May 2025 Newsletter
Hello All
Its early summer weather has been beautiful. Training is now coming out of the dark months of winter and we can now enjoy the sunshine and lighter evenings. Everyone has certainly been busy and it is only the beginning of May.
Going back to the beginning of the year, in January Sarah Russell completed the coastal trail marathon in Devon. Not an easy one with a 1700m ascent. Huge well done to Sarah.
In March the club put on its inter club mini triathlon with a 200 m swim in the pool, followed by 40 mins on the bike, and then 7 laps of the track. Those who took part were: Will, John, Grant, Phil, Jo, Leanne, Rosie, Damien, Camilla, Gabe, and Annie. All keen to get going with events obviously! It was a great start and Camilla brought a cake to go with the well-earned coffee. Sadly I couldn’t linger to enjoy the cake, but was told how delicious it was! Well done everyone. A good social outing to kick things off.
Sunday April 6th saw Josh competing in the Brighton Marathon with a PB of 3hrs 48. Great result, Josh, congratulations.
On 13th April, George ran the Kent Spring marathon, while Geoff and Andrew ran the half marathon - obviously a marathon rehearsal!
Sunday 19th April. Andrew and Dean competed in Sprint Duathlon at Mallory Park. This was a GB age group qualifier. I believe that they have both qualified (TBC). Congratulations, it’s a tough ask these days.
And then on 27th April, the Big One - The London Marathon! All that training, and pounding the streets paid off for Geoff, Josh, JoJo and Heather. What an experience, huge congratulations.
Sadly, Christine had to defer her place for a year having gone down with a dreadful bug just before the event.
On Monday 5th May, Jane Hand competed in her first triathlon for a few years. She completed it although her mountain bike took her a little longer than on a road bike! Well done Jane. It will be easier next time.
Throughout all this Botts and Ben have been swimming, swimming, swimming, training for the Channel Swim. Last week they were at Pell's Pool in Lewes, to gain their certificate to confirm their place. They both swam for six hours, which you will know is very cool. Pell's staff were absolutely wonderful in supporting these two in their challenge, even working through their lunch break, in the closed period, to look after their swimmers! They both were awarded their completion certificate. Congratulations to both Botts and Ben. Next stop - the Channel.
As you will all know, as a result of my carpet bombing of messages, we held the club AGM on Monday 28th April. There was good turnout of those who could make it. As a result the existing committee is happy to stand again and consists of:
Chairmen: Malcolm Clarke and Dean Taylor
Club Sec: Jo Smith
Treasurer: Geoff Turner
Coach: Iain Watson
Kit: Andrew Joad
Social Sec: Rosie Harris
Communication: Annie Sidgwick
Lots of topics were discussed including events and socials. Keep an eye open.
The first of these will be the Isle of Wight cycle ride on Saturday 31st May. If you are interested please put your name on the calendar. There will be an Isle of Wight WhatsApp group set up soon to inform and exchange information.
Other club dates will include an evening swim at Pell's Pool. TBC.
There will also be an evening cycle in memory of Tom. He was a very special club member who lost his life last year. This will start and finish at 6 Bells at Chiddlingly, followed by supper at the pub. This was Tom's favourite pub.
In the club calendar there are the TESSES (Triathlon England Senior South East Series) events. These consist of:
11th May East Grinstead - Sprint
18th May 7 Oaks - Sprint
8th June Eastbourne - Standard
15th June White Oak (Dartford) - Sprint
22nd June Dartford Bridge - Sprint (closed roads)
7th Sept Southwater - team relays
By entering and racing these, or some of these events, you can earn points for our club and see how we fare in the league table.
7th Sept is the Southwater relay. A wonderful morning out competing against other clubs. If you are interested, please sign up as we have to get the names and teams in early. It is very popular and we don’t want to miss out.
There is a poll on the club WhatsApp under Monday 28th April, and a pin drop at the top of the club WhatsApp page. Just click yes/no.
Andrew continues to look after the kit. He has already got one order completed, but if anyone else would like to order kit please contact Andrew. He needs 10 items before he can put another order in.
Thursday evening bike rides are now happening. No cost, just sign up and turn up. The venue and rider leader will be advertised each week on the club calendar and WhatsApp.
As everyone continues to train, compete and generally being busy, keep up the great work, train well, and see you out and about!
I think that is all for now. Happy training.
Annie
Communications