FORMER Olympic athlete Christina Boxer joined former town mayor David Attfield at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating athlete and coach Ron Stonehouse.

Ron trained Olympic runner Christina at Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletics Club, as well as numerous other local athletes, many to national and international level. Christina competed in three Olympics in the 1980s.

The plaque, unveiled on June 26, marks Ron’s life and achievements, and has been placed on the ‘famous names wall’ in South Street. The wall commemorates notable Farnham residents.

Councillor David Attfield said: “Ron Stonehouse is truly deserving of this honour.

“He was an extraordinary man who made a great contribution to athletics – coaching and mentoring hundreds of club athletes both young and old who benefited from his amazing skills, wisdom and friendship.”

Joining the mayor making tributes, Christina brought along a photograph of Ron wearing her Commonwealth gold medal, while Phil Stamp gave an emotional tribute of the impact Ron had on his own career and the friendship they shared.

Brian Grieg, a founder member of Farnham Sports Council and its former chairman, also commented on the immense contribution Ron made to athletics locally.

Mr Stonehouse’s wife, Shirley, joined the mayor in unveiling the plaque. Ron passed away last year.

Born in Badshot Lea in 1928, Ron was an accomplished athlete in his own right during the 1950s, running a mile in four minutes 11 seconds. He began his athletics career with the then Farnham Athletics Club and was actively involved in its amalgamation in 1966 with Aldershot Athletics Club when it became Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletics Club.

He soon entered a career in coaching and it was there that his greatest achievements lie.

Ron spotted the potential of 14 year-old Bernie Ford, coaching him to international level, and, in the 1980s, also trained Roger Hackney, a Commonwealth silver medalist who competed in three Olympics.

Ron is remembered locally, however, for training many young athletes from across the area, both formally and informally.

He continued to coach into his 70s and in 1981 was voted Farnham Sports Personality of the Year.

Professionally, Ron trained as an electrician and worked as a maintenance manager in factories and branches of local engineering company Martonair Limited.