This invite plus all the appropriate papers has been sent all club members but we would like to bring the following to you attention
ANNUAL AWARDS
The following require the active participation of the membership
Two awards are 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.
Please name one Club member for each of these awards, giving reasons and send your proposals to either Dave Evans or Greg Smith at smithgwh@gmail.com by Tuesday 29 October 2024. Please note that this is a confidential ballot–no-one will be identified f or their nomination. But we do need your participation in this vote. You may find the Chairman’s report helpful in deciding who to nominate, as, more generally, is the Club website which contains a good record of our races: https://lancswalkingclub.com/
The AGM 5 kilometres race will start at 1,00 p.m. As ever it will be really helpful if you could let Dave know if you are attending and in what capacity.
At the time in 1964 I harboured no sense that Ken Matthews’ gold and Paul Nihill’s silver were to be our last medals in the walks at the Olympics. Still mucking about, not knowing if I should focus on race walking in the absence of any events for my age, I was in awe of Ken, having witnessed first hand his rhythmic elegance at the 1963 National 10 held in a rain-sodden Manchester. My hero worship intensified as he decimated the Olympic 20 kilometres field, blowing a kiss to the crowd as he finished over one and a half minutes ahead of Lindner in second and Golubnichy third. Such was my obsession that I didn’t appreciate fully Paul’s magnificent performance in the 50 kilometres, holding the legendary Abdon Pamich to less than twenty seconds in a British record. Whilst Ken retired I had the privilege of competing against Paul in the ensuing years, within which he won a European gold at 20 kilometres in 1971 and set a world record for the same distance in 1972.
OLYMPIC 20 KILOMETRES
Many thanks to omarchador.blogspot.comKen on the podium. Thanks to the DailyPost.uk
OLYMPIC 50 KILOMETRES
. A cold and rainy Tokyo day Thanks to alamy.com
Paul on the podium. Ta to alechtron.com
Don Thompson finished 10th and Ray Middleton 13th
The above film shows how close Paul was to Pamich at the finish
Abdon Pamich in 1964. Thanks to Stefano Malaspina
Dave Ainsworth sends this lovely anecdote as we remember Paul’s remarkable feat.
This story has been covered in Essex Walker before – that being an occasion when an Ilford AC Club vest crossed the finishing line to gain an Olympic silver medal. The race started in terribly cold conditions. Paul Nihill was wearing his GB representative vest. On the start line, he was very cold. Several British athletes came to give our 3 British walkers (Paul, Don Thompson & Ray Middleton) a cheer – one being Ilford AC’s 2nd Olympian Fergus Murray (now aged 82) who was in Tokyo to compete at 10,000 metres. Fergus was wearing a quarter sleeve Ilford AC vest. Paul Nihill asked Fergus if he could have his Ilford AC vest – which was given. He whipped off his GB vest, put on an Ilford AC vest – then replaced his GB vest on top of Ilford’s vest.
And John Paddick, who was there in Tokyo and the last survivor of the walks team adds:
Following being second to Abdon Pamich I understand that Paul had a pet bird called Abdon. He kept telling it how Abdon would be defeated next time.
For your delectation and interest find below the age-graded results for all our races except the One Hour event. Whilst I did estimated times for the Dave Crompton 7 miles and Macclesfield 10 miles as the Masters Calculator is based on kilometres only, I was not convinced by my effort to do the same for the One Hour event. Hence it does not appear.
For each of the races, to give a full picture, I have provided the link to the complete scratch and handicap results.
Encouraged here by Sailash, Andrea’s best age-graded effort was a remarkable 89.7%
The sun shone brightly and the spirit of Albert Rigby, former stalwart of the Lancashire Walking club , enveloped the field and added yet another successful edition of this challenge.
Pat and Joe almost inseparable through the race with Joe taking the Albert Rigby trophy
Although the number of competitors was relatively small through prior engagements and family issues the 7 keen aspirants toed the starting line with 3 out and back sections to negotiate. Like most road events nowadays traffic can be a problem but most of the course can be walked on pavements . Glyn Jones volunteered to man the turnaround junction and fellow Midlander Eric Horwill took the role of chief timekeeper.
Sailash, a distinguished marshal on the courseThe early leaders, Tony and NigelIt’s always a pleasure to see Surrey’s Dave Hoben at our races
Bets were laid(hypothetically) as to who would lead the field to the end of the first circuit and as the first two individuals entered the home straight it was Tony Bell closely followed by Nigel Shaw. No money was won or lost! Roy Gunnett appeared at number 3 employing his fluid technique but maybe suffering a bit from his recent long distance efforts.
Fresh from hos 50 k exploits, Roy looking relaxedIan getting stuck in
At the end of the second circuit both Tony and Nigel were side by side but it looked as though the latter was waiting to go for broke judging by his arm carriage. Roy kept his bronze claiming place with Joe Hardy and Pat Evans vying for fourth, 5 seconds between the latter two.
Literally neck and neck – great image
The third and final circuit saw the most major changes with Nigel going for broke between miles 4 and 5 and putting some fast work in to this section and bringing him home by nearly 3 minutes. Roy, Joe and Pat walked very well with only 56 seconds covering all three.
Nigel pulling away on his way to victory – watched by a certain marshal
Results
A bottle of bubbly for Nigel
Nigel Shaw [M60] 65:00(21:44,44:17)
Tony Bell [M60] 67:52(21:43,44:16)
Roy Gunnett [M75] 75:04(24:05,48:58)
Joe Hardy [M80] 75:35(25:04,50:18)
Pat Evans [W70] 76:00(25:11,50:23)
Dave Hoben [M70] 78:38(25:07,51:23)
Ian Hilditch [M80] 80:28(26:13,53:12
5.5 kms Greg Smith [M70] 49:47.
Handicap
Whilst Pat is on the plonk too!
Joe Hardy 63:50
Pat Evans 64:00
Nigel Shaw 65:00
Tony Bell 65:07
Dave Hoben 66:08
Ian Hilditch 68:43
Roy Gunnett 69:04
Age-Graded
Pat Evans 81.16%
Joe Hardy 78.54%
Ian Hilditch 77.63%
Roy Gunnett 75.47%
Nigel Shaw 72.31%
Tony Bell 68.54%
As ever but not taken for granted, thanks to Greg Smith for the excellent images.
Adrian Edwards informs us of future coaching and training possibilities at Woodbank Park, Stockport
We’ve booked in 3 sessions; Sunday October 20th, Sunday November 24th, and Sunday 12th January.
On 24th November I’m hoping to do a 5 kilometres race walk time trial starting at 1pm; although the track will be available from 12 until 5 as usual.
Roy Gunnett informs that our great friend, Marshall has confirmed all is in place to hold the Albert Rigby 10 kilometres race on Saturday 0ctober 5th from the Sutton Ex Servicemen’s Club, Hollin Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0HL. The event will start at 1.00 a.m.
As many of you will know Marshall and Kath always put on an excellent post-race buffet. Thus if possible, let Dave at dave.evans80@hotmail.co.uk know by midweek if you are attending and in what capacity. This will help enormously the organisation of the event and the task of gauging how many butties, pies and cakes to prepare. Mouth-watering, Thanks for your cooperation.
Great photo by Greg of the landmark left turn featured in most of the Sutton races over the years.
G o o d n e w s – In his 3rd race back after nearly 3 years out – now with 1 kidney and undergoing chemotherapy. Well done to Steve!
And I’ve checked with Steve, a staunch LWC member back in the day, if it’s OK to reproduce this letterfrom Sunday, September 15th
Hi – I managed to win the BMAF Over 65 title yesterday in 31-26, which is okay considering I’ve just taken a year off!. I was 4th overall in the combined race won by Carolyn Derbyshire in 28-47. I beat Hardeep Singh and Trevor Dixon. A few people missing in my age group though, including Stuart. I beat the over 60, Martin Slevin as well. The Over 75 Peter Boszko beat me though by a couple of seconds.
Not sure if I’ll get round 10k at the moment as I was pretty tired. I think I’ll have to avoid warming up to save energy.
Steve with his great friend, Chris Harvey overlooked by Marion Fawkes, 2023
Thanks to Tony Malone’s meticulous record of races through the 1970s, I think I’ve traced Steve’s first race up North. It was a Stretford Track League 5,000 metres held on July 22nd, 1975. Steve wearing the colours of Oldham and Royton AC [a tale in itself?], very much a novice, was 9th in 28:29. Ahead of him was a quartet of familiar names, Taylor 22:30. Malone 23:03 [a pb at the time], Harvey 23:15 [in the early days of his illustrious career] and Hopkins 23:39 [later the RWA National Coach]. A month later, still in Oldham colours, Steve improved to 27:24 and by September now in a LWC vest he clocked a personal best of 15:30 for 3,000 metres. Much more was to come and Steve was to return South – not sure when? I need to do more detective work!
Steve in white with Chris Hobbs at Moulton, 2019
Whatever, I know everyone at our club will be pleased to see Steve back in action and will want to wish him the very best for the future.
Given the regular club race organiser was stuck in a huge traffic jam on the motorway it was touch and go if the event would take place. Fortunately Adrian Edwards was on hand to put together a small team of associates who managed the race perfectly.
The start and John Crahan leads by a foot or two
Halfway through the one hour the “missing” character and the in house caterer arrived complete with marker tags ,a surveyor’s wheel and refreshments. With the majority of performers due to complete a minimum of 18 laps extra bodies would be required to count circuits and thanks to several regular club walkers for playing this role rather than walk.
A lap completed and Nigel takes control
From the off Nigel Shaw took the lead competing the first lap in 2 mins 57 and once into his stride reeled off much better 400’s in the 2 mins 39 range.
Glyn and Tony tussle for an advantage
Tony Bell maintained second position right from the start but Glyn Jones gave him a walk for his money and it was not until the last third of the race that he saw Tony pull away. Steven Wilde walked well to be in the mix.
Steven coming through to take third
Nigel managed to break the 9000 metre barrier showing a fluent and well controlled style.
Nigel in full flow
Results
Nigel Shaw [M60] 9033 metres
Tony Bell [M60] 8313 metres
Steven Wilde [M70] 8172 metres
Glyn Jones [M80] 8095 metres
Phil McCullagh [M65] 7850 metres
John Crahan [M75] 7665 metres
Ian Hilditch [M80] 7619 metres
Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the photos.
And a special thank to all those, who kept the show on the track!
A quick note to confirm that the Bury One Hour race will take place on Saturday, September 7th, starting at 1.00 p.m. The venue will be open from noon.
Bury Athletics Club, Market St, Bury BL9 9FX
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
Meanwhile, on the last weekend of August, Roy Gunnett tackled the track 50 kilometres held alongside the 24 Hours and 100 miles events, the Gloucester races 2024. He finished a very creditable third and flew the Lancashire flag with pride. Congratulations are certainly in order.
Roy leading in the Goodwin CupRoy’s medal
Unfortunately Roy’s post-race experience left much to be desired. He fell face-first on stony ground in the car park, pushing his teeth through his top lip. Thankfully all was sorted out at the local hospital, courtesy of a new magical glue! Commiserations are in order too. Roy reports that he is now able to eat and drink normally. And, most importantly his good looks remain untouched.
The national 100 miles championship was won by Jonathan Hobbs and there is an excellent report of the overall event in this month’s Record.
In the report tribute is paid to the officials, which included our dear friends, Eric Horwill and Glyn Jones. What would the sport do without them?!
Everyone at Lancashire Walking Club will echo Dave Ainsworth’s message to all those participating, officiating and helping at the Gloucester track races this weekend.
I wish all success and enjoyment (if possible over 100 miles) to all who’ll be at Gloucester Athletics Track for our 99th UK 100 Miles’ walking race. History is to be made, however it turns out, as it’ll be a first UK Centurions’ track race to witness a reverse direction format. It’ll be interesting to hear opinions – though this has been employed in such races abroad and those in the UK which did not come under our Centurions umbrella.
I wish the very best to all competitors, officials, helpers, supporters and spectators. With our numerical decline in UK distance participation it’s marvellous to see this great tradition of 100 miles’ racing maintained. I particularly look forward to seeing new UK names joining The Centurions.
Dave Ainsworth Centurion 540
A special message of best wishes must go to the club’s only participant in the proceedings, Roy Gunnett. He will be contesting the 50 kilometres, starting at midnight, Saturday and racing through the night.
There is a rumour too that Hughie Neilson’s track records set in 1960 might be under threat.
Right from the off it was clear that Roy had victory in mind leading the cortège of 8 aspirants by some 35 seconds at the mile point as the weather improved from drizzle to pleasant sunshine. There were no prizes for guessing who would reach the turnaround in first place but places two to four were up for grabs. This latter group raced well and their return journey in all cases was a minute faster than the outgoing “leg”. This course requires real concentration and resilience with almost helter skelter ups and downs.
Glyn and Phil in pursuit
Steve pulling away into isolation
As the walkers finally cleared the last hill the slick style of the club secretary came into view but hot on his trail was Steven Wilde who had managed to reduce the time deficit to 27 seconds having been 78 seconds in arrear at halfway.
Big second half from Steve
The handicap produced a bit of a surprise as Phil McCullagh took the trophy . I am told by one of his adversaries that he’d been doing extra training but not within earshot of the handicapper. There’s always next time !
Phil outwitting the handicapper with a strong performance
Special thanks to Eric Horwill for timekeeping and to Glyn Jones for bringing him to the venue.
Irene and Eric keep a watchful eye on proceedings
Results – Scratch
1. Roy Gunnett [M75] 73 mins 10(11:02/35:49) 2. Steven Wilde [M70] 73 mins 37(11:37/37:07) 3. Phil McCullagh [M65] 74 mins 03(11:55/38:00) 4. Glyn Jones [M80] 74 mins 53(11:54/37:59) 5. Joe Hardy [M80] 77 mins 34(12:06/39:14) 6. Ian Hilditch [M80] 89 mins 16(12:11/40:05)
6.5k Greg Smith [M70] 53 mins 07
Sailash and John keeping everyone safeIt’s not getting easier!
Handicap
1. Phil McCullagh 69 mins 03 2. Steven Wilde 73 mins 07 3. Roy Gunnett 73 mins 10 4. Glyn Jones 73 mins 53 5. Joe Hardy 74 mins 19 6. Ian Hilditch 75 mins 31 7. Greg Smith
Phil takes the coveted Goodwin Cup
Age-graded
Glyn Jones 81.97%
Roy Gunnett 77.32%
Joe Hardy 76.54%
Steven Wilde 70.79%
Ian Hilditch 69.98%
Phil McCullagh 67.03%
As ever sincere thanks to Greg Smith for the splendid images
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 