2006

DECEMBER

• Lots of fun and fancy dress at the Handicap Race where Kieron Young was first home in   20.26, a time many senior athletes would be proud of.  Elder brother Nathan was fastest on the day with 16.57 with Doug 2nd, a minute behind, but hampered by his shepherd's costume ! Simone Young was first back in the 2K race but came second overall to Luke Dowding . All the times and positions at Xmas Handicap Race and photos at Christmas Handicap Race. We then  went on to the " Britannia "............
•  
• 
•  
• Birthdays coming up soon in January................have a great day..........Hayley and Rebecca Carver , 2nd,  Simone Young, 7th and Ellie Norris on the 8th.
•  
• Did you have a good Christmas and get all the presents you wanted ? We hope so !.....
•  
• On behalf of Mendip Athletics Club we would like to wish all our members, parents and supporters a very Happy Christmas and New Year. 
•  
• See you at the Handicap Race and Social on the 28th !!!!!!!!!!!
•  
• Two new website links added : www.sprintic.com is a fascinating site, specifically for sprinters and www.cityofbath.org.uk  the club that Jason Gardner joined at the age of 12 and still belongs to !
•  
• Results and times for the junior 1K and 2K races at Street are now available on www.wellscityharriers.co.uk. Kieron Young was first in the 2K with Ashley Martin in 3rd. Ruby Kelly and Adele Martin were 2nd and 3rd girls home. Erin and Chloe Martin and Christian Young  also ran well in the 1K race.
•  
• Another excellent  Wessex cross country report from a proud Ian Humphreys about last Sunday where, with a small team we turned in some great results . Further details at Wessex XC - Devizes - December 2006  . Also photos at Wessex League - Devizes - December 2006
•  
• Ian's newspaper report of last week's  5K ...........................................................................  "Doug Hall faded after keeping race winner Andy Hennessy company over the first mile of this months Street 5K series, finally finished in 5th place in 17:16 - a little disappointing after clocking 16:20 at the recent Bath University event. Nathan Young failed to complete as he was forced to pull up before half way with an attack of cramp, while fellow under 15 Tim Attwell ran well to clock 18:35 in 14th. Fourteen year-old Ottalie Day ran 21:39 as first junior women, and third overall, while Frank Attwell clocked 25:14."
•   
• We now have some photos from Devizes up as well on the PHOTO ALBUM and I have rearranged all the previous  photos, by event, so as to make them quicker to open.
•  
• Very muddy but a mild day at  Devizes for Wessex XC. Good runs by Kieron Young and Ben Miller saw them both in the top 5 for their age group and Aoife Thorogood got her usual second behind the Taunton winner.Nathan Young once again succumbed to cramp and pulled out and we hope that he can get this problem sorted out before the real competitions start in the Spring. Dan Layton and Pat Day ran solidly to finish 3rd and 5th  in the Under 17's but the performance of the day was by Doug Hall (4th) Charles Albrow (6th) and Matt Parsons (10th) in the Senior Men's event taking the team title on the day. Full results on www.wessexleague.com shortly.
•  
• Fancy a 4 mile run at midnight with hundreds of others on New Years Eve with Music, Fancy Dress ,Fireworks and Cash Prizes ? Shame it's in New York... see www.nyrrc.com . Our equivalent is our Handicap race and Social  - see SOCIAL EVENTS for details if you haven't got your tickets yet.
•  
• One of our existing link websites www.athletics-results.co.uk has even mentioned us by name - obviously got the information from our own site. Some interesting comments too about funding for junior athletics and the cost of administrators in athletics. As you will see this site is independent of UK Athletics !
•  
• Two new websites added to our LINKS pages today.The first, www.boja.org has lots of info regarding Youth athletics in the UK (boja is not a typing error - I wonder what it means ?). The second is www.elevatingathletics.com which seems to be aimed specifically at Schools and Teachers though there is some useful info for coaches generally. I have also rearranged the list of websites as we are getting quite a few now !
•  
• Kieron Young took 1st place again in the Street 2K junior race and there were good runs from our other runners, 2nd's and 3rd's for some of the girls, although I don't have the full results yet for the short races. The senior race saw another win for Andrew Hennessy (WCH) with Doug Hall being the first Mendip runner home in 5th.  Nathan Young fell foul of cramp halfway through and wisely pulled out but Tim Attwell ran just outside a PB for 2nd junior  behind Tom Lock (WCH). 5K results can be found at www.wellscityharriers.org.uk
•  
• Well, we've achieved our target of 1000 hits on the website in less than three months - not bad going !
•  
• Don't forget this Sunday it's Round 3 of the Wessex League Cross Country at Devizes. Park in Station Road Car Park and walk down through the woods. Directions and times of races at www.wessexleague.com. This one is a bit muddy normally so take warm clothes and wellies !
•  
• Street 5K tonight ( Wednesday) - come along and support if you don't fancy running. 1K, 2K and 5K races - register at United Reform Church from 7 p.m.
•  
• The Wessex League XC meeting at Bicton Park on the 7th January will also incorporate the South West Cross Country championships and the Regional Inter Counties championships. Further details and timetable of races can be found at http://www.southwestathletics.com/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,5097-179659-196877-114755-0-file,00.pdf ( probably the longest website page reference I have come across !) There is talk of wearing your county vest if running for Somerset and your club vest if not ...I am sure further details will come via Ian nearer the time .
•  
• More website fun.......check out www.doublegold.co.uk and www.paularadcliffe.com to see what it's like at the top.....
•  
• One for the coaches.... there is an update on our COACHING page listing some  websites you might find useful . Something to read on these cold wet nights !...........
•  
• I have been advised of another athletics website covering the South West Region which is midway between the County site and UK Athletics. Worth a look at www.southwestathletics.com  
•  
• Well done to Stephanie Twell and Mo Farah who won gold for GB at the European XC championships. The Junior women also got the team Gold.  Full results at http://www.european-athletics.org
•  
• Street 5K and fun races this Wednesday - register at the  Church at 7 p.m. Races at 7.30 p.m. Good fun and great for spectators. Even Dougie is coming back for it .
•  
• Now up to 960 hits on our website . Who will be the 1000th ? Tell your friends if they haven't found us.
•  
• Positions at the Avon and Somerset XC championships now available at http://www.somerset-athletics.co.uk/CROSS%20COUNTRY/Provisional%20Result.xls. Actual times are promised in due course . For Ian's report see Avon and Somerset XC Championships 2006
•  

• Further to the London Marathon, the Orchard Vale Trust has a few Golden Bond places available for runners who have not been successful in earning a place through the normal channels.  If you know of anyone in this situation, who might wish to run and, at the same time, support a charity in the OVT's home county of Somerset, further, they should do so by logging on to the OVT website:-  www.orchardvaletrust.org.uk.   where they will be able to get further information, and also learn more about the Trust.

   

• Medal successes at the Avon and Somerset XC Championships held at Blaise Castle , Bristol on the 2nd December included Emily Derrick, Nathan and Kieron Young, and Dan Layton. Both the Boys U13 and U15 teams achieved Team medals. For Ian's report go to Avon and Somerset XC Championships 2006 and there are a couple of photos in the PHOTO ALBUM
•  
• The Club has been allocated a free place in the London Marathon due to be held on the 22nd April . This is restricted to over 17's and while we do not have too many likely to qualify there may be other athletes who would like to join Mendip and come to our Christmas Social where a draw will be made for the 'lucky' runner ! If you want to be considered contact Rob Eales before Christmas.
•  
• You should all have received a copy of the Newsletter now - we will add it to the website in due course.
•  
• For details of the Christmas Handicap races and Social, check out the SOCIAL EVENTSpage . Thursday 28th December starting around 2 p.m. finishing at "The Britannia " in Wells for food and skittles and goodness knows what else !
•  
• We now have an up to date FIXTURES AND EVENTS summary, kindly prepared by our chairman, David Wright. This sets out the regular events and leagues we are involved in and together with the new Winter Fixture card (listed on Fixtures and Events 2007 ) there should be no reason to miss any meeting !

NOVEMBER 

• Results can be found at Yeovil Open Meet 21st Nov for their recent evening meeting. Not many there but Mendip represented by Alice Grosjean, Daniel Barker, Sara Geary and David Moseley.
•  
• Check the Photo Album page for pictures of Taunton XC - better late than never ! Has any one got any pictures from Newbury XC ?
•  
• We now have a full report on our athletes at the Wessex League match at Newbury last Sunday - thanks Ian. Go to  Wessex XC-Newbury . Full results on www.wessexleague.com
•  
• Next Wessex League meeting is Sunday December 17th at Devizes ( Station Road Car Park ). Take your wellies if last year is anything to go by !
•  
• The day after Liverpool, Nathan Young had another close race in the Wessex League at Newbury finishing in 1st place just 4 seconds ahead of his local rival, Alex Wiltshire. Aoife Thorogood came second in the U13 Girls, as she did in the first event at Taunton. Rebecca Carver was not far behind in 8th place and other runners in this strong age group were Emily Derrick, Ruby Kelly, Adele Martin and Simone Young. Kieron Young was second U13 boy with Ben Miller the other Mendip runnerin that race. Ottalie Day ran solidly for 12th place in the U15 girls race. Full results and times at www.wessexleague.com
•  
• A blanket finish in the u15 race at the UK Cross Country Challenge in Liverpool saw Nathan Young take 4th only 2 seconds behind the winner who is the Scottish Schools champion ! Well done to Nathan .
•  
• The second round of the Mendip School XC League took place at Oakhill with fine 1st places for Rebecca Carver and Ben Miller. Over 300 runners  from 20 different Mendip schools took part - we hope more of these young athletes will come along and join us at MendipAC  in future years ! Full results on www.mendipjuniorathletics.org.uk
•  
• MAC was at the Mike Sully XC event on Clifton Downs with Nathan Young winning with a 10 second advantage over his national rival, Ben Caulray from Gloucester. Other performances included Girls U11 - Rebecca Carver (2nd) Simone Young ( 10th ) and Hayley Carver (12th ).U13 Girls -Aoife Thorogood (6th) and Ruby Kelly ( 10th). Kieron Young was sixth in Boys U13 and Ottalie Day was 8th in the Girls U15. Well done to all of you!
•  
• Nathan Young is taking part this weekend in the UK Cross Country Challenge race at Liverpool's Sefton Park and we wish him well up against the best in the country.
•  
• Further diary dates for the Wessex Cross Country League - Devizes (17/12/06) Bicton College, Exmouth (7/1/07) Hudson Fields, Salisbury (18/2/07 t.b.c.) and Avon Heath , Poole (18/3/07).Remember the next one is this coming Sunday, 26th, at Newbury.
•  
• Details received about the Somerset County Sportshall championships on the  6th January 2007 and the subsequent Regional competition. For entry form go to   OTHER EVENTS . Please note the closing date is Wednesday 3rd January and not the 10th as is stated on some of the forms distributed toSchools !
•  
• Various of the Club's official forms have been updated to take into account recent changes (such as Track Passes) and examples of these can be found at MEMBERSHIP. Thanks to David Wright for the hard work on these.
•  
• Committee members are reminded that the next meeting is on Friday 1st December  at     7 00 p.m. at the Waggon and Horses, Glastonbury. If athletes or parents wish to raise any matters please let us know. A full list of planned committee meetings can found on the COMMITTEE MEETINGS page. For those who don't know, our new Secretary is Robert Eales ( and very efficient he is too ! )
•  
• The INDOOR Meet at Bath University originally scheduled for the 10th December will now be on Saturday 27th January . Same events as before . No prior application - just turn up on the day. Further details when we have them.

•  

• Peter Grosjean has kindly submitted a report of the U13 Girls ( successful ) year and this can be found under Results at U13 Girls report . Thanks Peter and hopefully it will lead to more of you submitting items for the website and future newsletters.
•  
• The next Yeovil Open Meet is on Tues 21st November. Details on www.yeovilolympiads.com
•  
• We now have a new web page explaining UK Athletics new initiative, POWER OF10  where you can find out how your performances in the South West compare with the UK as a whole.
•  
• Congratulation to Kieron Young and Dan Wright who both came 1st in their respective age groups in the Wells City Harriers Schools XC League. both winning all three of their races. Full results on www.wellscityharriers.org.uk
•  
• Dan Layton was 1st Junior at the Street 5K,16.44.with Timmy Attwell 18.31.Good to see Tom Derrick back racing after his injury with a fine 18.37. Simone Young won the 1K race  and brother Kieron the 2K race. Where was Nathan for the hat trick ! Full results on www.wellscityharriers.org.uk
•  
• The Winter Fixture List will shortly be out and will be put on the website but just to remind you we do try to keep an up to date list  and this can be found at FIXTURES AND EVENTS
•  
• Whilst Mendip AC is hoping to organise its own Level 1 Coaching courses in the future the next  one we know of planned is at Bath University on Saturday 24th February 2007. There is also a 'Children in Athletics ' course on the 21st January. Further details on www.teambath.com . Provided you give some commitment back to the Club in coaching we are able to assist with any course fees incurred.
•  
• The Club's annual Handicap race followed by the Christmas Social has been tentatively set for Thursday 28th December ( lunchtime) . This is great fun and a good opportunity for the athletes , parents and supporters to meet up. Further details to follow
•  
• Graham Norris is hoping to arrange a 'Children in Athletics' course in conjunction with Mendip District Council probably Sat / Sun 2nd or 3rd December. This is not solely a coaching course and is available to anyone over the age of 14 and would therefore be of interest to some of our junior athletes particularly those taking Sports studies at GCSE  or A level. Further details to follow.
•  
• The first race in the TeamBath Road Race series, a 5k road race takes place on Sunday 26th November. It will be followed on Sunday 18th February with the second 5k race, and the series reaches its conclusion with the TeamBath 10k race on Sunday 11th March. The first one clashes with Wessex League but some of the later dates might be of interest. Further details on www.teambath.com

•  

• Some of our athletes are already involved in the SASP Athletics Development Squad but we have also received an invitation that our Coaches are welcome to go along and observe senior coaches' doing their stuff' . The next two sessions are both at Yeovil Arena, 17th November and 1st December.

• The new Committee and others  have been planning our future event organisation and this has also covered the question of fundraising. We would like as a Club to establish closer links with the Mendip community and local businesses although at this stage we have no firm plans.
•  
• If there is a willing parent who has previous experience of funding,grant applications and sponsorship for a non profit organisation such as ourselves, we would welcome your advice. Please contact any committee member if you can help.
•  
• • The National Blind Childrens Society ( based at Highbridge, Somerset)  still has a few guaranteed Golden Bond places left for next years London Marathon, and wonder whether any of our members would be interested in running for NBCS? Obviously this would only apply to a limited number but if you are interested check with Ian, ( who did it last year ! ) and then contact
  • tania.jones@nbcs.org.uk or 01278 764777.
  •  
• The Annual Athletics Congress and Annual Dinner is being held at the NEC Birmingham on 25/26 November, £15 and £25 respectively. Further details on www.ukathletics.net
• We are currently looking at the stock of Club Kit and if you are thinking of some for Christmas presents let John Young know what you have in mind.
•  
• Remember it is Street 5K (and 1K and 2K junior races) this coming Wednesday starting at 7.30 p.m. Good fun for athletes and spectators alike and usually some nice prizes.
•  
• Nathan Young was unlucky not to come away with a win from the first of the
  winter's UK Cross Challenge events at Birmingham's Senneleys Park. After
  dominating the early stages of the 3K event for under 15 boys, Nathan was
  caught on the line by a fast finishing Zac Randall of Wycombe Phoenix.
  Nathan's younger brother, Kieran, made a successful debut in the challenge
  by finishing an excellent 16th in the under 13 boys race. Kieran is still a
  year 7 at school and has another year as an under 13. Dan Layton is also at
  the bottom of his age-group, the under 17 men, and again competed well to
  finish 49th.
•  
• Last Tuesday saw the first of the Yeovil Winter track and field meetings. In
  the short sprints Guy Lusty was narrowly edged for the top under 17 spot,
  clocking 7.97sec for the 60m, with Sam Preston easily the best of the girls
  with 8.42sec. Sara Geary was in solid form, winning the high jump with 1.40m
  and long jump with 4.78m, and finishing second by a single centimetre in the
  triple jump with 9.90m. Younger sister Kate jumped 3.54m in the long jump
  competition.                                   

OCTOBER 

SEPTEMBER

• As promised details of revised AGM................ Will now be 7.15p.m. on Thursday 5th October, still at St Dunstan's School, Glastonbury. Remember, the formal bit is followed by the annual Club Awards which are much more fun !.................
•  
• IMPORTANT NOTE:
  
  Due to a clash with a parents evening at St Dunstans, Thursday's Club Annual
  General Meeting and Awards ceremony has been postponed. All club members will
  be circulated with the alternative details by post and the details will appear here when I know them...................
•  
• Doug Hall signed off before going to Uni with 2nd overall and 1st Junior in the Langport Triathlon in a field of 300 plus. His time was 1:05:44 , 2 minutes behind the winner, Mark Goodridge, who is a GB international. Also taking part were Rob Martin, 1:25:42 and wife, Clare, doing her first triathlon ever in 1:42:56 !
• 
   
• More good performances at the South of England Road Relay championships at Aldershot last weekend including the fastest under 15 3K by you-know-who, 9.29 on a wooded course. Well done to Kieran Young for stepping in at short notice. All the times and details at  SE Road Relays Aldershot
•  
• Athletes and Parents are reminded that the Club's Annual General Meeting and Awards ceremony will take place this coming Thursday (28th) at St Dunstan's School. Glastonbury at 7.15p.m. Definitely not boring and will be a good evening when we review a successful year and look forward to the Cross Country season and 2007. See you there............
•  
• More good performances at the Shepton Mallet Road races with a first place from Nathan Young in the 5K ( 17.15), 2 minutes ahead of 2nd place ! Tim Attwell was 3rd in 19.52 and Ottalie Day in 8th place was first lady with 22.50. Not to be outdone Kieran Young was 1st in the 1k Fun Run in a close finish with Lewis Lynham ( WCH) with a time of 3.41. Another good run from Ruby Kelly in 4th place with 3.59 saw her the first girl home . There were lots of other Mendip runners and full results can be found at www.wellscityharriers.org.uk
•  
• There are Level 1 Officials courses being offered to parents and Senior athletes on the 1st October ( at Yeovil ? ). It helps to spread the load at meetings we attend and we also get recognition for officials we provide. Contact Graham Norris for details on 01749 689141
•  
• Also there are Level 1 Coaching courses on offer. The first of these at Yeovil is on the 20th October, the next at Bristol on the 12th November. We have one or two parents already interested and it would be most helpful to build up a number of coaches. No experience necessary ( well not much anyway..................) Contact Graham Norris for details on 01749 689141
•  
• Don't forget to check out the Personal Bests page ! Let me know if you have any amendments
•  
• Best wishes go to Charles Albrow and Doug Hall who are shortly off to University. Charles is doing a History degree at Plymouth University and Doug is doing Sports Performance at University of Bath. Hopefully they will be back from time to time for the winter cross country................................
•  
• Now that Yeovilton has finished………………The winter Street series starts comprising six 5K races through the winter months October-March inclusive, held on Wednesday evenings in Street, Somerset (based at the United Reformed Church).There are also junior races(2k)and a fun run(1k) each night. These races are good for training, fun for spectatators and there are prizes! Mendip athletes normally do quite well ! The new 2006/2007  entry form is now available. First date is Wednesday 11th October.
•  
• September's Yeovilton 5K saw  Mendip take both 1st Junior spots with Nathan Young in 4th overall (16.17) and Ottalie Day( 21.52).The race was won by Frank Tickner (WCH) in 14.44!  Other Mendip runners were Tim Attwell with a PB of 18.44, Jacob Britten,21.53 and Frank and Hazel Attwell both with 28.14. Ottalie was also 4th lady overall in the whole series. Well Done!
•  
• Another first place for Nathan Young at the Ash Excellent 8 . In the 3K he clocked 11.53 . Other Mendip placings were Tim Attwell , 4th with 13.47 and Kieran Young 9th in 15.35. For the girls Ottalie Day was 15.59 and Aoife Thorogood 24.37. Mendip also had the 1st girl home in the Fun Run with Rebecca Carver in 11.32 with Amy Reakes, Simone Young, Hayley Carver, Christian Young, Charlotte Burr and Phoebe Kelly all running well with some representing Mendip for the first time. Well Done ! Full results at www.yeoviltownrrc.com
•  
• The final  results for the South West League means North Devon win with 38 points, Poole Runners next with 33 and Mendip in 3rd place with 32 points. The top two teams get promoted but we do not think Poole will take up their place and whether we do or not will be discussed at our AGM on the 28th..........................................
•  
• First evening of the Club Championships went well with some good performances. Full details with times etc. will be available in due course. Second part with the rest of the events is this Thursday , 14th September at Millfield Track . Be there !
• Collect numbers from 5.45 p.m.
•  
• All club members are reminded of the club championships taking place tonight
  (Thursday 7th September) and next Thursday (14th September) at Millfield
  track. Numbers for collection from 5.45pm. Also the clubs AGM and award
  ceremony will take place at St Dunstan's School on Thursday 28th September,
  commencing at 7.15pm. Can anyone who wishes to stand for any committee
  position or would like anything raised on the agenda please contact outgoing
  club secretary Graham Norris prior to next Thursday.
• 
   
• The final track fixture of the SWAL saw Mendip come a close 3rd to Poole and North Devon with some excellent performances. It was a shame that we were short in the older age groups but as a junior club this problem will lessen in future years as we build strength in depth. For Ian's full report see Yeovil 3rd Sept

AUGUST

• The day after Langport, Timmy Attwell was back in action at the Baltonsborough road races when he clocked 9.07 to take second behind Alex Wiltshire ( 8.35) in the Junior 1.5  mile race. Other Mendip athletes were Adele Martin, 8th in 11.24 (2nd girl ), and her sisters Erin, 13th in 11.48 and Chloe , 19th in 12.18. Doug Hall took part in the main 5 mile race after the 10K the day before and came 8th in 29.29. The race was won by Andrew Hennessy ( WCH) in 25.56. Full resultsat www.wellscityharriers.org.uk
•  
• Two absentees from Langport were Nathan Young still suffering from hamstring problems and Sarah Geary who was all ready to run until a horse trod on her foot the day before ! We hope you will both be back in action soon............
•  
• In the Battle of Sedgemoor  Fun Run at Langport, Timmy Attwell came a close second (literally one second) behind the winner, Ben Anderson of City of Plymouth AC. Tim's time was 9.22. Blake Parkinson was 2nd Under 13 (10.52) and Jamie Neslen was 8th overall with 10.58. Mendip's junior girls were all near to the front to win the girls team prize; Adele Martin was 1st Under 13 girl in 12th overall (11.15) closely followed by Kate Geary (11.26) and Erin Martin (11.47). Chloe Martin aged 7 and running as under 13 did very well(12.46) and Emma Neslen found it tough but still had a smile on her face for her 13.30. Frank and Hazel Attwell out for their Sunday morning jog both clocked 13.51 (holding hands? ). In the main 10K race with a top class field of over 300, Doug Hall was 14th overall , 1st Junior and 1st Langport resident with a PB of 36.47 with Charles Albrow in 24th doing his first 10K in a creditable 37.30. Full results on www.langportrunners.co.uk

• The final South West League match of the Season is set for Yeovil on the 3rd September although the host club, Weymouth, is having difficulty in finding enough helpers . Could that be you ?......................
•  
• This year's AGM has been set for the 28th September when we hope as many members and parents will be able to attend. Under the terms of our Constitution it will be required that we elect a new Chairman, currently Robin Day and a new Secretary,currently Graham Norris . If you would like to be considered for either position or help with the Committee generally  then please have a word with them or any other committee member
•  
• Also in action this weekend at the IRONMAN UK Junior Duathlon ( Run, Bike, Run ) at Sherborne were Timmy Attwell who came 3rd in the 13/14 category , Erin Martin who came 2nd in the 9/10 girls and both received trophies.  Adele Martin who was 5th girl in the 11/12 age group also did well as she was in a large entry up against experienced girls a year older. Excellent performances from all 3 in what for them is a new sport.  Commiserations to Ashley who could not take part having cut his leg and needed  17 stitches only 10 days before..............
•  
• Some excellent performances and meet records at the Dennett Trophy meeting at Yeovil 20th August. For all Mendip's results and times click on Dennett trophy 2006
•  
• More good runs from Mendip Juniors at this months Yeovilton 5K. 1st Male Junior and 8th place overall was Dan Layton in 16.36 . Other  times were Pat Day 17.39, Timmy Attwell in 19.01, Jacob Britten with 20.58 and a new PB for Ottalie Day in 20.59 only 1 second behind the Female Junior winner!
•  
• Some more August dates for your Diary - Star Track at Millfield ( see Graham ) ( 7th-11th), Yeovil Games and Dennett trophy ( 20th) , Langport 10k and Fun Runs (27th) and the  Baltonsborough 5 mile race and junior races starting at 11.30 a.m. ( 28th) 

JULY

• The "Mendip Mini-Olympics" were held at Millfield on the 13th July invoving various Mendip schools competing as 'countries'. Many of our athletes were involved and full results can be found at www.mendipjuniorathletics.org.uk
•  
• Congratulations to Nick Rideout, Rose Penfold and Nathan Young who were representing Somerset at the English Schools Championships at Gateshead.  PB's were much in evidence and Nathan put Mendip on the map again with a time of 4:09:43 to take 1st place and take his first National Track title .Well Done ! Full results can be found on the English Schools site www.esaa.net
•  
• Last weeks Yeovilton 5K saw a new Mendip winner in Dan Layton who took the 1st  Male Junior prize in a time of 16:33 and Ottalie Day showed her form at this longer distance to take 1st Female Junior in 21:26. Full results on www.yeoviltownrrc.com . The next Yeovilton 5K is on 9th August ; entries on the night from 6 p.m.
•  
• Several young members have been persuaded ( by Dougie ) into the world of triathlon and are taking part in their first Duathlon ( run,bike,run)  at the Sherborne Ironman UK event (19/8) . Good luck to Timmy, Ashley, Adele and Erin . Rumour has it that Ashley and Adele are also doing the Cheddar junior triathlon ( 13/8). Dougie himself is doing the London Tri on the 6th and the Swanage Olympic Tri on the 13th.
•  
• We have now received official confirmation from England Athletics that we have qualified for Club Mark. This consists of submitting a folder of evidence covering all aspects of running a well organised club. It requires adhering to standards of Coaching, Welfare , Child Protection, Ethics, Equality and other aspects of good practice.We are the only club in Mid  or North Somerset to have gained this award and only the sixth in the whole of the South West ! Our certificate was formally presented to us by Jane Knowles of SASP ( Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership) at the annual Barbecue...........
• The annual Barbecue and Social was held at Greenbank Pool and attended by some 80 members and their families . Plenty of water activity showed that no one was worn out after training and it was fun for all provided you weren't thrown in by John Young ! Thanks to all who organised it particularly Hazel and Denise for buying and cooking the food.
•  
• The SWAL meeting at Exeter saw another second place for Mendip to leaders North Devon with Bath in third. For full results see Exeter 2ndJuly  After three fixtures North Devon lead with 28 pts. with Mendip and Poole both on 23.  The next meeting is at Yeovil on the 3rd Sept - please make a special effort to turn out - particularly you parent members ! Could be promotion if we carry on like this..........

JUNE

• Entry forms are out for the Langport 10K and Fun Run on the 27th August . Go to www.langportrunners.co.uk for details.
•  
• Some dates for your diary coming up in July, SW League at Exeter (2nd), Mendip Junior Schools Mini Olympics (4th) Yeovilton 5k (12th) our own Mendip AC Open Meeting (13th) and BBQ at Greenbank Pool (20th)
•  
• The third in this year's Yeovilton 5k series took place last week and once again Nathan( 16.00) and Ottalie (21.47) came away with 'First Junior'. Doug blew up towards the end having gone too fast with Nathan in the first 3k ! Another good run from Timmy who was the only other Mendip vest. Full results on www.yeoviltownrrc.com. Next date Wed 12th July.
•  
• We hear on the grapevine that Gary Jennings ( 400m hurdles, Commonwealth Games etc) is set to take over as Millfield Director of Athletics to replace Alan Lerwill. We wish Alan well in his future career and welcome Gary to Somerset !
•  
• The annual BBQ has been fixed for 20th July after training. Greenbank Pool  - further details to follow - offers of help to Hazel Attwell please.
•  
• Verbal communication received ( during our committee meeting actually ! ) confirming that Mendip AC has been granted Club Mark status. No other confirmation received yet but we are one of only a handful of clubs in the South West to receive this. Further details to follow.
•  
• Fifteen Mendip Athletes took part in the Somerset Schools Championships and five came away with County titles plus lots of PB's. Full results available on www.somerset-athletics.co.uk  most noteable being Nathan Young's 4.11.2 in the 1500m breaking the Somerset record and being the fastest U15 time in the UK this year.
•  

MAY

• Excellent all round performances enabled Mendip to be a close second at the South West Athletics match at Millfield. This was helped by being our 'home' track but we were only 15 points behind the winners,equivalent to the scores from a couple of events. Click for full results Millfield 28May . After 2 matches Mendip are 3rd overall with 15 points behind North Devon, 19, and Poole, 17.

APRIL

• Charles Albrow and Doug Hall were part of the South West XC team at the the British Colleges championships held at Loughborough University over the last weekend. This is the biggest sporting event in the college calendar giving students from around the country the opportunity to train and compete using top class facilities. Doug and Charles returned with a team medal as South West Colleges secured overall victory and regained the Wikinson Sword trophy.
•  
• ( There were only 5 people representing Strode College- 4 trampolinists and Doug! If you are Year 10/11 and think about going to Strode make sure they raise the profile of Athletics ! )