The Harrier
Vol 1 Issue 8 Summer 2007
Official Newsletter of the Maidstone Harriers.
New Maidstone Half Axed For Being `HARD`
Thisyear’s Maidstone Half Marathon which was due to take place on a new route, starting from our new home the
This
Maidstone Hockey Club has been cancelled.
The reason given by Kent Athletics who measure all new courses to ensure the distances are accurate is the course is
too hilly and difficult!
The Maidstone Half Marathon has been run on a number of different courses in the past, none of which have been flat
and quick, with Maidstone’s geographic location, hills in the area are a reality and many local runners train on these
hills on a daily basis.
During my time in the sport, the Half Marathon has been run from the Westborough sports centre in Barming, the
course was an undulating one, taking in a few good climbs on route. The race then became a 10k before once again
being a Half Marathon this time being based in Grove green and taking in Hollingbourne and Pilgrims way as part of
the course, hardly flat by any means!
The latest route would have taken the race out into the country lanes surrounding Loose and Coxheath, with a few
sharp climbs to make things interesting!
The Maidstone Half Marathon will now take place on last years course, which takes in the pilgrims way and
Hollingbourne. The race is due to take place on the 22nd October. Maidstone Hockey Club is hoping to assist with
the marshalling of the event which hopefully will allow more Maidstone Harrier members to take part in their home
event.
Newsletter Contents:
Front page –
Headline news.
News (Con) –
Page 2
Editor Intro –
Page2
Fair well Feature –
Page 3
AGM Minutes –
Page 4
Club Champs –
Page 8
Member Feature –
Page 9
News from other club –
Back Pg
Races to add to your diaries – Back pg
Internet
Maidstone Harriers Web Site:
http://www.maidstoneharriers.co.uk/
Editorial Email Address:
Micksta0722@yahoo.co.uk
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HARRIER`S DUO SELECTED
FOR TEAM GB!!!
Both Dave Thompson and Verity Currie from
the Maidstone Harriers have been selected to
run for TEAM GB in the World Triathlon
Championships.
Both Dave and Verity have been regulars on a
Wednesday evening in the past, with both often
scooping awards at the club presentation night.
A full report on how they both got on will be
published in the next edition of the Harrier
along with hopefully, some photographs of
both Dave and Verity in their Great Britain kit!
:
HARRIER SOCIAL QUIZ NIGHT
A BIG SUCCESS!
The Harriers held a quiz night on June 9th. This was
organised by new social secretaries Sarah Brenton
and Joanne Creed.
The quizmaster for the night was none other than
Peter Seadon-Jones who has been quiz master on a
few nights in the past. Peter always makes for an
entertaining evening with a good mix of humour and
some challenging questions.
The night was a great success with a large turnout
enjoying the evening and being treated to a Fish `n`
Chip supper, with drinks on tap most of the night!
Due to the great success of the Quiz night, Sarah
Brenton and Joanne Creed are working on a few
more social activities for club members to enjoy; this
could include a BBQ evening during the summer
months.
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR!
Summer is finally arriving and with it the summer runs have now started. In this edition of the Harrier we find
out why the Maidstone Half was cancelled, interesting reason but not one this editor agrees with! We also say
a big farewell to a long serving member of the club.
On a brighter note we have a couple of GB Internationals amongst us, congrats to Dave Thompson and Verity
Currie on making team GB for the Triathlon, everyone please form an orderly queue for autographs and
photos., hopefully I can get an exclusive interview with our new found stars on there return.
John Brown celebrated his 70th birthday recently so to celebrate this, I asked him a few good questions, flick
through and take a look some of his answers were very interesting!
Also in this issue are the minutes from the last club AGM for those who have yet to receive a copy, plus the
latest standings in the Club championships.
Just leaves me to wish everyone a happy summer and to enjoy the sunny and warm days we have been having,
yeah I know what a joke that statement is, but we live in hope that maybe, just maybe, summer is here and
finally we can all put those Cross country spikes away for a few weeks!!!
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BILL MURPHY MOVES TO PASTURES NEW!!!
Long time Harrier member Bill Murphy has decided to leave us and move to another club after 21
years at the Maidstone Harriers. Bills move is related to his job which meant often he had difficulties
getting down to the Harriers to train. Bill has moved to Ryde Harriers which is much closer to his
work place allowing him better training opportunities.
Bill was a very popular member of the Harriers, more so with the longer serving members here, Bill
enjoyed longer distanced events and ran many marathons in his time at the Harriers, always finishing
amongst the top runners from this club.
One of my personal memories of Bill was back in 2003 when I was first claim for the Harriers, we
won the Kent Grandprix team prize, and a group of us travelled to Nottingham to run for Kent in the
Robin Hood Half Marathon. Bill, Grant and I with Mike Murdoch and Ian Hoad went along and had
a fantastic time. Bill ever the joker managed to get the number to my room and started phoning up
pretending to be someone else. After the actual race we somehow got tickets to get into a marquee
which was supposed to be for the event sponsors, we were treated to a nice meal with drinks and
whilst there had to make up convincing stories as to how we knew certain people within the marquee,
Bill as always was right in the thick of the action! Really funny memory and sums up Bill. Very
good runner, and a great person to spend time with, I’m sure everyone at the Maidstone Harriers
wishes him the best for the future and many more good marathons to come.
^ Bill Murphy part of the winning Harriers team Maidstone 10k 2003
< Bill Murphy – Hastings Half Marathon 2003
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Maidstone Harriers AGM 2007
Annual General Meeting
prepared by Matthew Fraser, Club Secretary
Date:
25 April 2007
Location:
Club HQ, Maidstone Hockey Club
Attendees:
David Hattersley, Club Chairman; Sharon Hawkins, Club Treasurer;
Grant Woodman, Life President; Matthew Fraser, Club Secretary; Bob
Foster; Kareena Norton; Graham Pearson; Kevin Elsdon, Jo-Anne
Creed; Sarah Brenton; Michael White; Russell Morley; Steve Wing;
Julie Wing; Peter Foxall; Michael Gore; Kay Risby; Carol Cornwell;
David Thornby; Gwen Moss; Kay Monks; Beverley Oliver; John Briffa;
Paula Stockton; Janet Hattersley; Verity Currie; Danny Murphy; Liane
Foord; Derek Evenden; Paul Holland; David Davies; Ian Hoad; Dave
Hutchinson; Robin Walton; David Clayton; Bob Foster
Apologies:
Sue Wainwright; David Northcroft; Kerry Watson; David Thompson;
John Brown; Andrew Burgess
Purpose of the meeting:
22nd Annual general Meeting of Maidstone Harriers Running Club
Agenda of the meeting:
Content
1. Apologies for absence
David Hattersley opened the meeting at 19:35. He referred the floor to the agenda.
He introduced club to Robin Walton, who had seen the meeting advertised in the Kent Messenger and
had decided to come along. Mr Walton had been running for a great many years, and had attended the
1948 Olympic Games. He was invited to become an Honorary Member of the club
David Hattersley then went on to receive apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of 2006 AGM
The minutes were proposed by Steve Wing, seconded by Paul Holland.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
4. Chairman’s Report
In April 2006 I was elected to continue as the Club Chairman.
May
Once again the club assisted at the Ladies Race for Life in Mote Park with marshalling.
The previous year the club had become disillusioned with the facilities at Westborough and moved to
Dragons in St.Peters Street. However, after agreeing good terms with the management previously, they
decided they wanted individual Harriers to either become fully paid up members of Dragons or pay a
day fee for use of the showers. It was agreed that this was not fair on the Harriers and a search was
started to look for another venue.
The club continued its 2005 club championship with the Ted Pepper 10K and Larkfield 10K. These were
the 4th and 5th races in this year’s series following the Canterbury 10, the Tunbridge Wells half
marathon and the Paddock Wood half marathon.
4
June
This month we put on the Weald of Kent 10 mile. Thanks to Grant Woodman the race was staged from
his home. It was an excellent day and the event proved to be a major success. It was also the 6th event
of our club championship.
Due to popular demand the first of our summer runs was staged with a handicap 7K from the club.
Thanks to Grant and Michael Murdoch for arranging this.
July
Two more races in the club championship were held this month with the Cliff Woods 10K and Dartford
half marathon. These were 7th and 8th in the series.
After weeks of searching by club members a new venue for the club was identified. Maidstone Hockey
club were in the process of building new premises in Armstrong Road and they indicated they would
welcome us moving there.
The second in our summer runs was staged with a relay from the club centre. Thanks again to Grant
and Mike Murdoch.
August
As usual this was a quiet month due to the summer holidays but we arranged the third of our summer
runs with a treasure hunt from the club. Thanks must go to Karena for arranging this event and also to
Janet Hattersley for the refreshments.
September
The Thanet Half and full Marathons were held this month but did not feature in our Cub Championship
races.
October
The cross-country season started this month with the first of the Kent Fitness League runs at Canterbury.
The main event of this month was of course our own Maidstone Half Marathon. The culmination of over
7 months of effort was rewarded when Grant Woodman and the team put on an excellent race that was
once again praised by many of those that ran it. The race also featured as a Kent Championship and
Kent Grand Prix event.
November
This month was an important month for the club as we moved from Dragons to the Maidstone Hockey
club premises in Armstrong Road. This was a much better venue with good facilities.
Two further x-country races in the Kent Fitness League were held this month at Swanley & and at
Meopham where once again we had the opportunity to enjoy a water jump.
December
The 9th final club championship event took place at the Thanet 10 mile.
December means the ‘Turkey Run’ at Ditton, and once again Grant and his merry band of helpers put
on another first class event.
January
The New Year kicked off with our annual trip to the seaside for the KFL at Minnis Bay. This year there
was plenty of ooze in the dykes and a full length feature film was made of runners entering and trying to
emerge from the deepest one.
We started our Club Championship this year with the Dartford 10.
This month saw the beginning of new running group within the club. Due to popular demand, a need
was identified for group to run about 4 miles at a much easier pace. Thanks to Bob Foster, this group
has grown with a large influx of ladies who have found this more suitable to their level of fitness.
February
Our presentation evening took place at Armstrong Road. This is the highlight of the year for it gives us
the opportunity to say well done and thank you to club members for their efforts. As usual trophies were
awarded for Runners of the Year, The Dennis Wilcox & Tom Moore trophies and Club Championship.
We had a good turnout and it was a fun evening as it was a new venue.
The two final x-country races in the Kent Fitness League were held this month at Oxleas Wood and
Capstone Park.
March
The only event that took place this month was the 2nd in our club championships with the Hastings Half
Marathon.
April
The Paddock Wood half marathon is also an excellent training session for the London Marathon and this
year it provided the 3rd in this years club championship races. It was a very warm day but we a good
turn out from the club.
April of course means London and once again Bob liaised with the organisers regarding marshalling
arrangements. He also organised a coach to make sure both runners and marshals got to the venue.
Generally
The club has performed well again during the year and is still recognised as one of the top clubs in Kent.
This was due to excellent performances and commitment by members. Again during the year there have
been countless individual trophies awarded and pb’s attained. Congratulations have usually been
handed out to individuals on the Wednesday evening meeting following the event. Well done once again
to everyone for their achievements.
We now meet regularly on a Wednesday evening at our new venue at Maidstone Hockey Club in
Armstrong Road. The evening provides an opportunity to congratulate colleagues on their achievements,
find out about forthcoming races, plan social occasions and swap stories. It provides a source of
encouragement, and most important of all the opportunity to be part of a team. We started the year with
5
attendance on an evening of about 35 members at Dragons, but this has grown to about 50 at our new
venue. The evening continues with a rotation of runs that is usually 6-7miles around the streets of
Maidstone in the winter and up to 8 miles in the surrounding countryside and along the river in the
summer.
Enquiries are regularly received via emails from individuals about the club and how to take up running.
During the past year 56 prospective new members have been introduced to the club, some of whom
have decided to sign up for membership.
A running club depends on its membership, it is therefore important that we support our club events by
both attending and helping out as much as possible. We had some excellent support from members to
the running events we put on over the past year which was very much appreciated by the participants
and has raised the profile of the club.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everybody that has helped the club over the past
year. I especially want to say thank you to Mathew Fraser (secretary), Sharon Hawkins (treasurer) and
John Brown (membership secretary) for all their hard work in administering the club. Thank you to Grant
Woodman for the tremendous efforts he put into organising our own major events. Thank you to Bob
Foster for acting as our advisor, our link man with the London Marathon and the Athletic Associations
and leading the new club running group. On the communications front, thank you to Paul Holland for
continuing the super job of running our website and to Michael Gore for publishing an excellent
newsletter. Thank you again to Mike Murdoch for organising the club championship. Can I give big thank
you to my wife Jan for her support during the year and arranging the catering for our social occasions. I
think we are all agreed that everyone has done a splendid job.
6. Treasurers Report
Sharon Hawkins talked through the accounts, highlighting the following
•
Subscriptions
•
Weald of Kent – non profit making event
•
Ditton Turkey Run – similar to last year
•
Room Hire - £500 paid to Dragons, and £700 paid in advance to the Hockey Club
Karena Norton presented the Half Marathon Account. Grant Woodman explained that the Weald of Kent race was
to be run from Frittenden, but due to delays within the Parish Council we will not be organising it this year. Future
events can be profit makers for the club, but last years was a non profit maker.
Steve Wing asked whether we would be looking at renting out the race clock. Grant Woodman agreed that this
was possible but we would need to look into insurance. Bob Foster stated that the club computer and printer
should also be insured.
Review of Members’ Subscriptions
Bob Foster advised that from 1st April, UK Athletics has been replaced by England Athletics. This is a 2 year
process, and year 1 fees would be £50 for the club plus £3 per member. Next year the member rate would be £5.
There are a lot of people who claim to be club runners to avoid paying the extra £2 at races, and this body would
be looking to counteract this. A second body, ARC has been set up in opposition and will administer their own
races. The club would like to keep with England Athletics to maintain the marathon places.
Sharon Hawkins recommended that subscriptions should remain the same this year and be reviewed in 2008.
David Hattersley proposed subscriptions remain at £30 single membership, £40 Family membership, and
additionally proposed that 2nd claim runners should only need to pay ½ price.
Kareena Norton asked if we would have to pay affiliation to enter non England Athletic events. Joanne Creed
stated that her son has a card he has to show which proves he is affiliated to an appropriate body, so it was
assumed that similar arrangements would exist for road races.
Steve Wing asked what the rules were for family membership, would his 24 year old son be included, to which
David Hattersley replied yes.
Danny asked if as organisers of a race we had public liability insurance. Bob Foster replied that we are granted a
permit to organise a race which covers insurance. Also all entrants must sign a disclaimer on the form stating that
they will abide by the rules of England Athletics.
6
7. Election Of Officers
David Hattersley announced that all existing officers have agreed to stay in position and invited any other
nominations. The appointments appear below.
* New position
+ remain in place without the need for nomination
Position
Nominee
Nominated by
Seconded By
Chairman
David Hattersley
Peter Foxall
Julie Wing
Secretary
Matthew Fraser
Joanne Creed
Grahame Pearson
Treasurer
Sharon Hawkins
Kay Risby
Paula Stockton
Events Secretary*
Bob Foster
David Hattersley
Kareena Norton
Social Secretaries*
Joanne Creed/Sarah
Brenton
David Hattersley
Sharon Hawkins
Mike Murdoch+
Club Championship
Coordinator
Paul Holland+
Webmaster
John Brown+
Membership Secretary
Michael Gore+
Newsletter Editor
8. Safety Policy
Dave Hattersley said that Bob Foster had suggested that we look at the policy adopted by Petts Wood Running
Club. The general consensus so far was to create a set of recommendations rather than a set of rules. Grant
Woodman said that as a club we should have something basic which we can use and add to as we go along.
David Hattersley said that we should start with knowing who’s here on a Wednesday night. We could have
everyone’s name on a list which you need to tick when you come in and return from the run. This was generally
accepted.
Kay Risby noted that some people don’t return to the club hq after a run. She also asked if we had access to next
of kin details on a Wednesday night. Matthew Fraser advised that this information was being collected when
members renewed their membership.
Grahame Pearson suggested that there should be a club mobile, so when people were out there was always a
number to phone.
Steve Wing stated that it was only in the last 2 years that we had been wearing reflective bibs.
RW asked of there were any first aiders. A show of hands showed 4 people were qualified.
Verity Currie asked if there was any policy on new runners who end up on their own. Grant Woodman said that he
would always check that they were OK and with someone. David Hattersley added that he tries to establish their
pace and allocate someone to look after new runners.
Beverley Oliver asked whether we could introduce safe routes as an alternative to some of the darker or secluded
parts of some runs. Dave Hattersley replied that he already provides some advice for particular runs, such as the
Coxheath run, but would try and build this in.
Dave Hattersley stated that we will draft a list of recommendations and add to it as we go along.
7
9. Club events
David Hattersley told the meeting that there would be a Treasure Hunt again this year. Also we will be organising
the Ditton Turkey Run and a half Marathon. The profits from the Half Marathon would go to the Hockey Club as
they are providing marshals. Paula Stockton asked if this meant we could run it, to which Grant Woodman replied
hopefully.
10. Club Social Events
Grant Woodman said that Peter Seadon Jones has offered to host a quiz night if we donate £50 to his chosen
charity. Joanne Creed and Sarah Brenton advised that they would begin planning some events in the very near
future.
11. Any Other Business
Bob Foster announced that the Cancer Research Race for Life would be taking place on 13th May and he would be
looking for marshals.
Grant Woodman asked members to support the bar at the end of a Wednesday run as they open it especially for us.
David Hattersley closed the meeting at 20:50
MAIDSTONE HARRIERS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007
Latest Positions
Senior Men
1. Steve Chalklen
2. Matt Fraser
3. Graham Pearson
4. Mike Murdoch
5. Ian Forrest
6. Jonathan Harrison
7. David Moore
-- Martyn Earl
67pts
59
48
44
42
13
12
12
Male Vets
1. Michael White
2. Ian Hoad
3. Russell Morling
4. David Thompson
5. Lyndon Gurr
6. Paul Ahsunollah
7. Andrew Burgess
8. Mark Rawson
56pts
47
35
30
29
23
20
13
Male Supervets
1. Ron Carr
2. David Hattersley
3. Grant Woodman
4. David Hutchinson
5. Dave Thornby
-- Mick Westwood
7. Stephen Wing
8. Derek Evenden
Ladies
58pts
43
42
38
26
26
22
21
1. Sarah Brenton
2. Julie Stoppani
3. Karena Norton
4. Julie Wing
5. Paula Stockton
6. Verity Currie
7. Mailynne Woolley
8. Kay Monks
60pts
48
37
35
30
28
14
11
8
Member Feature:
Spot light on a club member:
NO 4: John Brown
Age: 70 in June 2007
Location: Ditton
Married and have children? Yes
Running clubs: Maidstone Harriers
When did you first start running? 1980s
What was your purpose for taking up the sport? Started jogging round course to watch my son do Cross country and
became hooked.
What’s your favourite race distance? 10-miles
Would you like to share your PBs with us or keep them secret?
10k- 42mins, 10-miles- 71mins, Half Marathon- 1h34mins, Marathon- 4h15mins all approx.
What’s been your best memory so far from running?
Third male over 60 at the Eridge 10 XC
Have there been any bad moments or injury set backs?
Most of the usual injuries. Have had Plantar Facitis for last 10 years; means running flat footed and walking the hills.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Music and sport including Triathlons
Any advice you would like to give to anyone reading this article?
Enjoy your sport, but there is life after running! Everyone says this, but it’s true – listen to your body (wife laughing in
background).
During your time at the Harriers, what’s been your best memory from being a member of the club? Camaraderie at
chilly cross country meetings, and the brilliant efforts of race organisers, without which we would have no sport.
9
RUNNING NEWS FROM AROUND KENT
Kent Championships 10,000m June 20th
Peter Tucker from Blackheath & Bromley ac won this race with a time of 31:41secs. He
was followed home by Pat Curran who recorded a time of 32mins dead! The leading
female finisher was Fiona Buckingham from Paddock Wood in 45:41secs.
Kent Championships 3000m June 20th
Talented Invicta AC runner Beth Carter stormed to victory in this race beating all the
senior women. She set a time of 9:58secs which places her amongst the top 15 in the UK
for Under 17 age group.
Kent Championships 5000m June 30th
Dean Lacy from Cambridge Harriers took victory on a wet and breezy day at Dartford; his
time of 15:09 was even more impressive in the conditions. 2nd place went to Peter Tucker
in 15:24.
Maidstone Harrier member Michael Gore finished 6th in 17:37 running for his 1st claim
club Invicta East Kent AC. The female winner was Janine Brown from Ashford AC, who
finished with a time of 18:53.
INTERNET SHOPPING
SITES FOR RUNNERS!
With the Internet becoming more
popular by the day, there are a
number of good sites which sale
running gear and running shoes.
Below are the addresses for two sites,
which sale a wide range of sporting
goods and often at discount prices.
START FITNESS
(www.startfitness.co.uk)
BIRMINGHAM RUNNER
(www.birminghamrunner.com)
UPCOMING LOCAL ROAD RACES
Next Issue
•
•
•
•
•
Kent GP latest
Three Peaks Challenge
Member features
Headline news
Kent Fitness League
July 14th
July 15th
July 15th
July 22nd
July 22nd
August 3rd
Sept 2nd
Sept 2nd
Sept 8th
Sept 9th
Sept 9th
Sept 9th
Miles & Barr 5k
Cliffe Woods 10k
Mount Ephraim 10k
Dartford Half Marathon
Dinosaur 10k
Connells Friday 5k
Kent Coast Half Mar
Kent Coast Marathon
Great Forest 10k
Shorne Wood 5
Weald St Georges 10k
Wingham 10k
Margate
Cliffe
Canterbury
Dartford
Deal
Ashford
Margate
Margate
Goudhurst
Gravesend
Weald
Canterbury
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