Todmorden Harriers 2010 Presentation Evening

Todmorden Harriers’ annual presentation evening took place at Todmorden Cricket Club, on Saturday, as the club celebrated an extremely successful year.

Outgoing club president Jim Smith handed over to new president Graeme Wrench, as they made a joint presentation to mark Lauren Jeska and Moira Parfitt’s gold medal winning performances in the English Fell Championships.

Phil Hodgson then proposed a toast to two former Todmorden Harriers who had sadly passed away during 2010, Brian Hargreaves and John McDonagh. A memorial 5k race in their honour is to be held in Littleborough, organised by Andy O’Sullivan, on Sunday 27th February 2011.

Phil then continued to give a review of the year, highlighting the many successes of both individuals and teams, particularly in the English Championships where, in addition to the individual gold medallists, all of Todmorden’s teams had improved their positions from the year before.

Club Chairman Mandy Goth then announced the winners of the club competitions, with awards being handed out by Graeme Wrench.

Jon Wright was awarded the men’s Fell Champion Trophy, with Lauren Jeska receiving the ladies Fell Champion Trophy.

Age category awards were also made to Andrew Horsfall (v45), Dave Collins (v50, Peter Ehrhardt (v60) and Richard Blakely (v65). Kath Brierley (lv45) and Jane Leonard (lv50) were category winners for the ladies in the fell championship.

Nick Barber was crowned club Road Champion, with Mel Blackhurst adding her name onto the Ladies Road Trophy once again.

Age category awards in the road championship went to Mark Anderton (v45), Nigel Hanson (v50), Peter Ehrhardt (v60), Ian Stansfield (v65), Mel Robertson (lv45) and Elise Milnes (lv50).



The Grand Prix Champion, awarded for performance on road and fell, went to Jon Wright. Dave O’Neill received a tankard to mark his 10th qualification for the Club Grand Prix.

Nick Barber was crowned Club Champion, a trophy that reflects all round ability on the road and fells at a range of short, medium and long distances.

Not surprisingly, Nick was also awarded the ‘Most Improved Runner of the Year’ award to reflect the effort and progress he has made this year.

On a less athletic front, Nick was also awarded the ‘Toilet Seat’ trophy which is awarded to the Harrier who has the most running related mishaps during the year.

Club Secretary Derek Donohue then stepped in to make the final award of the evening, that of ‘Clubman of the Year’ which is voted for by Harriers on the evening. This year it was presented to Graeme Wrench to reflect the enormous contribution he makes as club coach towards the improvement of its runners at all levels.