2013 AGM Notice and Late September Newsletter

Hello all

First up, the serious bit. Then the regular news and fixtures.

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Notice of Annual General Meeting - Thursday 17th October - 8:30pm - St Augustine's Hall, Cadogan Terrace

Please take time to read the notice, there is an opportunity to submit motions, ask questions, stand for vacant board positions and also nominate most improved athletes (see below).  Prior to the meeting a pack of documents will be available 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.  This year, we will only be providing printouts of documents for those who request them - they will not be made available on the night due to the amount of wastage in previous years.

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This Thursday 26th September - Winter 2.9 mile Handicap - 7pm for 7:15pm start

The monthly handicap moves to Well Street Common for the winter course.  All the details areon the club noticeboard.  As ever we need at least three volunteers to make the event work - I have one, but need two more please.  Do get in touch as the event can't take place without. 

Could you Consider Coaching? - Courses Commencing 

For those interested in athletics coaching there are some places on a course available.  The course is held locally in Tower Hamlets. Ideal for those who want to learn about this critical part of keeping our sport alive.  Dates: Day 1 & 2 5/6 October, Day 3: 9th November, Assessment: 22nd March 2013. Please contact me or Alf Vickers at Mile End stadium if you are interested and we can send you an info pack.  REMEMBER: The club will fund these course for any member on condition that they put their new skills to work leading or helping out at coaching sessions.

Tuesday 1st October - Chingford League Race #1 Hog Hill Cycle Circuit

For those who've not run it before it is the first 'Cross Country' race of the season and part of the Chingford League, though being on a tarmac cycle circuit it is actually a road race.  The venue and facility is very good, though as the course is not illuminated we rely somewhat on the London glow and the moon.  It's a good race to start the season, since we are doing it twice.  Bring your road shoes (NOT your spikes)

Venue: Redbridge Cycling Centre ('Hog Hill'). 

Times: Senior Race 8:05PM, Juniors U15/U17: 7:45PM, Juniors U13: 7:30PM

Travel: Nearest tube stations are Fairlop and Hainault on the Central Line.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=547291&y=191903&z=1&sv=547291,191903&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Tube-Bus - alight at Hainault and take the 247 bus towards Romford and get out at 'Romford Road / Forest Road' outside the centre.

If anyone is travelling by car, please can they post it on the club noticeboard thread in order to share lifts - that will be very much appreciated. I suggest if you are driving, please don't leave the club any later than 7pm to get there in time for the senior race start. http://disc.yourwebapps.com/Indices/180697.html

Reminder: There is no led session at the club house Tuesday night (1st October) in order that as many runners as possible can support the race.

Saturday 12th October - Chingford League Race #2 - Loughton 14:30 start (juniors earlier)

The second fixture of the season will be at Loughton.  Please keep this date in your diary and an eye on the noticeboard nearer the time.

Most Improved Athlete - Get nominating - Deadline 15th October

An important part of the year, awarding the most-improved athlete award.  After last year's successes it's time to get your nominations in to me (for Road and XC) and to Emily (for Track & Field).  More details on the noticeboard here.  

Warming down 

One event and one fact for you in this month's Warming Down.

Thursday 10th October  - The Great VPH Bake Off - Clubhouse, after the session

The club has more avid and amateur cooks, bakers and pastry chefs than you might realise.  In celebration of this combined with the nation's love of baking right now AND the fact there are few better ways to replenish energy stores after a punishing run to Tower Bridge we will hold our own 'Bake Off' after the session.  There will be two judges taste-testing baked submissions.  Please keep an eye on the noticeboard in the coming weeks for more details on how to take part. It's just for fun!

Club Olympians:

Did you know the club has been represented at all three London Olympics? And that overall, four club members have competed in the Olympics?  Can you name them?

More news on the winter fixture program in the October Newsletter - out soon!  I look forward to seeing you at the AGM

cheers, Simeon

Director of Men's Road & XC Running

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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

September 2013 Newsletter

A quick newsletter for the start of the month, it's a busy few weeks so a chance to make sure you don't miss some of the things going on - starting tomorrow!

Saturday 31st August - Eton Manor Centenary Relay - Leyton - 2:30pm start

Local club Eton Manor are holding a relay mob match against local clubs as part of their Centenary celebrations. It will be a fun, sociable event, but with some healthy competition! 

- register by 2pm for 2.30pm start

- teams of 4, each running a 2-mile leg
- male, female and mixed teams those without a team can be put with others on the day
- all participants will receive a bottle of the legendary Eton Manor Centenary Ale
- food and refreshments will be available afterwards

- event takes place at Eton Manor clubhouse, The Cottage, Marsh Lane, Leyton, London E10 7BL

Sunday 1st September - Clubhouse Working Party - 10:30am onwards

Come and spare a few hours to keep your clubhouse in shape.  Please spare one or two hours to help to clear out the old table tennis room to clear out some of the junk and also clearing the garden.  Tea and cake will be provided in return for a little hard work. Please bring working clothes and garden gloves if you have them.

Thursday 5th September - Assembly League Race #6 - Beckenham - 7:15pm Race starts 

Don't forget the last race of the Assembly League season.  There is no session and no bar at the clubhouse on Assembly League nights - we want as many of you there as possible.  It's a nice quick course, around 3 miles held in leafy suburbs on very quiet roads with a dastardly uphill finish to keep it interesting.  Don't worry about whether you think you are good enough to compete for the club - every place a VPH & TH runner takes in front of a runner from another club means potentially more points and a better standing in the results.  The facilities are very good with changing, showers and a bar afterwards.  All the travel details will be on the noticeboard and Facebook later in the week.  Plan to be there!

Saturday 7th September - Middlesex 10k, Victoria Park - 10:30am start

A reminder that we are hosting the annual county 10k championships in the park once again, possibly the most competitive 10k held in the park all year. There is still, just about time to enter but do not delay!  More details at the Middlesex AA website.  We still need a few more helpers on the day, from about 9:45 for two hours if possible.  If you can help out, please contact Major or me.  Failing that, come along and enjoy the race and cheer on your club mates.  The 10k course passes some parts 4 times so you can watch the race unfold.

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Warming down / Recovery Shake / Running Shorts / Pin Pot / Clipboard / Vestages

A new feature for the newsletter (woo!), please feel free to send me on items to include, be they links, photos, recommendations - just needs to be vaguely related to the club, running or athletics - or just funny. I'm also accepting suggestions for a permanent name, too.

Let's start looking at a couple of club member's blogs:

VICTOR:  A club member who has recently completed his MSc in Strength & Conditioning, so eager is he to share his knowledge he's started writing a blog about running, and it's called....  Victor's Running Blog.

JOHN: Many club members will know Dr John McKeane (who competes for the club as a second claim member). His blog is an alternative look at running, sport, competition and the characters that make it interesting - though I've yet to feature :-(  Check out 'Of The Long Distance Runner' when you get a moment.

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OK, look out for another newsletter later in September with news of the AGM and the start of the cross country season - bet you can't wait.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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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

August Newsletter 2013

OK, OK, some of this was in last month's newsletter, I confess.  Still, a reminder won't hurt, surely?  There's loads going on, particularly around the end of the month. So pay attention and get your diaries out.  The first events are this Monday.

Monday 5th August - Athletics Open Meeting - Mile End Stadium, from 4:15pm

A reminder that the club is involved with the open meeting at Mile End on Monday.  There's a full schedule of events from 75m to 3000m, starting at 4:15pm, last event starts at 9pm.  It's cheaper if you sign up in advance but only a few pounds to take part.  More details here. All ages (from U11 to Vet) and abilities are encouraged.

Also on Monday night, the Sri Chinmoy one mile relays in Battersea Park, starting at 7pm.  Please see the post on the Facebook site.  There's still time to get involved.

Thursday 8th August - Assembly League Fixture #5 - Victoria Park

A reminder about the Assembly League, we host it again THIS WEEK.  We're doing very well in the league as runners, we also need to put on a good show as hosts once again.

- Before the race: Rob has asked if he can have 2-3 volunteers around about 6pm to help with sandwiches for hungry finishers - that will allow you to run as well.

- During the race: I need, if possible 5-6 volunteers from 7pm to help as marshals on the course.  Please do let me know via email, in person or on the noticeboard.  

- After the race: If a few folks can commit to help out on the bar that would be useful also.

It would be great to some new faces volunteering also, remember the club needs people to help once in a while as everything done by folk who kindly give their time.

Saturday 10th August - Track & Field Southern Womens League - Abingdon

Ladies, want a change of scene from plain old road running?  We're still looking for women for the final fixture of the season.  See this post on the noticeboard for more details. Or contact Emily - I'm sure she would love to hear from you.  Transport to the event will be provided. 

Saturday 17th August - Pride 10k - Victoria Park - 11am mass start / 10:55 AM 

Once again we will host this 10k, as we have done for many years now. It's the tenth anniversary run, traditionally many club members run or help out on a flat traffic-free course that gives you a good finish time. Entries are open at their website here.  The organisers have agreed to keep back a number of places for club members who wish to enter, this event often reaches capacity.  Let me know if you are interested in helping out or need a place (only if the entries have sold out).

Thursday 29th August - Monthly 5 mile - 7:15 start

As is tradition, the August 5 mile will be held in conjunction with the London Business Houses. Instead of a handicap, it will be a straight race over the usual course.  As usual there will be a good atmosphere, plenty of competition and a chance to enjoy a drink with others afterwards.  If anyone can help out to marshall or time this race, assistance is always appreciated.

Saturday 31st August - Eton Manor Centenary Relay - Hackney Marshes - 2:30pm start

Local club Eton Manor will be holding a relay mob match against local clubs as part of their Centenary celebrations. It will be a fun, sociable event, but with some healthy competition!   - register by 2pm for 2.30pm start

- teams of 4, each running a 2-mile leg
- male, female and mixed teams those without a team can be put with others on the day
- all participants will receive a bottle of the legendary Eton Manor Centenary Ale
- food and refreshments will be available afterwards

- event takes place at Eton Manor clubhouse, The Cottage, Marsh Lane, Leyton, London E10 7BL

Sunday 1st September - Working Party Planned - mid-morning onwards

About time for another working party at the club house.  We need some help to clear out the old table tennis room to clear out some of the junk and also clearing the garden.  Please spare one or two hours. Tea and cake will be provided in return for a little hard work. More details nearer the time.

Saturday 7th September - Middlesex 10k, Victoria Park - 10:30 start

We will host the annual county 10k championships in the park once again, possibly the most competitive 10k held in the park all year.  Anyone can enter the event but you have to have been resident in the county for 9 months prior to the event in order to compete for county prizes (some club members live outside the 'county' of Middlesex).  This is always well-attended by club members, either supporting or running.  If you want to enter, there's more details at the Middlesex AA website.  If you can help out, please contact Major or me.

Provisional - Thursday 19th September - Flowers Mile - Victoria Park - Start 7pm sharp

The annual one mile race held on the classic course in the park. Traditionally this is a good opportunity for road and track athletes to compete together.  Please keep this date in your diaries, more details to follow soon.

Right, that's it for now.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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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

Middlesex County Championships

Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC had one of their most successful championships at the recent Middlesex County Championships. The results were 15 gold, 15 silver and 9 bronze. 

We congratulate the medal winners:

Gold

Kiah Dubarry-Gay (U13 Girls 70m Hurdles)

Leigh Thompson (U15 Girls 75m hurdles+ Long jump)

Nnenna Eronini (U15 Girls Discus)

Ocean Lewis (U15 Girls 100m + 200m)

Taha Attibi (U13 Boys 800m)

Illias Attibi U13 Boys 1500m)

Gbemisola Olaosebikan ( U17 Shot put)

Precious Ejimonyeabale (U17 Girls 200m)

Ilje Enweren (U17 Girls Discus)

Whitney Idowu (U17 Girls Triple jump)

Serlina Swaby-Constantine (U20 Women 400m hurdles)

Rolce Marcelo (U20 Men shot put)

Leslie Delgado (Sen Women 400m Hurdles)

Silver

Felix Waters (U13 Girls 800m)

Luca Minale U13 Boys 800m)

Lotte Wubben-May (U15 Girls 800m)

Nile McKenzie (U15 Boys 800m)

Lathursan Vinayagamoorthy (U15 Boys 300m)

Precious Ejimonyeabala (U17 Girls 100m)

Whitney Idowu (U17 Girls 80m hurdles)

Gbemisola Olaosebikan (U17 Girls Discus)

Ajibola Aderemi (U17 Boys400m+ 100m hurdles)

Christopher Conning (U17 Boys Shot put)

Serlina Swaby-Constantine (U20 Women Long jump)

Rolce Marcelo (U20 Men Long jump)

Tyson Oladokun (Sen Men 400m)

Ashley Wilson (Sen Men 110m hurdles)

Alex Murdoch (Sen Men 200m)

Bronze

Nayanna Dubarry-Gay (U13 Girls 70m hurdles)

Latoya Davis (U13 Girls Long jump)

Joel Akuwudike (U13 Boys Long jump)

Jessica Appeagye (U15 Girls 75m hurdles)

Georgeanne Colbert (U15 Girls 200m)

Lilian Bangula (U15 Girls High jump)

Micheal Dola-Lami (U17 Boys Discus)

Emmanuel Mintah (U20 Men 200m)

James Foley ( Se Men 800m)

May Newsletter

Hello all

With your winter training gear [hopefully] stored away for a few months, the weather has finally warmed somewhat, and with that comes some great Spring and Summer events for your diaries. So read on...

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May - BUPA London 10,000m - Central London, starting at 10am

At least 14 men and women from the club will be running and competing for the team prize in this 10k starting in Westminster, looping out to the City and then back in to a finish on the Mall.  It's a good race to come and watch if you're not competing.  For club members who'd like to support, a great place to stand in the central 'reservation' on Queen Victoria St at Mansion House in the City, where you will see the runners going both directions at 3.5km and just before 6km.  Get a coffee, stand in the sunshine and enjoy the atmosphere.  More details here.

Thursday May 30th - Monthly 5 mile handicap - Victoria Park - 7pm for 7:15 start

The second of the 'long course' handicaps of the year.  A fast, flat, 5 miler that is more challenging than you might think.  A chance to come and see how your training is progression.  All of the results from the last few years, including  last month's are available here. All club members may run and bring a guest.

Saturday June 1st / July 6th / August 3rd - Orion Harriers 'Forest Five' series - Chingford / Epping Forest - 10am start

A mention for this great series of 5 mile trail races on the first Saturday of the summer months.  These are great races in lovely surroundings, always, with a great atmosphere. Discounts if you enter in advance either on line or by printing the form available on Bob Jousiffe's website.  More details here.

Thursday June 13th - Assembly League Race #3 - Dulwich Park 7:30pm start

A measured 5km course in the pleasantly flat surrounds  of Dulwich Park.  This race was well attended last year and I hope this year will be no exception.  Keep an eye on the noticeboard nearer the day for directions, maps and lifts. Again, this will cost you nothing to run as a club member + there is usually a good social afterwards.

Wednesday 26th June - London Business Houses 'Three Bridges Relay' - 7pm start

A note about the LBH Bridges Relay which will take place on Wednesday 26th June. As usual the start time is 7 pm - on the stroke of Big Ben.  
The race is 4 x 2.3 miles for Open teams (i.e. Mens or Mixed) and 3 x 2.3 miles for Ladies teams. I will post some more details on the noticeboard for anyone who needs more info.

Saturday 13th July - Annual Club Summer party and barbecue

Put this date in your diaries for the annual knees up.  No doubt there will be some early evening 'racing' followed by good food, a few drinks and dancing until late.

Club Subscription Fees

The club membership fees went up from November 2012 following the AGM, largely driven by charges levied by UK athletics..  A big thank you to all members who have updated the subscriptions and responded to requests from the membership team. Unfortuantely despite many reminders and direct approaches a number of members have still yet to update their payments more than 6 months after the change.  We will be approaching those members directly in the coming weeks and asking them update their payments and ensure they are back dated to the original November 2012 date.  All of the details are available on the website. 

Sports Massage and Therapy:

I get a lot of requests for recommendations of physios and sports massages. I've only tried one or two in the area but I am always happy to pass on recomendations you might have.  Tomas Stasionas lives locally and runs for Eton Manor.  He practices out of a space near London Fields but I believe he is also mobile.  Find out more about Tomas at: tomastherapy.com  Feel free to pass on any further recommendations to me.  These are not endorsements from VPH & TH.

That's it. Now, what are you waiting for?

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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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

April Update Newsletter

I'm in shock, the sun has come out and the temperature is in double figures.  Have I been transported to another country? Time for an April update.

This Thursday 18th April - Assembly League Starts - Evening Races

A reminder that this brilliant series of 6 summer road races starts this week. Each held on a Thursday night, usually 3-3.5 miles in length.  The club often does well in this league, with some good competition at every level.   If the fast, free, fun racing isn't enough for you there's usually a post-race social as well.

• 18th April New Beckenham
• 9th May Victoria Park
• 13th June Dulwich Park
• 4th July Battersea Park
• 8th August Victoria Park
• 5th September New Beckenham

A bit more about the Beckenham race...
The season starts and ends with the Beckenham fixture.  There are good facilities and transport links to this event, with somewhere to leave your gear and shower afterwards, there's even a bar.  
It's really important we get as many out for these events.  We traditionally do very well at this event but fail to take the prizes because we've sent insufficient runners to the Beckenham matches. Remember, if you run for the club you will make a difference to the results, so don't worry about whether you think you're fast enough.  Like cross-country, it's your finish position that counts and by running ahead of another runner you prevent them scoring as highly - so you help the club score more points. 
Travel to Beckenham:
The race venue is Beckenham Cricket Club on Foxgrove Road, which is a short walk from either of the stations A link to the map is below:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=537714&y=170099&z=1&sv=537714,170099&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Trains:
There are frequent trains and plenty of routes to get there + you can use your Oyster card - so no need to buy a ticket. Given the start time aim for a train as close to 6pm as possible. It's very easy, I've given you the times:
- From London Bridge: trains at 17:52, 18:00, 18:13, 18:23, 18:35 and take around 18 mins.
- From Victoria to Beckenham Junction trains depart 17:45, 18:00, 18:15, 18:30 and take around 21 mins.
-  There are also trains from London Blackfriars either direct or with a change. 
Check www.nationalrail.co.uk for times and further details and any last-minute delays or changes.

- You can also take the DLR to Lewisham and take an easy train to either to Beckenham Junction or to New Beckenham station at 17:50, 18:11, 18:33, 18:43, taking around 10 minutes.

Driving:  It's not too tough to get to by car and makes coming home easier.  There is sufficient parking on the streets around the cricket club.  If you are driving and can share a lift, please post on the noticeboard.

Sunday 21st April - Virgin London Marathon 2013

I've put more info about the day on the noticeboard.  Please see this post for more info about who is running, how to support and the evening party.

Thursday 25th April - Monthly Handicap - 7pm 

Time for the handicap once again.  Now with a bonus 2.1 miles - yes the clocks have changed, spring is here, so we move to the 5 mile course in the park.  As usual, details and previous results will all be on the noticeboard.

Track & Field Athletics - 2013 Fixtures

Please see this post on the noticeboard and keep an eye on the fixtures page at the front of the website.  Please contact me if you are interested in competing / participating and I can put you in touch with Tony MacDowall or Emily Mosedale - the club's directors for senior athletics.

Subscriptions - Another reminder

Some of you will have received a reminder to update your monthly subscription standing orders.  Please do take the time to update your subs if you have not already done so, they changed in November 2012 so are long, long overdue.  Please contactmembership@vphthac.org.uk for questions or see the membership section of the website.

Open 5 2013 - Thank you

Lastly, a big thank you to all of those who took part in, supported, helped out at, came along to the annual Open 5 race.  It was great to see so many club members out on a great day.  The race was well received, I've seen lots of complimentary emails and comments from others who have taken part.

That's it for now.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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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