this edition includes 25th anniversary logo competition ... · i remember reading his book –...

Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers Newsletter October 2010

This edition includes 25th Anniversary logo competition

and Dinner Dance booking form;Winter Fixture List;

Summer team reports; and all the regular features


Club messages ...

A note from the editor ...Welcome to the winter edition of your club newsletter. This edition has lots of information about upcoming events and full summer reports. If you have any comments or would like to write a piece for the next newsletter please contact me by email at [email protected].

President’s messageIt’s our 25th anniversary in December. Our club was officially formed back in December 1985 when Polytechnic Harriers and Surrey AC merged. You probably knew this already because it was highlighted in the last newsletter and it was mentioned at the last Annual General Meeting. However, we are all very busy people and these things can easily be forgotten.

I’m taking this opportunity to remind you again because we are going to need your help very soon. A few of our members have got together to consider ways of commemorating this anniversary. They have developed some brilliant ideas. These include a plan to issue new club kit with a special logo on it. There will be special athletic events next summer and a grand dinner dance this December. You will find details of these and many more initiatives in this issue. There’s still time for more ideas too.

However, there is an Irish saying ‐ "You will never plough a field if you only turn it over in your mind." We’ve done a lot of the thinking; now it’s time for a bit of action. Each of these events need the support of members to make them happen. If you were not one of the designers of the logos shown later in these pages, then you have already missed an opportunity to put something back into the club. Not to worry. We have plenty of other jobs waiting your eager support.

A few people have already answered the call and they are planning just how to turn some excellent ideas into reality.

Their remit is not to try to be the hero and do it on their own. They need to spread the load by giving lots of people some small task or two to do. I’m reliably informed that very few of us will be overlooked. Stand by for that phone call, text or email because we have a favour to ask you. For those that don’t like technology, we might have to ask you face‐to‐face. We want your help.

Better still, contact our editor and volunteer for a good job before someone else nabs it. This club has prospered for a quarter of a century because we help each other. Here’s hoping that the Commonwealth Games inspires us all. Have a great winter, whether it’s competing, training or supporting us.

Pat Logan

Officials courses

COURSE TYPE: Officials level 2 Track & Field course VENUE DETAILS: Danesfield Manor School, Rydens Avenue, Walton on Thames, KT12 3JBDATE: Sunday 17th October 2010START TIME: 10am COURSE CODE: SO/0080TR ‐ Track Judging SO/0080TK ‐ Timekeeping SO/0080FD ‐ Field Judging SO/0080SM ‐ Starter/MarksmanCOURSE FEE: £15 (cheques to be made payable to England Athletics)DISCIPLINES AVAILABLE: Track, Field, Timekeeping or Starter/Marksman (choose one discipline)DURATION OF COURSE: 4/5 hours approxCOURSE APPLICATION INFORMATION: Officials licence application forms can be downloaded from the England Athletics web site.

To reserve a place on the course, please complete the officials licence application form, plus a £15 cheque for the course fee made payable to "England Athletics" and forwarded to England Athletics, Wellington House, Starley Way, Birmingham International Park, Solihull, B37 7HE


A last goodbye ... Words by David Barrington

Steve RayBorn in Chiswick in 1959, Steve Ray, who died suddenly and prematurely at the age of 51 in July, was a prominent member of an excellent group of young Poly Harriers during the late 1970s / early 1980’s who frequently challenged for Junior / U20 honours, most effectively over the country. Along with David Beaver, Ant Budarkiewicz, Andrew Charman and Ant’s brother, Joe, the squad featured prominently, individually and team wise, in Middlesex, Southern & National CC Championships.

Steve was also a more than useful track runner, with a handy 15.19.0 5000 at West London, when he was at his fittest, in 1979, one of his best performances. He ran 2.05.5, 4.07.6 and 8.45.2 as well to prove his ability across the middle distance events.

Whilst he was no longer active in athletics, he was a regular cyclist and his death, at home, came as a terrible shock to those who knew him. Our sincere best wishes go out to his mother, who survives him.

Ruth Curzon

The Club is much saddened to have to report the death of Ruth Curzon, the wife of our Joint Membership Secretary and Vet sprinter, David Curzon, at the age of 62. Their children, Andrew and Emma, were members some years ago. The club sends its sincere condolences to David and the Family.

Johnnie MacNamara

Johnnie Mac, as he was best known, who died in April, was a well‐known performer in the 1960s and 1970s in Poly colours, and, indeed, in southern and national circles. He later ran successfully as a veteran for a number of years into the 1980s. It was over the country and on the road that he excelled, and he was always a significant contributor to Club and County teams, racing regularly for Polytechnic in the National CC Champs. He was Poly 9 Miles CC Champion in 1962 when the club was flooded with other class MD athletes and competition for any award or team slot was tough.

However, some of his better performances came over the Marathon distance, with a best time of 2h.28.40 in the 1968 Polytechnic race from Windsor to Chiswick when he was 1st Poly member home, and he was also club champion the previous year in 2.31.38.

His track outings were limited, and I recall Johnnie’s considerable reluctance to turn out in the early National Track League matches in 1968‐1970. His best track mark was probably a rather useful 30.00.06 over 10,000 in 1968.

Born in 1939, he was 71 when he passed away in Richmond, and our condolences go to his brother, who survives him.

Andy Ripley

Andy Ripley touched many, many people’s lives; one of those was mine; and one of our shared activities was Athletics; not at international level, as with his rugby, but as sports aficionados.

I remember when Andy first announced to Poly that this galloping England Rugby talisman had been persuaded to try his hand at athletics…. I remember when he drove up from London to a National League match at Hull on his high‐powered motorbike, ran his socks off for the team, helping them to a rare win, and then drove away to a Charity cricket match on the following day in another far distant part of England…


A last goodbye ... Words by David Barrington

I remember reading his book – Ripley’s Rugby Rubbish, written for Charity – full of his zest for life, sport and family ‐ read it several times – liked one of his definitions of Sport – ‘being part of the B string team in athletics’. I remember attending one of the Sporting Dinners he organised for a disabled member of his beloved Rosslyn Park…

I remember his being one of the Speakers at the Poly Centenary Dinner – all off the cuff– not a note in sight – enlivening the proceedings – he could have been the original athletics buff, such was his grasp of so many sports/activities … I remember turning up at an Open 400 Hurdles race at Copthall – unknowingly, so had our five other sub 55 sec hurdlers – so had Andy, out of the blue – his vast enjoyment and commitment and knowledge of team commitment in a sport at which he only dabbled... I remember his empathy, understanding and support when there was a particularly difficult team decision to make….I remember we used to rub our hands in anticipation when he lined up on an outside lane stagger at 400 or 400 Hurdles – it would have been a ploy we would have engineered ourselves – massive inferiority complex for those on the inside lanes… I remember many things… and I will not forget …The last great English Sportsman of the Amateur Era they have said… AND THEN SOME…… ANDY VALE, REQUIESCAT IN PACE

Front page image: Andy Ripley playing for his club, Rosslyn Park, against Nottingham in 1985. Photograph: Bob Thomas/Getty Images

Andy Ripley at his home in Lingfield, Surrey, in 2008 Photo: JEFF GILBERT

Jack Petchey Award Scheme

We are now more than half way through our third year working with the JackPetchey Foundation.

Four of our young athletes have already been presented with the Jack PetcheyAchievement Award in 2010: Tucker Bryant (February) for his excellent sprintperformances early in the season after an injury‐plagued 2009; William vanKlaveren (April) for his long support of the league teams and his superb Javelinand Discus throws – which got even better later in the season; DominiqueBlaize (May) for her England Heptathlon title and in recognition of her manyachievements as the Club’s top female athlete; Philippa Wingate (June) for herbreakthrough in Hammer this year which saw her breaking the overall Clubrecord as a first year U20 athlete.

Apart from celebrating the achievements of our young members, the JackPetchey Award scheme also brings in £1200 per year for the Club which is usedfor extra equipment for example a slow motion camera or a set of wobbleboards, and for social events like the summer barbeque after the NYAL homematch in June.

Two more awards will be made this year, and we are always looking out fornew award candidates. Nominations and suggestions for using the awardmoney can be sent throughout the year to the Club’s Jack Petchey Co‐ordinator, Frank Schubert ([email protected]).

Philippa Wingate Will van KlaverenTucker Bryant


News in brief ...

Congratulations"Our Congratulations to sprinter Justin Green and Melissa on the occasion of their marriage in July in South Africa; to 400m specialist Adam Bellis and Laurie who wed in November; and, belatedly, to javelinist Mike Clarke and Janet, who took that step last fall".

Recently graduated: Lana Whatley(Loughborough) ; Sam Dobin(Cambridge; and Matt Field(Brunel)Going up: Harriet Lester(Leeds); Patrick Hillyer(Northampton); Gordon Lester(Brunel) Tom Parry(Loughborough); Jordan Smith‐Bent(Middlesex); William Trimble(Swansea) and Humphrey Waddington(PGCE Cambridge)

RBK Borough Sports Awards 2010Congratulations, to Joan Trimble and to Gillian Libretto on their successfully achieving Honours

100 ClubThe 100 club has been taken over by Debbie Raymond. There are currently numbers free. If you would like to have the chance of winning £15, £10 or £5 each month then email: [email protected] or call Debbie on 01372 374731. Payments can be monthly or yearly and it only costs £1 a month. You can pay by standing order or by cheque. The 100 Club is an extremely important source of club funds and without the support of its members KAC & PH would struggle so please support your club and enjoy the chance to win.

Club websitePlease visit the club website for more news about the achievements of club members, information about the club and to keep up‐to‐date during the winter: www.kingstonandpoly.org

Kingston AC and Polytechnic Harriers 25th Anniversary Dinner and Dance

9th December 2010Hotel Antoinette, Kingston

Please book your place / table for 10 by 20th November 2010 via the booking form later in the newsletter and send with A5 SAE to:

Camilla Thrush, 72 Stag Leys, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2TL

7pm Champagne Reception7.45pm Dinner9pm Speeches

9.30pm Juniper Hill Blues BandMidnight Carriages

Cash bar £35 per person

25th Anniversary Celebrations

Menu StartersSalad of warm spiced chicken with seasonal greens and spiced pineapple

chutneyor

Marinated mushrooms in a rosemary vinaigrette on a bed of greens

Main coursesOven baked salmon supreme with olive caper reduction and red pepper coulis served with scallop potatoes, baby carrots and Kenyan green beans

orBraised lamb shank on a bed of herb mash, drizzled with mint jus

orPolenta stacks with roasted Mediterranean vegetables and sweet chilli

emulsion

DessertsDrambuie scented cheesecake drizzled with dark chocolate

orFresh fruit tartlets with vanilla ice cream

K&P Open Throws Meeting

Next years Open Throws Meeting will take place over the weekend of the 9th & 10th April. As part of the club celebrations this very successful event will include an opportunity for throwers to gain valuable knowledge about nutrition, training techniques, and weight training from some of the UKs best throws coaches. Look out for more information on the website and to book a place from January 2011.

There will also be a number of other events happening next year with more details in the March news letter.

25th Anniversary events Summer 2011

As part of the celebrations next summer the team managers have been asked to work with their squads to come up with an event in the summer of 2011 to raise funds for the club and a sports charity if you would like to help your event manager to organise the event please contact the following people:U17 and Senior women: Clare Nelson and Debbie RaymondU17 and Senior men: Will Trimble and Gordon Lester U13 boys and U13 girls: Mary DimblebyU15 girls and U15 boys: TBC

This is a great opportunity to really promote our anniversary year and to raise funds for a very worthwhile charity. Please help support the club by getting involved and supporting the events next year.

If you would like to help organise events next summer please let your team manager know or contact the Newsletter Editor.


25th Anniversary Celebrations

Reports from the track and field ...

Kinnaird & Sward Trophies report by David BarringtonThe extreme fragility of our Senior Men's squad was again ferociously exposed at Kingsmeadow, where, despite fine weather and a number of useful performances, the injury toll, particularly on our prime field eventers, was all too evident. Nil desperandum, though, chaps!!

Kinnaird ‐ we haven't actually won this Track Trophy since 1991,but looked a bit more likely this year though it was not to be eventually. Best performances ‐ Victor Nwagbara showed glimpses of his best, notably over 200(22.43);Matt Field looked in good nick with a nippy 14.87 110H win; Jamie McCullagh looks on track after another injury‐ravaged winter, taking 3rd over 800 where the winner in a PB(in Achilles colours) was another HJW‐recruit to K&P, Sam Dobin;U20 George Corcoran won in a promising 1500 PB, benefiting from a suicidal early pace; Tom Beedell took the 3000,ahead of a likely bevy of K&P teammates ‐ Andy Robinson, Jud Hough & Sean Renfer; and it was good to see Maris Kuklis back in action after his aborted 2009 summer.

Sward ‐ Our previous domination was missing with only vaulters, Gordon Lester(2A 4.00) & Bilen Ahmet(1B 3.80 PB),and redoubtable co‐skipper, Gareth Cook(1A HT 50.63 & a natty 38.96 DT, which stole the K&P Vets record and all‐time best from Mike Mayo),on view, though it was good to see Nick Owen & Humphrey Waddington present to support.

We were 3rd in both comps.

Rosenheim Mens League, report by Peter Waddington

K&P’s Men dominated the Rosenheim League Western Division this year. They won every fixture and already had the divisional championship wrapped up when there was still a match to go.

The League opened up in May with a match at Kingsmeadow. K&P produced a string of individual victories on the track and Patrick Hillyer (U20) in the Triple Jump, but the win was perhaps just as noteworthy for the athletes who gamely filled‐in the less popular events. Victory would not have been secured without Maurice Joyce (M65), Cashel Riordan (M60), and Gordon Lester (U20) being pressed into service, alongside Team Manager – Humphrey Waddington – who hopped into the throwing circles on crutches to ensure some points.

The next match at Walton featured a Bilen Ahmet multi‐event tour de force, with some strong back‐up in the Middle Distances. Ewell, in June, saw a bevy of classy sprinters to the fore, with BAL places up for grabs as well as points. A fortnight later at Twickenham, it was all a bit closer, but we were lucky enough to find the opposition even weaker than we were. The athletes at Eton, in July, were yet thinner on the ground, with Ron Taylor’s 800/1500m double victory the most impressive effort. The League programme was duly completed at Kingston, where regular competitor, Richard Holt (M35), showed excellent form in the 400H, but frustratingly suffered a season‐ending injury filling‐in on Long Jump, as the supportive team man that he is.

K&P finished the season as champions with 30 League points, ahead of St. Mary’s (21.5) and Walton (16). Those were the only 3 to qualify for the final, against 5 clubs from the East.

Rosenheim Final 2010Kingston & Poly’s Men put in a spirited performance in the Final, but couldn’t quite match the consistent heavy hitting of new Champions Belgrave and runners‐up, Herne Hill. There were several good performances, but perhaps the standouts came from Nick Owen’s Shot Putt victory (14.80m), Jordan Smith‐Bent’s first sub‐11 second 100m (10.90), and the swift 4x200m relay where Jordan was joined by Adam Bellis, Justin Green, and Chris Hall.

It felt disappointing on the night, but on reflection 3rd was a decent result in a contest of much higher quality than we normally encounter in Rosenheim matches. The neighbouring Rosenheim Eastern Division is obviously becoming a robustly competitive league, providing both stimulus and battle‐hardening for the clubs and athletes involved. By comparison the other clubs in the Western Division, where we ply our trade, have slipped back and our local rivals St. Mary’s and Walton ended up 7th and 8th respectively, and were never in the fight. A competitive 3rd place, behind the two clubs ranked above us in British Athletics League divisional status, is a fair reflection of where we stand and a good result, given the injury problems we’ve suffered from all season.


Reports from the track and field ...

The following athletes represented K&P in the League and Final: David Cook; Drako Mkpa; Jason Louis Bernard; Chris Jennings; Chuck Isetts; Mike May; Justin Green; Pat Logan; Pat Hillyer; Cashel Riordan; Gordon Lester; George Corcoran; Jamie Barton; Andy Robinson; Andy Arbour; Stefan Skwara; Sean Renfer; Richard Holt; Maurice Joyce; Humphrey Waddington; Bilen Ahmet; Tom Beedell; Jud Hough; Steve MacDowall; Ron Taylor; Ian Richardson; Mike Clarke; Craig Price; Andre Nembhard; Jamie McCullagh; Adam Bellis; Tom Butcher; Kiran Richards; Chris Richards; Dida Alsaffar; Phil Bearman jnr; Phil Bearman snr; Chris Dack; Nick Logan; Jordan Smith‐Bent; James Williams; Chris Bundhun; David Greenfield; Danny Eckersley; Richard Mathie; Chris Bannon; James Robertson; Chris Hall; Maris Kuklis; Nick Owen.

British Athletics League, report by David Barrington

This summer really was a case of missed opportunities! An opening win at Copthall in June bode well and, to be honest, most of the other seven teams, even allowing for known absentees, appeared vulnerable – if we managed to field our leading performers. That is always a big “if” – and, whilst it does happen, life tends to be not like that. The 344 points we accumulated, without necessarily being at full strength, suggested a promising season.

Not so, of course, though the 2nd match at Yeovil, though not as productive, saw us 2nd, and more significantly, at the time, pushed Exeter and ourselves three league points clear at the top.

Come the 3rd match at Winchester, and Lady Luck no longer smiled upon us. Already missing leading scorers either injured or not available, a number of enforced last minute changes saw us slump (6th), as did Exeter, to be fair, but Southend were the more consistent, and won the match to complete a startling transformation in the table.

Going to Swansea, there was a small reprieve due to a scoring error at Winchester, and we were faced with the simple fact that beating Exeter would give us a promotion place. Sadly, a series of mishaps damaged our prospects mid‐afternoon, and, though we rallied late on and closed in, it was not to be, and we shall resume in National Three in 2011.

As always, there were substantial commitments to the cause, but I have to say that the spirit and liveliness of all 35 who competed in the team this year, was exemplary – and a real pleasure to your TM. May it ever remain so – it’s not our job or our livelihood, but it is about serious personal commitment and enjoyment, with the spin‐off that a competition like the BAL can engender the team ethic and spirit – or, to be less pompous, perhaps, supporting, and even winding up, your fellow team members, in an effort to win events and, thus, matches!

Purely from a stats viewpoint, Chris Hall, who came over from Uni. in Germany twice, was top points scorer (105), narrowly from Joint Team Captain, Gareth Cook (93).

Those two, plus Adam Omisore, Adam Bellis, Craig Price, Chris Bannon, Jud Hough, Andy Wheble & Chris Dack were ever‐presents, with 14 others just missing one match of the four. Considering we commenced operations with the likes of Humphrey Waddington, Michael Hobson, Nick Owen, Tom Parry, Sam Dobin, Will Trimble and Felix Hatton all expected to miss the whole summer, and with every team’s usual share of injuries and other priorities, it says a great deal of all those who stepped up to the mark, and, indeed, magnanimously, some of the above managed to force their bodies onto the ‘starting line” – the Club and the Team Management, if they had them, take their hats off to you all!

Next Summer, as you may have seen from Peter Waddington’s Match Report, we shall resume against Yeovil, Havering Mayesbrook, Swansea, Leeds, Cambridge H(that’s a London club),Channel Isles and Glasgow City. Generally, clubs are expected to host in alternate years – those who would host in 2011 on those grounds would be K&P, Havering and Cambridge. There will definitely be one long trip; let’s hope it’s Leeds and not Glasgow or Jersey (although they do have a lovely track and very good food – Ed) Guernsey.


As well as the athletes, including those who came along to non‐score and to stand‐by, I would like to thank Peter, Mary & Humphrey Waddington, Gareth Cook, Mark Hall and Geoff Owen, along with others, who did sterling work as Team Captains, Officials, Administrators, Website Report Writers, Recruitment Officers, Supporters etc, generally providing the support expected from member clubs to the BAL ,not least, Mike May, who was the Divisional Secretary. If I have omitted anyone by name, then please feel free to include yourself in the above, with my thanks!

As a postscript, with the retirement of Maurice Ault of Exeter and Bill Laws of Belgrave, your TM is probably the oldest BAL TM – I am not expecting to stand down whilst I can still tell a javelin from a pair of starting blocks, but you never know!

The Final League Table and full results of all 4 matches, and all BAL information can be found at – www.bal.org.uk ‐ but Southend & Exeter were promoted, K&P/Yeovil/Havering & Swansea stay put, and Bournemouth & Southampton went down.

Ebbisham League, report by Gill Broderick

This league enables young male athletes in the club to have a go at an event in a smaller, local league. Notwithstanding the strong opposition, it is also an excellent opportunity to compete against athletes who are highly ranked in the county.

Very good performances were recorded from our small team who put in 100%effort to get as many points as they could but unfortunately we have moveddown to D2. William Van Klaveren has been a key factor in our points in thefield, topping the U15s boys shot, discus and running a very creditable 12.5 inthe 100m. Matthew Stevens and Matt Broderick, Oliver Phelps also showedtheir strong commitment to the club.

Personal Bests from the season: Rory Vassell 100m 16.3; Harry Morgan highjump – 1.25m; Issac Henriquez – javelin – 18.50m; Matthew Stevens – 800m –2.37.6; Matt Broderick – triple jump 10.00m; and Phillip Bearman – 1500m –4.48.7.

The competition has been of a high standard this year. We finished in 6th place in Div 1 and Dorking Mole Valley, are joining us next year in Div 2. Althoughwe have competed enthusiastically, it has shown what we need to do ascoaches to ensure that our athletes return in 2011 as being confident incompeting in an event. We can become fitter, or as skilled as others, and onlyby competing against others and training regularly can the Kingston team learnto improve. I am confident that competing in Div 2 will give us a chance torenew and lift our performances with more wins next year. While somenotable athletes were unable to compete at every match; I’d like to expressmy thanks to any athlete who did turn out together with the parents forbringing them.

THANKS also to the officials who helped throughout the season: DavidBarrington, Brenda Ford, Sheila Brackpool, Frank Schubert, Susanne Dietrich,Andy Robinson, David Stevens, Ian Broderick, Owen Atkinson and MauriceJoyce.


Southern Men’s Vets League, report by Mike MayAfter a good start where we got a good turnout for Croydon, and came third in the first match, our season went downhill, and in the fourth match we were also adversely affected by a tower block fire on the housing estate next to Kingsmeadow leading to the closure of local roads except the one from the New Malden roundabout used by Croydon Harriers and Striders of Croydon!

The first match was notable for a sudden change in the weather. When we arrived the balmy weekend weather promised good conditions for the evening, but 10 minutes before the 100m a cold front arrived bringing strong headwinds in the sprints and a distinctive drop in temperature. We had wins from Pat Logan in the 100m, and Chris Taplin in the 400m, and Chris Richards made his vets league debut in the M50 100m 400m and anchored our 4x100 relay team.

At Ewell in our second match a major haemorrhage of team members in the two days up to the match for various reasons, some unimpeachable, and others pathetic, left us with a lot of gaps with only one runner in the 3000m, and, except for Maurice Joyce, no specialist field eventers. We came a distant 4th, despite wins in the M35 and M40 200m races by Draco Mkpa, and Pat Logan, and at 800m by Chris Taplin.

Our third match at Croydon was reasonably well attended for that venue, and the weather behaved itself this time. We were missing an M40 5000m runner and M35 and M50 1500m runners and this cost us, as we were narrowly pipped for third by Striders of Croydon. We had wins from Pat Logan, and Chris Richards, and good 2nd places from Chris Taplin, Andy Arbour, and your team manager.

Our fourth match, which should have given us home advantage was disrupted by the fire, with Draco Mkpa and Chris Richards having to abandon their cars and run up to a mile to get to Kingsmeadow in time, and others arriving too late for earlier events, or not at all. Fortunately however Gareth Cook arrived before the disruption and made his Vets League debut in the discus, and Geoff van Klaveren made his season’s league debut (and finale) in the M50 discus and javelin. We were 4th again, finishing 4th overall.

National Junior League, report by David Hillyer

After a successful initial season in the NJAL we approached this year’s campaign with a fair deal of optimism. However, due to various reasons we were unfortunately unable to reach the heady heights attained twelve months ago.

Things started badly when we lost Tom Parry (last year’s top scorer) with a season long injury before our first match. This home fixture at Kingsmeadow set the tone for the whole season as we surprisingly struggled to get a reasonably sized team out even at our own track. Unavailability for numerous reasons made it difficult to be as competitive as we would have wished and this resulted in us finishing in 4th place in the Division overall.

The struggle to get people to compete can be evidenced by the fact that this year we had just six “ever‐presents” compared with eleven last year. Only Rahannah Gillette‐Vernon, Pippa Wingate, Asher Nelson, Will Trimble, together with 2nd claimers Leanne Bettis and Neville Harris appeared at all four fixtures. Pippa and Asher ended the season as our top scorers and were our mainstays in the throwing events.

We normally picked up good points in the throws with Pippa being well supported by Rahannah, Leanne, Amelia Maugouber and Maura Maughan, whilst Adam Wicks also picked up good results alongside Asher.

We found points harder to come by in the Jumps where a lot of reliance was put on Patrick Hillyer who battled valiantly in both the Triple and Long events. We unearthed some very promising talent in the High Jump with Ben Bessant and Leah Dyson doing well in the fixtures they attended, whilst Gordon Lester struggled slightly after a promising start in the PV. Aiden Fahey proved to be a good addition, competing well in the PV and jumping a vastly improved PB in the TJ at Guildford. Apart from Leah and Leanne, we found it difficult to put out regular jumping competitors for the girls and hopefully this will change for the better in 2011.


Kingston Athletic ClubFormerly Surrey AC

(Founded 1903)&

Polytechnic Harriers(founded 1883)

Winter Fixture Card 2010 - 2011

Affiliated to UKA

President Patrick LoganPatron Leonard Hatton

CLUB OFFICERS 2010‐2011Chairman of Committee Peter Waddington 020 8549 3856Deputy Chairman Geoff Reed 020 8549 7976General Secretary David Barrington 01932 7989758 (not after 10 pm)Assistant General Secretary Gillian Libretto 020 8942 3409Treasurer Rachel Brookes 07889 138990Membership Secretaries David Barrington 01932 789758 David Curzon 020 8879 0807Asst Membership Secretaries Gillian Libretto 020 8942 3409 Mary Dimbleby 020 8287 5464Minutes Secretary Geoff Reed 020 8549 7976Coaching Co‐Ordinator/Network Liaison Officer Pat Logan 020 8393 2000Officials’ Secretary David Barrington 01932 789758Press Officer VacantNewsletter Editor Camilla Thrush 01372 273600Equipment Officers Maurice Joyce 020 7723 6351 John Simmons 020 8391 0588Men’s 1st Team (T&F) David Barrington 01932 789758Women’s 1st TM Clare Nelson 020 8336 0950Men’s 2nd TM VacantLily B League TMs Lyn Edwards 020 8274 0340 Mary Dimbleby 020 8287 5464NYAL TM Boys: Frank Schubert 020 8399 7084 Girls: Gill Broderick 020 8398 4151NJAL TM Men: David Hillyer 020 8393 1653 Women: Michele Wicks 01737 856288Ebbisham League TM Gill Broderick 020 8398 4151Downs League TM Susanne Dietrich 020 8399 7084100 Club Organiser Debbie Raymond 01372 374731 9am – 9pm onlyVeterans’ League TMs Women:Nicky Atkins 020 8397 7931 Nicki Murphy 020 8549 2085 Men:Mike May 020 8946 8965Rosenheim League Sasha Gordon 020 8715 9382Team Managers Humphrey Waddington 020 8549 3856Women’s Team Captain(T&T) Camilla Thrush 01372 273600Men’s Team Captains Humphrey Waddington 020 9549 3856 Gareth Cook 01372 809794Trophies Secretary Sue Shilling 020 8715 9683Women’s Cross Country/Road Sec Debbie Raymond 01372 374731 9am – 9pm onlyMen’s Cross Country/Road Sec Matthew Hyett 07833 644463Sportshall Team Managers Gillian Libretto 020 8942 3409 Gill Broderick(Under 11s) 020 8398 4151Child Protection Officer Cashel Riordan 020 8942 1069Merchandiser Rowena Bass 020 8942 4800Social Convenor Vacant 25th Anniversary Organiser Camilla Thrush 01372 273600Development Team – Gillian Libretto, Clare Nelson, Maurice Joyce, Pat Logan, Roger TaylorHonorary Auditor Howard Taylor 020 8442 1556Club Webmaster Les Hatton 020 8942 3409The Club Website is at ‐ www.kingstonandpoly.org

CLUB CHAMPIONS 2009‐2010Under 11 Girls Peter Townsend Trophy Mollie O’SullivanUnder 11 Boys Steve Hall Trophy Nick RilettUnder 13 Girls Stan Belton Trophy Bridget LangfordUnder 13 Boys Jimmy Wood Trophy Phillip BearmanUnder 15 Girls Stan Belton Trophy Jenny MilesUnder 15 Boys Jimmy Wood Trophy Nikolaj SchubertUnder 17 Women Cox Vase Gaby MilesUnder 17 Men Jimmy Wood Trophy No contestUnder 20 Women Doris Belton Trophy No contestUnder 20 Men Alec Addis Trophy Tom RatcliffWomen Doris Nice Trophy Debbie RaymondMen 5 Miles (Open Bert Long Trophy Andy ArbourMen 7 Miles to David Pool Trophy Ant BudarkiewiczMen 9 Miles Women) JC Brewer Trophy Andy ArbourWomen Veteran Parents Trophy Susanne DietrichMen Veteran 5 M H’cap George Harrup Trophy Ant BudarkiewiczMen Veteran 7 M H’cap Pat Wilks Trophy Ant Budarkiewicz

STAN BELTON/ BERT & DORIS HOLLAND / KEN YATES SCHOOLS WINNERSU11 Boys Team Frank Schubert Trophy Unicorn SchoolU13 Boys Team Doris Holland Trophy John Fisher SchoolU15 Boys Team Bert Holland Trophy John Fisher SchoolU11 Girls Team Frank Schubert Trophy St Agatha’s PrimaryU13 Girls Team Stan Belton Trophy Tiffins SchoolU15 Boys Team Stan Belton Trophy No contestANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 27th 2011 (provisionally) at the Royal Oak PH, New Malden, commencing at 10.30 am .

SENIOR MEMBERSPresident Patrick LoganPatron Leonard T HattonPast Presidents Mrs G Belton, Mrs DM Dean, DJ Dyer, LT Hatton, MH Joyce, Mrs S Shilling, PC Tomkins, Mrs MA Waddington, Mrs MV Wicks, CS Williams, DG WilsonLife Members DWJ Anthony, E McDonald Bailey, FG Bailey, DR Barrington, RG Bartlett, PJ Beacham, Miss DM Blaize, CWA Campbell, Mrs M Chitty, R Clarke, AR Cruttenden, Mrs ES Davidson, Mrs DM Dean, RH Dunkley, DJ Dyer, JS Evans,

JHP Fitzsimons, Mrs SH Ford, RM Frith, TJM Graham, PB Hildreth, JJ Hogan, REH Jones, MH Joyce, LA Laing, HP Logan, AN MacFarlane, NJ Overhead, NJL Owen, AP Pascoe MBE, AM Ronay, MJ Ruddy, A Sharp, Mrs S Shilling, JP Snowden, JC Thrush, PC Tomkins, AP Weatherhead, TA Whittle, Mrs MV Wicks, CS Williams, DG WilsonVice Presidents RS Adams, AW Arbour, WJ Attwood, A Bailey, JRB Barnard, DR Barrington, RG Bartlett, Mrs J Benifer, Mrs RE Brookes, A Budarkiewicz, CWA Campbell, RN Carrington, AL Charman, Mrs M Chitty, WN Coyne, MI Elliot, SB Farrow, Mrs BK Ford, Mrs SH Ford, RM Frith, Mrs S Grierson, Mrs R Hamilton, Prof Leslie Hatton, S Hinchliffe, R Holdaway, M Howlett, R Hutchinson, Dr CA Isetts, GL Libretto, MA Maranzano, MR May, JJ McCullagh, RJ McDonough, Mrs CM Nelson,T Ojasoo, ST Poulson, WS Poulson, F Powell,JB Ratcliff, Dr RD Rawlings, P Rawson, Mrs DR Raymond, GC Reed MBE, MG Reed, MW Roberts, PE Shilling, DM Smith, HJL Taylor, R Taylor, J Terrey, JC Thrush, PJA Waddington, GS Ward, P Wilks

Winter Fixtures 2010‐2011Notes : 1 K&P PROMOTIONS – VENUE IN CAPITALS 2 For M and W except where indicatedSEPTEMBER Sun 5 6‐Stage River Relay V. Water – HamSat 11 Surrey Road Relays Wimbledon ParkSun 26 SEAA Road Relays AldershotOCTOBERSat 2 Club Champs(1) 5m O/V/U20 + I/C SHEEN GATE Surrey YA CC Relays Stoke Park, GuildfordSun 3 Geoff Moulden 10k Wimbledon ParkSat 9 Surrey Mens League(1) Lloyd Park, Croydon Surrey Ladies League(1) KINGSTON GATESat 16 Surrey Masters Champs PetershamSat 23 Bank of England I/C Roehampton GateSun 24 Sportshall U13/U15(1) Spectrum, GuildfordNOVEMBERSat 6 Club Champs(2) 7m O/V + I/C SHEEN GATESun 7 Downs League(1) EPSOM DOWNSSat 13 Surrey Mens League(2) Wimbledon Common Surrey Ladies League(2) Denbies, DorkingSat 20 London Champs Parliament HillSat 27 South of Thames 5m tbaSun 28 Sportshall U13/U15 (2) Spectrum,GuildfordDECEMBERSat 4 Ellis Trophy PetershamSun 5 Downs League(2) Epsom DownsSat 11 HWAC I/C Wimbledon CommonSat 18 South of Thames 7.5m tbaSat 25 Lauriston Paarlauf Wimbledon CommonJANUARY 2011Sat 1 HWAC/Lauiston 5m Wimbledon CommonSat 8 Surrey Champs Lloyd Park,CroydonSat 15 Surrey Mens League(3) Epsom Downs Surrey Ladies League(3) Ham CommonSat 22 Surrey Schools Champs Reigate PriorySat 29 Club Champs(3) YA/Belton Schools KINGSTON GATE SEAA Champs Parliament HillFEBRUARYSat 5 Club Champs(4) 9m SHEEN GATESat 12 Surrey Mens League(4) Petersham Surrey Ladies League(4) Putney ValeSat 19 National CC Champs tba(Midlands)Sun 20 Downs League(3) Epsom DownsSat/Sun 26/27 Surrey Indoor Champs(prov) Sutton ArenaMARCHSat 5 CAU Champs Birmingham Ranelagh I/C PetershamSun 6 Downs League(4 Epsom DownsSat 12 East Surrey League BoxhillAPRILSun 3 SEAA 12 Stage Relay Milton Keynes East Surrey League West EwellSat/Sun 9/10 K&P Throws Meet KINGSMEADOWSun 17 London Marathon Greenwich

On the track, we saw good performances in the sprints from Ciara Franck, whilst Will Trimble was our main male sprinter normally supported by Patrick and Aidan. All three improved their PBs throughout the season.

We had to fill the other girl’s places with various athletes as and when they were available.

Neville Harris was our mainstay in the 400. He was joined by Kyan Koranteng in some matches and both did well against good opposition. The main male distance participant was George Corcoran, who continues to improve both in times and maturity and should be one of the favourites in the middle distance events next year. George was backed up by a variety of athletes, who, if available next season could form a very useful distance squad. Gaby Miles and Molly Renfer were the only two distance runners for the girls, with Molly producing some outstanding times, whilst Gaby picked up excellent points with both good times and extremely brave running.

In the relays we put out a variety of teams who produced good and sometimes entertaining performances.

My thanks, as always go to our team of officials and the parents who gave all the team their support, as well as fellow Team Manager, Michele Wicks. Finally I must thank all the athletes that have been part of the team, they have been a pleasure to manage, competed as best they can and have been a huge credit to the Club. Hopefully next season we can get a more athletes out to try to recapture our Divisional title.

National Young Athletes League, report by Frank Schubert

After only avoiding relegation thanks to the restructuring of the League, our task for 2010 was to show that we deserve to remain in Division 1. A first sign of hope for a successful season came when, despite atrocious weather conditions, the team filled two minibuses for our first competition at Lea Valley. Spirit and performance of our team surpassed expectations, winning joint first place in the match.

We had even beaten St. Mary’s on track and field, and just fell short on officials’ points. Strangely, while the first match was our most successful in terms of position, it turned out to be our lowest scoring result. Under the new League rules, match points rather than league points determine the position in the League table, so high scores are vital. The second match in Croydon was a very close encounter between Camberley, Woking and us.

In the end Camberley just had the edge, but we held off Woking to consolidate a reassuring midfield position in the League table halfway through the season.

A home match is usually a great opportunity to score valuable points and secure a win. Unfortunately we had drawn the short straw this time, having to host the two top teams in our division. Bracknell indeed were not to be beaten, but Wycombe Phoenix had their hopes of promotion shattered when we managed to narrowly get ahead of them. For the last match we were missing some of the regular team members, but not least thanks to new members secured the third consecutive 2nd place.

Overall we finished in safe 6th place in the League. Even more importantly, at no point this season were we at risk of relegation. This was largely due to very good turnout in many age groups (38 girls and 45 boys altogether), great team spirit and many excellent performances.

Special praise for the dozen athletes who competed in all four matches: Matthew Broderick, Adam Curran, Lauren Edwards, Matthew Elmore, Rahannah Gillette‐Vernon, Nick Hart, Frances Rennie, Kiran Richards, Bryony Ross, Vanessa Saunders, Nikolaj Schubert, and William van Klaveren. We did not lose any match this season and were only beaten by three teams in direct contest – good prospects for 2011.


Lily B League, report by Mary DimblebyThis has been an amazing season for the Lily B team who have gone from strength to strength as the season progressed.

The season started steadily with at third place at Guildford, achieved by great performances by the U13 and U15 teams, unfortunately the U17 were unable to match their achievements as there were only two competitors. However at the next match at Sutton we had even stronger U13 and U15 team and managed to win the event despite only two U17’s again, some achievement and our first match win for some considerable time. The third match was at Wimbledon and the team surpassed their previous efforts with a clear match win by nearly forty points.

These great results meant we finished second in the league behind Guildford and Godalming and qualified for the cup final, a huge improvement on last year when we had only made the plate final.

The cup final was always going to be a tough match. The team rallied round and we were able to field our strongest team of the season including four U17’s!!. The team spirit was fantastic and everyone filled in on events outside their normal remit to make sure we got as many points as possible. At the end of the day it was really close and it seemed to take forever before the results were announced, but finally we heard the news, The winners of the 2010 Lily B cup final by a mere 5.5 points, Kingston and Poly!!!

We were all so excited and much cheering was followed by a lap of honour clutching the trophy and the club banner. This truly was an amazing team effort and every single point counted. A huge thank you to everyone who competed on the day, to all those who competed throughout the season and helped us to qualify for the final.

There have been numerous PB’s over the course of the season which is really encouraging for the future. We have had great support at U13 and U15 but have had very few U17’s compete which makes this achievement all the more remarkable. It would be wonderful if next year we could have even more competitors in every age group as now we have a trophy to defend!!

A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in any way with the team over the summer, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Southern Women’s Vets League, report by Nicky Atkins

The Southern Women’s’ veteran’s league is a track and field league for women over the age of 35 years. There are four meetings during the summer season on Monday evenings. This year the venues were at Croydon Arena, on two occasions, hosted by Croydon Harriers and Striders of Croydon; Ewell Court, hosted by Epsom and Ewell Harriers and Kingsmeadow hosted by Kingston and Poly.

This year these athletes competed, many participating in multi‐events showing their commitment to team spirit: Joan Trimble, Camilla Thrush, Jo Regan (Walton), Susanne Dietrich, Dina Francis, Rachel Disley, Nicky Atkins, Debbie Singleton (Walton), Nicki Murphy, Odette McHenry and Gill Broderick. (Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anybody).

During most events, K&P succeeded in gaining first or 2nd place positions which resulted in being 2nd at each meeting and finishing 2nd overall to Epsom & Ewell Harriers, who have a larger age range than us enabling them to cover more events.

Although many of us offered to do multi‐events to gain extra points, I am positive to say that we all had an enjoyable time and I would like to say a big thank to everyone who took part because we wouldn’t have finished in 2nd place without each one of you.

The track season is now finished and the nights are drawing in, so now it is time to rest and prepare ourselves for winter training and the cross country season and look forward to the summer 2011 track season.


Rosenheim Women’s League, report by Sasheana Gordon

It has been extremely good season as us ladies won back our plate in the Rosenheim League, I would like to say a big thank you to all those that took part with and without injuries to make this happen this year; Debbie Raymond, Lana Whatley, Pippa Wingate, Natalie Sacre, Harriet Lester, Camilla Thrush, Leanne Bettis, Mary Iheke, Claire McLeish, Natasha Cook, Liz Richardson, Gaby Miles, Joan Trimble, Molly Renfer and Nicky Atkins. I would also like to thank everyone for their willingness to try events that they don’t normally participate in. The Rosenheim is such a relaxed and friendly competition to be in, with great team spirit, lets continue are victory and win the league again next season.

Wishing everyone a the best for the winter season and hopefully see you all next summer.

English Schools

The first swathe of Surrey's 60 allocated selections for these Championships of 2010, which featured mostly those who have achieved the Schools National Standard, rewarded two of K&P's most improved Under 20 Women, both of whom have made significant breakthroughs recently ‐ Pippa Wingate, under the tutelage of Tony Cook, has broken the Club Open Record(as well as the U20 mark) for the Hammer with 39m59, whilst the Richard Holt‐coached Molly Renfer's 2.10.91 over 800 eclipsed the existing U20 standard. Well done, girls!

Molly comfortably secured her place in Saturday's Senior Girls 800 final, qualifying in 3rd place in 2.16.31. Molly moved substantially towards new horizons and fulfilled further promise by taking a fine bronze medal with another major two second leap up the ladder, clocking 2.08.94. This takes her to 12th on the UK Under 20 list for 2010, and, as significantly, to 54th on the Open Lists (TOPS).

Pippa Wingate faced 19 opponents in Saturday's Senior Girls Hammer Final. Her coach, Tony Cook, will also be pleased that she showed she was far from overawed in her biggest contest to date ‐ whilst a couple of metres short of her recent PB/Club record, her 13th in 37.52 proves she should be

Club records

Men

Under 17 Men 100 11.14 Tucker BryantUnder 17 Men 200 22.96 = Tucker BryantUnder 20 Men Pole Vault 4m 00 Gordon Lester Under 20 Men Pole Vault 4m 10 Gordon Lester M40 Men Shot 12.06 Gareth Cook M40 Men Discus 38m 96 Gareth Cook Women

Under 13 Girls’s 800 2:27.6 Elle ButcherUnder 20 Women 800 2:10.91 Molly RenferUnder 20 Women 800 2:08.94 Molly RenferUnder 20 Women Hammer 38m 35 Pippa WingateUnder 20 Women Hammer 39m 59 Pippa Wingate Under 20 Women Hammer 39m 85 Pippa WingateUnder 20 Women Discus 32m 45 Pippa Wingate Open Women’s 100 11.8 Dominique BlaizeOpen Women’s 100 11.87= Dominique Blaize Open Women’s 200 24.05 Dominique BlaizeOpen Women’s 400 55.74 Mary Iheke Open Women’s Shot 13m 47 Dominique Blaize Open Women’s Heptathlon 5671pts Dominique Blaize Open Women’s Hammer 39m 59 Pippa WingateOpen Women’s Hammer 39m 85 Pippa Wingate

For more details about all the club records please visit theK&P website.


European Veterans Championships report by Mike May

Four K&P athletes went to the European Veterans Track and Field Championships in the city of Nyiregygaza (don’t ask how to pronounce it!) in Hungary in July.

HighlightsJoan Trimble winning bronze medal in W55 100m (4th in 200m in a PB), and getting two gold relay medals and a share in the 4 x 400 world record.Pat Logan getting two silver medals in the M45 100m and 200m just a month before going up to the next age group, plus getting 4 x 100m GoldChuck Isetts getting two bronze Relay Medals.

Road repot by Matt Hyett

There wasn’t a huge turnout for the various road races this season, but there were a couple of fairly good performances. One of the first races was the Sutton 10k. Only I took part in this, finishing 46th in 38.42. It was absolutely pouring with rain but a flat fast course and good fun. Three K&P members then took part in the Richmond half marathon, David Greenfield (1.42.08), Bob McDonough (1.45.1) and Nicky Atkins (1.48.07). In a great race Nicky Atkins achieved a PB in the Bracknell half marathon (1.44.42) placing 284th out of 951 runners. Well done. Nicky also took part in the Surrey slog half marathon placing 133rd (2.05.50) and in the Elmbridge 10k (48.17). My best run on the road over the Summer was at the Reigate 10k where I finished 11th in 38.52. All in all good training for the Winter.

Kestrel Club

The Kestrel Club has now been running for over a year with an ever increasing number of athletesinvolved. The training is for the youngest members of the club (primarily years 4‐7, but a few up to year 9) on a Tuesday evening from 5.00 to 6.15pm or on Sunday mornings 10:15 – 11:30am. The Kestrel Club is open to all who would like to come along from school years 4 to 9. If you or your friends are interested, please just come along. You can contact Richard for details on [email protected] or call him on 01252 513973.

Pole Vault, report by Maurice Joyce

Whilst a number of K&P young athletes have “had a go” at pole vault this year we currently have four young pole vaulters who are training consistently and who have made impressive progress through the season.

Caitlin Dimbleby is well ranked in the Power of 10 list, is vaulting close to the club record and recently won a medal at the Woking young athletes meeting in the age group above her own. Aidan Fahey and Nicole Kendall have supported the club well at this (and other events) in the National Young Athletes and National Junior League. In addition they have both represented Surrey County at intercounty meetings. Rohit Naha, although not competing this summer has returned to training, is vaulting well over 3m and has committed to competing next year.

In addition to the above athletes, and training elsewhere, Bilen Ahmet has vaulted regularly in the senior men’s section and taken his PB to over 4m this year. Bilen also enjoys multi‐events that can really help in the extremely challenging event of pole vault.

Anyone is welcome to try pole vaulting. You can make an arrangement with Maurice to do so. He trains at the track on Tuesdays and Thursdays and he will help you progress in achievable steps.

Coaching reports


Kingston AC and Polytechnic Harriers 25th Anniversary Dinner and Dance 9th December 2010

Booking form

I would like to book _____ places at the dinner and dance.Name:Menu selectionStarter choice:Main choice:Dessert choice:

Name:Menu selectionStarter choice:Main choice:Dessert choice:

Name:Menu selectionStarter choice:Main choice:Dessert choice:

Please continue on a separate sheet if booking for more than three people

Your phone number:Your address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Please make your cheque payable to Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers £____ and send to 72 Stag Leys, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2TL

Closing date for booking 10th November 2010

As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations there will be a selection of kit for one year which will be available to order from December 2010. The kit will have a one off logo alongside the K&P logo. Members of the club are asked to vote via the K&P website , by email [email protected]; or by post (Logo Competition, 72 Stag Leys, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2TL) for the logo they would like to see used on the new kit. There are four logos to chose from below, voting closes on the 1st November 2010. The winner of the chosen logo will receive a jacket of their choice with the new logo.

A new kit catalogue including all weather clothing and fleeces will soon be available. The catalogue and order form for this one off selection of kit will be available on the club website from December.

25th Anniversary Logo competition


Kingston AC and Polytechnic Harriers1985 – 2010 Celebrating 25 years

Logo 3

Logo 1 Logo 2

Logo 4

Coaching from the heart, report by Pat Logan

The strength of an athletics club lies in the number and ability of its active members and that in turn comes from the number of good coaches that a club has. Many coaches have worked hard over the years to inspire our athletes, all for little or no financial return. Their only reward is to see children with enthusiasm and raw talent reach their potential as athletes.

One outstanding example of a coach who has managed to do this over and over again for K&P is Stewart Poulson. Stewart had already been coaching for several years with Surrey AC before we became Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers. All his children represented the club in the nineteen‐eighties and his group of athletes formed the nucleus of the Club in its early years. Claire Bessant, later to become Stewart’s daughter‐in‐law, became his first international athlete when she cleared 1.91 in the High Jump in 1990. Many others were to follow, culminating in Dominique Blaize’s magnificent international performance in Estonia this summer.

Many coaches who are lucky and skilful enough to coach an international athlete use it as a launching pad to attract other internationals to the group. This gives them recognition and notoriety across the athletic community. This has never been Stewart’s style. His athletes have always been K&P athletes, who have been prepared to compete for the Club. This is all part of the loyalty and enthusiasm that Stewart instils in people. He has always been willing to take whatever novices join the club and bring them through. It takes tremendous dedication to turn novices into accomplished athletes and can often take a decade of commitment. The Club will always be grateful that we were the beneficiaries of this dedication.

Stewart decided to retire from coaching in August whilst still at the top of his game. Thankfully, he remains in good health and is looking forward to relaxing in a new home near the south coast with his wife, Linda, for many years to come. We wish them both a long and happy retirement.

30 years plus of coaching, a few words from the man himself…

I had always been interested in most sports as a youngster, mainly Boxing, Rugby, Gymnastics and Athletics (yes I was young once). It all startedwhen I promised my daughter Lorraine that if she won the school sports for the fourth time then we would take her to an athletics club,(so you have her to blame for all your aches and pains).

We went to Epsom & Ewell Harriers where we were told to see a Mr Nicholson who seemed to be in charge of all the children. I introduced myself and my four children, Mark, Wade, Lorraine and Stacey and said that we would like to join the club. So the following training session I promptly dropped the kids off and went home and returned two hours later, this went on for two weeks or so then Mr Nicholson called me over (I don’t know why because my name is Stewart) and asked if I would be interested in helping with the children.

My job was to collect all the stragglers and bring them back safely we went on long runs. It was just as well because I would never have kept up with the front runners.

E&E Harriers offered to pay for my coaching courses during which time I had already started to coach some of my own youngsters under the guidance of Mr Nicholson.

During my stay at E&E I had the great fortune to meet George Gerrard a throws coach (a really great guy) and we became good friends. George and I swapped coaching ideas to make it more interesting for the kids. We had a good time at E&E but decided to go to Surrey Ladies and start a men’s section with the help of all the Kingston based coaches, officials and committee members.


The mens section was mainly made up of 17 to 20 year olds, (we won every league match ) it must have attracted some attention because a certain Mr Barrington came on the scene, the idea was to join forces with Polytechnic Harriers, which as you can see has been greatly to our benefit (David is a diamond as well as the main man) even if he is a grump at times, but he has put the club back on the map.

Anyway back to my coaching skills, let me tell you there are none, it is just a matter of finding the children that will listen tell them some jokes (Sasheana knows where to get the book), and make sure they enjoy the sessions so that they want to come back. The backbone of any club is the club standard athlete.

P.S. I have met some of the nicest kids and their mums that anyone is likely to meet. The fun and laughter, telling of jokes, smiles on faces, it has been great and something I will never forget.

Dominique’s selection for GB for the combined events Euro Cup in Talinn in June this year was a real boost as she was coming back from serious injury but taking her first National title made it all worthwhile. Here in her own words she tells how she has overcome some difficult times.

I am sure that most of the Club members would look my 2010 athletic season and not be surprised by the fact that I got a Senior GB international, scored over the qualifying mark for the Commonwealth Games and ranked 5th in the UK for my event. However those close to me would know that in 2008 I suffered a bad back injury and came very close to limping away from the sport and although between 2008 and 2010 I competed I was heavily dosed up on painkillers much to my mothers worries especially when I started to get dizzy and feel sick. To fix this I spent at least a thousand pounds on physiotherapy and then went drastic and got a Cortisone injection just so I could do day‐to‐day activities.

From injury to success ...

When I first started training last winter my main aim was to be able to run pain free something which I managed in 8 weeks and when I say pain free my back didn’t hurt but my whole body ached because I had to work harder than everyone else to get back to fitness. I can still remember the first time I was allowed to actually high jump I was like a child in a candy shop, and yet a year later I look back at my competition season and I am disappointed with my achievements, maybe that’s what makes me an athlete even though I am back doing a sport I have loved since I was a little girl, I will not be happy until I know I have done everything humanely possible to make it in this sport.One thing I have learnt that it won’t be easy and pain will become my friend not when it actually hurts (winter training) but in the ‘sunny’ months of the competition season when you are standing on the start line and you know you’re in the best shape you can be in!

Dominique's return to top form saw her leap to 24th on the All‐Time UK Heptathlon List with an substantial improvement to 5671 pts, some 266 in excess of her previous best. Opening with 14.22 over 100H,she progressed to a 1m77 high jump, a great effort for a shot PB of 13.47m ,ending day one with a 24.19 200,only 3/100ths off her fastest. Day two has been her achilles heel in the past, but with a 6m25 PB in the long jump, then a moderate 32m30 in the javelin, by which time the title was almost in the bag ‐ and a 2m36.44 PB in the 800m she completed a memorable two days, both for Dominique and her support team of mum Clare, Debbie, Sasha, Lana and, latterly, Matt Field.


K&P Development: New network initiative

Avid readers of Athletics Weekly will probably be aware that England Athletics (EA) has announced a new approach to supporting the clubs. They want to encourage clubs in the same area to work together to drive up the quality of coaching and athlete recruitment. Your committee has been working hard for years to improve the club, but we have always been limited by the lack of time and money make progress. EA’s Athletics Network scheme aims to overcome this difficulty by providing the finance to hire part‐time paid help and further cash to get improvements off the ground.

Our Club have decided to take advantage of this scheme by working with St Mary’s Richmond AC, The Stragglers and Ranelagh Harriers. This is an alliance to share ideas and resources. It is not a club merger of any kind and each club intends to maintain their independence. The other three clubs in the network happen to have a strong endurance running background which should be advantageous to K&P. We have been doing well recently in the middle and long‐distance events on the track and cross‐country. However, we still need to increase the number of distance runners in the club. We hope to use the experience of these clubs along with support from the London Marathon, Run in England and the new Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre, based at St Mary’s University, to improve this weakness.

The alliance, called the South West London Network, is due to be launched in November. Here is a summary of the list of projects we intend to tackle over the next few years:

Project 1: Employ a Network Activator (recently completed): Recruit someone on a part‐time basis to make the other projects come to fruition by harnessing the drive and enthusiasm of club members.

Project 2: Implement a Network Structure: Set up the network so that it runs smoothly with involvement and benefits for all the four clubs. Arrange a launch event and tell members of the clubs about the network. Find out what works well for each club and share ideas.

Project 3: Volunteer Recruitment/ Development: Find ways of recruiting volunteers and recognising them for their efforts.

Project 4: Coaching Development: Encourage people into coaching and to keep them continuously developing and moving on.

Project 5: Athlete Development: Make sure that athletes coming into the clubs are offered a fun and rewarding experience. The network will create a framework for under 11’s to participate in athletic activities on a regular basis. It will develop coaching groups, like the Kestrel Club, specifically for 11‐14 year olds to include general athletic ability and event specific activity. It will also create competition primers for younger age groups to encourage youngsters to compete.

Watch out for notices on the website about the launch. It will be your opportunity to find out more about the plan and how you can be part of it.

Project 6: Officials Development: Develop a novice official’s scheme linking into the new competition created in Project 5

Project 7: Developing Wider Partnerships: Find out how to generate revenue through grant applications and improving links to other organisations. This will provide the ability for each club in the network to raise enough money to run their own projects in the future.

Project 8: Road Running and Cross Country Development: Get involved in the Run In England project to take advantage of large numbers of independent leisure runners in areas such as Bushy Park and Richmond Park.


Winter diary ...

Women’s Cross Country The cross country season is now upon us and it is a good time to do some winter strength and endurance training. The ladies run in the Surrey Ladies League. There are 3 age groups (seniors & masters, u15s & u17s and u13s). If you are interested or would like more information please email me Debbie Raymond at [email protected] or call 01372 374731. It helps if you leave your name and age as well as your contact number!

Men’s Cross CountryThe men’s cross country season starts very soon and we are always looking for more people of all abilities to come and run with us. The fixture list is quite varied, ranging from 5, 7 and 9 mile inter club matches at Richmond Park to competing with a number of different teams in the Surrey League in various locations. Last season saw us battle hard and successfully to stay in division two of the League, and hopefully this upcoming season we can consolidate our position and aim for promotion to Div 1! So come join us‐ see the fixture list for more details, or feel free to contact me at [email protected].

K&P Summer photo gallery

this edition includes 25th anniversary logo competition ... · i remember reading his book –...

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