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/
Despite the wintry conditions the Bedford and County Annual Christmas Handicap went ahead for the 42ndconsecutive year. Due to the quite treacherous icy footpaths on the traditional embankment course, the race was moved onto the snowy sports fields adjacent to the Stadium. The 2.9 mile race, which comprised 3 large and one small lap, was quite intriguing with the group of 3 who were sent off first almost completing their 2ndlarge lap as the last pair of runners off were only just starting. The nature of the race with the field of 24 spread around the lap, some having completed 1 or 2 laps, others just on lap 1, made fascinating but very confusing viewing for the spectators and officials.
Due to icy paths race was run on the sportsfields using the laps used in 2010 & 2011
The were some very strong performances at the Battersea Park Friday Night Under The Lights 5 Miles race on 16th December, which was run in temperatures of -2°. Despite snow and train strikes, there was a strong field.
It is with sadness the club has to announce the death of Fred Wooding, MBE who passed away at home on Thursday 8thDecember. 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.
The third round of this season's Chiltern League took place at Stopsely Common, Luton on Saturday 3rd December. There were wins for Harry Brodie in the Senior Men's race and Rebecca Murray in the Senior Women's race, and top five finishes for Craig Emmerson (Senior Men), Lyla Danobrega (Under 17 Women), Lily Farr (Under 15 girls), Oliver Wilson and Harry Scott (Under 15 boys). Noah Campion was the fastest Under 20 in the Men's race, Alan Turnbull and Ewan Wilson were both in the top 5 M50 finishers, and Imogen Chesterton was the third fastest Under 20 in the women's race.
The Senior Men's team, the Under 20 Men's Team and the Under 15 Boys' team won their matches.
Full Bedford and County Results:
Congratulations to Tennyson James who set a new British Record in the M65 60m Hurdles at the Lee Valley Open meeting on Sunday 5thDecember. 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.
