Page 44 - Summer2016Gazette

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in August 1886 and led the buy three different brands of Indoor Athletics surprisingly
Club Cry after Sidney had cigarettes at the Club. Annual featured in the 1930s and there
broken the record with the Dinners were held at the is a record of the AAA Indoor
words: “Gentlemen, this is an Waldorf Hotel and in 1929 a Championships in 1936. And
occasion…” Tom was founder Diamond Jubilee Dinner was Veteran Athletics also gets
of Kent County AAA and its held there. Marriages and a mention. A newspaper in
first President, was also VP births were announced in India had a photo of a 70 year
of Surrey Walking Club and the Gazette, the bride’s first old Marathon runner from
kept the Club going during the name was always Blackheath Harriers.
First World War given but never the
The Walter Cups (presumably groom’s. Usually
after Walter George) get a some humour
few mentions. Wonder where was included at

The Swan, in West Wickham,
hiding behind the Old Stocks
Tree (above).
The clubhouse buildings were
derelict when discovered by the
President as a potential HQ
(left).

they are today. Another the expense of the Club In 1934 ‘Pole Jumping’ is
distinguished member was the member, ie the groom (we referred to. League Athletics
Earl of Dartmouth who was were all male then!). had started and we needed
one of the oldest members. The AGM in 1933 was competitors for all events.
He played Cricket for Eton attended by just 40 members. This event’s inclusion was
and was President of the The editor was obviously considered most unfair but it
MCC. disgusted and pointed out was hoped that the BH spirit
There was also a meeting quite forcefully that the Club would prevail and that there
on Coronation Day in 1937 had 753 members. Nothing would be plenty of volunteers
and a moving poem was seems to have changed much to take part in this novelty and
written on the death of the in 80 years although at recent somewhat precarious event.
King in the previous year. AGMs with the all pervading
Regular requests are made issue of the club’s intended There was also concern in
for ‘artistes’ to perform at move to Norman Park the the 1930s that taking part
‘smoking concerts’, and, attendance has exceeded 50 in Athletics would shorten
would you believe, you could members! your life! Much discussion in