The England Athletics London Regional Awards 2019 were presented to the winners and runners-up on Wednesday 2nd October. Club members won three awards:
Kevin Diedrick: Winner, Official Of The Year
Gladys Bird: Runner-up, Coach Of The Year
Alan James: Runner-up, Volunteer Of The Year
Congratulations to all three for their very well-deserved awards!
London Region Official Of The Year: Kevin Dietrick
Fundraiser on behalf of Haven House Hospice & WGEL Juniors
Saturday 21st September saw WGEL host a Bring And Buy Sale which included a BBQ. It was a very lovely warm, sunny day. The purpose of the day was to try and raise as much money for Haven House Hospice and the WGEL Juniors. It was really overwhelming to see the generosity of the WGEL community before the event, and this continued with the help on the day. The club's togetherness really showed in trying to make this a success, and although the turnout from the general public was not as much as expected and/or hoped, this still didn't deter the spirits. At the end of the event, there was a lot of stuff left over, which Haven House said they would come and collect to distribute to their shops, so it won't go to waste. The final total, after deductions, is likely to be around £500.00, so a good £250.00 to each cause.
I would like to reiterate that without the help from those dedicated volunteers both before the day and on the day, this simply would not have happened, so WELL DONE to you all.
On Saturday 14th September, a coach-load of 44 YA's & 5 adults made their way to Thorpe Park for the annual reward trip. The weather was great and although there was some wait for rides, they had a really good time, going up and down and every way you can think of, and not forgetting eating their way through lots of food and guzzling drink along their way. They really did let their hair down and showed that after a long and hard season they could have a great time. GO TEAM WOODFORD JUNIORS.
We are saddened to report the death of June Robinson, who passed away on 13th September, 2019. June was a fine official and operated the club kitchen/refreshments facility for many years. Her husband Fred was a WGAC (as it was then) timekeeper for decades.
June's children have told us that there will be a short memorial service to celebrate her life on Tuesday 1st October, 2019.
Former Athletics Weekly editor Mel Watman has written a tribute about our former member Neil Allen, who died last Friday.
NEIL ALLEN (14.11.1932-13.9.2019)
It is with deep regret that I report the death, at the age of 86, of my good friend Neil Allen. Of all the athletics writers I have worked alongside since the 1950s, Neil ranks as among the most knowledgeable, compassionate and stylish. He was deservedly a sports journalism award winner and was both a friend and mentor to generations of Britain's leading athletes.
Neil, a modestly talented middle distance runner who joined Woodford Green AC in 1950, began his journalistic career in the best possible way, learning his trade on a local newspaper – the Stratford Express in East London – and in 1952 he became an editorial assistant to Norris and Ross McWhirter on their marvellous, ground-breaking monthly publication Athletics World. His assignments included being present at Iffley Road on May 6 1954 for a certain mile race. That year he started a lively gossip column in Athletics Weekly entitled "News Commentary" which later, for contractual reasons when he became athletics correspondent of The Times in 1955, was transformed into "On My Travels" by "Roamer".