2010 subscriptions

Don't forget to renew your membership - pay the membership secretary as soon as possible please. The fees are unchanged at £25 for seniors, £10 for juniors/students and £40 for a family. See Sandra Baily-Gard or send to The Westbury Harriers Membership Secretary, 10 Thornmead Grove, Brentry, Bristol BS10 6QG.

Thanks to all who turned up to do the run to Bath on Saturday 6 February, and especially Roger Long, who took bags for people in his car.  Two groups of runners left Bristol (one group being led by Jane Thornton from Temple Meads and the other by Jullian Bailey-Gard junior from St James Barton Roundabout in Bristol).  Again the weather had been kind to us - it was a slightly chilly morning, but no rain!  The first group had left from TM at 10:45am and the main group from SJBR at 11:00am.  About 30-40 people had turned up through out the day.

The plan as with every year was to run along the cycle track, through Bitton train station, alongside the river and meet outside Bath train station. Once in Bath to go for a few beers (and possibly a curry if people were game).  All the runners arrived in Bath within 20 minutes of each other. Some would have arrived in Bath a bit sooner had they not stopped for Tea & cakes en route (Mr Bloss & Mr Attwood)!  Terry Jewell-Davis assisted Roger with the Bag carry, and joined in the run from Bitton train station.  Whist Roger waited at Bitton train station to see the runners come through, cheer them on, and drink more tea.

It was nice to see Life Member and former popular group leader John Canning along the route, who took some photos.  He joined us for a drink afterwards and showed us the fruits of his superb photography skills.  Also to mention a few people who came on their bikes Andy Gordon, Dean Thornton, Steve McDonnald and Vanessa Smith (and possibly one or two others). 

Now as everyone knows a runners body is a temple, and after a long run you would expect the priority would be making sure we stretch our muscles correctly, drink lots of water, and putting on some warm clothes.  Not this lot!  Someone (who shall remain nameless) was in such a rush to get to the pub that they forgot their bag.  We all headed off to the pub and Roger being the good samaritan had stayed at the train station with the bag.  Little did he know the runner was already at the pub.  Roger has not been seen since....rumour has it he's still outside Bath train station now!

The social activities started with a trip to the Salamander pub, at the top of Bath high street.  A favourite from past years due to its selection of Bath Ales.  Various people came and went throughout the afternoon (some to watch the international rugby), or to get home on their bikes (before it got too dark). Once back in Bristol about 20 people headed for a curry on Gloucester road, where some who had earlier left, had come back for a bite to eat (and some more beer). 

Thanks to all for a good day out and see you next year.

Jullian

The last Monday of each month (year round) will be new members' night, as well as a normal training session. This is aimed at welcoming newcomers to the club and organising them into an appropriate training group.

The Bristol Evening Post has revamped it's  athletic page (June 2009), which can be found at:  http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/athletics