Report on the anniversary tea party in the summer from Peter Faulkner.
The dust has settled and the 40th anniversary of CARC has passed into running history. The celebration at ‘Westmead’ was a triumph indeed and we are indebted to Bryan and Jackie for welcoming us all to their home. A massive thank you to the army of helpers who organised the venue and prepared the food. The birthday cake created by Kerry Martin was to say the least magnificent!
Our illustrious President addressed the throng of smiling faces and in his inimitable way soon created an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness, mirroring those very qualities inherent in the club since its formation. Croft Ambrey Running Club is revered and admired throughout the running fraternity and, it is no secret that the camaraderie that exists throughout the club today, rests on the foundation stone laid down those 40 years ago. Bryan then went on to introduce me (many of you seeing me for the first time) as the club’s ‘spiritual leader!’ That caused a huge grin to spread across my face and indeed a great surge of warmth filled my heart. The reasons for my absence over the past years are many, but ill health being the main culprit.
Many of you present would not have been born when us old wrinklies flew the CARC flag for the first time along the ‘Offas Dyke 15’ in June 1982. It became my favourite race in the running calendar. My PB in 1984 (aged 42) was 1 hour 43 minutes, when for the first (and only time), I beat Brian Davies to the finishing line! Halcyon days indeed. So, this is probably a good time to conclude my rambling, but I aim to write an article entitled ‘The Purest Sport’ at a future date.
Enjoy your running and above all, don’t take it for granted.
Peter Faulkner
Progenitor
