MORE than 100 members, relations and friends of Farnham Runners gathered for the club’s annual Awards Dinner at the Hog’s Back Hotel near Farnham to celebrate the achievements of the club during the past year.

They were thrilled to hear that member Susie Chan had gained a world record for ladies’ treadmill running that very day.

Chairman Richard Sheppard’s masterful performance as MC contributed to the conviviality of the occasion. Social secretary Jacquie Browne had organised the event while Ian Carley had produced slides to match each award. Members’ band No Direction played as guests arrived.

Sarah Hill won the ladies marathon trophy for the fifth consecutive year for her time of three hours and 31 seconds in the Isle of Wight marathon. Rob Gilchrist took the men’s Paul Charlton Memorial trophy for his time of two hours, 52 minutes and one second in the London marathon.

The Herbie Memorial Trophy for improvement (by one minute and 51 seconds) in the Alice Holt 10km between 2014 and 2015 went to runner Tim Cummins.

The ladies’ Prince Memorial Trophy for an improvement of four minutes and 16 seconds was won by Kay Copeland while Lina Haines took the Handicap Trophy.

The prestigious Steve Parker Award for the person who has done most for the club during 2015 went by an overwhelming committee vote to Cyra Parkes for her huge enthusiasm, new ideas and commitment to the club. The Chairman’s Award went to Georgi Robinson-Welch.

“This is to recognise an individual who has embraced the enjoyment of running, and has made tremendous personal progress as well as encouraging others with their enthusiasm promoting our club and all of the benefits of being part of the running and exercise community” explained Richard Sheppard.

The unique ‘Smiley’ made by former chairman Andy Smith went jointly to Vicki and James Clarke for their cheerful contribution to races and social events.

The two who gained the most personal best times in the Hampshire Road Races were John Phillips (for the second year) and Mary Denise Fitzgerald. The club’s Grand Prix winners (from top to fifth) in the men’s category were James Clarke, Richard Lovejoy, Stuart Morel, Rob Gilchrist and Curtis Anderson.

And in the ladies’ category was Eloise Stradling, Jane Georghiou, Mary Denise Fitzgerald, Lindsay Bamford and

Runners Vicki Clarke. Kay Copeland, Matt Dellar, Jane Georghiou and Stuart Haig who did all six SXCL races during 2015 received t-shirts designed by Ian Carley.

Richard Sheppard commended the achievements of the whole club, with particular reference members who contributed to the success of the Alice Holt park run. It was announced that from 2001 to 2015 Farnham Runners had raised a total of £197,000 in marathon sponsorship.

Then came a most memorable and unexpected part of the evening- the Alternative Awards.

Accompanied by his puppet ‘Eugene’, local young ventriloquist Max Fulham brought the house down. Chosen members of the audience were invited to take part in the performance, to the amusement of all.

The evening concluded with dancing to a selection of music provided by a local DJ.