A Pictorial Record: Celebrating and Commemorating at the Fred Pearce Memorial Relay

Posted on August 11, 2019 by

Defying the inclement elements the latest edition of the Fred Pearce Relay proved to be a memorable occasion, mingling inevitably mixed feelings as we remembered the tragic loss of ‘our’ Fred. We were honoured with the touching presence of the Pearce family, Christine, Charlotte, James, Harriet and Bronte, who thankfully had brought enormous umbrellas under which many of us sheltered, a wonderful post-race spread, upon which we gorged and Charlotte’s camera, which gave us the photos that follow. Perhaps the most moving moment of the day came when Christine spoke emotionally of Fred’s love for our sport, to be asked by Dave Evans if she would take over Fred’s position as President of the club. To our delight, suppressing her tears, Christine accepted.

Anxiously awaiting the announcement of the teams for the day
James, hardly dressed for the weather and our new President, Christine, properly attired, sporting the much needed umbrellas.

TEAM RACE 3 x 5 KILOMETRES

Are our heroes reluctant to enter the fray?
Eric looks well-prepared, determined and ready.
And they’re off. Four teams show willing in the form of Steve Sargent, Sailash Shah, Andrea Lennon and Peter Crahan You might well ask where are the rest?

1st.  Sailash Shah 31:35, 
       Alan Brooks(Guest) 36:42,
       Tony Malone 29:09.
Total team time:   97 mins 26 secs

Alan Brooks hands over to Tony Malone for his clinching last leg.
Tony Malone powers away, straight as a die, on his race-winning final leg

2nd. Peter Crahan 34:34
         Roy Gunnett 34:07
         Greg Smith 34:46
Total team time:  103 mins 27 secs

Greg balances on one leg in a bid to unsettle Adrian and Russ, who are less than impressed.
Roy hands over to Greg now thankfully with both feet on the ground.

3rd. Pat Evans 33:57
         Ian Hilditch 38:17
        Adrian Edwards 28:32
Total team time:  103 mins 46 secs

Pat Evans hands over to one Ian Hilditch, obscured by the sturdy frame of our Yorkshire visitor, Phil Carroll
Adrian contemplates that there’s only another 96 plus miles to go!!!

4th. Phil McCullagh 33:59
        Phil Carroll 37:54
        Martin Fisher 29:09
Total team time:  104 mins 02 secs

As Pat finishes, over on the left Phil McCullagh and Phil Carroll bow to another at the handover

5th. Steve Sargent 36:28
        Joe Hardy 34:14
        Russ Jackson 33:43
Total team time:   104 mins 25 secs

Joe hands over to Russ, all the way from Australia!

6th. John Payn 43:06
        John Crahan 33:04
       Tony Taylor 26:43
Total team time:   104 mins 53 secs

Tony Taylor and John Crahan discuss tactics or more probably the price of real ale.
Ignoring the tactical debate John Payn gets on with it

7th. Andrea Lennon 40 mins 53
        Tony Bell 32:26
        Sailash Shah 35:43(second time out)
Total team time:    109 mins 02 secs

Andrea thinks, ‘I need to keep that there Sailash in my sights’. Some hope!
Tony Bell battles home in isolation and the worst of the weather.

INDIVIDUAL HANDICAP

1. Sailash Shah 31:35(07:25) 24:10
2. Pat Evans 33:57(08:10) 25:47
3. Russ Jackson 33:43(07:10) 26:33
4. Tony Taylor 26:43(scratch) 26:43
5. Joe Hardy 34:14(07:25) 26:49
5. Phil McCullagh 33:59(07:10) 26:49
7. Adrian Edwards 28:32(01:30) 27:02
8. Martin Fisher 29:09(01:35) 27:34
8. John Crahan 33:04(05:30) 27:34
10 Tony Malone 29:09(01:25) 27:44
10 Phil Carroll 37:54(10:10) 27:44
12 Andrea Lennon 40:53(12:55) 27:58
13 Alan Brooks 36:42(08:40) 28:02)
14 Roy Gunnett 34:07(05:55) 28:12
15 Peter Crahan 34:34(05:40) 28:54
16 John Payn 43:06(13:36) 29:30
17 Ian Hilditch 38:17(08:40) 29:37
18 Greg Smith 34:46(04:55) 29:51
19 Steve Sargent 36:28(06:10) 30:18
20 Tony Bell 32:26(02:00) 30:26

James presents the trophy to the winning team, Sailash and Alan minus Tony Malone, who’d done a runner!
I can never eat immediately after a race – not so the stalwarts of the Lancashire Walking Club.
Chris, somewhat surprised, accepts graciously our request that she steps into Fred’s shoes as our President.
Eric Horwill presents a bouquet of flowers to Christine.
In a touching image, Bronte seems to grasp the significance of the Trophy named now after both her great-grandfather and grandfather.

More of Charlotte’s photos and a race report will appear soon. Heartfelt thanks to everyone, who turned out to make this a very special moment in the club’s history.

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Adrian Edwards continues his 100 miles preparations in winning the Barnard Trophy

Posted on August 1, 2019 by

Barnard Trophy 10k race, Sutton Macclesfield – July 6, 2019

Roy Gunnett reports:

Ten walkers lined up for the start of the Barnard Trophy 10k race on July 6 at Macclesfield. Thankfully the very hot weather experienced earlier in the week had abated and it was pleasant and warm.

The race was held over the new tough and hilly 3 lap course.

Adrian Edwards took an early lead, which he maintained to the finish, his winning margin being over 7 minutes. Adrian is currently in heavy training for his first attempt at becoming a centurion in the 100 miles race in the Isle of Man this August. Sailash Shah, another of the day’s competitors will be joining Adrian in the 100 miles challenge.

For most of the race Stuart Edgar was a clear second. However, Dan Maskell put in a late burst on the last lap to nearly catch him, missing out by only one second.

Pat Evans leads the way

Pat Evans walked well in her first 10k for quite a while and was the first lady home.

In addition to winning the scratch race Adrian won the handicap and thus the Barnard Trophy.

Following the race all enjoyed the excellent refreshments that Marshall and Kath Barnard provide for all the Macclesfield races.

10 KILOMETRES

After the bracket the numbers relate to the handicap allowance, the handicap time,

handicap position, handicap points and the Age Graded %.

  1. Adrian Edwards LWC M55 58:38 [03:10; 54:38; 1; 25; 76.37%]
  2. Stuart Edgar LWC M45 66:09 [08:45; 57:24; 7; 19; 63.21%]
  3. Dan Maskell Surrey WC 66:10 [12:45; 53:25; Guest; 78.77%]
  4. Roy Gunnett LWC M70 67:10 [09:45;57:25;8 18;78.61%]
  5. Paul McCullagh LWC M60 69:17 [12:30; 56:47; 6; 20; 67.83%]
  6. Joe Hardy LWC M75 70:01 [15:15; 54:46; 2; 24; 78.58%]
  7. Sailash Shah LWC M55 70:29 [15:30; 54:59; 3; 23; 61.88%]
  8. Pat Evans LWC W65 71:11 [15:30; 55:41; 5; 21; 80.02%]
  9. Ian Hilditch LWC M75 72:52 [17:15; 55:37; 4; 22; 78.93%]

6.6 KILOMETRES

  1. Andrea Lennon W75 55:50 [17 h’cap points]

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Join us and celebrate the Fred Pearce Relay, July 27

Posted on July 12, 2019 by

FRED PEARCE 3 x 5k RELAY, SATURDAY, JULY 27 at SIMISTER – 1.30 START

Life must go on, so says the truism. Indeed over the months since the sad loss of our inspiration, Fred Pearce, club members have come forward to hold the fort. In a couple of weeks we will be staging the latest edition of the Fred Pearce Relay, originally set up in memory of Fred Pearce Senior. This year’s race will honour the immense contribution of both father and son to the life of Lancashire Walking Club.

Taken at Leigh 1963 – from the left Dick Smith, Mike Hatton, ‘young’ Fred, Graham Abley, Alf Taylor and Ivor Percival

With this in mind we would urge you to make very effort to be with us as competitor, official or spectator on the day. As ever friends from other clubs will be given a special welcome.

Fred at the Horwich Masters 5km

The relay itself is contested by teams of 3, each individual covering an out and back 5 kilometres. In recent years the make up of the teams has been decided on the day by our skilful handicapper, Dave Evans. However it would be all the more interesting if any clubs with a team of three turned up to test the mettle of Lancashire’s best!

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Lancashire prominent at the BMAF 5k in Horwich

Posted on June 27, 2019 by

Once again Fred Pearce was uppermost in our thoughts as we arrived for the annual BMAF 5k championships at a cool yet bright Horwich. It didn’t seem right that Fred wasn’t there, welcoming us as he busied himself making sure everything was in order. Thankfully Adrian Edwards, a tower of strength, and Trevor McDermot supported by the experienced hands of Eric and Pam Horwill, ensured that as ever things ran smoothly.

Before the race commenced Adrian led a moving tribute to and a minute’s silence in memory of Fred. Patrick Murphy and Ian Richards dominated the Men’s Race from the off as did Carolyn Derbyshire in the Women’s equivalent. Our club amassed a haul of medals as you can see below.

On your marks!
LWC also won the two club team trophies on offer.
Carolyn Derbyshire flanked by Wendy Kane and Julie Bellfield

Thanks to Helen Elleker for the photos and don’t forget her President’s Appeal

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helen-elleker-president-rwa

NEXT RACE : THE BARNARD TROPHY, JULY 6 AT SUTTON MACCLESFIELD

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Future Fixtures – including Northern 10k, Dunnington, July 13 and RWA 100 Miles, August 17/18

Posted on June 19, 2019 by

JULY 6, BARNARD TROPHY 10k at SUTTON MACCLESFIELD – 1.30 p.m.

JULY 13, NARWA 10k at DUNNINGTON – details from Graham Jackson: Dunnington sports club YO19 5NG, Common Lane near York 1k, out and back fast and flat, changing in the sports club with showers, £7.00 entry £8.00 team of 3, Guests most welcome. Entries to Graham, cheques payable to NARWA, at 66 The Old Village, Huntington, York YO32 9RB no later than 6th July. 1.00 p.m. start

JULY 27, FRED PEARCE TROPHY RELAY at SIMISTER – 1.30 p.m. We are asking everyone to make a special effort to be there to celebrate Fred’s enormous contribution to our club and race walking. More details to follow.

AUGUST 17, GOODWIN CUP 10k at CHORLEY – 1.30 p.m.

AUGUST17/18, RWA 100 MILES CHAMPIONSHIP at CASTLETOWN, ISLE of MAN – 12.00

SEPTEMBER 7, ONE HOUR TRACK LAMBERT TROPHY at BURY – 1.30 p.m.

OCTOBER 5, ALBERT RIGBY SHIELD 10k at SUTTON MACCLESFIELD – 1.30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2, LWC AGM 5k at SIMISTER – 1.30 p.m.

DECEMBER 7, DICK MAXWELL MEMORIAL 10k at SIMISTER – 1.30 p.m.

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Three under the Hour in tight battle at Bury

Posted on June 9, 2019 by

DICK AND ZENA 10k and 5k TRACK RACES, BURY, MAY 25

Roy Gunnett reports:

Eleven walkers took part in the Bury track 10k and 5k races – 8 in the former, 3 in the latter. Weatherwise it was a pleasant May day. From the gun the 10k field quickly sorted into two groups. Out front Martin Fisher, tony bell and Tony Malone – all walking at sub 60 minute 10k pace. Behind were the rest of the field closely bunched together at around 70 minute 10k pace.

Tony and Martin in an earlier encounter

Towards the end of the race Martin pulled ahead of Tony Bell, who in turn puled ahead of Tony Malone – all attained a time under the hour. In the 5k it was a close contest between John Payn and Andrea Lennon with Andrea finally getting the better.

The 10k handicap trophy was won by Tony Bell and the ladies 5k handicap trophy was won by Andrea Lennon.

10 KILOMETRES

After the bracket the numbers relate to the handicap allowance, the handicap time,

handicap position, handicap points and the Age Graded %.

  1. Martin Fisher M65 Redcar WC 59:28.1 [3.00; 56:28.1; Guest; 74.82%]
  2. Tony Bell M55 LWC 59:53.2 [6.30; 53:23’2; 1; 25; 74.11%]
  3. Tony Malone M65 LWC 59:58.1 [5.30; 54:28.1; 2; 24; 82.77%]
  4. Dan Maskell M70 Surrey WC 69:42.5 [8.15; 61.27.5; Guest; 74.78%]
  5. John Crahan M70 LWC 70:51.1 [11.45; 59:06.1; 3; 23; 72.84%]
  6. Joe Hardy M75 LWC 72:20.2 [11.45; 60:35.2; 4; 22; 76.01%]
  7. Sailash Shah M50 LWC 72:46.5 [11.00; 61:46.5; 6; 20; 59.93%]
  8. Ian Hilditch M75 LWC 74:28.9 [13.00; 61:28.9; 5; 21; 77.22%]

5 KILOMETRES

  1. Andrea Lennon W75 40:41.1 [H’cap points 19; Age Graded 77.22%]
  2. John Payn M85 LWC 40:56.9 [ H’cap points 18; Age Graded 77.70%]
  3. Judy Fisher W55 LWC 44:12.1 [H’cap points 17]

NEXT RACE:

BMAF 5k CHAMPIONSHIPS AT HORWICH, JUNE 16 at 11.00 a.m.

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Tony Malone turns the clock back in the Allen Trophy 7 miles as the club continues to mourn the loss of Fred Pearce.

Posted on May 25, 2019 by

Roy Gunnett reports:

There was an excellent turnout of 15 walkers for the Allen Trophy 7 miles race held at Chorley on April 27, 2019. This was the first race following the passing of our President Fred Pearce and our thoughts were much more on our dear friend Fred than the race.

The race was held over the new ‘out and back’ course. This is tough and hilly, made even harder on the day by 45+ mph winds resulting from Storm ‘Hannah’.

Adrian Edwards and Martin Fisher battled it out for the lead with Adrian proving stronger in the last mile to secure the scratch win. Third finisher Tony Malone fought hard to break his target of a sub 70 minutes time and only just missed out. He was however rewarded with the handicap win, thus taking the Allen Trophy. The last time he won this was in 1975 when he was 24!!

Tony Malone in stylish bandana second from right behind no. 69 Ian Richards

The rest of the field was well strung out behind. Phil McCullagh yet again passed many in the second half with what is becoming his trademark tactic of negative splits.

7 MILES

  1. Adrian Edwards M55 LWC 67:56 [H’cap 1.30 H’capTime 66:36 Pos 4 Pts 22
  2. Martin Fisher M55 Redcar WC 68:08 [1.00; 67:06 Guest]
  3. Tony Malone M65 LWC 70:15 [6:25; 63:50; 1; 25]
  4. Stuart Edgar M45 Dudley & Stour 76:08 [7:10; 68:58; 7; 19]
  5. Tony Bell M55 76:51 [7:45; 69:06; 8: 18]
  6. Phil McCullagh M60 LWC 79:16 [14:30; 64:46; 2; 24]
  7. Roy Gunnett M70 LWC 80:36 [13:40; 66:56; 6; 20]
  8. Joe Hardy M75 LWC 80:45 [15:10; 65:35; 3: 23]
  9. Pat Evans W65 LWC 83:08 [16:30;66:38; 5; 21]
  10. John Crahan M70 LWC 84:31 [13:00; 71:31;11; 17]
  11. Ian Hilditch M75 LWC 84:45 [16:30; 70:15; 10; 16]
  12. Ian Vaughan M65 LWC 92:59 [18:50; 74:09; 12; 15]
  13. Steven Wild 92:59 Unattached/Guest
  14. Andrea Lennon 100:50 [31:40; 69:10; 9; 17]

3.5 MILES

  1. Judy Fisher LWC 56:33 [Pts 14]

NEXT RACE:

BMAF 5k CHAMPIONSHIPS AT HORWICH, JUNE 16 at 11.00 a.m.

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