25th Anniversary News Letter

OCTOBER 1986 OCTOBER 2011
North Herts Road Runners
25 ANNIVERSARY NEWSLETTER
TH
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF RUNNING
North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

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NORTH HERTS ROAD RUNNERS

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF RUNNING
So what were you doing back in 1986? Some of you may not have even been born; others
still at school and some of you hard at work or bringing up a family. Madonna, Lionel Richie
and Tina Turner were among the singers at the top of the charts and petrol was a mere
38.2p a litre! 1986 was declared the International Year of Peace by the United Nations.
Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and Ronald Reagan the US President.
Linford Christie won the 100 metres European Athletics Championships in 10:15 and Roger
Black won the 400 metres in 44:59. Toshihiko Seko won the men's London Marathon in
2:10:02 and Grete Waitz won the women's race in 2:24:54
And, yes, of course, North Herts Road Runners was born in October 1986! So this is our
Anniversary Year and one of the ways we want to celebrate this momentous year is with this
newsletter of times gone by.
So let's start at the beginning in October 1986. John Atkinson made an appeal via a Comet
advert to runners in the Letchworth and Baldock areas to join him in forming a new club.
John received a very positive response and by Christmas the club totalled 14 members.
Many decisions had to be made about how the new club would operate, where it would be
based, what the club colours were going to be, and what it would be called. John was joined
by Phil and Simon Gilby, Sue Pavey and Norman Leslie (amongst others) to help make the
decisions.
The club's first meeting point was North Herts Leisure Centre and was called Letchworth
Running Club, but to appeal to a wider area the name was changed to North Herts Road
Runners. A logo was chosen and the club colours were selected to match a red diagonal
on a white background. Red shorts were mandatory to complete the kit!

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The club's first AGM took place on 7th January 1987 where the committee was formally
elected. Phil Gilby took on the role of Chairman, John Atkinson the Club Secretary, Sue
Pavey became Treasurer and Lynne Hammond took on Publicity. Membership fees were set
at the heady rate of 5! As the club grew a newsletter was produced to keep members up to
date on races, training days, social activities and to spread the club's philosophy: "To run
and socialise and not become a 'serious' club." By April 1987 the club had grown to 45
members made up of 33 men and 12 ladies. By August it was up to 57, and by February
1988 it had reached 65. It was high time that the club started organising its own races.
(Letchworth's First Half Marathon 1987- Recognise anybody?)
Spearheaded by Phil Gilby, the club organised the first Standalone 10K on 16th October
1988 sponsored by Novatek Windows. The race was a great success with 330 entries. The
race was won in a time of 32:30, with the last competitor crossing the line in 77:47.
By mid-1988 everybody was getting fed up with the jokes about the 'Japanese' club, from
people who had ignorantly confused the club's Rising Sun logo with the flag of Japan! This
prompted a redesign, and thanks to Celia Osborne the Black Squirrel logo was born.

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A few years later the club received support from the Heritage Foundation to buy new kit and
so the club vest was redesigned in the foundation colours, including black shorts
(mandatory!)
Nothing seems to have changed more than the club's venue. After being thrown out of the
Leisure Centre for being "too rowdy" the club took up residence at Fearnhill School, using
the Two Chimneys for socialising. A great opportunity arose to use the ICL Club at
Whitethorn Lane, so the club took up residence there only to be moved on again due to
refurbishment. During this time Muddy Lane was the club's home before returning to
Whitethorn Lane smelling of fresh paint and renamed Letchworth Corner Sports Club. The
club remained there for a time until moving on to its current location at the Letchworth Sports
and Tennis Club.
There was tragic news when, in1994, it was announced that Phil Gilby had died suddenly
whilst in South Africa on business. Phil had been the first chairman and race director,
responsible for the Standalone 10K, the Gilby Gallop and the Plinston Plod. The club owes
a great deal to the commitment and enthusiasm of this great man.
The club reached its pinnacle of success in 1996 when it went to Ashby-de-la-Zouch and
came back winners of the Cross Country Final, a far cry from the far off days of 1992 when
we came 6th in the league and Bedford Harriers won it; there was no Wootton but there was
a club called Stanbridge Strollers (who came last). These are of course just a few of the
many highlights of the club's history over the past 20 years.
So here we are 25 years later on in 2011 with around 130 members and still growing! The
achievements of the club have been phenomenal over the last 25 years. Our anniversary
year has seen the introduction of the Greenway Challenge and the first Saturday of the
month 5K. We have a very full social calendar thanks to our Social Secretary Vanessa. The
Midweek League is a major event each year, and although we were relegated this year we
have the fighting spirit to get promoted again next year!
The Cross Country is now on the horizon and we have very high hopes of winning this year.
We also had our first Beginners' Group course which culminated in the group running their
first 5K in Norton Common. The Beginners' Group will be starting again this year and your
involvement and encouragement in this regard is very welcome. Not to be forgotten is our
website where you can find information on a whole host of things to do with running and put
your comments on the forum, something never even dreamed of in 1986!

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Message from the President of NHRR
Dear Members,
It is a great honour to be President of North Herts Road Runners, particularly as we

celebrate our 25th Anniversary. I never met Phil Gilby, the first Chairman, but the club and
the Standalone 10k have a lot to thank him for, as well as the other founder members,
including Ian Sutcliffe, Norman Leslie, Billie Crone and John Atkinson.
Looking back over our club's history brings back some very happy memories and reminds
me of some of our great achievements, both for individuals and our teams. I suggest one of
the stand out achievements has to be Paul Pearce representing Great Britain in Athens at
the Paralympics. He always said that he was also representing our club as well, such was
his character. However, this Anniversary edition of the newsletter brings home to me most
what a fantastic, friendly club we have.
I remember being a fresh faced player at Letchworth Rugby Club 17 years ago when John
Atkinson strolled into the bar. He was looking for somewhere for a running club to meet.
Little did I know then how much it would later be part of my life. I am sure we all have some
similar memories of how we first came to be connected to the club.
As I look back I note how things have changed, or have they really changed that much.
Membership was at 14 by Christmas 1986. Standalone started as a local race of about 330
runners, 24 years ago. It is now a major road race with a field of over 1300 runners. We first
met in the Leisure Centre until, as the records show, we were thrown out for being too noisy.
We then moved to Fearnhill School , Whitethorn Lane and then Muddy Lane . After moving
back to Whitethorn Lane we are now back at Muddy Lane. I told you that not much has
changed really.
Coaching has moved on leaps and bounds with a range of coaches. However, Karen and
Pete still remain the constant factor and have been fantastic coaches for the club over many
years. The first club kit was white and red until we started our strong connections with the
Heritage Foundation (It was called the Corporation 25 years ago). Since then we have
proudly worn their colours, call ourselves the Black Squirrels and they continue to provide
support.
We have had the pleasure of some great runners. I first remember the likes of Jane Drury,
Pete Smith, John and Suzy Hancock, Pearcy and Sibbo. Now we have a new set of really
fast runners, oh yes and Sibbo. I told you some things never change.
I remember with sadness the runners we have lost over the last 25 years: Phil Gilby, Mel
Davey, Katrin Rippel, Ian Sharpe and Paul Pearce. Long may they be remembered by the
Club as they were great runners and friends.
However, the one thing that has not changed at all is the central theme of the club. We are
still that friendly, inclusive club which welcomes runners of all backgrounds and abilities.
That remains our core aim and long may it remain so.
I hope you enjoy being a member of North Herts Road Runners as much as I do and I wish
you all the best and happy running for at least the next 25 years.
Richard Harbon
President NHRR
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Message from the Chairperson of NHRR
Dear Members,
Twelve years ago I moved to Hertfordshire for a new job with a 3-month contract. As I am
from "up north", I didn't know anyone round here and I decided that I needed to meet some
new people, I liked a bit of running so thought maybe a running club would do the trick and
NHRR were the first local club to reply to my e-mail. I came along for a run and (13
marathons, many, many others races, a wedding and a daughter later) I'm still here!
In those days we were based at Whitethorn Lane and met just once a week on a Wednesday
for training. Dickie was Chairperson and Malcolm was President. Some things have changed
since then but the most important things have stayed the same.
NHRR are a lovely, friendly, caring club who cater for anyone, regardless of their running
aims. We love cross country and the midweek league and are really good at organising races
(being famous for excellent organisation and the best food in the XC league). Our kit is
distinctive and we are known for the enthusiastic support we give all our members as they
finish a race. Moreover, we're not just about running, I've attended many NHRR "Summer"
Balls, social events and weekends away and I've made some good NHRR friends.
So, what does the future hold for NHRR? More of the same I hope :-) Here's to another 25
years!
Lindsay Cook
Chairperson
Well, that's all from me. Thank you for being a member of what is a truly friendly, helpful and
progressive running club. Long may we continue!
The Editor (and Secretary)

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Happy Anniversary,
North Herts Road Runners!
Reproduced below is a copy of NHRR's first newsletter, together with some photos of times
gone by, extracts from the newsletters over the years and newspaper cuttings which
hopefully you will find interesting as well as amusing. None of this would have been possible
without the assistance of Ian Sutcliffe who fortunately "squirrelled" away every single
newsletter from the first to the last and provided the earlier photographs and articles. So
very many thanks to Ian, a long-standing and very loyal member of North Herts Road
Runners. And of course our thanks go to Martyn Annetts who has produced some
wonderful photos for us over the years. Thank you both!

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(Presentation to Phil Gilby)

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(Cross Country Final Happy Times!)
(Not sure about the running shoes or was there a horse nearby!)

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(The Gilby Gallop 1990 Guess who's behind those outfits!)
(The Gilby Gallop 1991)

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(January 1993)

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(NHRRs showing off the kit supplied by The Heritage Foundation)

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Two London Marathon NHRR Heroes 1993
Robert Riggall 3:20 and Brian Bailey 3:30
(and this was their first marathon!)
(Karen - Best Coach award in 2006)

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April 1996 Cross Country Champions Ashby-de-la Zouch
("...Pete Sibbett took control at the three-quarter mile mark and was never headed as he
sped over the six-mile course to win in a time of 32 mins 36 seconds.")

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23

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1995

25
1997

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Billy Crone and Martin Wiltshire Pete Sibbett

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1994 Russell Smyth

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Ron Jennings

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30

31

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Vanessa and Gerald tie the knot in the year 2000

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34

35

36

37
2005

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2006

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2006

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2006
Melissa, Suzy and Astrid
FVS Relays First Ladies Team (2004)

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2004

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AND NOW TO THE FUTURE
The First Saturday of the Month 5K Beginners' Group 2011

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Amanda Morgan 1st FV55 at Stopsley Ladies 5K 2011

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Steve McKeown wins Silver at the Big Cow Olympic Triathlon 2011

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Ryan Johnson Regensburg Ironman 2011

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Devizes to Westminster Duo 2011

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Awards at the Summer Ball 2010

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WEDDINGS

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54

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Rob Harris Standalone 10K 2010

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Standalone 10K 2010

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Standalone 10K - 2011

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Chris Priestley Prague Half Marathon 2011

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Anna Priestley Prague Half Marathon 2011

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Donation to Woolgrove School 2011

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Hannah sporting her NHRR vest 2011

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Angela and Christine enjoying the Greenway Challenge 2011
Team North Herts at the Prague Half Marathon 2011

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Tash leading the way in the Duck'n'Dash 2010

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Richard demonstrating the transition from swimming to running

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Jo, Claire and Anna taking a well-earned break on the Mulligatawny

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Jo showing how it should be done with a smile

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Bella enjoying a hug from Jo after the Mulligatawny 2010

25th Anniversary News Letter

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OCTOBER 1986 OCTOBER 2011

North Herts Road Runners

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF RUNNING

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

NORTH HERTS ROAD RUNNERS

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

(Letchworth's First Half Marathon 1987- Recognise anybody?)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

Message from the President of NHRR

It is a great honour to be President of North Herts Road Runners, particularly as we

Message from the Chairperson of NHRR

The Editor (and Secretary)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

(Presentation to Phil Gilby)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

(Cross Country Final Happy Times!)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

(The Gilby Gallop 1990 Guess who's behind those outfits!)

(The Gilby Gallop 1991)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

(NHRRs showing off the kit supplied by The Heritage Foundation)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

Two London Marathon NHRR Heroes 1993

Robert Riggall 3:20 and Brian Bailey 3:30

(and this was their first marathon!)

(Karen - Best Coach award in 2006)

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

April 1996 Cross Country Champions Ashby-de-la Zouch

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

Billy Crone and Martin Wiltshire Pete Sibbett

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

1994 Russell Smyth

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

Vanessa and Gerald tie the knot in the year 2000

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

North Herts Road Runners 25th Anniversary Newsletter

Melissa, Suzy and Astrid