Trophy awards announced at the Serpentine New Year’s Day Zoom Social

We had a great start to the year with a really well attended New Year’s Day Zoom Social event. Many thanks to Sarah for her efforts in helping to organise this. We looked through photos from 2020, from the innocent happy days of January and February, though two lockdowns and much virtual connection and engagement in between.

During the event we announced the award of three trophies: the John Stonham Farewell Cup, the David Simpson Memorial Trophy, and the Innovation Cup.

 

John Stoneham 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 awarded to Jim Ashworth-Beaumont for his incredible and inspirational recovery and resilience following the life threatening and life changing injuries he suffered following an accident with an HGV lorry while on his bike.

 

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 Matt Hearne, for climbing (and descending) the height of Mt. Everest in the fire exit of his flat, which is 8,848m in height, approximately 55,000 stairs, and equating to 381 ascents (and descents) of the fire escape, all to raise funds for NHS workers.

 

Innovation Cup

Last but not least, the 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 the award was given to Vinh Lam - for organising and running the incredibly popular weekly Zwift Team Time Trials since April. Currently involving a community of over 60 riders, these events have become a highlight of the week for many and have even attracted new members to the club. The TTTs are challenging, social, and fun in equal measure - and are highly likely to improve your technology skills in the process.

We hope this will inspire members to come up with other new innovative and inclusive events for the club.

Congratulations to Jim, Matt and Vinh.

Lan O'Connor
Chair
chair@serpentine.org.uk

Submitted: 3 January 2021

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