Friday, 12 February 2016
Issue 89: February is the shortest month
Hello all
The next few weeks are very important for the club - hosting, racing, donating and handicapping.
Saturday 13th Feb - Met League FINAL - Alexandra Palace - 1:55pm / 2:35pm
The final race of the season. Unless you have a genuine excuse, we need every club member out running and supporting the club at the critical final race of the season. After a reduced turnout from the club at Horsenden Hill the senior men lie in 7th place, behind our main rival Barnet & District AC. If we are to stand any chance of saving our pride, we need all of our members out racing. The race is relatively local and so you have even fewer reasons not to attend. For the women, the A team sit in 5th place, one position above Barnet in 6th. A strong turnout is needed here to maintain this position in the middle of Division 1 for another season. The women's B team were in top position in Division 3 with promotion a possibility prior to the last fixture. Since then, they have slipped to position 3 and out of the promotion positions, but this could be rectified with a good turn out on the day.
Race details are on the Met League site: http://www.metleague.co.uk/fixtures.html#fixture5
Saturday 20th February - Chingford League Race #5 - Victoria Park - Helpers needed
It's our turn to host the Chingford League. For all of you who've enjoyed races organised and hosted by other clubs up to now, now is the time to give back. We need helpers on the day: before, during or after the race. If you can manage none of these, how about baking a cake to sell? All the details are here on the noticeboard. Please contact Laura or me if you can help out.
Saturday 20th February - Chingford League Race #5 - Victoria Park - Runners needed
This fixture is on the clean tarmac of Victoria Park. It's just under five miles (two laps of our renowned figure-of-8 course). If you make one fixture of the Chingford League this year at least make it this one. Cancel your parkrun in the morning, come and run a real race and make it count for the club. More details on the noticeboard and Facebook nearer the time.
Thursday 25th February - February Handicap - 2.9 miles - 7pm for 7:15pm start
The monthly handicap will take place as usual. Volunteer timekeepers and marshalls needed as usual. Please get in touch if you can help, as usual. And, as usual, all results are available at http://tinyurl.com/HandicapResults
Looking ahead:
Saturday 19th March - Club Championships 20 mile - 10am start
In case you missed the announcement, the date has been set for the Club 20. Think of it like the Club 10 we just had at the weekend, only more so. This is perfect for those of you wanting to practice your pacing, nutrition and coping strategies for the upcoming spring marathons. 8 laps of the famous figure-of-8 course.
Note given the length of this event we will start at 10am. The start is a long way from the club house so you need to be registered and numbered by 9:45am at the very latest.
Saturday 2nd April - Orion 15 - Epping Forest - 10am start
The fantastic 15 mile romp through the woods of Essex is back, a little later than previous years. Very popular with club members, although it's not clear if they are drawn by the quality running and competition or the free 'bubbly' at the end. Either way, entries are now open - more details on the Orion Harriers website. Register now before the deadline of 28th March - a bargain at £10.
Club Kit Consultation Update
Look out for an update later this week regarding the outcome of the club kit consultation and new vest supply.
And finally:
Kollecting Kit for Klaserie
Some of you may have seen the post on the club Facebook page from Paul Mee, a 'founder member' of the Klaserie Hawks running club in South Africa. Paul is looking for donations of usable running kit and shoes to donate and support athletes out there less well off than ourselves. I've sure many of you have some spares kicking around. See Paul's post here for details - deadline is Feb 18th
Congratulations
I'm pleased to announce that popular club member Duncan Steen and his partner Eliza welcomed a potential future member in to the world earlier this week. The club wishes Duncan, Eliza and baby Arlo Steen all the best.
Simeon
Men's Road and Cross Country Captain
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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:
Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Issue 87: Dreamy December Dispatch
Greetings of the season, ye members of this great club. Plenty of events coming up in the New Year, and a few more races to sign up for, so fetch a small glass of sherry, your reading specs and get your diaries ready.
New Year's Day - Serpentine 10km - Hyde Park- 11am
Quite a few club members are already entered to run in this race, and it looks like there are still places. Check the Serpentine Website for details and entry if you fancy joining the fun and need a good reason for an early night on New Year's Eve.
Saturday 9th Jan 2016 - Middlesex Cross Country Champs - Wormwood Scrubs 1pm/1:45pm
SIGN-UP REQUIRED! Sign-up form: http://tinyurl.com/
Tuesday 12th Jan 2016 - Mob Match with Eton Manor AC - Well St Common - 7:45pm
As is tradition, one of the first sessions of the year is the Mob Match against Eton Manor. It's our turn to host once again so you won't even need to travel, and we'll need plenty of helpers to make the night go smoothly. So I expect to see a huge turnout from the club. All the details are on the noticeboard.
Saturday 16th Jan 2016 - Metropolitan League - Horsenden Hill - 1:55pm/2:35pm
Race #4 of 5. The prestigious Met League remains a priority for the club. We need strong teams out to maintain our Men's and Women's team position in division A. Race 4 at Wormwood Scrubs went well for our women, coming 5th team on the day and holding position 5 in Division, punching above our weight with much larger clubs. Meanwhile the Women's B team is riding high in the top of division 3, with promotion a genuine possibility. For the men, there is much work to do, our A team are in 7th with Barnet nipping at our heels in 8th position! Men, you know what is needed!
As usual, more details will be on the Met League website a little nearer the time.
Friday 29th January - Marathon Workshop with Mara Yamauchi - 6:30pm - Tooley Street
Details about this event have been sent to me, hosted by London Athletics. Get some advice from one of Britain's best ever female marathon runners. It looks like places are still available, and for £10 looks like money well spent. More details here, and booking website here.
Saturday 30th Jan 2016 - South of England XC Champs - Parliament Hill
Entries are now closed, with 39 club members signed up to run on the day. Even if you're not running, come out to beautiful Hampstead Heath to watch this great event. Both juniors and senior men & women will be running on the day. Afterwards there will hopefully be a trip to a local hostelry to review the day's racing in more detail.
Saturday 27th February - English National XC Champs - Donnington Park, Leicestershire
SIGN-UP REQUIRED! If you'd like to run in the Nationals, please get in touch with me or Laura. More details about the event on the English Cross Country website. I need to know by 9th January if you want to run.
And finally...
MSF - I foolishly neglected to mention this in the last newsletter, but following another successful club Bake Off event back in October, a total of £200was raised for Medecins Sans Frontieres, a fantastic global charity doing valuable work in some of the poorest parts of the world. Well done to all who took part, and particularly to Charlie Maile and Rob Pitkethly, who got the event together.
New Future Member? - Club member Anthony Withstandley and his wife recently welcomed their second child in to the world. Welcome to the world Poppy, a sister for young Hugo. The club wishes you all the best.
Lastly - I was inspired recently by a nice piece of writing by club member Dan Mutlow. I hope you enjoy it too:
Close your eyes for a minute. Imagine a world in which we send our kids to a school where cross country wasn't running round the playing field in football boots while the teacher had a sneaky fag behind the changing rooms and an extra lap wasn't seen as a devastating punishment. Imagine there were weight rooms, specific running coaches, sponsors, amazing kit, to make the team was an honour and the school champs made national news with tv cameras, fans, global coverage and heroic adulation from your school mates. It sounds like a John Lennon lyric but it EXISTS! God bless America! See the video.
That's it. I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing Christmas break, and a healthy start to the new year.
Simeon
Men's Road and Cross Country Captain
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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:
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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:
Thursday, 5 November 2015
AGM
Hello all
Further to last week's message, please see confirmation of the club's Annual General Meeting
It will be held on Thursday 19th November - 8:30pm - St Augustine's Hall (the clubhouse), Cadogan Terrace, Hackney
Attached is the notice and agenda of AGM in PDF format, if anyone cannot access this type of document please let me know and I will make arrangements to get you a Word version, or hard copy. Alternatively click the following links to read the documents online instead: Notice and Agenda for 2015 and Minutes from the 2014 meeting
Please take time to read the notice, there is an opportunity to submit motions, ask questions and also nominate most improved athletes (see last Thursday's newsletter). Prior to the meeting a pack of documents will be circulated including Financial Accounts, Director's Reports and Minutes from last year's meeting. This will be available for you to download and print as required. As with last year, we will only be providing printouts of documents for those who request them - they will not be made available on the night to avoid paper wastage.
The latest date for receipt of motions for the AGM is 12th November 2015 - see details in the notice
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM.
Simeon
Men's Director of Road and Cross Country, on behalf of the Board of Directors, VPH & TH AC.
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Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard - handicap results are here: tinyurl.com/
Friday, 30 October 2015
Issue 84: Clocks go back, calendars fill up
Oh. My. Goodness. What a busy month November is lining up to be. This newsletter alone will be a test of your stamina, so there's a gold star and a chance to win a ride on a miniature horse for anyone who makes it to the end. See me for details of how to claim your prize, but first....
This Thursday 29th October - Club Monthly 2.9 mile Handicap - arrive 7pm, starts 7:15pm
The first handicap of the season went well. All the results are on the noticeboard. October is no different, last Thursday of the month - what a great reason to get out on a mild Autumn night.
Saturday 31st October - Club 3.5 mile championships 10:30am start
Race 2 in the club championships winter series. Run on a nice flat course in the park and like all club races, it won't cost you a penny. All the details are on the noticeboard. (Club members may bring a guest to run as well). I still need 1-2 more helpers with timekeeping. In keeping with tradition, there's refreshments in the bar afterwards, cake contributions for that also welcome!
Tuesday 3rd November - Chingford League Race #3 - Hog Hill Cycle circuit - Women 7:30pm, Men 8pm
Back to the usual Tuesday spot for the second fixture at the Redbridge Cycle circuit. Our women are doing particularly well already this season. Note that at the cycle circuit fixtures men and women race separately due to volumes of participants. All details are on the noticeboard. Welcome on board Joyce as well.
Saturday 7th November - Metropolitan League Race #2 - Stevenage - 1:55pm / 2:30pm
There was a strong turn out and a good set of results in race 1, with both our Women's and Men's A teams coming 6th in division 1 (ahead of local rivals Barnet). Our women's vets came 4th in their division 1 (behind Barnet) and our vet men came top of league 2. Lots of work to do to maintain and improve upon this great start so PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND. The race is in Stevenage, a short train ride from Kings Cross or Finsbury Park. There's also a minibus from the clubhouse for those who like to travel in packs - see details on Facebook or get in touch. I look forward to seeing an overwhelming number of runners. PLEASE BRING YOUR NUMBERS WITH YOU.
Further details on the Met League website. Our excellent junior squad will be there too, please make every effort to get there early and cheer them on from around 1:15pm.
Saturday 14th November - London XC Champs - Parliament Hill 1:15pm/2pm
Club entries for this race will close very shortly after this email but there is still time to register if you are quick. Details on the noticeboard. Even if you don't plan to run come along and enjoy an afternoon on the Heath (and maybe a beer afterwards), over 40 club members have signed up to run.
Thursday 19th November – Club Annual General Meeting – Club headquarters - 8:30PM
Members will receive a separate notice later in the week for the club's AGM. Details will also appear on the actual paper noticeboards at the clubhouse and at Mile End stadium. Please read it carefully. Those wishing to put forward motions for consideration need to do so by 12th November.
Most Improved Athlete Awards 2015 (Road and Cross Country)
This award is given at the AGM - please see details on the noticeboard about nominating your club mates for this coveted trophy.
Saturday 21st November - North London XC Champs - Hackney Marshes 2pm/3pm
Another individual race, not part of any league or championship. This year hosted by local friends Eton Manor AC held on a similar course to the Chingford League as used in recent years. If you would like to run, then pre-registration is required. However I've made it easy for you - just complete this simple form: tinyurl.com/NLXC2015. If you've already registered to run the London XC Champs on Parliament Hill no need to enter the same details - just sign up in a few clicks.
Thursday 26th November - Monthly Handicap (2.9 mile) - Well Street Common - From 7pm
As above, the monthly handicap will take place as usual, with the added excitement of the marathon ballot afterwards.
Thursday 26th November - Club Marathon Ballot - Club bar, 9pm
The club has been awarded three guaranteed places in the 2016 Virgin London Marathon. All the details on qualifying and registering for the ballot are (you guessed it!) on the noticeboard....
Saturday 28th November - QUESTION?
Shall we have the club cross-country race on this date? We've a pretty full calendar already but this might be the only date to hold the race. I would value your thoughts.
The Register
Congratulations to club member Annie Brown who was married to her partner Guillaume on Saturday at Hackney Town Hall. Proper East End. We wish you every happiness in your future together and hope to see you back at the club soon ;-)
Annual Subscriptions
Don't forget - the membership year start on 1st November. If you pay monthly there's no action required, but if you pay annually then please see this post from all-round membership good-guy, Neil Cook.
Yours in anticipation of the most improved athlete award,
Simeon
Men's Road & XC Captain
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Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard - handicap results are here: tinyurl.com/
Sunday, 4 October 2015
Issue 83 - October News, just about delivered in September
Autumnal greetings, getting back in to the busy season, October is a packed month. Starting, importantly, with cake....
This Thursday 1st October - Bake Off - Clubhouse from 8:30pm
Back for the third year, now. Improved for 2015 as it's a chance to combine baking with raising money for worthy charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (or Doctors Without Borders). All of the details are on the front page of the club website and also on Facebook. Whether you bake, simply consume, or both, there really is very little excuse not to get involved.
Sunday 4th October - Middlesex Championships 10km Race - Victoria Park - 10:30am start
Official entries have now closed but if any club member really wishes to run get in touch with me. I really need some helpers to come forward to make things run smoothly on the day. Specifically looking for folk to help set the course out (from 9am), marshalling the race (from around 10am) and closing down (from around 11:30am) and also a lead cyclist. Hope to hear from some of you soon.
DATE CHANGE Wednesday 7th October - Chingford League Race #1 - Hog Hill Cycle circuit - Women 7:30pm, Men 8pm
Due to a prior booking at the Redbridge Cycle circuit the first league race of the season will be on a Wednesday night, and not on the Tuesday as usual. Also note that at the cycle circuit fixtures men and women race separately due to volumes of participants. All details are on the noticeboard.
Saturday 10th October - Metropolitan League Race #1 - Claybury Woods - 1:55pm / 2:30pm
The Metropolitan Cross-Country League kicks off once again. The fixtures have been finalised and as usual all of the details are available on the Met League website. This is the best cross-country league in London and both our men's and women's team compete in its top tier. It will be our primary focus for cross country this season and members are asked to prioritise these fixtures. Our excellent junior squad will be there too, please make every effort to get there early and cheer them on from around 1:15pm.
Saturday 17th October - Chingford League Race #2 - Loughton - 2:30pm
Please keep the date in your diary for now. Full details will be posted in the usual places nearer the time.
Saturday 24th October - North of the Thames XC - Kingsbury 2pm Women / 2:30pm Men
This annual fixture takes place once again in the pretty Fryent Country Park. This is a pre-entry event and the deadline for applications is 15th October. I have posted more details on the noticeboard.
Thursday 29th October - Club Monthly 2.9 mile Handicap - arrive 7pm, starts 7:15pm
The first handicap of the season went well. All the results are on the noticeboard. October is no different, last Thursday of the month - what a great reason to get out on a cold Autumn night.
Saturday 31st October - Potential date for the club 3.5 mile championships
Given yet another full calendar this is a potential date for race #2 in the club championships winter series. Run on a nice flat course in the park I have earmarked this as a potential date. The race is usually held on a Saturday morning.
AGM + Fixtures Card
Look out for a separate mail in coming days regarding the 2015 AGM (including the most improved athlete awards, sure to be tricky this year) and a handy PDF winter fixtures guide. Bet you can't wait.
The Register
More great news. Long-standing club member Chrissie Ward (formerly Shepherd) gave birth to a little boy, named Alexander on September 17th. Despite what sounded like a very exciting birth, I understand all are doing well and a visit to the club may happen some time in the future. Congratulations from us all, Chrissie.
Club Secretary Rachel Morison and fellow club member Rupert Rowling were married in September in Northamptonshire, it's not clear how much running they did on their honeymoon but Rachel also picked up a few medals at the recent Isle of Wight fell running championships as well. Congratulations to you both!
That's it for now
Simeon
Men's Road & XC Captain
Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard - handicap results are here: tinyurl.com/
Saturday, 29 August 2015
Issue 82 - Look! Autumn's coming!
As the sands of August leak through our hands like a damp sandcastle on a wet bank holiday weekend beach, one's thoughts turn to Autumn and the bounty of races and events it has to offer. Starting with....
This Thursday 27th August - Club Monthly 5 mile Handicap - arrive 7pm, starts 7:15pm
The final handicap of the summer season will take place this Thursday. All details are on the noticeboard.
Thursday 3rd September - Assembly League Race #6 - Beckenham - 7:30pm
The final race of the season in Beckenham. This is always a great finale on a measured three mile course, with the chance to enjoy a beer afterwards. Keep an eye on the noticeboard and the Assembly League Facebook page for more details of the fixture and location if you've not been before.
Thursday 10th September - Club Championships Race #1 - The Flowers Mile - Register by 7pm, race at 7:15pm
Pleased to announce we have now set a date for this iconic and historic club race, where club track, road and junior athletes can all compete together. All the details are on the noticeboard. Previous results can be found at http://tinyurl.com/VPHMile.
Wednesday 30th September - Marathon Workshop with Mara Yamauchi - Southwark Council Office - 6:30pm
I've been sent details about a workshop with this talented former professional British distance athlete. More details and tickets at http://www.londonathletics.
Sunday 4th October - Middlesex Championships 10km Race - Victoria Park - 10:30am start
Many more details on the club noticeboard and the Middlesex AA website.
Tuesday 6th October - Chingford League Race #1 - Hog Hill Cycle circuit
The local league kicks off with two fixtures at Redbridge cycle circuit. More details to follow nearer the time.
Saturday 10th October - Metropolitan League Race #1 - Claybury Woods - 2:30pm
The Metropolitan Cross-Country League kicks off once again. The fixtures have been finalised and as usual all of the details are available on the Met League website. This is the best cross-country league in London and both our men's and women's team compete in its top tier. It will be our primary focus for cross country this season and members are asked to prioritise these fixtures.
Cross Country Captains needed
Given the number and range of cross country races that the club competes in over the Winter it's time to spread the load and share the effort a little. We're looking for some cross-country captains for specific leagues, to take a more active role in promoting the races, encouraging members to attend and supporting before/after/during the races as well. It's something that many other clubs do and we believe it's the sort of thing that an ambitious and capable club like VPH & TH should be doing as well. As mentioned above, our primary focus for XC is the Metropolitan league this year, however, we realise that may not suit all club members. We have been part of the other leagues and races for many years as well. So, what we seek is one or two 'league captains' for both the Metropolitan league and also the Chingford league for this coming season. Please get in touch with Women's Director Laura Morgan or me to discuss further. It would be great to see some other members stepping up to get involved.
Congratulations
Active members Joe Feltham and Gemma Dunlop kindled their friendship here at our very club a few years ago. They were wed at a ceremony in Berkshire on July 25th. Congratulations Joe and Gemma, we you both many happy miles in your future together (pic below). Congratulations also go to club member Anna Tibelius who gave birth to baby Jack at the end of July. We wish her and occasional runner David (Dad) all the very best.
That's it for now
Simeon
Men's Road & XC Captain
Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard - handicap results are here: tinyurl.com/
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