President’s Christmas Newsletter 2009

 Dear Fellow Centurions,

 Our Captain, Charlie Weston C584, put “pen to paper” this year a little earlier than myself and he has, as you will read, covered very adequately the news and events where Centurions have been involved during the past twelve months.

 The Weekend of Walks at Newmarket in July which witnessed not only the successful completion by former National Hunt jockey Richard Dunwoody in covering 1000 miles in 1000 hours and by doing so emulating the feat of Captain Barclay two hundred years ago but also the 100 miles in 24 hours race. Once again the rains came down during the night of the 100 miles event and it is a sad fact that for the last few years it has taken place during a wet weekend!

 Our thanks to Richard for ‘staying on’ after completing his event to start the 100 miles championship race and also the following day to present the trophies; it was good to see so many Centurions entering their names in the ‘appearance’ book and walking a mile or more with Richard who I know much appreciated their support and companionship. This was a successful meeting and all congratulations to Ron Wallwork C.893 and his team for putting on a series of well attended events.

 I have great pleasure in thanking our Dutch Brethren for yet again bringing over a strong team for the event and in future the UK walkers must do more to challenge the  Dutch teams and individuals who again won a number of Centurions trophies. 

Centenary Dinner 2011. 

After much deliberation and discussion the Centurions Committee has decided to hold the Centenary dinner in the House of Commons within the Palace of Westminster.  The actual venue is the Members’ Dining Room for the seated dinner which can accommodate 168 persons and we have also secured the Strangers’ Dining Room for the pre-Dinner drinks and an exhibition of Centurions memorabilia, etc. Please read the attached flyer for full information and I suggest you return the tear off slip quickly as we hope there will be a good turnout of Centurions on this great milestone in the history of the Centurions.  I sure there will be a good response and places will be taken up quickly so DON’T DELAY, DO IT TODAY!

 In due course a Standing Order Mandate will be available to enable those wishing to spread the cost of the function to do so on a regular basis.

 100 Miles in 24 Hours race 2010

Unfortunately, at the present time there is not a 100 mile event on the calendar. The Isle of Man Veteran Athletes’ Club was hoping to promote it again at the National Sports Centre at Douglas but due to various reasons the Organising Group have reluctantly had to withdraw the offer.  There is no immediate alternative on the horizon at the time of writing but the Committee is pursuing some other possible venues through participating clubs.

 I conclude with our congratulations to Pam Ficken C.934 on her election as RWA President for the forthcoming year 2009/10 and it is a great tribute to her long standing connection with race walking at all levels, and we wish her well during her Presidency.  My thanks to the Committee for the work undertaken during the past twelve months. Its meetings enable the Centurions to progress as one of the most influential organisations promoting ultra distance walking in the UK, and many Centurions are great ambassadors of our sport abroad.  I too endorse all of Charlie Weston’s comments.

 Finally, I hope you will join me at 2pm on Christmas day to toast all Centurions and remember with pride those who are no longer with us.

 Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Joyful 2010.

 

Carl Lawton C.750

Centurions President

For those with Internet access you may be interested in accessing  http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=39465   It is the 1955 London to Brighton and back!