Club AGM and Presentation Evening 25th November 2006

RZH New Chairman - Shaun Purkiss

The club AGM and presentation evening took place on Saturday 25th November and was enjoyed by all who attended, with a buffet and disco as entertainment afterwards. Shaun Purkiss was duly elected Chairman for a second time and Graham Purvis continues as Club Secretary, while Bob Pocklington retains the position of President. The main committee members were also re-elected, with the addition of two newcomers; Denise Robson as a general committee member and Jessie Roberts as Junior Representative.

This was followed by the presentation of the trophies for club athletes over the 2005/2006 season and first up was Nathaniel Frankland as the Young Athlete’s League U13 top points scorer, with the U15 award going to Jack Thomson, who also won the Male Sprint category. In the U17 category, joint honours went to Leanne Shaw and Jo Adams, with Sam Wood being a worthy winner of the Junior Male Endurance trophy. Dougie Roberts collected the Male Cross Country award and Jon Orange walked away with no less than 3 trophies; the Male Road Running Plate, award for the most improved Senior Male and the Veteran’s Trophy. John Wild continued his domination of the Male Throws trophy and similarly Nick Outhwaite claimed the Male Jump award.

Thomas Allen was the winner of the Best All Round Junior Male trophy, with Sam Wood as runner up. Jo Adams stepped up for a second time to collect the Junior Female Endurance award for her performances on the track, while Maddy Winzer won the Cross Country equivalent for her excellent performances throughout the season. The clear winners of the Female Sprint category were Leanne Shaw and Ruth Hill and Holly Carrick was rewarded for her performance as a Female Thrower. Best All Round Junior Female went to Rachel Holloway, with Amy Coulson in second place. Fergus Roberts took the Starvis Trophy for most improved Cross Country Junior and Kerry Robson collected the Engraver’s Award for attitude and effort. This year the Becky Robinson Trophy went to Katie Roberts for her work as a mentor and role model to the club’s younger members and Fiona Hughes was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for her tireless work coaching and organising the junior athletes, as well as her general input into the Club. Last but by no means least, Ken Harker was a clear choice for Richmond & Zetland Athlete Of The Year, after winning no less than a Bronze Medal at the World Master’s Indoor Championships in Linz, Austria earlier this year.

NoEAA Open Indoor Meeting - Sheffield 25th November 2006

Earlier the same day, Leanne Shaw had been busy at the first of this winter’s NoEAA Open Indoor Meetings at the EIS, Sheffield and enjoyed her first taste of indoor racing. Competing in both the 150m and 60m sprints, which were races of mixed gender and age, Leanne recorded some excellent results. She was 3rd in both her races and fastest female on the day in the 150m event, as well as being the 3rd fastest female in the 60m event. Leanne now hopes to build on the experience and race again on 9th December at Sheffield, as well as aiming to qualify for the Northern and AAA Championships.

Ravenstonedale 10K - Kirby Stephen 25th November 2006

Three more athletes were also in action on the same day, taking a trip over to the Ravenstonedale 10K on the Yorkshire/Cumbria border near Kirkby Stephen. This is a well-organised and friendly race, with an undulating course winding out over the moors roads and a blustery wind on the day. Ken Harker was the first Richmond athlete to cross the line in 6th place, with a time of 36.27, from a field of 144 runners. Sarah Gregory finished 46th overall and promptly claimed the prize for 4th lady in 45.35, while Neil Piper put his best foot forward to take 60th position and 3rd MV60 with 47.56, enjoying the soup and rolls on offer afterwards.

Leeds Abbey Dash 26th November 2006

On Sunday 26th November, Ian Hepworth was up bright and early to make the start of the ever-popular Leeds Abbey Dash 10K event, starting at 9.30am. He certainly made his trip well worth the effort, finishing in an excellent time of 44.27 and claiming 774th place from a field of 3950 finishers. He was also 17th in the Male 55-59 age group; highly commendable in such a large event.