn and all family members we express our profound condolences on the sad passing of a true “good-un”.
Ron Wallwork comments: I got on well with Alec and stayed over with him a couple of times at his parents’ house in Great Wakering – sounds quaint and so it was. His GB international appearance was the 1975 Lugano Cup final at 50km where he clocked 4.30.25. He also raced for the British Race Walkers Club in the Dunkirk 50km and Milan 30km in 1973. He was of course Hon Treasurer of the BRWC. Just how popular and respected he was is reflected at his wedding which was a who’s who of the leading walkers of his generation. He was good company and I was of the opinion that he didn’t fulfil his potential. May he rest in peace.
Alec William James BANYARD (b. 27 Feb 1942 Rochford, Essex) died on August 21 at Scarborough,. A stalwart member of Southend-on-Sea AC, he was ranked in the UK top 10 for 50k walk each year 1971-6. He had one UK international – 19th in the World Cup/Lugano Trophy 1975. His best in RWA Champs was 4th at 20M in 1975 and at 50k in 1975. Walks pbs: 3000m 13:32.2 (1973), 2M 14:42.0 (1966), 10000m 47:07.0 (1975), 7M 55:00.0 (1966), 20k 1:36:31 (1973), 1:33:33 short (1968), 50k 4:27:21 (1974). Hon. Treasurer Race Walking Association 1974-9.
Finally, ironically and sadly the above statistics were supplied by Peter Matthews, Editor – Athletics International & International Athletics Annual, one of our sport’s greatest friends. I knew his voice long before I met him in person, courtesy of the many times he was the knowledgeable announcer at athletic meetings across the country. No more than a few weeks ago he was checking with me some details about my profile and that of Mick Holmes
Again Dave Ainsworth takes up the story.
Peter Matthews – credit to Mark Shearman for the photo
So sad to report the death of Peter Matthews – who was our guest speaker at the Race Walking Association’s Centenary Dinner at the Royal Air Force Club in October 2007, when his after-dinner speech was wonderful, witty and relevant. He also appeared as a guest speaker at New Scotland Yard for the annual Metropolitan Police Walking Club’s Dinner and Reunion.
A known heart sufferer Peter died peacefully in his sleep, aged 78. On the week before his sad death, he sent Essex Walker his statistical record on the late International Alec Banyard RIP. Peter was a long-serving President at his much loved Enfield & Haringey AC, and had attended Enfield League races from time to time. He resided in Ware, Hertfordshire.
Peter was a respected athletics historian and National Union of Track Statisticians (NUTS) member and well known as an athletics commentator on ITV television and also as a track/stadium announcer – which included being a guest commentator at Ilford AC for an official opening of Cricklefields Stadium’s first all-weather track, with a meeting which saw many stars competing. Peter was a long-serving NUTS Chairman and had only recently jointly edited (with Tony Miller & Stuart Mazdon) their always appreciated 65th Annual. Peter attended “Essex Athletics Reunited” luncheons with regularity..
For decades he published ranking lists for race walking’s recognised distances – with accompanying comments drawing our attention to the direction in which our event was going. A sad loss and, without doubt, he was one of race walking’s greatest-ever supporters.
Ellis Simmonds looking good and so safe. Much more to come.
Dave Evans reports:
With the rail strike scuppering the normal transport arrangements for some club members, it was very heartening to find 8 aspirants tackling this non-standard event under the hot sun which registered an uncomfortable 24 degrees. Ellis Simmonds, an up-and-coming young walker, made the journey from the other side of the Pennines and his smooth and disciplined style saw him exceed the 10,000 metres distance by 77 more. He maintained a metronomic pace throughout and showed he was a very competent performer.
Ken Connor working hard on his technique
In contention for most of the race was new member Ken Connor who has the makings of a decent heel and toe exponent but will need to pay special attention to the technique and not let his running background get the better of him in this different discipline.
John Crahan in determined mood chasing a watchful Roy Gunnett
John Crahan has had to miss quite a number of club events recently through rail disruption but he threw caution to the wind today and spent 4 hours travelling to Bury by bus. He walked really well given his seated preparation and looked pretty tired as he left the post-race get-together with another marathon journey ahead of him. A special thank you to the lapscorers and those who endured the very warm conditions.
Sailash provokes memories of an old song, ‘Where did you get that hat?’Tony Bell ploughing a lonely furrow
Results
Ellis Simmonds 10077 metres
Ken Connor 10062 metres
Tony Bell 9120 metres
Roy Gunnett 8104 metres
John Crahan 8092 metres
Joe Hardy 7713 metres
Pat Evans 7700 metres
Ian Hilditch 7621 metres
Great shot of Joe, Pat and Ian in close combat – see the result
As ever many thanks to Greg Smith for the evocative images.
Our next club race is the Lambert Trophy One Hour event on Saturday, September 2nd – start 1.00 p.m at the Bury Athletics Club, Market St, Bury BL9 9FX. More than ever it would be very useful if you could indicate your attendance and in what capacity. The track race introduces extra demands on those officiating – lap scoring, for instance. Offers of assistance will be gratefully received by Dave at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk
Roy Gunnett reports on a great day in Middlesbrough:
THE TEAM
At the Middlesborough 100 mile Challenge incorporating a 50km Open Race held on 19th/20th August 2023, our club had 4 entries. These were all in the 50km Open Race, namely Adrian Edwards, Martin Payne, Sailash Shah and Roy Gunnett.
Unlike last year we had no first claim member entries in the 100 mile – however, our second claim member Martin Fisher was in the 100 mile.
The walkers in both the 100 mile and the 50k set off at noon around the Middlesborough Cycle Circuit. The lap is 976.45 metres long so this necessitates 166 laps for the 100 miles and 52 laps approximately for the 50k.
Much better weather welcomed the walkers this year than last when there were gale-force winds and torrential rain. However, the weather was not all plain sailing and although dry and fairly warm there was throughout the race a strong wind.
Compared to last year it looks idyllic. Thanks to Frans Leijtens.
12 walkers had entered the 50k and 19 walkers the 100 mile. The field included a very strong Dutch participation.
One of the great things about the event was the friendly and cheerful atmosphere that prevailed – helped in no small measure by the Dutch contingent.
All our club walkers finished the 50k. Adrian was our lead man home, who walked strongly throughout and came home in 6hrs 19 minutes 22 seconds in 3rd position. Martin also walked strongly and finished in 6hrs 43minutes 32 seconds in 5th position. Roy was trying to beat 7 hours but slowed in the later stages and finished in 7hrs 19minutes 34seconds in 9th place. Sailash stuck to his task well and succeeded in breaking 8 hours in 7 hours 55 minutes 55secs in 11th place.
Sailash knows how to make race walking 50km a touch more difficult!!
In the 100 mile, our second claim member Martin walked well up to 50 miles when he retired.
The only British competitor to finish the 100-mile race was Colin Vesty – who fought bravely to ensure he broke the 24-hour barrier- completing it in 23hrs 53 minutes 36 seconds.
Martin relaxes while Peter and Marion keep watch.
None of these events could take place without the support of dedicated helpers and our regulars Eric Horwill and Glyn Jones were there to the fore carrying out refereeing and judging roles. A special word of thanks must also go to Marion and Peter Fawkes for running the feeding station.
All in all a great weekend and long may it continue.
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I’ll replace these screen captures – thanks to Graham Jackson – when the results appear on the Centurions website.
We can but endorse Dave Ainsworth’s best wishes to all.
I wish the Organising Committee, all officials, helpers spectators and – of course – hardy competitors (especially those taking on this severe challenge for the first time) and their attendants the very best in our 2nd Middlesbrough 100 Miles.
May good fortune shine on all, and also may “unhelpful” weatherstay away.
Sincerely yours.
Dave Ainsworth C540
And Dave Jones C987 adds on behalf of Redcar Race Walking Club
The 2nd Middlesbrough 100 miles in 24 hours racewalk live results can be viewed here as the event happens. The start time is 12.00 noon B.S.T. Saturday 19th August, and the finish will be at 12.00 noon on the Sunday. Good luck to everyone and see you there on Saturday.
In the end, our club has 4 walkers in the 50k, Adrian Edwards, Martin Payne, Sailash Shah and Roy Gunnett. No first claim member from LWC is in the 100 mile – but we have Martin Fisher doing it as a second claim member.
As ever Dave wrote his report on the evening of the race. However, we experienced an unusual technical glitch and his thoughts didn’t arrive post-haste on my island as intended. Anyway, we’ve caught up with one another, although I’ve been unable to play around as much as usual with the layout.
Dave reports:
A caption competition beckons!!!Sad to say the very last moments of the St Peter’s Club, which served us so well over the years.
From afar I would add that it’s great to see John Crahan in such good shape that he walked off with the Goodwin Cup. And Dave’s handicapping was excellent – less than thirty seconds between the first three home.
Along with Tony Malone and Chris Harvey from our side of the Pennines, I was honoured to attend the funeral of the outstanding Mick Holmes a fortnight ago in Shipley. The Yorkshire sun blessed us with its presence, shedding light on a sea of claret and amber, the colours of Bradford City, worn by local supporters, the Shipley Bantams. Mick, it might be ventured, was obsessed beyond human understanding with the football club. To be found amidst the replica shirts was a contingent from the world of race walking, Mick’s other love. His amazing career cut short by illness is documented in this tribute, Mick Holmes race walker extraordinaire. As well as Tony, Chris and myself, Roger Mills and Bob Dobson, along with Olive had travelled up from the South, family friends for decades. Barry Graham brought more memories of the York Postal era and, last but far from least, 90-year-old John Eddershaw represented the great Sheffield tradition, now consigned to the history books.
The humanist service was imbued with emotion, humour and defiance. At one point the celebrant quoted from our online tribute a story told by Chris Harvey, which brought tears to our eyes. And an old militant such as me smiled wryly at the stories of Mick’s visceral hatred for Thatcher and his support for the miners. It was fitting that we retired to an ageing working men’s club for the post-funeral beer and ‘butties’. The occasion made, I’m sure, all of us proud to have known Mick Holmes [Centurion 717], on and off the road.
This photo of Neil, Olive, Roger, Ann, Bob and Fay was taken in the club after the funeral
2. Speaking of gentleman John Eddershaw, with whom we exchanged our customary Yorkshire/Lancashire banter at the funeral, we have received the following news from Bill Sutherland via Dave Ainsworth.
NEWS Roving reporter Bill Sutherland brings news from the steel city of Sheffield, where legendary John Eddershaw recently celebrated a 90th birthday. Soon after addressing an audience, John slumped to the floor with a suspected heart attack. A traditional call of “Is there a doctor in the house?” boomed out, and remarkably 4 hands shot up. He was professionally cared for until taken to the hospital for 3 days of admission during which a stent was successfully inserted, so enabling him to return home for rest and recuperation. We all wish John well.
John Eddershaw (Centurion 299) resides at : 4 George Woofindin House, Eccleshall Road, Sheffield. South Yorkshire S11 8QA.
A card or a letter to John wouldn’t come amiss.
3. In my ramble at the end of the Fred Pearce Relay on July 22nd I lamented the absence from the gathering of Chris Bolton [Centurion 332]. I’d been encouraged by Chris from the early 1960s. Together with Ron Wallwork he imagined and produced CONTACT, the club magazine, which played a significant part in fostering the club’s community spirit. As it was Chris was absent for more than a good reason. On Friday, July 21st, aged 80, he completed his 20th participation in the famous Nijmegen Walks. Bravo, Chris!
Chris was featured in “Der Gelderlander” newspaper.
His richly deserved and cherished 20th Nijmegen medal
4. The Centurions are proud to announce they are organising two race walks this year – the 2023 “100 miles in 24 hours” Centurion – qualifying race walk and a 50K race on the Cycle Circuit at Middlesbrough Sports Village (Alan Peacock Way, Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3AE). The races will take place from August 19th to the 20th. The course is a wide flat tarmac cycle track of just under 1 km. The venue has 24-hour lighting, space for support tents, a power supply for chip timing, parking, a cafe and many other facilities.
Both races start at 12 noon and will be held under Category ‘B’ race walking rules. Minimum age 20 years old. The rules stipulate walkers must maintain contact with the ground and satisfy the judges they are walking.
The time cut-off for the 50K is 10 hours.
We wish all the competitors, especially our own, the very best of fortune. As I understand the hero of last year’s race, Adrian Edwards may well be giving it another go.
NEXT CLUB RACE
This coming Saturday, August 12th the Goodwin Cup 10 kilometres will take place in Chorley, changing facilities at St Peter’s Church Hall, Harpers Lane, PR6 0HP – start at 1.00 p.m. As is now customary it would be helpful, if you are able, to let Dave Evans know if you are attending and in what capacity.
In the last week, I’ve been unable to complete a range of tasks flowing out of the Fred Pearce Relay and its shenanigans. Stupidly I’ve suffered mild sunstroke as a result of attending hatless an emotional and dramatic military funeral in our Cretan village. One of the pilots killed in fighting the fires on Evia, Greece was Christos, the son of our dear friends, Tasoula and Vangelis, who run the ‘Arismari’ taverna. We remain somewhat stunned.
However, a fillip to the spirits has just arrived in the shape of this message from Dave Ainsworth at dave_ainsworth@yahoo.co.uk
For all race walkers
Please find the time to watch this exceptional film of the July 2023 Moulton Open 5 Miles and an undercard Youngsters 1 Mile. It’s better than TV – so take your phone off the hook or switch to silent, pour yourself a cup of tea, settle down and enjoy the show. A number couldn’t make Moulton this year, so this is the next best thing. It’s interviews with participants, villagers, officials and helpers + action shots plus archive footage of some at Mouton taken from their heydays. Len Ruddock is an accomplished filmmaker with his own mobile studio, who has made many such films based on a local Football League of which he’s Chairman. This 37 minutes is a wonderful entertaining watch – so get the family in to enjoy the show.
Having raced there in 2021 I can vouch for the special atmosphere of the event, at the heart of which is our very own Ron Wallwork. As underlined in the film the Moulton Five is almost the last living expression of the vibrant tradition of Open races held on British public roads. It would be very sad to see it disappear.
As ever Dave provided promptly this race report before embarking on the Sunday with Pat to do a 16 miles walk along the south-west of Scotland – in his words, ‘suckers for punishment’! Since Saturday I’ve been inundated with comments and photos so I’ll take a breath before responding in particular about my part in a nostalgic day. For now, I can only offer my deepest thanks to everyone, who took the trouble to attend.I recognise too that quite a few folk couldn’t make it due to disruption on the railways. It would have been great if you could have been withus.
Dave comments:
Pat [Lake District]. Roy [Merseyside], Tony [Crete] and Sailash [Cheshire]
This year’s Fred Pearce relays combined with the 70th-anniversary walk by Tony Taylor gave a new slant to what has always been a keenly contested competition. Drizzly weather had greeted walkers from Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Crete, West Midlands and London. All made the best of it and recorded excellent times on the roller coaster course.
Glyn [West Midlands] about to hand over to Joe Hardy [Manchester]
Amongst the supporters were Ronnie Wallwork, 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth 20 mile racewalk champion and Marion Fawkes, multiple racewalking world record holder in the late 1970s over 5 and 10k.
Ron victorious in 1966
Marion in her pomp
Sorting out the teams proved a little testing as transport difficulties meant some late arrivals and balancing out each squad had to be done several times. No monies changed hands! Given the variety of strengths in each 3 person team, different tactics were employed, but the big hitters were placed on the anchor leg.
Dave Evans calls the competitors to order
Adrian Edwards did the fastest time on leg 1 but as each squad had a composite team handicap he was second through the finish line. Leg two saw one team establishing a lead of over a minute and they managed to keep clear daylight between themselves and their pursuers. The second and third team were neck and neck with Tony Bell just holding off the fast closing Tony Taylor, the latter Tony posting the fastest time of the day, being the only participant under 30 minutes.
Tony Bell outkicks Tony Taylor. 70 years on from the latter’s 1953 debut
Tony Taylor’s part in the proceedings continued as he celebrated his 70th year in the sport along with old training partners from his early days. The most memorable part of his narrative for me was when he explained that around his 6th birthday, he won a prize for the best walking style at a race, which was presented by the 1924 Olympic 10,000 metres racewalking silver medallist Reg Goodwin, a member of the Lancashire Walking Club.
A dapper Reg Goodwin officiating at the 1948 Olympics
The day was a great success underpinned by the generosity of Chris Pearce, who provided a sumptuous buffet and prizes.
Lovely photo of Christine and Pat – sumptuous buffet and obligatory tea at the ready
Too often taken-for-granted Eric and Dave compile the results
Grateful thanks are due to Peter and Marion Fawkes and David Lamb for course marshalling and life member Eric Horwill who did all of the timekeeping and recording.
Adrian Edwards, our newest Centurion might be back for more pain in a few weeks
Amongst the audience at the post-race reception, I counted 9 Centurions, two of whom are now 90 years of age.
Roy presents John Payn, 90 years of age the previous day with his Life Membership Certificate
The final item on the day’s agenda was the awarding of Life Membership to John Payn for his service to the club. John joins a very select band of individuals including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Dave presents the Fred Pearce Trophy to the winning team
Results
TEAM RELAY
1st team Glyn Jones 34:27, Joe Hardy 35:21, Martin Fisher 30:11 2nd team Pat Evans 35:34, Phil McCullagh 37:03, Tony Bell 30:40 3rd team Sailash Shah 36:09, Phil Carroll 38:37, Tony Taylor 29:53 4th team Adrian Edwards 30:35, Guy Goodair 42:22, Steve Uttley 30:55 5th team(incomplete) Martin Payne 31:28, Roy Gunnett 36:06
INDIVIDUAL TIMES
Tony Taylor 29:53
Martin Fisher 30:11
Adrian Edwards 30:35
Tony Bell 30:40
Steve Uttley 30:55
Martin Payne 31:28
Glyn Jones 34:27
Joe Hardy 35:21
Pat Evans 35:34
Roy Gunnett 36:06
Sailash Shah 36:09
Phil McCullagh 37:03
Phil Carroll 38:37
Guy Goodair 42:22
Old-Timers Reunited L/R Standing Dave Grindley, Dave Vickers, Ron Wallwork. Tony Malone, Eric Crompton. Tony Taylor, David Lamb and Chris Harvey L/R Sitting Mick Entwistle, Guy Goodair and Julian Hopkins, bloodied but not bowed.
POSTSCRIPT
In Dave’s report, he overlooks sensitively a minor melodrama. Against the odds, we had persuaded Julian Hopkins, a LWC stalwart through the 60s and 70s and a pioneering National Coach to turn out. It was probably around 30 years since he had trod the roads in earnest. Can you believe it? He managed to go off course, tripped over an errant flag and, bloodied alarmingly, had to be ferried back to the start by a kindly passing motorist! In fact, he was hardly worse for wear. Tended to by Martin Payne and Tony Malone, he was soon in animated conversation with all and sundry. So much so that he was the last person to get dressed and leave the Village Hall. I can confirm he passed his Head Injury Assessment protocols and is fighting fit. His excuse for the tumble is that he is used to training in the dark and was put off by the daylight. Shades of Hammer Horror movies!
Thanks as ever for the images to Greg Smith, Megan Astley, Roy Gunnettand Peter Fawkes.
The Fred Pearce Relay has a special place in our club’s calendar, It’s a moment when we remember Fred’s enduring contribution to the life of his cherished Lancashire Walking Club. And, on a personal level, many of us will have our intimate recollections of being with him. My friendship with Fred goes back deep into the 1960s and endured across the decades. Thus I’m sure Fred will look down with pleasure at me celebrating a 70th year as a competitive race walker in conjunction with the Relay at Simister. If he could he would be checking, as was his custom, whether I’d got everything I needed. He was the team manager par excellence.
Fred showing fine style in his Lancashire County vest, 2007
Forgive me repeating the tale I told a few weeks ago.
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.
Taken on holiday when I was indeed just six years old
My appearance, all being well, in an actual race next week 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. My record pales in comparison with those of my contemporaries such as our very own Ron Wallwork and Mick Holmes, whose recent passing is still very much in our thoughts.
As ever it would help enormously if you could let Dave Evans know – dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk – if you are attending and in what capacity. In terms of the Relay itself, Dave has the unenviable task of sorting out the make-up of the teams so as to ensure an action-packed finish. Hence if you are intending to compete, please give him advance notice if at all possible.
Looking forward to being with you on the day and hoping you can make it, despite looming disruption on the railways,
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 