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MASTERS ATHLETICS SPRING 2014.
He joined the ranks of the Centurions in 1970,
competing in the Leicester to Skegness Classic,
walking with Albert Stokes and Carl Abolins.
He also helped with the organisation of events when
not competing, manning feeding stations and
supporting athletes in the longer races.
Many members of the Centurions hoped that George
would live to 100 years of age, but sadly this was not
to be as he passed away in Hospital shortly after his
99th Birthday.
George was popular with fellow competitors and
officials, he liked and enjoyed his pint of beer, and
shared his knowledge of past events with a great
sense of humour,
Our condolences go to his Widow Rita (now 95 years
of age), and his family.
Eric Horwill.
“Just give us the ACTION, man!”
So, that’s the end of another Track & Field year dominated,
of course, by the World Championships and the Diamond
League and we all have our afterthoughts and opinions upon
which to dwell. Sorry to be a bore but I’m back again after a
few years (well, Eight to be exact) on the same topic (TV
coverage. This time, however, I’m not submitting alone as I
spoke to many athletes at the National T&F at Birmingham
and the vast majority held the same opinions.
Sky was the best coverage for continuous action though how
long it’s going to take Maurice Green to discover he’ll never
be a TV interviewer in a million years nobody knows.
Tim Hutchings was his reliable consistent self though why he
keeps telling us the age of very single athlete in every event
is hard to fathom. He’s already told us a thousand times
before! The BBC are well known for sending more
commentators, cameraman, technicians, and guests and so
on than the entire team of the sport presented.
It’s not, nevertheless, about numbers but presentation.
Their coverage of the last Diamond meeting was a clear
example of ‘jobs for the boys (and girls).The ‘format’
appeared to be (this is an exaggeration, of course, but purely
for emphasis)
ŹFirst30minsorso«Logan,Lewis,Jackson,Edwards
introduction
Ź11secWoman’s100m
ŹTracksideinterview
ŹBacktotheStudioexperts
ŹWomen’s800m«..approx2mins
ŹTracksideinterview
ŹBacktoblathering
So, 3 minutes action, 40 minutes talking! No one doubts the
background of these presenters but what they seem to
overlook is that most folk prefer action to talking. Why
Michael Johnson needs to be involved is hard to understand.
Is he such an expert? His first class flights, hotel
accommodation and fees would probably cover coaching
courses for youngsters here for 10 years!
As one gets older one becomes more impatient and the
realisation of what’s to come makes it worse! It’s like the old
Music Hall comedian who is an expert at ‘padding’ and
everyone screams ‘GET ON WITH IT!”
Happily there is always one alternative if you are ‘committed’
to Auntie Beeb’ Record the programme and fast –forward the
blathering!
ROBIN SYKES.
The 2013 National Women’s Veteran’s Track & field Ranking
book which is now available.
This year there are over 8000 performances set by women
aged from 35 to 90 years of age.
The book costs £4 (cheques payable to Mrs S Gandee
please) together with an A5 self-addressed envelope and a
large 2nd class stamp.
It can be obtained from Mrs Sally Gandee at 4 Westfield
Road, Hertford, Herts, SG14 3DJ.
Does anyone have pair of "G.T Law's & Son of Wimbledon
“spikes, they made Walking & Racing Spikes, they were
the type of Spikes that Roger Bannister wore when he broke
the Four 4 minute mile.
If so please contact Barbara Dunsford
barbra.dunsford@sky.com , who has a very worthy cause
she would like to support.
From the BMAF delegates meeting:
Item 8c, Mel James reported that at the Team Managers
meeting it was agreed that the W70 and M75 age categories
be included in the International Cross-Country with effect
from 2014.
7b. Bridget Cushen to remind athletes through the web site
and Masters Athletics that medals will be awarded to any
athlete finishing in the first three and reaching the Medal
Standard in their event irrespective of the number of
entrants.
The European VAA has appointed Helena Pires de Carvalho
from Portugal as their Acting Secretary. Discussion on our
current lack of representation on EVAA and WMA Councils
and the need to get younger members involved with the
BMAF Council to gain experience.
There was a double booking at Horspath stadium for 8 June
for the Pentathlon; Maurice had to change to Tilsley Park.
Irene Nicholls reported that she is having great difficulty as
there was an objection from Rep. of Ireland to 25 October, a
Bank Holiday in Ireland and it also clashes with the Dublin
marathon, their team manager is the Starter. AJ reported that
the Scottish cross-country is scheduled for that date and it is
also Half Term.
Irene said the International will now be on 22 November. She
and Philip Lee are going to Nottingham to look at more
venues for the Reception for 500 people.
Walter Hill emailed all concerned on the cancellation of the
Moray marathon. He confirmed that the BMAF championship
will move south to the Thanet Marathon on the same date
07/09/2014.
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