Athletics
Come and join athletics club's golden celebrations

Buy photos » Club chairman Len Quartly (right) and club president Roger Beacham (left) wearing the club's 50th anniversary commemorative shirts, with tickets and celebratory drinks. (s)

A GOLDEN occasion is in prospect when Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club celebrates its 50th anniversary and it is calling on members past and present to come and enjoy the party.

To mark the milestone, the club is holding a special dinner at the Abbey Hotel in Redditch on Friday, July 20 when guests will enjoy a four-course meal and have the opportunity to catch up with members past and present, celebrate past achievements, chat with current athletes and look to the future.

B&R AC formed when two clubs - Bromsgrove Athletics Club and Redditch Athletics Club - amalgamated in 1962.

Its founding members consisted of Edgar Nichols, Rita Brownlie, Bill Hawkley, Bernard Browning, John Robinson and Dr Brazier.

Rita Brownlie, who was Rita Gorton in 1962, is still very much involved with the club as secretary and coaching and managing the junior girls teams.

In 1948 - the last time the Olympics came to the UK - Edgar Nichols made Olympic selection for the half-mile and was, for a time, fastest man over this distance.

A number of other members have also represented England, Wales and Great Britain teams over the years which have included Sharon Tonks (race walking), Adrian Passey (1,500m), Bronwyn Cardy (marathon), Rita Brownlie, Mike Parker and Phil Corbutt (various disciplines).

It is hard to believe that back in 1962 Redditch had a grass track and it was thanks to the enthusiastic founding members of the club digging out the footings that a cinder track was laid in 1963.

With this being Olympic year it is great the club now has further fantastic facilities at both Bromsgrove and Redditch for current athletes and, who knows, possible future Great Britain team members to use.

Club president Roger Beacham said: "It's an important year for sport in this country and a very special one for our club in celebrating the 50th anniversary.

"We would love as many past and present members to come and join us on July 20 in what would be a great way to start your Olympic celebrations."

Tickets are £30 (or £50 for two) and include wine with your meal. For more information and tickets please contact Roger Beacham on 01527 831186.

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