Our 118th Annual General Meeting – a proud tradition upheld

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Apologies for the strange formatting error in some of the paragraphs.

Greg Smith offers this summary of the proceedings [as well as the photos]. The minutes will be distributed to members in due course.

Our posse of dedicated official plus Roy Gunnett. our secretary, seemingly excited, concerned and somewhat bemused!

The 118th year of Lancashire Walking Club was marked by an Annual General Meeting
following the traditional but shorter than expected 5 kilometres race from Simister into
Heaton Park and back. It began with members standing for a minute’s silence in memory of Eric Horwill, a long-standing supporter of the Club’s racing activities and recognised widely as a race walking legend.

Irene Pike seeking advice from the official extraordinaire, Eric Horwill RIP

Chairman Dave Evan expertly guided us through the meeting’s agenda, beginning with his
report of the competition highlights of the year. President Chris Harvey told us about his
efforts to attract new members and encouraged everyone to think about how to raise the
Club’s profile.

The club ‘business’ card created by our President, Chris Harvey


Treasurer and General Secretary Roy Gunnett informed us that while the Club’s finances
were in good shape, it would be necessary to raise the annual subscriptions because the cost
of each England Athletics racing license had gone up. Club subscriptions would increase to
£30 a year (with reductions for second claim members). Roy also reported that England
Athletics were asking all clubs to modernize and standardize their procedures. In that
connection Greg Smith became the Club’s Welfare Officer this year. Roy was working on
further changes to the Club’s constitution and procedures, to be ready for the registration
period next year

Roy Gunnett, as well as the club’s finances, in good shape

The annual awards results were keenly awaited. Under a revised scheme—counting the
points from walkers’ best five handicap performances—Steve Wilde won the overall prize
and cup. He was followed by Nigel Shaw, Phil McCullagh and Tony Bell. Three athletes (Pat
Evans, Roy Gunnett and Joe Hardy) tied for the fifth prize! The A. J. Taylor award went to
Roy Gunnett for his 5k time in the Fred Pearce Relay while the Cliff Royle Silver Salver was
won by Martin Payne for his second place in the Eindhoven 50k.

To be honest, Steve Wilde looks bewildered on taking the overall Season’s Handicap prize
Roy Gunnett walks away with the AJ Taylor Award for the best performance of the year
Martin Payne receives the Cliff Royle salver


The meeting agreed that all the Club officers for the current year would act in those capacities
for the following year.

  1. Chairman: Dave Evans
  2. Treasurer: Roy Gunnett
  3. Racing Secretary and General Secretary: Roy Gunnett
  4. Trophies Officer: Roy Gunnett
  5. Auditor: Ian Hilditch
  6. Handicapper: Dave Evans
  7. AGM Secretary: Greg Smith
  8. Club Captain: Ian Hilditch
Chris Bolton C332 is presented with his Life Member’s Certificate by Club President, Chris Harvey

Finally, Chris Bolton was appointed a Lifetime Member of Lancashire Walking Club. Chris
began walking for the Club in 1958 and became a Centurion in 1961 as C332. Thanking the
members for his award and certificate, Chris noted that his first annual subscription to LWC
was 10 shillings and sixpence – 52½ pence in present-day currency!

67 years ago, a young handsome Chris with Frank O’Neill
Posted in News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

THE ALMOST 5 KILOMETRES AGM RACE, NOVEMBER 1st

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports:

Nerves aplenty. The tension rises.

With the Atlantic storm still a way off, the weather is working in fits and starts . Most club members journeyed to the course in drizzle and rain and the less unfortunate met with traffic problems as at least one vehicle was involved in a motorway crash less than 2 miles away from Simister.

What did we do before the smart watch?

We had 13 walkers and from the start it was clear that Tony Bell would be the target with Martin Payne on his heels for at least the outgoing section to the Heaton Park turnaround.

Braving the elements Tony Bell breaking away

Unbeknown to the race organiser Manchester Council decided to build a swimming pool on the final section of the roadway in Heaton Park with a large pond of water at least calf height. Because of this Adrian Edwards, who kindly policed the park section , directed the walkers to about turn before they took the plunge.

Given none of our lot can walk on water and in the interests of health and safety, Adrian Edwards mans the premature turn
Having escaped an early bath, courtesy of Adrian’s intervention, Glyn Jones turns for home

The actual distance was nearer 4.7 kilometres hence the slightly faster final times. My thanks to Chris Bolton, centurion number 332 , Alex Rowe and Irene Pike for doing the administration work at the start and finish.

Chris Bolton, Irene Pike and Dave Evans officiate with one notable absentee, the dear, departed Eric Horwill

Good to see Sailash Shah back in the mix after losing 12 months with an injury which now seems to have been sorted.

Sailash Shah visibly back racing.

As a tribute to Eric Horwill, our Life member, who very sadly passed away in early October, the club members stood for one minute’s silence at the start of the post race meeting. Our races will never be quite the same.

The wonderful Eric Horwill a year ago, watch and pen in hand, prepared for anything.

SCRATCH
1. Tony Bell. 30:29
2. Martin Payne 31:39
3. Roy Gunnett 33:47
4. Steven Wilde 33:54
5. Phil McCullagh 34:39
6. Glyn Jones 35:08
7. Greg Smith 35:13
8. Sailash Shah 35:19
9. Joe Hardy 36:04
10. Pat Evans 36:21
11. Ian Hilditch 39:37
12. A N Other 41:39
13.Andrea Lennon 43:12

Joe Hardy finishing powerfully

HANDICAP
1. Andrea Lennon 26:57
2. Steven Wilde 27:09
3. Martin Payne 27:54
4. Phil McCullagh 27:54
5. Ian Hilditch 28:07
6. A N Other 28:24
7. Sailash Shah 28:34
8. Pat Evans 28:51
9. Glyn Jones 28 53
10. Tony Bell 29:09
11. Greg Smith 29:18
12. Roy Gunnett 29:22
13. Joe Hardy 29:44

Andrea Lennon in pink takes the handicap

As ever thanks to Greg Smith for the photos, of which there will be more in the AGM meeting summary.

Posted in News, Results | Tagged , | Leave a comment

RWA VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Find below notice of the RWA AGM and a Strategy Document 2026-2030. The Strategy document certainly needs discussion but I’ve not had time to offer some comments. Hopefully in the next few weeks I can do so. Whatever it would be excellent if any of our readers have something to say. On looking more carefully I see there is a Zoom meeting to look at the Strategy. I may try to attend from across the Mediterranean and will report back. See the link at the end of this rushed post.

RWA Strategy 2026- 2030 (1)Download

There will be an informal open meeting for discussion / questions & answers where we will aim to outline the thinking behind the changes and answer any questions that anyone has. This again will be staged on Zoom on Thursday 30th October 2025 at 7pm.

Join Open Discussion Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81170687738?pwd=nymfNPpQ79hMFN3H0Ju4bbbk7mattN.1

Meeting ID: 811 7068 7738

Passcode: 554944

Posted in News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CLUB AGM AND 5k RACE, NOVEMBER 1st

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Notice from our Chairman, Dave Evans and Greg Smith, our Secretary to members re the forthcoming AGM plus accompanying reports and schedules – for the interest of our supporters and followers too

Pre-AGM photo from 1950!

20th October 2025

Dear member,

On behalf of the Lancashire Walking Club, I would like to invite you to attend this year’s AGM, the 118th, to be held on Saturday 1st November 2025 at Lady Wilton Hall, Simister Lane, Simister, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2RX.

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

Please do make every effort to attend. The election of officers and decisions to be made for the future success of Lancashire Walking Club depends on your valued contribution. If you are unable to attend, please let me know so that your apologies for absence can be noted.

Kind Regards,

Dave Evans

Chairman

Email:    dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

Dave in a pensive pose

President’s Report 2024-25 

Chris in action at Longford Park, Stretford – National 10 miles champion 1979

First and foremost, I’d like to thank all the walkers and officials who turn up to keep the Club going without everyone we wouldn’t exist. It’s been a difficult year in many aspects with costs with travel and it’s never easy getting to races. Having lost members and others struggling with illness including myself and quite a few lost forever. 

We have a glorious history. The club has been around for a long time, and I want it to continue for a lot more years. I’ve asked myself, how we can encourage existing members and have been searching for ways to increase the club membership? We always need officials and helpers to keep the club going and they are an integral part of the Club along with the walkers, they go hand in hand to keep the Club going. We’ve had printed some Lancashire Walking Club cards to give out to existing members and prospective new competitors. We need to get the word out about who we are and what we do. I’ve been contacted existing members and previous members who we’ve not seen for a while to see what they’re up to. We need good turnouts with officials and competitors. If we only get two or three new members, it’s a win. It’s always difficult especially when some people have never heard of Race Walking or ever dreamed of walking competitively. Especially runners who don’t know we exist or what it’s all about. 

Some possible changes for the website to attract interest is an idea to look at. We’re planning on putting on a track race at Bury next year following Tom Bosworth’s initiatives encouraging youngsters and new competitors. So, it’ll be maybe a 2 and 1 kms races in different age groups and some running races which local clubs maybe interested in. As I know from experience these are not easy races to manage. As novices, you have to allow them some leeway while also maintaining the rules of race walking.  The senior race might be a handicap, a relay or a NARWA championship. I think we need to look at some new venues but it’s extremely difficult to find a course traffic free with changing facilities. If you any suggestions, please contact me. I’ve enjoyed being president and I’m always available–my email and phone number is on the cards we’ve handed out. 

Meantime, keep pushing on and get the word out. Let’s see what the new year brings.

Chris Harvey

Thanks to Dave, Greg, Chris and Roy for the information. The financial report will be presented at the AGM.

Unfortunately, because of issues with my eyes and flying, I must send my personal apologies for being unable to attend the proceedings. Rest assured I will do my best to keep this club website alive, well and interesting. Best wishes to all.

To end on the sad note that the seemingly indestructible Eric Horwill will be absent from the AGM, following his untimely death on October 11th – see https://lancswalkingclub.com/2025/10/13/in-the-service-of-our-sport-there-are-few-peers-eric-horwill-rip/

A classic photo of Dave and Eric keeping everything in order
Posted in History, News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In the Service of our Sport there are few peers: Eric Horwill RIP

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Over the weekend Glyn Jones, the Chair of the Race Walking Association has shared this deeply sad news, which will reverberate across the race walking world.

Dear colleagues,

It is with heartfelt sadness that I have to announce that Eric Horwill after long illness passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of Saturday morning, 11th October 2025. Eric was Past President of the RWA, a member and coach to Dudley and Stourbridge Harriers, a past member of the Midland Race Walking Association Committee and a distinguished member of the Centurions. In the past, Eric was ever present at race walking fixtures in an official capacity or present to support the youngsters he was coaching at his club. Eric was also a member of Lancashire Walking Club, whom he supported in an official capacity over the past years in many of their fixtures. I have spoken with Eric’s wife Pam today and I am sure you all join with me in sending our sincere condolences to Pam and his daughter Catherine at this very sad time.  When I have details of funeral arrangements I will circulate them and should anyone wish to send their condolences I will pass on details of the home address. A very sad time. Eric Horwill R.I.P.

Eric with Irene Pike keeps an eagle eye out as the leaders come into view

As Glyn notes, in recent years Eric was an almost ever present at LWC club races, bringing his vast experience and knowledge to bear on our efforts. Indeed Dave Evans, our club chair and Pat Evans sent the following message to Eric a few days before his death, which heartwarmingly Pam Horwill was able to read to him.

Eric presenting Christine Pearce with a bouquet of flowers in memory of Fred Pearce

Over the next few weeks we will endeavour to fill out the narrative of how much Eric achieved through the decades of his devotion to race walking. In this context we would welcome thoughts, anecdotes and images pertaining to Eric’s career. Send these to Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com.

As a taster, find below information and a photo provided by Dave Ainsworth.

 Eric qualified as Centurion 390 in the 1966 Leicester-to-Skegness point-to-point race clocking 21:51.09 for 16th position from 47 finishers, as 84 had started. Hosts Leicester triumphed in the team stakes from 6 teams who closed in. His outstanding 2nd completion was at the 1997 Ware Track 24 Hours in Hertfordshire when he covered 165.8 kilometres to finish 7th (from 14 finishers/23 starters) passing 100 miles in 23:17.07 in an event Sandra Brown triumphed over all.  It was our longest span between successful UK 100 miles attempts – and earned him an GB International appearance in the Roubaix 28 Hours, becoming the oldest UK athlete to make an international debut.  Eric’s low Centurion badge number saw him Chair a number of Centurions AGMs, at which he excelled, this being a tradition that the most senior Centurion performs this AGM task. Eric was 92

A trio of Centurion notables who’ve made great contributions of race walking – taken at an Isle of Man 24 Hours race presentation. L-to-R Eric Horwill RIP C390, Ed Shillabeer C590 & John Eddershaw C299. Photo : Chris Maddocks
Posted in History, News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fred Pearce Relay affected by thwarted turnout

Posted on September 28, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Apologies for the late appearance of this report. Some action photos now added – thanks to Chris Pearce and Greg Smith

Joe Hardy and Dan Maskell reunited

Dave Evans reports:

Chris Pearce with the winning team. Thanks to Greg Smith for the photo.

The rescheduled Fred Pearce relay took place against a background of yellow weather warnings across most of the UK and most attendees faced fairly hazardous conditions travelling to and from the venue. With quite a number of club members unable to attend it was decided to reprogramme the relay into a straight 5k race designing teams of 3 with an appropriate time handicap in their respective lockers. No competitors knew who was in their team until the post race buffet and the presentation.

Great to see Dan back on the road

Martin Payne led the field out to the turnaround and came into the finish a comfortable 83 seconds ahead of Roy Gunnett. I understand Martin and Pat Evans both suffered a drenching from a passing motorist on route but were probably already pretty wet by then. It was very pleasing to welcome Dan Maskell for the first time for quite a few years, still displaying a fine walking style. He was pleasantly surprised with his time.

Andrea suitably attired

Many thanks to Sailash for manning the halfway point and Irene Pike for helping with the recording . Chris Harvey, our club president , joined many of the walkers in the last quarter mile or so to encourage them in. Nice gesture.

Our steadfast timekeepers with Joe
Refuge from the storm – the sumptuous buffet. Ta to Greg Smith

Chris Pearce presented walkers and helpers with a sumptuous buffet and 3 excellent prizes.


Results
1. Roy Gunnett 34:25, Joe Hardy 36:19, Pat Evans 37:48.   108 mins 32
2. Martin Payne 33:48, Dan Maskell 37:17, Ian Hilditch 41:36.  108:41(after 4:00 min h/cap)
3. Greg Smith 35:56, Andrea Lennon 46:14. Plus credit handicap adjustment of 27:30 109 mins 40.


Because our next race was to be at Macclesfield on 4th October and has had to be cancelled because of a family funeral involving our host, the next event will be the club AGM at Simister on 1st November 2025. Club members are reminded to put forward their nominations for long distance performer of the year and best performance at any distance.

Posted in Results | Tagged , | Leave a comment

ALWAYS A BEACON IN THE SEASON – THE FRED PEARCE RELAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, SIMISTER

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Young Fred surrounded by a group of indebted admirers

Everything is in place for a highlight of the year, the Fred Pearce Memorial relay. As normal the event will be held from the Lady Wilton Hall, Simister, Manchester M25 2SB. Following the intrusion of OASIS we were forced to move the event to this coming Saturday, September 20th. The hall will be open from 11.30 a.m. and the race will start at 1.00 p.m. We will be using the new course – for details see https://lancswalkingclub.com/2024/12/10/defying-the-elements-at-the-xmas-handicap/

As ever it would be very helpful if you could let Dave Evans know if you are attending and in what capacity – dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

Joe Hardy hands over to Russell Jackson in 2019
Posted in News | Tagged | Leave a comment

MANX END TO END AND TOM BOSWORTH ONE MILE EVENT

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Congratulations to Simon Gawne, winner of the MFX Limited End to End Walk 2025. A dominant walk on a day that always promised to be exceptionally challenging and which didn’t disappoint.

Taking the honors in the Ladies Race and joint 3rd overall,with a superb walk, Helen Davies.

Total respect to each and every competitor who turned up on the start line, knowing what the Manx weather was destined to unleash on them.

136 official finishers and two chaps who missed the cut off and in torrential rain and howling wind, still made it to the Sound. Rewriting the definition of determination.

The 2025 Edition of the MFX Limited End to End Walk will be remembered for a while!!

To absolutely everyone involved in yesterday’s event, THANK YOU!!

The presentation is on Thursday 18th at Vagabonds Rugby Club starting at 7pm. Charity raffle in aid of Manx Heart Foundation with a top prizes donated by the Steam Packet and Chris at Up & Running!!

Photo’s will be uploaded to Facebook over the next few days.

Roll on Sunday 13th September 2026.

The MFX Limited End to End Walk Committee.

TOM BOSWORTH RACE WALKING EVENT, SEPTEMBER 27th, LEEDS

Tom reports:

I’m delighted to announce that we have Olympic race walker Diego Garcia, as well as international race walkers Cameron Corbishley and Bethan Davies racing at my event on 27th September!

Running mile races and race walkers mile races for all age groups and seniors.

2pm 27th September. Leeds Beckett university Headingley Campus athletics track.

All walk entries include after party BBQ at Weetwood Hall Hotel, Headingley.

Senior race prize money.

Enter here:

https://meets.rosterathletics.com/…/det…/registration…

Posted in News, Results | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Vintage footage of the 1968 Olympics 50 kilometres – not to be missed

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Tony Taylor

Several people, including Dave Ainsworth and Roy Gunnett, have picked up on this grainy, enthralling video of the Mexico 50 kilometres filmed by the great Larry Young’s father, Robert. Larry was to finish up on the podium in third spot. The conjecture ever since has been whether Paul Nihill could have challenged Hohne if the race had been held the day before in torrential rain!

It’s well worth 17 minutes of your time.

Paul Nihill and Christopher Hohne were together at halfway in 2:10:27.

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

One Hour Event, Bury Track, September 6th

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Tony Taylor
And they’re off!

Dave Evans reports:

At a venue in a quiet suburb of Manchester where two young athletes had just broken the famous 4 minute mile the Lancashire walking club promoted its One Hour track race. Historically the one hour event was held to give walkers a chance of winning a special accreditation for walking a set distance in an hour. This was no different but age takes it toll and winning or placing in an event takes preference.

Glyn presses on ahead of Ian and Roy
Tony on his way to victory

Tony Bell confirmed his present good form by outpacing his regular rivals with a very disciplined attack on 9k which he missed by less than 90 metres. It was satisfying to see the return of Sailash Shah to competition , looking strong, and John Crahan who gives everything from a background of athletics field events.

Great to see Sailash back in the groove
John looking aggrieved at Pat’s arrival on his shoulder!
Martyn, feet firmly planted

Pleased to see Chris Bolton at the race and many thanks to Chris Harvey, Greg Smith and Irene Pike for lap recording.

Chris, Irene and another older Chris keeping tabs on the afternoon’s efforts


Results

1. Tony Bell 8918 metres
2. Martin Payne 8676 metres
3. Roy Gunnett 8597 metres
4. Sailash Shah 7881 metres
5. Glyn Jones 7754 metres
6. Joe Hardy 7708 metres
7. Pat Evans 7694 metres
8.John Crahan 7245 metres
9. Ian Hilditch 6890 metres

Roy ignoring the cost of the other weekend’s 50 miles

Dave adds:

Tony walked the legs off the rest of the field but Martin and Roy had a ding dong for most of the race. Roy hasn’t long completed a 50 mile at the Centurions 100 so did remarkably well to stay in contention for most of the 1 hour. Sailash looks a lot better than in previous years. He’s had an injury which has taken 12 months to heal. 

Tony receives the Lambert trophy from Dave
Banksy seems to get everywhere

Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the excellent and unusual photos.

Posted in Results | Tagged , , | Leave a comment