Don Blackett: HIS LIFE IN ATHLETICS & FUNERAL INFO
Further to the earlier announcement of the sad passing of Don Blackett, we are now able to share details of the funeral arrangements for those who would like to attend, and to provide a fuller tribute to Don's involvement and contributions to the club.
Don was born in the North East, and after moving to London for work he joined Woodford in 1957. He was a very keen middle-distance runner and regularly turned out for cross-country and in road relays, including 39 occasions in the Met League between 1969 and 1982.
In the late 1960's Don turned his hand to officiating, soon rising to the highest level as a field official where he was often seen on TV at national championships and international fixtures. At away club matches, rival clubs would often request Don to be their Field Referee. The club is blessed with a huge number of talented officials and Don played a significant part in recruiting, encouraging, training and mentoring them.
Over the years, Don held a wide range of committee posts within the club. He was Young Athletes Secretary for 10 years in the 1970s, and also served at various times as General Secretary, Press Secretary and Cross-Country Captain. He was very heavily involved in the collection of waste paper as a way of fund raising to help build the clubhouse, and set out our home cross-country courses for more than 30 years. He also used his accountancy experience to ensure at a very early stage the club took advantage of Gift Aid, thus increasing the value of donations to the club.
Don was a massive supporter of club fixtures and attended virtually every Met League and NAL/BAL fixture since the leagues were founded in the 1969. His strong Geordie accent could be heard echoing across the stadium or countryside encouraging our athletes.
Outside of the club, Don served on the Southern Counties Committee, and as Woodford's representative on the Redbridge Sports Council. Additionally, Don gave 50 years of service to the National Athletics League (later the British Athletics League). Originally Don was part of the group responsible for the formation of league athletics in the UK and then served as Woodford’s Club representative on the NAL/BAL’s Finance & General Purpose Committee from inception in 1969 until standing down in 2019.
Don was elected a Life Member of the club in 1978 and served as President from 1990-92.
Don's funeral will be held at 1pm on Friday 26th May at Forest Park Crematorium, Forest Road, IG6 3HP. Afterwards the family invite those who knew Don to join them at our clubhouse.