Category Archive Announcement

ByColin Woolford

David Scott – Honorary Member (& President!)

ED: We asked David to put some words together reflecting on his 63 years in the club. Here they are…

At the start of the Centenary Year, the committee have asked if I would accept Honorary Membership of the club, which I was delighted to accept, and as President write something about my many years in Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

I joined the club in 1959. I had run for Lancashire Schools and won various local Youth Club races in the Burnley area. Stan Bradshaw called and talked to my mother about me joining Clayton. Two weeks later he called again to talk to her and that evening she asked me why I had not joined. I said that I only had 5/- (25p) pocket money a week and couldn’t afford the bus fares. She said that she would pay them, so the next Saturday I caught the bus to Padiham, where I waited on the Town Hall steps to be picked up by Stan in his red Volvo to go to the Club Run. These were held from Working Mens Clubs in the local area, 3 of them in Clayton. Over the next months I would look across the room where we were changing to the Senior Men. 4 of whom were to become my idols – these were Stan Bradshaw, Alan Heaton, George Brass and Alistair Patten. Their running achievements were the stuff of legends, including the 3Peaks (more of that later). It would have been impossible to imagine that I would ever be President, as most 16-18 yr olds never think so far ahead and how life will turn out.

I have loved running since I was a small boy when I ran everywhere. I think that I started training for the Burnley Grammas School Sports Day aged 14. Even now I still enjoy training and racing. If it is a running day I go whatever the weather, although since retiring I might delay by an hour or two if it is supposed to stop raining! In 1985 along with Eric Birtwistle, we decided to see if we could run every day for a year. We did, and I continued for 5yrs 29 days until I badly twisted my ankle in the Stanbury Fell Race and it swelled to twice it’s size. For once I used my common sense and rested as far as running was concerned. As a member of the club, I enjoy the camaraderie and the banter, and even the ‘abuse’ from various friends. Only older members may remember my ‘black’ tracksuit, which after numerous washings over the years became a dark brown and was frequently mentioned in the monthly Clem News, which always caused a smile, Even my black shorts were criticised, especially by Jim Dawson, who used to write that they’d been made out of ‘blackout material’ left over from the war!!

The following are just some of the club and team achievements in which I’ve been involved. We were the first club to run a relay on The Pennine Way in 1970 and whenever I look at the photo of the 24 of us on the green at Kirk Yetholm it brings back many memories of that weekend. In the Calderdale Way Relay as O40 Vets. we were dominant for several years, winning 3 times consecutively in ’87 ’88 and ’89 for which I organised a special sweatshirt with the dates, to mark the achievement. In later years I’ve been a member of Clayton teams in the British Vets. Road and Cross Country Relays in which we’ve won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals with some super performances.

I ran my 1st Three Peaks in 1965 and then from 1967 I ran 49 consecutive races. My best time being 2hrs 59mins. One year we finished 3rd team – prize, a toast rack! Looking back to 1965 I doubt that I ever imagined the part the 3 peaks race would play in my life. Unbeknown to me, my daughter who lives in Denver organised a new ‘David Scott Trophy’ in the form of a glass decanter to be presented to the oldest finisher on the day, male or female. In 2015 I was very proud to be it’s first recipient and 4 years later was equally proud to present it to Wendy Dodds, as the oldest finisher that year.

From a personal point of view I set myself some targets when I reached 40. These included running from John o’ Groats to Lands End in 20 days – not consecutively I might add (ED: trail blazing an early virtual challenge?) and then the following year cycling back in 2 periods of 5 days; climbing all the Wainwright Peaks in the Lake District; and running the Pennine Way in 6 days. (ED: Dave went on to achieve all of these challenges).

Other earlier ‘one day’ adventures included running the Welsh 3000 footers with Alan Heaton, leaving Burnley at 2a.m. and returning after an epic day 24 hours later; the Lake District 4 times 3000 ft peaks race with John Haworth; soon after doing the County Tops and I remember climbing up Scafell Pike behind some hikers and laughingly I asked them if this was ‘the way to Hellvelyn as that was our next summit?’ A big 2 day epic was running across the Grand Canyon from S to N and running back the next day. That night Jill and I slept in separate beds in separate cabins separated by the Grand Canyon! And as my daughter lives in Colorado, I’ve climbed 30 of the 54 14,000 footers, but alas, age has caught up with me!

So many memories, mentioned above, came about by being a member of a club and the extra dimension it brings after completing any event, whether you’ve been successful or not, that there is always someone to share the highs and lows.

Clayton-le-Moors is a special club of which I have always been proud to be a member. Here’s to the next 100 years!!

David pushing hard – Parkrun New Years Day 2022

Picture by David Belshaw.

ByJack O'Hara

Ron Hill’s Funeral

The Funeral of Dr Ron Hill, MBE will be taking place on Friday 11th June.

The Cortege is to leave the family home at Gee Cross, Hyde at 3pm. Mourners are requested to remain on Main Road & Street. The Cortege will then travel past Hyde Town Hall and on to Dukinfield Town Hall for Tributes by Dignitaries. Then to Dukinfield Crematorium for the service at 4pm.

Only 20 People at the Service. Mourners again are requested to stay on Main Road.

Ron will wear a Clayton vest in his coffin – his wish.

A JustGiving page has been set up in Ron’s memory for anyone who would like to contribute – donations will go towards Dementia UK

ByColin Woolford

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) November 2nd

UPDATED 20th October 2020

7.00 pm – To be held via Zoom.

Due to Covid 19 the AGM is a few weeks later than usual. The Committee have decided that holding the AGM virtually is the only option suitable given current Covid regulations.

Please contact the Secretary on the link below to receive details on how to join the meeting (members only).

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is your opportunity to influence how your club is run as well as ask questions or raise concerns.

At the AGM the committee post holders for the coming year are appointed together with the posts of President, Ladies’ Captain, Men’s Captain and Auditor.  Any member can stand for a post subject to them being proposed and seconded by another member at least 14 days before the meeting. If you are interested in standing for a post and would like more information about what’s involved, please contact us.

The AGM also allows members to put forward proposals for consideration and voting. Proposals for the AGM must be seconded by another member and submitted in writing to me at least 14 days before the meeting.

Judith Carey, Secretary.

AGM documents will be published at http://www.claytonlemoors.org.uk/about/agm-affiliations/

ByJim Hickie

Asda Green Token £500 award

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Juniors were recently presented with a cheque for £500 from the Asda Green Token Scheme. The scheme which runs quarterly in stores is to help local community groups, sees Asda customers choose from one of three causes, and give them their “green tokens”.

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers Juniors, who won the challenge in Asda Burnley for January to March this year are delighted to have been presented with a cheque for £500. The money will go towards tracksuits and other kit for the local running group which trains in Burnley, and competes all over the north of England in many different disciplines including road running, cross-country and fell running.

Annette McGowan-Doe, Asda Burnley’s Community Co-ordinator, presents the £500 cheque. Photo David Belshaw

Annette McGowan-Doe, Asda Burnley’s Community Co-ordinator, presents the £500 cheque. Photo David Belshaw

They were presented with their cheque at a training session at Barden track taken by lead coaches Marion Wilkinson and Jason Pier. Marion said “We are so pleased to receive this award from Asda. Their support for our club, and their commitment to community groups and projects is vital, and very much appreciated. The money will be well spent on our large number of Junior runners who train and show such dedication week-in, week-out”.

ByJim Hickie

Moorhouse’s sponsorship

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are delighted to announce that Moorhouse’s Brewery are proud sponsors of our Pendle Fell Races and Club Fell Competitions for 2019.

Moorhouses Clayton BannerAll adult finishers in the Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round, Pendle Fell Race, Pendle Cloughs Fell Race, Mearley Clough Fell Race and Pendleton Fell Race will receive a bottle of Moorhouse’s beer. And Clayton-le-Moors Blonde ABV 3.9% will provide much needed refreshment for tired runners in the local pub after each race.

Moorhouse’s prizes will be awarded to members successful in our 2018 and 2019 Club Fell Championship, Pendle Aggregrate Trophy Competitions, and John North Trophy competitions. Clayton-le-Moors Blonde ABV 3.9% will enhance the celebrations at our annual Awards Evening held on 22nd March at Turf Moor.

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are not only passionate for fell running but also for the mystical landscape of Pendle Hill, famous for its long-told myths and legends. We look forward to sharing some of Pendle’s secrets with Moorhouse’s during 2019.

ByJim Hickie

Lancashire Sports Awards 2018

Clayton-le-Moors Harriers are proud to be Club of the Year at the Lancashire Sports Awards 2018!

Lancs Sports Awards Club of the Year

Also at these awards, Briony Holt was Highly Commended as Young Achiever of the Year, and Jason Pier, one of our Junior coaches, was Highly Commended as Volunteer of the Year. Well done Briony and Jason!

Lancs Sports Awards Jason Pier

The club, Briony Holt and Jason Pier were nominated for their awards by Burnley Council.

 

ByJim Hickie

Pendleton Fell Race Cancelled

I’m really sorry but the 2018 Pendleton race next week (25th August) is cancelled.

Road work on the nearby Clitheroe bypass has forced a diversion through Pendleton village and the traffic flow has increased substantially.

I had planned a shorter race route avoiding the main street but having spent some time in the village, speaking with local people, it is evident that the usual race day parking cannot be safely accommodated.

Please can you let as many people know about this. Apologies for the short notice and hope to see you all on August Bank Holiday Saturday 2019

Best wishes

Mike Eddleston
RO Pendleton

ByJim Hickie

Junior vest appeal raises £2000

Great idea, happy to help”

“I hope the recipient of the vest wears it with the same pride I have always done over the last 40 years”

“Why do good ideas always cost me money?”

“Hope this donation helps out to keep our younger members at the club”

“I think this is an excellent idea to encourage the younger members to enjoy sport in the same way that I always have”

Just some of the positive comments received following the recent appeal to our members aged over fifty to donate the £15 cost of a vest to our junior section, writes treasurer Peter Browning. What a fantastic response too, wildly exceeding my best expectations, with a wonderful total of £1652 being raised. Gift Aid will bring the total to over £2000.

This sum will ensure that all new junior members will receive a free brand new club vest when they join the club, or get a free club vest when they outgrow their original vest. The appeal is not closed and if anyone of any age wants to make a donation, they can still send a cheque payable to “Clayton-le-Moors Harriers” to my home address at 22 Fordside Avenue, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5TH.

Many, many thanks indeed for the wonderful generosity of everyone who donated, and who showed their faith in the future of our great club.

On behalf of all current and future junior Clayton members Briony Holt, who lives in Laneshawbridge and attends Colne Park High School, writes: I’d like to say a massive thank you on behalf of the Clayton juniors and myself for the monies donated by the vet 50’s.

Peter Browning, new member Harry Wharton age 9 from Worsthorne, and Briony Holt

Peter Browning, new member Harry Wharton age 10 from Worsthorne, and Briony Holt

We have benefited in the past from funding given by Clayton, such as being able to train at multiple places like St Peter’s Centre and Burnley Athletics Club, and also having our England Athletics registration paid for, as well as races. This has given the juniors an opportunity to vary their training which has led us into different aspects of running.

From a personal point, over the five years of being part of Clayton, I have taken a great interest in fell running which is something I hope to continue and progress into my senior years. The junior coaches have had a big influence on me in the way of advice given on races to suit my strengths and style, which is something I appreciate greatly. With the continued help of the coaches, I hope to make the Great Britain squad for fell running as a senior.

Just recently at the awards presentation, you may have witnessed the success of our junior team. This is down to the junior coaches and the continued support of the seniors.

Thank you again for the donations of over £1600; from all of the juniors at Clayton, we really appreciate it!

Junior Vest Appeal Donors
Don Barton Christine Egerton Alan & Carol Life
Richard Bellaries Mike Farnworth Pete & Linda Lord
Peter Billington Andy Firth Harry Manning
Steve Biscomb Steve Fish Dug McCallum
J Stan Bradshaw John Francis John McGonagle
Kath & Martin Brady Mick Frost Doug Munroe
Roger Brewster Kitty Garnett Dave Neild
Peter Browning Karin Goss Ted Orrell
Kieran Carr Geoff Gough Alastair Patten
Ron Chappell Mick & Jackie Green Jeff Pickup
Martin Clark Ian Hargreaves Keith Prosser
Susan Clark Paul Healey Andy Robinson
Alan Clarkson Paul Hesketh Frank Saddington
Simon Clarke Jim Hickie Tony & Donna Scott
Sarah Clarke Bob Hirst Don Talbot
Peter Costello Brian Horrocks Keith Thompson
Roger Dewhurst Dave Horrocks Harry Walker
Wendy Dodds Andrew Howarth Andrew Walmsley
Andy & Nic Dugdale Anita Jones Brian Wildman
Pete Dugdale Jim Kenyon Martin Ritson
Mike Eddleston Gerry King
Runners, marshals & officials of the 2016 Tour of Pendle  5 anonymous donors
ByJim Hickie

Lottery Funding Award of £8900

Juniors Lottery FundingClayton-le-Moors Harriers are delighted to announce the award of a grant of £8904 from Sport England, which will support our talented group of juniors. The grant has been awarded to the ‘Burnley Running Community’ project which lasts for one year. The awarding of the grant is largely down to the hard work of club members Marion Wilkinson, Jason Pier, Andy Armstrong and everyone involved, that have helped make our juniors the success that they are.

A large part of the award is to provide additional coaching for eleven of our older juniors, to encourage sustained participation into adult running. These members are now able to attend weekly gym strength & conditioning classes for a year at St Peter’s Leisure Centre in Burnley. The award also supports the training of additional coaches for our club, promotion and publicity, as well as mini bus travel to races and driver training.

The grant will help the club to sustain the high level of quality that is emerging through the ranks. Without such support, it can become an uphill task to maintain the enthusiasm needed to keep our youngsters in the sport as they become young adults. All of our thanks and gratitude goes to Sport England for helping us to develop our juniors into our senior runners of the future!

However, it isn’t just the juniors that will receive the benefits. The award has enabled Burnley Getin2 Running to hold adult beginners group sessions, which are held in the distraction free parks of Burnley. Led by qualified leaders, these sessions are held at Thompson Park on Mondays at 6:30pm, Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at 10am. There is also a session at Towneley Park on Thursdays at 6pm. For further information visit runengland.org, or call 01282 425011. We look forward to seeing more people taking up running to get fit, and hope that some will decide to become a part of our success and join us.

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