Awards night celebrates Stratford AC members and club's 40th anniversary
ATHLETICS
STRATFORD AC’s annual awards night not only celebrated the achievements of its members, but also the 40th anniversary of the club.
Held at Stratford-upon-Avon School, the event was attended by around 300 people.
Paul Bearman opened proceedings by inviting the audience to help celebrate another hugely successful year and introducing special guests Barbara Wood, wife of the club’s founding father Allen Wood, Gwil Price MBE, the driving force behind schools athletics in Warwickshire and Becky Freeman, president of Warwickshire County Athletics.
Club president John Dell also flew in from Menorca especially for the event while two of his long term helpers from the early days of the club, Graham and Gary Collins, also attended.
Awards were also presented by Tony Jackson in his capacity as both club secretary and deputy mayor.
A special presentation was made to chairman Paul Hawkins in recognition of his 20-year service.
Stratford AC was founded by Allen Wood in 1979 and was based in the old high school.
The club then found a more permanent home at the Home Guard Club in Tiddington, starting with a grass track before funds were raised to install a tarmac track which is still used by the club’s triathletes.
A project was then started to construct the current all-weather track at Stratford-upon-Avon School.
This was funded with support from the Town Trust, the district council and the club’s own fundraising.
Subsequently a pavilion was built on this site, supported again by the Town Trust.
Another significant move was when the seniors moved their headquarters to Stratford Sports Club.
The club now has around 600 members across junior, senior and triathlon club sections, with athletes ranging in age from eight to 78.
Awards (female/male)
Juniors Club Person of the Year: George Fox-Rowe
Star of Tomorrow: Poppy Fox-Rowe/Freddie Clemons and Alex Adams (joint)
All Round Athlete: Lucy Lane/Freddie Clemons
Junior Cross Country: Georgie Campbell/Alex Adams
Athlete of the Year: Georgie Campbell/Freddie Clemons
Junior Triathlete of the Year – TS1/TS2: Martha Bullock
Junior Triathlete of the Year – TS3: Charley Marshall
Seniors & Juniors
Hall of Fame: Andrew Reeves
Outstanding Achievement: Lewis Byng
Seniors
Athlete of the Year: Emma Bexson/Matt Burdus-Cook
XC Runner of the Year: Emily Adams/Josh Newman
Grand Prix Shield: Beverley Brigden/Peter Sugden
Most Improved: Sarah Vernon/Ryan Bakewell
T&F Athlete of the Year: Paula Williams/Peter Coote
Triathlete of the Year: Emma Bexson/Rich Shepherd
Triathlon Grand Prix: Caroline Gionis/James Purdy
Personality of the Year: Sally & Gavin Bliss
Shakespeare Shield: Emma Bexson/Josh Newman
