25 May 2004.

 Dear Centurions,

 John Eddershaw C299 in his last letter to you all as President said “that  it has been a privilege and an honour to have served you as President since 1998”.  John has now stood down and I have been elected as your 9^th President since the inauguration in 1911. Whether I can emulate my predecessors remains to be seen but I will endeavour to follow in their footsteps.

 The Centurions is a select gathering;   we are not a club or organisation and not affiliated to other bodies. As such we should keep the requirements of our body to a minimum.

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Eddershaw for his excellent work and support of  the Centurions during his term as  President. John has always represented us in a very statesman like manner and I know he will continue to so do.

 Colin Young C317 has also stepped down as Captain after many years. His knowledge of walking and other sports is second to none, and it is always a pleasure to reminisce over the personalities and events of yesteryear, many of whom had stopped competing before I became involved.

 Regrettably Ken Munro C370 stood down as Hon. Secretary during the year but fortunately Chris Flint C849 was able to take over the reins. He has now offered to remain in the post for a further year.

 Our thanks go to all three of our former Officers.  They well epitomise the spirit within the Centurions.

 The Centurions may be an august body but unfortunately we are not a wealthy one as the accounts, as produced by Paul Sargent C430, show. Therefore, we could do with more in the coffers, and any donation, however small, would be most welcome and, without being too presumptuous, maybe a bequest in your Will.  This would be most appreciated, and please don’t expect a personal thank you letter after we have received it!

 May I wish all Centurions a good year and ask for your support whenever you can give it, and especially at the forthcoming 100 Miles championship at Colchester on 21-22 August.  We shall need all the help that is available.