It was a very good year financially with the Balance sheet (inclusive of assets) showing a healthy
£6547. Maximum entries in the White Peak races contributed to this as did two growing money
spinners, the Black Rocks and Ricky’s Race. Subs were held at the current levels. Jim Titterton
was our only entry in the WPM, keeping going on memory in the second half in spite of not having
the training behind him.
The Foster Report on the modernisation of athletics could have repercussions for the club. It was
difficult to see what it would deliver for a club like ours. We voted against most of the proposals
and the possible financial burden on the club for little return, whilst suspecting that the UKA would
go ahead regardless of disagreement anyway.
The club could now afford to subsidise its athletes in approved circumstances out of the revenue
from the two fell races we organised, subject to their continuing viability. Criteria were outlined
by the committee and accepted at the AGM, although certain members were not entirely happy with
the consultation that had taken place.
Dissatisfaction with the Sherwood facilities flared up again when we were without hot showers for
a considerable period for the second winter running. Complaints to the DDC and the lobbying of local
politicians would eventually see the showers repaired, but not unti early 2006.
In the drive to recruit more members the Mercury was persuaded to publish in August quite a good
feature on the club entitled “The Club that Runs Matlock”. Whether It was this that brought them in
or not, we signed a very promising youngster, Flinn Watson, and his Dad Alistair, a very
competitive addition to our Seniors.
The club cross country was held in old fashioned conditions at Brickyard Farm : deep snow and an
icy wind, and we had a new champion, an accountant who had joined us temporarily from Glossop,
Matthew Kieran. This was the last time we saw speed cop Colin Parker desert his BMW and turn
out. He said he would stick to something easy like his regular London Marathons.
Sam Smith ran consistently in the winter 10ks, with good sub-40 for his age.
It is doubtful if amyone else had ever beaten the handicapper twice in tow consecutive months.
There were some good team results with Josh Moody, Lee Jones, and Tom Barker taking 9th place in the
English Relays at Berry Hill.
At the same event Dan Yates, Josh Teece., Karl Webster and Rob Atkin finished 40th (note the age
range range). This was Josh Moody’s year with a superb 4th in the Inter Counties and an even better
2nd in the English Schools. He also won the U- 14 English Fell running championship with
Lee Jones 3rd
Karl Webster, Martin Clarke and Hannah Tassell were added to our team of qualified coaches, with
Randell Tassell now assisting with the coaching of the England Junior fell squad.
In the county track champs Fiona Gilbert won bronze in the 1500m, with Dan Yates and
Polly Veazy-French taking silver.
Clive Russell was again County vet 60 cross country champ and even more impressively
North Mids champ on aggregate .
Lee Jones beat all the seniors at Bonsall, with newly rejoined Tony Marchington 2nd,
Sian Mead 1st F and Tom Barker 1st J.
Steve Mead and Richard Bradbury were 12th in the Karrimor
Our vets team were 6th in the High Peak Relay.
Tony Marchington was also 1st vet 50 in the Heanor 5.
In the County Champs incorporated in the Clowne Half John Hurley was 1st vet 50 and
Brian Howitt 1st vet 70.
On the international front Christine Howard ran for England finishing 29th and 3rd for England
in the World Trophy Mountain Race in Wellington NZ.
At a little “do” at the Lion to mark my 70th birthday I was honoured with life membership of the
club -for the second time! (see the 1986 entry). I felt you were trying to tell me something
when I was presented with a heart monitor!
Neil Tatham occasionally showed his old turn of speed on short training runs. What a loss his
chronic injuries have been for him and the club.
The total age of the geriatric section was now 300 years plus with the addition of Clive Russell,
Jim Titterton and Steve Pearson who often gave younger members a run for their money
on Thursdays.
Steve Pearson could have been winning vet 60 races had he been interested but he still just enjoys running
for its own sake 30 tears after joining the club.
Jim Titterton seemed to be running better than ever once he had recovered from the WPM.
Martin Lea had a great run in the Baslow Boot Bash, easily winning the 27 mile cross country race
in spite of being misdirected for an extra two miles by a satnav fault.
There was a record turnout of 17 in the Beetroot which saw a win for Ray Foley on one of his rare
appearances. He only managed to break clear of young Lee Jones by using his longer legs on
the descent.
