Chairman’s Chat
Hi all, here are a few of my observations on club activities in the last couple of weeks:
Racing
We’ve continued a trend of turning out in big numbers and putting up tremendous performances in a range of different events, as illustrated in the Blaydon Race [where we had 10 runners (7 men/3 women)]. Juniors are also thriving: lots of our kids are getting involved in junior (and senior) versions of parkruns with notable PBs for James Emery, Jacob Alderson and Robert Smith – great work lads!
North East Senior Development League (NESDL) While there were lots of excellent individual performances it would be great to see even more people involved in the next – and final – senior meet of the season, as we’ve struggled for numbers this year in that area. If you fancy having a go at some track and field, get in touch with Cian Rynne on Spond to be listed against your events of choice.
North East Grand Prix (NECAA) Haven’t yet heard specifics of last night’s races but I understand that, once again, there were a lot of PBs.
Runner of the Month A special shout out to Freddie Hetherington who justified the title by taking more than 20 seconds of his mile PB to record a time of 5:58.
Durham Dash The results are also just starting to come through from this event attended by lots of our years 3–6 children. I’m already hearing that one of our new recruits, Archer Kane, won the Year 3 event and that Jude Harrison (Hawks) won the Year 6 event. I’m sure I’ll be able to report on many other excellent performances in the near future.
Men-v-Women Handicap This event, held on Tuesday evening, for club members only had huge attendance with fantastic organisation from Rob Garbutt and helpers. It was a close run thing too, with the men prevailing again – but only just. The important thing for me though, was how many members from different training groups came together, raced hard, then socialised afterwards. Exactly the kind of thing I want to see happening as standard in our club – a truly inclusive “team” environment.
Other News
Kit & Bake Sale Huge thanks to Helen Gwilym and Helen Black for coordinating this extremely successful event. A total of £327.50p was raised on the night. If anybody still needs to pay for their cake, you can do it by using this link (please reference ‘DCH Bake Sale’ so that we can track the total raised, thanks).
Race Reports Scott Watson, our website administrator, is keen for members to send him accounts of the races they have done. If you’ve got a story to tell, get in touch with him at admin@durhamcityharriers.org.uk.
Dave White’s 80th Birthday Celebrations It was fantastic to see so many of our members at the Millenium Restaurant in Framwellgate on Monday. Davy is a club legend and we loved showing him how much we think of him. Well done to Christine for pulling it all together and good luck to Davy cleaning up in the MV80 age category (we’ll put that “session” down to an exercise in carb loading)!
Membership Fee Refunds Recently we’ve had a couple of queries regarding whether the annual subscription fee can be partially refunded on account of spells out through injury or change in circumstances. The Committee have decided that annual SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE so I wanted to share this with you to avoid further confusion
Kit Order Thanks to everybody who put in their request for new vests. I will create a Spond payment request so that we can progress your orders. This is a ONE TIME OFFER and there will be a strict ONE WEEK CUT-OFF for payment so that everyone will receive their vest in good time for upcoming fixtures.
New Members I’ll announce the total figure at the end of the month, but we’ve already had 17 new members join since 1st June – that’s incredible! Please refer anyone and everyone you know who would like to join us. We offer 3 THREE FREE TASTER SESSIONS without obligation to join. There is a group for everyone regardless of ability.
Parent Try Out Night Next Tuesday (23rd June) any parent of our junior section can have a go at training with our Transition Group – the group we created initially for those who completed our Couch-to-5K course. They are the most friendly group of people you could ever wish to meet; they’ll look after you and you’ll love it! Drop me a message on Spond if you fancy giving it a go.
All the best
Matt
