Christmas Party 2007
Abergele Harriers celebrated the end of another very successful year with their annual Christmas dinner and awards night in Rhos Cricket Club on Friday night. Guest of Honour for the night was Club President Mike Nolan, who was presented with the Captain’s Merit Award for 2007 for his dedication to the club, despite a very difficult year personally. Male Athlete of the Year went to John Earlston, who won North Wales titles at 5k, 10k, 10miles and Half-Marathon this year and is ranked in the top fifty in Britain in the MV45 age category at all ranked road distances. Female Athlete of the Year want to Carol Willgoose, who in her first year with the club is the backbone of the Female Borders League and Cross Country teams and has had a number of notable race victories to her name, including the Riverbank Run in June. The Most Improved Athlete title went to Justin McIlveen who, in his first full season on the fells, managed a fantastic third Senior Male in the North Wales Fell Series, and was selected for the first time for North Wales at Cross-Country. Club Member of the Year went to Borders League Manager and prolific racer Darren Blazier who ended another fantastic year with a 10k personal best time just a week earlier. Darren’s commitment to the club both in racing, organising the Borders League team and behind the scenes at committee meeting was recognised by this well deserved award.
Thanks to Angie Hughes and Jaime Ashton for organising this fantastic night.
Christmas party - 1/12/06
On Friday night the Harriers held their annual Christmas dinner and presentation evening. A fantastic night was had by all with Jaime Ashton winning the Female Harrier of the Year award, mainly in recognition for her excellent work throughout the year in starting up the highly successful beginners group. The trophy for Most Improved Harrier went to Steven McCormack who took five minutes off his 5k pb, nine minutes off his 5m pb and a massive twelve minutes off his 10k pb this season. The Male Harrier of the Year trophy went to Sean McCormack, following his best season ever. The October/November Captains Award was also presented on the evening and went tot Justin McIlveen following his selfless contribution to the Cross-Country team in Telford in October and his amazing 1hr 29mins 42secs for the recent Pen Fell race.
The Guests of Honour for the evening were Mr and Mrs Mike Nolan. Mike is the Club President and Club Captain Geran Hughes reminded Harriers of Mike’s fantastic athletic achievements including his 60 Marathon finishes and his personal best time of 2hrs 51mins in 1984. Rob Spotswood and Jaime Ashton were thanked for organising the evening which was a huge success, and Justin McIlveen for organising the raffle. Rob announced that he is to produce an Abergele Harriers calendar for next year, the clubs 21st Anniversary year.
All agreed the night, which was held in Rhos on Sea Cricket club, was the best ever Christmas dinner, and plans are already in hand for next years function, which is very likely to be held at the same venue. A huge thanks also goes to Geran Hughes who compared the evening. The clubs London Marathon places were not drawn at the dinner and will be drawn on Wednesday 13th December when a club photograph will also be taken for the “December” of next years calendar.