Report by Ian Tempest, Secretary, Hammer Circle
The 2019 Hammer Circle Reunion took place on 12-13 October at the Costello Stadium track in Hull. Well over a hundred throwers, family, coaches, officials and enthusiasts attended the event.
The Hammer Circle is the Association of British Hammer Throwers, established in 1952 to promote and develop the event. It is a special association supported by great talents - athletes and coaches - and a very long history which its members continue to celebrate, alongside a commitment to the future as well. The Hammer Circle works closely with England Athletics and UK Athletics on rules and regulations, health and safety issues, and on competition opportunities.
The Reunion is always an opportunity to commemorate the achievements of the past season, and featured its customary mix of competitions, coaching and presentations. A big thanks to all who took part in the Reunion, including World finalist and Commonwealth champion Nick Miller, and special thanks to Diane and Dave Smith, the much-appreciated officials, the stadium staff at Costello Stadium and everyone who helped in the clubhouse with catering, tee-shirt sales and a myriad of other tasks.
The Dennis Cullum lecture, named after one of the founders of the Hammer Circle, was given by Phil Marshall, a Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at Hull University
There were demonstrations over the weekend on maintenance of hammers and making them ready for competition, and coaching took place at the track, alongside a full programme of twelve competitions for athletes from U13 right through to M80 Masters levels.
Outstanding marks were set in a high standard U20 men’s competition won narrowly by Sam Gaskell (69.39) from Shaun Kerry (69.17) – both setting substantial pbs. Lily Murray won the U15 girls hammer at 55.72 and the weight throw at 18.19. The weight event, hurling very heavy, short handled weights, proved very popular with four competitions arranged over the weekend. The full results from the weekend can be found HERE.
A number of Hammer Circle Awards trophies were presented by Club President Alan Woods to outstanding individuals, including Nick Miller, Charlotte Williams (U20) and Lily Murray (U15) as well as to World Masters Champion Gareth Cook and volunteer and coaching stalwarts Barry Hawksworth and Brian Walsh. We also congratulated Paul Dickenson on his elevation to the England Athletics Hall of Fame. Tributes were paid to Bob Welfare of Preston Harriers, who died recently. He coached a number of promising young throwers.
The Hammer Circle enjoy continuing support of the British Athletics Supporters Club (BASC) for the Reunion. They sponsored money prize awards for the first three in the men’s and women’s U17 age group categories over the weekend - awards presented this year by Nick Miller. Members of the BASC have long supported UK hammer throwers at home and abroad in all the major championships. The current support comes as part of BASC’s programme of supporting grass roots athletics, especially young and up-and-coming athletes.
All best wishes to athletes, coaches, parents and other supporters for the forthcoming season.
Next year’s Reunion will take place in Hull on 10-11 October 2020.