Athletic club members urged to attend 50th anniversary celebrations (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Athletic club members urged to attend 50th anniversary celebrations

4:00pm Monday 28th May 2012 in Sport

MEMBERS past and present from Bromsgrove and Redditch AC are being urged to attend a special evening to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary this summer.

The club is holding a special dinner at the Abbey Hotel in Redditch on Friday, July 20.

It was formed when athletics clubs from Bromsgrove and Redditch merged in 1962, with Edgar Nichols, Rita Brownlie, Bill Hawkley, Bernard Browning, John Robinson and Dr Brazier the founding members.

Brownlie, who was Rita Gorton in 1962, is still very much involved with the club as secretary as well as coaching and managing the junior girls teams.

In 1948, Edgar Nichols made Olympic selection for the half mile and was, for a time, fastest man over this distance.

A number of other members have also represented England, Wales and Great Britain teams over the years, including race-walker Sharon Tonks, 1,500m runner Adrian Passey, marathon woman Bronwyn Cardy as well as Brownlie, Mike Parker and Phil Corbutt in various disciplines.

Over the years, the club’s facilities have also evolved, with a cinder track replacing the grass surface in 1963 thanks to the founders’ efforts Club President, Roger Beacham said: “With the London Olympics around the corner, It’s an important year for sport in this country and a very special one for our club in celebrating the 50th anniversary.

“We would love as many past and present members to come an join us.”

Tickets for the event are £30, or £50 for two and and include wine with your meal and anyone who wants more information can call Beacham on 01527 831186.