Trophies awarded at the Christmas party
Saturday's Christmas Party was once again great fun and a huge sell-out success - many thanks to Josie for making it happen. During the evening we announced the award of three trophies: the John Stonham Farewell Cup, the David Simpson Memorial Trophy, and a new award, the Innovation Cup.
John Stonham Farewell Cup
John Stonham was an active member of Serpentine from 1986 and the award was donated anonymously in 1993 upon his departure to Thailand. The trophy is awarded annually to the runner who, in the judgement of the Committee, inspires others by being 1) a new runner who shows significant "improvement, but not necessarily victories" 2) an experienced runner returning from injury or illness or 3) a runner showing enthusiasm in the sport even without victory. This year the trophy was presented to Lars Menken, who has been an active member of the club for 15 years and who has recently overcome illness with great dignity and humour, and who we hope will soon be back running with the club.
David Simpson Memorial Trophy
David Simpson, who was a long-standing Serpentine member, a jog leader and recipient of the John Stonham Trophy in 2007, passed away in 2011 after a long battle with cancer. He was kind enough to leave the club a legacy in his will, a part of which was used to inaugurate the David Simpson Memorial Trophy, awarded on an annual basis for achievement in hill and off road running, both of which were close to David's heart. This year the trophy goes to Phil Bradburn, a great off road runner, not least in recognition of his successful completion of the Centurion 100 Grand Slam, a series of 4 100 mile races which need to be completed in one 6 month period in a given calendar year, and which all have to be completed within the overall time limit and rolling cut offs during each event. Only 105 people have ever completed the Slam.
Innovation Cup
Last but not least, the new Innovation Cup has been very generously donated by an anonymous donor for the most innovative, inclusive event organised by the club, as determined by the Chair and Secretary from nominations made by members of the Committee. This year this new award was given to Nicola Barberis Negra for devising and organising the virtual icosathlon - a virtual competition held over the summer for the multi-event competitor, giving many chances for members of the club to compete in different events over a six month period. We hope this will inspire members to come up with other new innovative and inclusive events for the club.
Congratulations to Lars, Phil and Nic.
Fraser Johnson
Chairman
chairman@serpentine.org.uk
Submitted: 7 December 2017