Well hello everyone,
Welcome to the start of lockdown week 7, day 42 tomorrow, and who knows how many weeks to go until in the words of Vera Lynn “We’ll Meet Again”.
We had another committee meeting last Wednesday and discussed a few issues worthy of mention, hence this email. It’s also a chance to outline just what some people have been doing to fill their time and stay fit.
You have been busy, but first a few new ideas and notices.
Superstar Awards.
Lynsey Barraclough was a worthy recipient after spending considerable time solving a challenging financial issue with the junior section of our club.
This saved some awkward moments and potential financial problems.
Emma Kicks
Another worthy recipient for all the work she put into planning, coordinating and delivering the coaching throughout the whole of 2019.
Race Championships and Awards Evening.
Captain Sarah has written to you sadly explaining there won’t be a fell or road championship this year. Unfortunately, we won’t be hosting an awards night in the style we’ve become accustomed to. We will, however, host a get together one evening at some stage and present trophies and medals for the Cross Country season. I’m sure we will have fun and make the evening a huge celebration.
Zoom. Q&A and suggestions session.
Tuesday 12th May 2020. 7.30pm.
We are going to host a Zoom meeting, where you can put forward any suggestions you might have for the club, to Committee members.
It’s a chance for an informal Q & A session too.
I’ll be sending out full details closer to the date.
Long Lands Common.
Long Lands Common is 30 acres of open farmland, situated north of the Greenway. The intention is to create a community owned green space and woodland. Shares in the project are £50 each, with £300,000 needing to be raised. https://www.longlandscommon.org/
The committee agreed that this is a project that NVRR would want to support. It fits with the ethos of the club, and we use Nidd Gorge and the Greenway a lot.
Sylvia confirmed that we have the funds available, and the committee agreed to pledge to buy 4 shares at a cost of £200. This amount is similar to previous years’ good causes, and we have roughly 200 members in the club.
Guy Fawkes 10 Race. November 2020.
There has been been lots of discussion with Sam and the committee regarding this race, with various options considered.
It’s a tricky one as you can imagine, as we’re trying to make decision on unknown facts.
The necessary paperwork for permissions has been submitted by Sam, which keeps our options open for the time being, until we can make a call on the next stage.
Graham Hyde. Road signs to spell out NIDD VALLEY.
Graham will be in touch shortly with an idea to keep us motivated to run. The idea is to encourage you to find road signs starting with the letters to spell out ‘Nidd Valley’ while on your run. One letter per run.
So onto the exciting bit and what you’ve been up to!
There are so many things to mention – please don’t be offended if I miss you off. What I will say is that I’ve seen so much support, kindness, generosity, initiative and thoughtfulness, it’s really quite amazing. Yet again I’m filled with pride as a member of this club.
Rob and Judi Northfield.
Rob and his wife very kindly offered a significant donation of £5,000 split into £250 to any team working on the front line in the fight against Coronavirus.
This was not restricted to Nidd Valley Road Runners but any of their friends. That said, three Nidders did nominate front line teams. These teams were grateful recipients of £250 each, to spend on what they chose. A big thank you goes out to Rob and Judi for supporting our key workers.
Bec Carmen. Fancy dress run.
Bec suggested that members run in fancy dress for just one run, any day, any distance but to take a photo.
The plan was to spread a little cheer and raise money for the Harrogate & District Foodbank. Lots of you embraced this idea, involving family members and even encouraging friends to donate.
A staggering £687 has been raised! Well done everyone on your phenomenal fundraising.
Watch out for the photos coming soon!
Sam. The Lockdown Quiz Master.
Sam has been hosting a Friday night Lockdown quiz which has been great fun. He’s asked me to mention that everyone is welcome. Please contact him if you fancy your chances. Questions are tough!
Captain Sarah.
Sarah responded to a question in the Guardian asking about individual positives from the lockdown period.
Her daily photos of flowers, fauna, sheep and the beautiful Nidd Gorge were guaranteed to make the cut, and featured in the paper.
Phil Ventress. Harrogate Monopoly Challenge.
This has attracted some healthy competition and sounds like fun. Run or cycle no more than a half marathon from your doorstep and tick off as many Harrogate monopoly squares as possible.
Photos and posts on Facebook.
Lots of you have taken the time to photo beautiful places and routes on your walks, runs or cycles. All of which help keep us connected and motivated. Thank you.
Injury Bench.
Of course, there are also members who have long term injuries, have picked up injuries during lockdown, or have been, or are, currently poorly.
I would like to wish you all a speedy recovery and remind you that there’s always someone in the club should you need to chat.
Well, I think that’s covered most things. As I said at the beginning, please don’t take it personally if I’ve missed you out. Its hard to keep up!
I will send out the information for our Zoom meeting very soon, and look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes to you and your families.
Christine.
NVRR Chair.