Reunion Awards HERE. Reunion Results HERE.
The 2015 Hammer Circle Reunion took place – for the first time in its 63 year old history– at Woodford Green’s track in Essex. Over ninety athletes, coaches, officials, parents and supporters attended a most successful event, held in glorious autumn weather.
The Reunion was the latest in an annual sequence which began in 1953, a celebration including competitions, coaching and talks, all within friendly and convivial surroundings.
In 2015 those attending, ranged from U15s, through ex-British Record Holders to legends over eighty years of age. Events included a combination of mixed age and gender competitions inside and outside the track, including a power quadrathlon on day one, and weight throw competitions. The top performance was a UK M55 record of 58.52 for Rob Earle with other leading marks recorded by U17s Jake Norris 70.56 and Katie Head 60.14, and there were a number of fine personal best performances by junior athletes. Results have been posted on the website and on Facebook.
There were also presentations by legendary coach Ron Bowden, who gave the Dennis Cullum Memorial Lecture, which included drills and commentary on films of star athletes of the past and present, and a fascinating and ever-knowledgeable review of the season by Hammer Circle Secretary Ian Tempest.
As a long established athletics club, the Reunion also featured an AGM for the re- election of officers and it was agreed to establish a new post of Young Ambassador, given the large number of younger members now in the club. U17 international George Marvell was appointed.
The climax of the Reunion was the presentation of Awards to the top athletes of the season, including Beijing finalists Nick Miller and Sophie Hitchon through to outstanding athletes across the age groups from Masters to Juniors. The names of award winners have been posted on this site.
The two Hotels closest to the Stadium were the Travelodge London Chigwell, and the Prince Regent which is a four star and therefore more expensive than the Travelodge. These worked well for us , as did the very friendly nearby ‘Three Jolly Wheelers’ pub, where the food and welcome was refreshing in all senses! Our numbers and appetite did push them to their limits, however particularly on Saturday evening many members had dinner there!
Thanks are due to Diane Smith for organising the event, to Chris Howe for his hard work before the event and at the stadium, the team of officials and all the athletes, coaches and parents who made the Reunion such a supportive experience.
