Exmouth Harriers held its Annual General Meeting at Exmouth Sports Centre on Friday, 14th November, in the absence of Chairman Bob Keast, who was unable to attend, having only returned home from hospital the previous day, following his hip operation. All the Club wish him a very speedy recovery and his speech was read out by secretary Jon Bamsey.
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The races hosted by Exmouth Harriers in 2007/2008 started as always with the Bicton Blister, another well organised and well received race, sadly in many ways the last one at Bicton College. We have had a long association with the college, both through cross-country, South West Championships, Westward League and twice the Southern Area Championships, as well as the Bicton Blister.
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The Christmas party at the Manor Hotel was not well supported, but those that were there had a good time. The athlete of the year awards went to Cathy Newman and Ray Elston, with the Chairman's award going to Jan Moulton, who has now migrated south to Australia. She is the longest serving member of the Harriers, and missed by all. This year the party is returning to the Rugby Club, with Jon Bamsey leading the “catering crew”, thanks in advance Jon.
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2008 dawned bright with the Fulfords GWR 5 again being the jewel in the crown, with ever-increasing numbers, and support. The swapping of the start and finish proved a master stroke, allowing the start to clear the roundabout more quickly and the finish allowing a safer environment for the timekeepers and stewards.
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March saw our first ever race at Bicton Arena, the Westward League cross-country. We have for many years hosted the final race in the series, numbers are always down and this year was no exception. The course around the perimeter of the large field was designed by Paul Champion and Roland Young, and a great course it is. Hard yes, but “real cross-country”. We received a few complaints because it has the greatest distances across the Westward league, but more compliments on the location.
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June did not see the Manor Hotel 10k, which had become “just another 10k”. We have over the last couple of years also become increasingly concerned about traffic at this time of year, which prompted the earlier start. What about 2009? Devon Cliffs at Sandy Bay have confirmed their willingness to host a “beach race” on Sunday 7th June (low water is at 13:15), something a bit different!
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The summer flew by, perhaps because it never got started, and then we arrived at Saturday 11th October, which means only one thing in Exmouth Harriers Land, “the Parrett Trail relay”. Every year this event of 6 legs attracts Exmouth Harriers in numbers, this year we had 4 teams, and didn't we do well! 1st for the ladies, 2nd for the men, and 2nd and 4th for the mixed teams. 24 runners plus support crew, a great feat of organisation thanks to Dawn Teed, Steve Merry and Hugh Marsden.
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On 19th October Jenny Timms won the Dart Vale Marathon to become the Devon Marathon Champion, well done Jenny!
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November saw us back at Bicton Arena with the 2nd leg of the Westward league cross-country, greater numbers than last time, and some great races, but it was very cold. Thanks to all that helped on the day.
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The chairman said a big thank you to all the committee members who work so hard on behalf of everyone to keep the club running. He was particularly grateful to Pete Hutcheson and Penny Newton, who although no longer club members still help with timing at our races. Finally, he wished everyone a healthy year, and the achievement of all of their goals.
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Treasurer Paul Champion reported that the financial position of the Club remains healthy, with liquid assets showing a slight increase of around £500 over the year. Steve Merry was once again thanked for his work raising money for the Club through the bonus ball scheme. He was, however, concerned that the number of members participating and the amount of money raised were declining and he appealed for more members to support this activity.
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A proposal to increase the annual membership subscription (for competing athletes) to £28, but with a discount of £5 (to £23) for payment before 31st January 2009 was approved. In the past, members have been given a year to pay their subscriptions, but the fees for affiliation to England Athletics have to be paid in April, regardless of whether or not the members have paid the clubs. So earlier payment by members must be encouraged in order to save the Club money.
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It was agreed that the Club would continue its affiliation to the South of England Athletics Association.
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The management of the Club remains very stable, but Steve Merry, who has done so much to support the Club over the years, now becomes Ladies Team Manager as well as continuing as Membership Officer. Also, there are two welcome additions to the committee, Lorraine Slight and Jamie Pearson. So although only a small club with less than 100 members, Exmouth Harriers is now run by a committee that includes competing athletes with ages ranging from 17 to 65, a span of 48 years! And the Club can accommodate and would heartily welcome any new members who would like to add the benefits of organised coaching and team activities to their running.
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Terry Oldham put forward the idea of Exmouth Harriers hosting a relay race similar to the Parrett Trail Relays, but taking place along the East Devon Way. He suggested that it could finish with a lap of the Imperial Road running track and, possibly, include a social function at the Rugby Club, e.g. a BBQ. The idea was discussed and broadly welcomed, a further suggestion being that the route could be extended by taking in part of the South West Path and having a circular route starting and finishing at the Club.
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Race Reports
Round 2 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events was held at Exeter Arena on Wednesday, 5th November and the winner was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:56. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:17, followed by Roger Rowe in 11:46. Hannah Dupain and Lee Russell both finished in 11:58, with John Perratt next in 12:15. Ray Elston came home in 12:29, 4 seconds ahead of Nigel Dupain in 12:33. Jim Wyatt finished in 13:24.
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The Tavy 7 (miles) Race at Tavistock on 9th November was won by Harry Wiltshire of Tavistock A C in 38:33. Exmouth Harrier Mark Thompson was 50th in 47:02 and 630 runners completed the race.
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No fewer than 13 Exmouth Harriers competed in the Drogo 10 (miles) tough, hilly cross-country race that starts and finishes at Castle Drogo. It was a lovely day for a change, but very slippery in places. The winner of yet another race was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 1:00:32, beating the other 415 runners. Well done, Tom!
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There were also some excellent performances from Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson, Hugh Marsden, Pete McKeown and Hannah Dupain. Jamie was 20th in 1:08:49 with Hugh Marsen 22nd (and 3rd V45) in 1:09:02. Pete McEown was 43rd in 1:14:39, Adam Miller 50th in 1:15:57 and Hannah Dupain 112th in 1:24:04. Paul Champion was 124th in 1:25:42, Terry Oldham 204th in 1:34:04, Dawn Teed 243rd in 1:37:52 and Lorraine Slight 256th in 1:39:29. Nigel Dupain came 288th in 1:42:52, Lissie Lingard 293rd in 1:43:33, Kevin Lingard 296th in 1:44:05 and Sue Wilkin 328th in 1:50:47.
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Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone produced a superb performance in the tough Cornish Marathon, where he came 3rd in 2:57:20, just 11 seconds behind 2nd placed Andy Drake-Norris of Tamar Trotters. The winner was Shaun Milford of Newquay Road Runners in 2:45:22 and 213 runners completed the race.
Exmouth Station from the signal box at the other end of the platforms. A very early photograph judged by the height of the chimney on the engine.
