MINUTES OF MAIDEN NEWTON RUNNERS MEETING 14/10/04

Present: Phil, Dave W, John and Derek

Apologies:   Guy, Stuart, Di, Dave C, Martin and Lin

Despite the many qualities of those present, this was a very disappointing turnout. Perhaps the likes of Wilf and Stuart and Pete Farley were deterred by the lack of a pre-meeting run, it now being too dark for us to get out running after 7. Or perhaps not everyone shows Phil�s level of commitment � he left Bradford at 2.45 pm, got home at 7.45 and was the first one to arrive.

1. Congratulations: Our best wishes to Dan and his family, following the safe arrival of the latest potential member for Maiden Newton Runners.

2. Membership: Stuart has been trying to persuade Charles Le Vay to rejoin our merry band, we are told that he is someone who goes running and is a man of wit, thereby qualifying him twice over for membership.

3. Past Events: A feeble month by those who attended tonight, Dave having failed to get an entry to King Alfred�s Torment at Stourhead, John and Derek being semi or wholly retired and Phil having been at a low ebb for September. Luckily others in the club have been busy, not least Woolly on the slopes of Everest. Geordie Geoff emailed to report on his progress in the Great North Run, which he was pleased to complete in 1.32.02, though he was less pleased to be beaten by a man with a chicken on his head.  Lin emailed to say that she and Martin had done the New Forest Marathon in 3.12.31, which qualifies her for London, Martin having already qualified by doing London in 3.12 earlier this year. They also did the Honiton 12 K, in 49.01 and 49.02. In both races Lin was second lady finisher.

4. Future Events: Phil is lining up the Commando Challenge at Exmouth on 24 October � 3 miles of formidable obstacles, like vertical slopes, underwater and above ground tunnels, mud and water up to your chest etc. He is also considering the Ilminster 10K on Nov 7^th. Martin and Lin are doing the Parrett Trail relay on 16 October, then off to Ireland for the Dublin Marathon on 25 October, their 3^rd marathon in 6 months. Geoff is contemplating the Abingdon Marathon. Other events include: The Stickler 10.1 at Shillingstone on 31/10; Gillingham Trotters 7.5 on 7/11; Colyton 10K and Wimborne 10, both on 21/11.

5. Membership cards: aiming to get them ready for AGM in January

6. 20^th anniversary: not enough present to take this forward

7. Correspondence: a meagre crop, nothing to write home about, or to write to us about.

8. London entry: secretary to locate a form for us to claim our club entry

Meeting closed around 8.50 pm

NB Please can all stragglers, hangers-on and anyone else associated with the club do their best to attend next time, 11/11 at 8pm � we need your wit and banter!