Rob Simmons will be travelling to Naivasha, Kenya for a research project between 8th-14th of Jan 2023 and again in March 2023. He will have spare luggage allowance.
Having been to Naivasha several times now he would like to take the opportunity to take some used, but still good trainers and sports clothes to the local Children’s Shelter https://shelteryetu.org/, which has around forty boys, aged between 10 and 15.  If you have any used but still good spikes, or football boots that would also be great.
If you are able to donate, the children would be very grateful.  There is a collection box in reception at the stadium and this Thursday (5th January) will be your last chance to donate trainers and sports clothes before Rob makes his first trip - please remember that what Rob wants are items that are still in reasonably good condition.

Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow Athletic Club are holding a series of three winter indoor open meetings, on Sunday 8th January, Sunday  5th February and Sunday 5th March.  These will be held at Thames Valley Athletic Centre, Eton, SL4 6HN.

For more information, and to enter, please see https://wseh.co.uk/windsor-slough-eton-hounslow-athletic-club-winter-indoor-open-meetings/

It is with sadness the club has to announce the death of Fred Wooding, MBE who passed away at home on Thursday 8^thDecember. As a member of the club for over 45 years Fred made a significant contribution to the club as president, chair, coach, technical official and athlete, last competing for the club at Medway in the Men’s Southern League in 1982, and was a Life Member.  Fred also had an important impact on the wider athletics community as presidents of Bedfordshire AAA and South of England Athletics Association and indeed the wider sporting community in Bedford, including Bedford Judo Club, boxing in Bedford and Bedford Sports Council throughout his 92 years.

Fred’s funeral will be held at 14.00 on 23rd December at Wellingborough Crematorium. If you would like to attend the funeral please contact Paul at Sportsform so that catering for the wake can be arranged.

Some sad news this morning, Brian Webb peacefully passed away yesterday morning with his wife Gill and children Caroline and Christian present.  We had some great times running with and against Brian, an Honorary Member (services to the club and various leagues notably the Eastern 10 Mile League) and M45 club marathon record holder – London Marathon 1993 – 2hr 44mins 05 secs.

A great friend, lovely person and brilliant athlete.

Brian's funeral will be at 2pm on Friday 6th January at St Mary's church in Marston Moretaine.

Thoughts with all the family,

Bob Thompson, President.

Three young Bedford and County athletes were awarded their county badges last Friday at the Bedfordshire AAA AGM: Milly Dunger, Cameron Barnes, and Oliver Wilson.  The badge is awarded for representing the county on more than 2 occasions across 2 different seasons.  Congratulations to the three youngsters.

Congratulations to Tennyson James who set a new British Record in the M65 60m Hurdles at the Lee Valley Open meeting on Sunday 5^thDecember. Following a first run of 9.71 seconds, he showed even better form with a time of 9.67sec in the second race slicing three hundredths of the previous record.

At the same meeting, U17 Thaila- Jade Mason running in her first races at her new 60m hurdles specifications showed her potential with 9.46 sec. in her first race, improving to 9.27 sec in her second.

Are you a club member who enjoys posting to Social Media such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook?  Would you like to help build anticipation about upcoming events (for example, track and field league fixtures, cross country races, road running races), and celebrate participation and success?

If that's you, Bedford and County AC are looking for somebody to fill a new social media co-ordinator role.  You will set-up and run the club's social media accounts, which are currently either non-existent or dormant.  

What does the Social Media Coordinator do?

• Sets up, monitors and controls the club's Social Media accounts.
• Helps to build awareness and enthusiasm about upcoming fixtures, and celebrates successes through social media posts.
• Posts other club news to the social media accounts.
• Ensures that the Social Media accounts are aligned with the club's Online Safety and Social Media policy.
• Helps to shape the Online Safety and Social Media policy going forward.

It's nearly time for the 41st Annual Christmas Handicap, which will take place at 11am on Sunday 18th December.  Please see below for information about how to enter:

Download Handicap Notice

Congratulations to Leanne Buxton, who set a new W40 club record of 28.77m for the Discus at the Southern League Match at Bedford on 10th September (and thank you to Graeme Packman for spotting it!).

Congratulations to Glen Kerr and Dave Folgate, who have set new masters club records.  Glen broke the M45 Hammer record with a throw of 48.31m at Hull on 15th October.  Dave's records date from 2021, but have just been recognised - 1.25m for the M70 High Jump, and 19.62m for the M70 Javelin.

Wheelchair Racing Manager, Howard Darbon, and the club's leading wheelchair racer, Varun Bandi,  appeared on BBC 3 Counties Radio  on Sunday 9th October.  Varun and Howard were interviewed presenter, Farzana Chaudry, and covered topics including Varun's successes, how he got into wheelchair racing and his aspirations, while Howard talked about the sport, the costs of it and how people could get in touch.

Younger club members may be interested in attending the LMP Summer Camp, which will take place at Loughborough University from Sunday 23rd July to Thursday 27th July 2023 and is for 10 – 17 year olds.  For more information, see https://www.letmeplay.co.uk/residential-camps/.