Blackheath & Bromley Masters – A pre- (Summer) Season Appeal to the Club

Masters athletics in the UK is world class. Off the back of the recent National Championships in Cardiff, and with the World Masters Indoor Championships in Austria just a week away at the time of writing, it is hard to recall a time when any aspect of British athletics has been so dominant.

And Blackheath & Bromley Masters athletes are part of that domination! “Running Fitness” magazine recently included performances by Helen Godsell and Bob Minting in its “Top 20” “Magnificent Masters of 2005”. Sprinter Tom Phillips, and pole vaulters Alan Williams and Jim Day have been regularly turning out world class results through the current indoor season. The Club will be well represented with B&B athletes in the GB Team for the Indoor World Masters, and, no doubt, at the European Championships later in the year.

But we are going to struggle in the Kent Masters Track and Field League this summer. How come, you ask? The answer is the age-old Blackheath & Bromley problem of a lack of strength in depth, and a serious absence of “new blood” in the men’s and women’s Masters teams. Yet there is no reason why this should be so. We have capable athletes aplenty of the right age to be giving Masters athletics some serious thought.

Perhaps the run of League successes by both of our teams in recent years have been misleading? These have come from the dedication and endeavours of small bunch of regulars, some of whom are still competing for the Club’s Senior teams too! Jim Day was probably first heard to say 30 years ago that he wouldn’t go on competing for ever. It really is time for some of our athletes half his age to start getting involved.

For women, and for men at national levels, Masters now starts at age 35. For men, the less enlightened local league structures still begin at 40. The days of “hanging up your spikes” (so to speak) in your mid to late 30’s are over. Your Club needs you still. And think – no matter how long you’ve already been competing, surely you’d like to be remembered as a “Master” in the sport?

And, like every team, we need our share of officials for the Kent League too!

Please heed the call. Get in touch with Anne Cilia, Mike Martineau or Tom Phillips, and come and be part of the squad.

Thank you

The Management.

Ann Cilia (01959 562522 ), Mike Martineau (01959 575046) Tom Phillips (01622 753527)

We are in need of some new blood on the Wine Committee.  If you can help, even if it is spasmodically, we would love to hear from you.  The social side of the club, being very active, contributes much needed funds to help out those that spend it! So, if you can pull a pint, or lay a table or even clear a table, or could do some shopping, or could keep the books, or etc, etc.....

We have, for to long, relied on a few trusties and they need some help.  Please contact either Alison Brand or Ann Cilia

27-02-06

Wanted: Can you help with the refreshments at Norman Park? Race days, training days - all the time, some of the time. A little team of volunteers would be nice - would spread the load and give you something to do while you are wanting for your 'star' to perform. Heather Williamson is the co-ordinator and would love to hear from you if you can help, even just occasionally.

Help desperately needed!!!!!!!!!! Coaches or other interested people who can help with Wednesdays 6pm to 7pm. The success of the club at junior level has resulted in large numbers attending this will increase as the summer progresses we are struggling to cope. If you are a new coach or want to get back into coaching or are willing to assist coaches please contact me or turn up on Wednesday evening. Brian Power bpower@ntlworld.com