Pete’s Posts – November 2022

This is my first posting since becoming the new Club Chairman. I’d like to thank Keith once again for all his help and patience during this handover period.

I truly feel so excited and honoured to be voted by you, the members, into the role. I’ll do my best to justify the trust that you have placed in me.

In my first week I have already seen what an amazing team we have that keep the wheels of the club turning.

I was also immensely honoured to be asked to present the awards at last week’s prize giving evening. That night showed what high quality athletes we have across all ages and disciplines, but more than that, there was such an atmosphere of positivity, enthusiasm, and club spirit.

Someone who held these attributes in abundance was Glyn Smith. Last Saturday was Glyn’s Memorial Day. Firstly, a tribute Glyn would have loved, as many of you gathered at Coldham’s Common to do the Park Run there, “For Glyn”. Later, the Memorial Service, where the hall was packed and overflowing with attendees, many, many of whom were from our club.

A poem was read out that could have been written for Glyn.

It was called, “The man is a success” by Robert Louis Stevenson. The final line is:

“Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had”,

This was Glyn to a Tee.

It is said that people have two passings. The first, when they take their final breath, then a second, later, when their name is mentioned in conversation for the last time.

Glyn was such a popular character, such a kind and positive man, such good company, and such a wonderful clubman, teammate, and friend.

I feel sure that Glyn’s second passing will be a long, long time in coming.

Let’s all make sure that it is.

I want to pay tribute to all those that were part of C&C’s National Road Relay Teams, as reported in last month’s newsletter. In terms of athletic importance this event is massive, a friend of mine once described it as being, “The jewel in the crown of British Road Racing”!

C&C’s results were spectacular, the major highlights being 1st place for our U17 Men’s team, and 3rd place for our Senior Men. Magnificent performances, and what a platform to build on for future years! Results like this don’t happen by accident, so many congratulations to all the runners, coaches, and team managers. Thanks for all your hard work, keep it going,

Can we go even better next year?

Also, great to see C&C’s Masters Team doing so well in the Round Norfolk Relay, second place, another great result, and no doubt lots of fun had. There’s always something special about racing as a team.

Finally, big congratulations to Nicky McBride who was first in her age group with a storming run at the famous Abbey Dash 10k. This race was a qualifier for the England Masters Road Racing Team, meaning that Nicky has won her first England vest!

Exciting times…………Glyn would be loving all this……….

Pete Thompson.