Monday 22 June, Chair June Whitehead
Thank you for giving your time to be here tonight — especially in this heat and after the track session.
As I look back on the past year, I feel incredibly proud of everything Helsby Running Club has achieved and privileged to have played a small part in its continued success.
In my opinion, we are more than a running club — we are a supportive, inclusive community brought together by a shared love of running, where everyone belongs.
It has been a remarkable year: three sell-out club organised races, reduced membership fees coupled with record membership numbers, and an exceptional Borders League season, with both our men’s and ladies’ teams finishing top. Those achievements show what this club can do when people come together with energy, passion and belief.
What matters most is that we have stayed welcoming, inclusive and supportive. It is wonderful to see so many people enjoying their running and helping us make a difference through our club organised races and charitable fundraising. As we grow, we must stay true to our values and make sure club funds are managed in line with CASC principles. That helps keep the club fair, transparent and working for the benefit of our entire membership.
Thank you to our Wednesday night leaders, our committee, and every member who gives their time so generously. Your effort and care are at the heart of this club, and we would not be where we are without you.
As a club,we are starting from a position of strength. Next year, our focus will be on building from that strong foundation: improving efficiency, reducing the workload carried by already overstretched roles — including my own — and making sure responsibility is shared more sustainably across the club. We have learned a great deal from the Sandstone Trail committee, and there is a real opportunity to transfer those lessons to the 4VHM by embracing a shared workload, clearer succession planning and stronger support for everyone involved.
Helsby Running Club is special because of our members, its spirit and its values. I am excited for what comes next, and grateful to be part of it with all of you. Thank you.
[Editor’s note: we’ve kind of lapsed on the regular blog updates. Forgive us, we have sinned. But we wanted to push this one out there – the club is in vibrant shape, full of extraordinary performances. From people just starting out on their journeys, through to nationally ranked runners making an impact. We’re now at record membership numbers and you’ve only got to see our runners at club nights or races to see this is something worth being a part of.]