Volunteer Awards evening 2024: East
The East Region Volunteer Awards returned to the Atheneum in Bury St Edmunds and rounded off a series of recognising and rewarding volunteers up and down England.
CEO Chris Jones and Club Support managers Kirsty Fardell and Richard Ayling attended on behalf of England Athletics with regional council chair Matthew Dalton along with members Phil Blundell, Elaine Forrest, Paul Pickard, Tim Cook, Rosslyn Hamlyn and Paul Brooks. They joined club volunteers, coaches, officials and other deserving members of the athletics community in the East of England to come together for an evening of celebration.
Club Leader of the year
Winner: Wendy Powell (St Albans AC)
As Vice Chair of St Albans AC, Wendy is a driving force behind organisation of training sessions and volunteers for home league matches. She also deals with taster session enquiries, providing a welcoming environment to new members, and ensuring coaches know when they have new athletes. Last year she processed over 320 taster session requests!
"I love doing the tasters, especially the younger end. Once they have the taster and seeing the excitement on their face when they can join the club is very rewarding."
Wendy is also an experienced Level 2 official and attends all club fixtures. Wendy has been heavily involved in the club setting up Abbey View Community Athletics Track - a charity to take on track management.
"We’ll be fundraising for new track building and we need to engage the local community – that’s our next massive project."
Runner up: John Henington (Colchester & Tendring AC)
Since becoming the Chairman, John has made changes (with the help of the committee) on membership prices after creating and analysing a survey to members. He has built better communications with the members with regular e-newsletter.
He is a positive force, available to talk to, and encourages parents to learn how to officiate or become a coach, thereby expanding the volunteer base - and has recently done a timekeeping course himself.
"I like to engage with people as we always need more volunteers – and we’ve had more coaches and officials coming through because of that. When you do get them in it makes it all worthwhile and you get a feel good factor."
"You spend hours trying to make the club a better place and a club doesn’t improve without the work of volunteers. "
Club of the year
Winner: Werrington Joggers
Werrington Joggers welcome anyone whether they are competitive or just want to run for fitness. Newcomers are accompanied on their first run by an experienced club member. Members who are partially sighted pair up with qualified running guides. As well as an annual 5k and 3k race, the club have organised food bank collections and recycle running shoes to local homeless groups. Werrington Joggers are helping other clubs complete missing England Athletics standards. A new safeguarding policy for older juniors to run with senior members allows smooth progression and aids junior retention. The club celebrates 40 years this year.
"We are concentrating on getting people to stay in the club. When the 17 year olds leave to start their adult lives, we want them to come back eventually. They are the ones who will keep the club going for the next 40 years."
Runner up: Cambridge and Coleridge AC
Cambridge and Coleridge AC provides participant and development coaching for youngsters, a disability group, a women’s group, new and recreational runner sessions, and coaching in all the main athletic disciplines.
President Neil Costello explained: "We’ve spent a lot of time ensuring good succession planning – right people in the right places. We also improved how we work together as a team - not just officials and coaches but we’re a big club with a huge range of people."
There are over 80 volunteers including technical officials. An integrated second location in Saffron Walden ensures athletics is now available for a community which had no facilities.
Chair Peter Thompson told us:
"We have lovely people in the club and they do a wonderful job – they work like people who were paid for it but they do it as volunteers."
Runner up: Saint Edmund Pacers
Potential members at Saint Edmund Pacers get a 3-week tailored free trial and a running buddy. Investment enabled 6 existing volunteers to become coaches, reducing the burden on current coaches.
"Developing people within the club is our priority right now – it’s great to see people come into the club and really develop as people as well as runners. And to see what they give back as committee members or coaches. We are proud that our committee is 50-50 men and women."
An autistic runner received the mentoring needed to pass LiRF – and now successfully leads sessions. 5 licensed races were held and £3500 was raised for charities. A new website showcases the club, and signposts information for members and parents for training and events.
The new club governance page highlights their commitment to England Athletics club standards:
"The Committee know how to deal with situations because we’ve done our club standards which is great."
Coach of the year
Winner: Derek Darnell (Huntingdonshire AC)
An inspiring coach to athletes at Huntingdonshire AC and a County XC and Schools Team Manager, Derek nurtures new and younger athletes, as well as using his own experiences (e.g. London Marathon) to advise more experienced athletes. All his middle distance group are teenagers -that comes with its challenges - but is willing to listen, support and offer advice to all. Derek introduced plyometrics as well as researching new drills and stretches. He arranges weekend long runs so the group can enjoy training away from the track. He also runs a steeplechase session.
"I’ve always tried to engage with workshops and I enjoy talking to other coaches . This year I had my first U18 athlete at international level. I hope to get more to GB level."
Runner up: Lawrence Wade (City of Norwich AC)
As a runner himself, Lawrence has experience in planning and is works to improve sessions he can offer his athletes including personalised race plans and training goals. He includes explaining theory behind training, which helps athletes feel more involved. He adapts training if needed through exam weeks and will check up on his athletes’ mental health. His nominator is inspired not only to achieve my best in running, but also be a coach in the future. Lawrence also does so much more for the club; he is the coach development and volunteer leader and also helps out at club events.
Community Project of the year
Winner: Mo Park (Cambridge and Coleridge AC)
"You don’t often get the opportunity to take something from waste ground to a brand new track and me coaching every week at something I helped to create is great."
Mo Park has played a major role in all aspects of a project to build a track adjacent to Carver Barracks, while continuing to coach, and sit on the Cambridge and Coleridge Committee.
Once built, Mo organised and established a C&C sister club (the facility is for both army and public use) - this provides many benefits including an increased catchment area for growing club membership and a source of volunteers, coaches, and officials.
"This award is called called Community Project of the Year because was a real community-led project; without the community coming together it wouldn’t have happened."
He wanted to add that although he was present, Tina Knight really drove the project through.
Runner up: Stevenage and North Herts AC holiday camps
SNHAC gained funding and provided Summer and Easter holiday provision for hundreds of young people including both paid places and for those on free school meals. Youngsters can access events schools can’t provide and enjoy athletics. Many join the club and coaches can identify those who would benefit from club hardship funding and were able to facilitate this. It also provides opportunities to young people to join the coaching pathway, gain experience and learn new skills.
"It’s a chance for our young coaches to get live training under supervision of our coaches. Next year we hope to carry onward and upwards – with more coaches and more children."
Inspiring Official
Winner: Paul Bailey (West Norfolk AC)
As a Level 4 field judge, Paul has a wealth of experience to support fellow officials and is seen as Norfolk's top technical expert. He is highly regarded by many across the sport. He is able to explain and clarify rules to athletes, coaches, etc in clear and simple language - an art he has mastered.
Paul advocates for parents to get involved officiating, talking to them and publishing available courses. Where Paul has had younger volunteers, such as at QuadKids, he is kind, gets them involved and understands how to encourage them.
"I had great support on my officiating journey and I want to give it back – you just need dedication. To mentor you ensure they stick to the rules but just to be there to support and tweak things if they don’t get it quite right first time."
Winner: David Lipscomb (Serpentine RC)
As a Level 4 track judge, Level 3 endurance official, Level 2 field judge and Level 2 timekeeper David's dedication is inspiring. His friendly demeanour and sense of humour plays a significant role in fostering a positive atmosphere. David's commitment and willingness to contribute without seeking recognition are characteristics that make him not only an outstanding official but also a remarkable individual. A kind and supportive official, David is well respected within the county.
Winner: Vicky Trevor (Brentwood Beagles AC)
Vicky is a Level 2 track judge and endurance official and has also started on her photofinish qualifications. Unusually, she got involved without having a specific athlete connection; her husband ran a xc race, and she recognised the need for help in officiating. She creates a strong team atmosphere that helps people have a good experience officiating and want to come back and help again.
At the awards evening she said: "I don’t know how we got here – I went to a XC and Elaine [the Club Chair] has dragged me to many events and here I am."
Vicky recently took over as Essex cross country secretary and has moved it from a manual process to the online Roster system.
"I wanted to reduce the hours to get results out. We tried out the new Roster – not everyone was thrilled but it was great. It’s reduced everyone’s workloads and we’ve got to move forward."
Newcomer to Volunteering
Winner: Sarah Berry (Stevenage & North Herts AC)
Sarah was eager to become involved in volunteering at the club when her daughter joined. She quickly qualified as a track judge and timekeeper.
She says officiating was a new challenge as she is not sporty:
"Everyone is friendly and keen, put up with my questions. If you are considering it, just give it a go – there are so many things you can do even if it is just small things like helping your club with results."
Sarah is now a vital part of the club committee, having taken on the role of treasurer to put her financial skills to good use. She wrote a funding bid which ensured provision for free school meal children to attend the holiday club this summer at no cost. Sarah also took on the admin side of the holiday scheme, leaving the coaches to coach.
Runner up: Courteney Jacobs (Great Yarmouth Road Runners)
Courteney joined Great Yarmouth Road Runners and quickly came into the club secretary role. She has used her knowledge of websites and social media to engage with younger and tech savvy potential members.
Still in her twenties, Courteney has been a big part of recruiting younger members which has helped future proof the club for years to come.
In addition to her committee role, Courteney has gained LiRF, taken on c25k registration and introduced a buddy system.
"What the club gives me is what I want to give back. I love being part of the Couch to 5k – At first I hated running but now I love it and that’s where I started."
Contribution to Athletics and Running
Winner: Phil Yaxley and Wendy Powell (St Albans AC)
Vice Chairs Wendy Powell and Phil Yaxley have worked to increase the club’s involvement with the wider community, offering coaching and officials' courses to members, introducing funetics, and providing taster sessions. They have ensured St Albans AC retains the use of the stadium for the community, schools and members - contacting councillors and community leaders as well as obtaining new equipment for competitions. As a result there are more athletes training and winning medals at County level. They have built the foundations for the club to develop further.
They were quick to point out: "We have a great support team, it’s not just us."
Runner up: Fiona Williams (Great Yarmouth Road Runners)
Fiona supports all 230 members as a committee member, as part of the mental health support team, and as a Run Leader. Fiona engages with members and brings their thoughts to committee meetings for consideration. She leads inclusive club runs with tail walkers to ensure no one gets left behind. This year Fiona has been our Round Norfolk Relay manager. She has submitted an extra team which makes the club more inclusive and enables more to take part - in particular those that never thought they would be considered good enough.
"How do I get the volunteers? It is not too difficult for me - I am really thankful for our club because people are really eager to volunteer and it’s a great fun event."
Services to Athletics and Running
Noel Moss (Cambridge and Coleridge AC)
Noel has made an immeasurable contribution to Cambridge and Coleridge AC, and to the sport for over 50 years. His roles include; coach, team manager, official, kit organiser, event orgnaiser, announcer, membership secretary, and co-chairman. As an athlete he remains the holder of many club records. Noel’s persistency and willingness to work hard rub off onto those he coaches, producing tough athletes. However, he is also supportive and encouraging. Noel is a thread through the lives of many athletes, several of whom have reached a very high standard. Noel is ever-present: at track events, he is there. At cross country, he is there. At committee meetings, he is there. On training nights, he is there.
When asked what his fondest memories are her replied:
"My first English Schools' AA medallist, and officiating at the Olympics.
But judging at the lower level leagues is the most rewarding - you get to see the up and coming youngsters and you are helping them on their way."
Norma Harris (Stevenage and North Herts AC)
Norma first became involved through her daughters. She was soon enlisted to help coach and took her first steps into officiating.
Norma is a key member of the club's committee and has held a range of club, County and league positions. She has ensured the club is seen in the community by writing press reports, organising ‘come and try it' days and holiday camps (including funding bids) to introduce new members.
As a coach Norma has achieved great success; many of the athletes went on to become county, regional and national medallists.
"I love working with teenagers – they’re brilliant; they tell you as it is, they are outspoken and they are great to be with."
One of her greatest achievements was as Secretary of the Herts Athletics Network - many of those coaching and officiating across Hertfordshire today first came to the sport as a result of Norma's work in developing the sport.
Peter Cassidy (Loughton AC)
Peter has been a member of Loughton AC and at the forefront of British race walking for 45+ years - as an athlete, coach, and official. His knowledge, skills and commitment are second to none, but he is also a thoroughly lovely man. He founded the London Walks, which he still promotes - his coaching guidance led to progress among young athletes at the club. As an official he’s , working at the highest level: Chief Recorder for the walks at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in and a Walks Judge at the 2012 Olympics and 2017 World Champs.
"Along with officiating at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games I am most proud of my athlete Melanie Peddle."
He was the longest-ever Secretary of the Race Walking Association until he was elected RWA President. He’s been Essex County AA President and President of Veterans AC. Now 84, he still spends many hours judging at local to national races.