2021 AGM

Details
Published: 2 May 2021

AGM Document

Statement of Accounts Document

Dave Johnson - Funeral Details

Details
Published: 28 Apr 2021
Dave's funeral will take place on 6th May at 1.45pm, Powke Lane Cemetery, Blackheath. The hearse will go past his house en route to the cemetery. The service is going to be online (details to follow). Dave had a huge collection of all types of music, from which he chose the music that will be played during the service.. 
 
If anyone wishes to make a donation please send a cheque made out to Acorn Children's Hospice to:
 
Trevor Harris 
16 Summerfield Road,
Halesowen
West Mids 
B62 9NW

Dave Johnson RIP

Details
Published: 17 Apr 2021

We are saddened to learn of the death of Dave Johnson who served as our league President in 1989/90.  Dave had spent the past few weeks in hospital with heart problems.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

2021 League Rules (02/01/2021)

Details
Published: 2 Jan 2021

The League Rules for 2021 onwards are available HERE

2020 AGM

Details
Published: 26 Apr 2020

In light of the current situation there will not be a formal AGM this year.  Information will be circulated by email.

Agenda Document

  1. To confirm the minutes of the 94th A.G.M. and Executive minutes AGM Exec
  2. Matters arising from these minutes
  3. League Secretary’s Report Document
  4. President’s Address Document
  5. Chair’s Report Document Statement
  6. Divisional Secretaries’ Reports Division1 Division 2 Division 3
  7. Statement of Accounts. Year to 31st March 2020 Document Auditors Statement
  8. Officials for the Season Document
  9. Make-up of the League for 2021-22 season LINK
  10. Affiliation Fees
  11. Dates, Fixtures and Venues for the 2021-22 season
  12. Election of Officers / Officials
  13. Constitution Review Document
  14. League Website

Statement from our Chair

Details
Published: 7 Oct 2020

It with with regret that the league has announced that there will be no races this season.

Full Statement

RIP George Gandy

Details
Published: 13 Oct 2020

The league are saddened to learn of the death of coach George Gandy.  George played a major part in the success of Loughborough Students in Birmingham League during a coaching career spanning 50 years.

AW Obituary

John Love RIP

Details
Published: 12 Sep 2020

The league are saddened to learn of the death of John Love.

Northamptonshire athletics stalwart John Love sadly lost his three year battle with cancer in the early hours of September 2nd at the age of 81. He had dedicated most of his life to the sport as an athlete, coach, official and team manager. He leaves behind son Tim, daughter Julie and partner Carol.
John was a very affable man who was born on June 3rd 1939 and first joined Northampton & County AC in 1954 age 15.
He competed in his first Birmingham League Cross Country race in November 1964 and went on to complete 20 races in the League during the sixties, leading home the club in 10 of them.
His pinnacle came when he won two races in Division Three in early 1966, which clinched the overall individual title and helped Northampton & County gain their first promotion to Division 2.
In 1969 John was runner-up in the Northants Cross Country Championships and after turning 30 he then took a break from the sport due to family commitments and within a couple of years the club virtually folded up, but would rise again with a new name.
In the early eighties John returned to competition as a veteran athlete for Northampton Phoenix AC and during his career competed in seven different European countries.
He became qualified as a middle distance coach and would turn out every Tuesday and Thursday to coach the Senior Mens squad, while taking part himself. He would remain active in his coaching role for 25 years.
Throughout the winter he would organise a 5 mile handicap race for the whole club on a Tuesday evening at Abington Park, Northampton for 17 years, which would attract 50 to 60 people regularly.
He would take part in 11 more Birmingham League Cross Country races for Phoenix during the eighties before hanging up his spikes in 1988 at the age of 48.
His known personal bests were, 400m..55secs, 800m..2:00, Mile..4:22 and 51:17 for 10 miles on the road.
He was then made President of the Club and would remain so for another 20 years.
He became a qualified track and field official and would spend most weekends at an Athletics meeting officiating for the club during the summer and then act as team manager for the Men in the winter for the cross country.
For many years he drove the mini bus for the Cross country team to numerous events.
He attended countless committee meetings for both Club and County and would later be made President of the Northamptonshire Athletic Association.
In more recent years as an Honorary member of Rugby & Northampton AC he continued to officiate, both in track and field events, which included the Special Needs Champs in Leicester.
John also turned to competing once again, but this time in throwing events and the Walk and at the age of 80 was still winning medals in his age category.
In 2019 he won the Lifetime Contribution to Sport at the Northamptonshire Sports Awards. An award that was long overdue.

JohnLove

League Landmarks

Details
Published: 27 Feb 2020

The current table showing the number of league races claimed as being completed by various athletes across the years is shown below. Some of the athletes are still competing and accruing races, some have retired and some, sadly, have died. This table is correct as of the fourth race of the 2019/20 season. Errors and corrections to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rank Name Club Races Mover
1 Andy Nock Halesowen 157  
2 Mick Edwards Sparkhill 154  ↑
3 Nick Wilson Nuneaton 152  
4 Bill Nock Halesowen 149 ↑
5 Alastair Grant Halesowen 139  
6 Cavin Woodward Leamington 132  
7 Steve Howes Solihull & Small Heath 132 ↑
8 Terry Egan Rugby & Northampton 125  
=9 Graham Patton Massey / Sphinx 122  
=9 Darren Riley Sparkhill Harriers 122  
11 David Clarke Massey Ferguson 121 ↑
=12 Dave Jones West Bromwich 115  
=12 Mark Baker Northbrook AC 115 ↑
14 Nick Stringer Sparkhill Harriers 112 ↑
15 Pat Powell West Bromwich 107  
16 Graham Roberts Leamington C  & AC 106  
17 Vince Carroll Rugby & Northampton 104 ↑
18 John Peet Tamworth and Sparkhill Harriers 103  
19 Richard Barington City of Stoke 102  
20 Ian Keyte Bromsgrove & Redditch 101 ↑
21 Martin Smith Massey Ferguson 100 NEW!

↑ Denotes a new count since the table was previously updated.

We welcome Martin Smith of Massey Ferguson to the Landmark table who writes, "It has taken me 34 years to achieve, what with working overseas for Massey Ferguson and injuries.  I have made many friends in other clubs through running the Birmingham League and also enoyed the friendly rivalry with club members of MFRC over the years every league fixture. It is a great competition."

League Landmarks

Details
Published: 31 Jan 2020

The current table showing the number of league races claimed as being completed by various athletes across the years is shown below. Some of the athletes are still competing and accruing races, some have retired and some, sadly, have died. This table is correct as of the third race of the 2019/20 season. Errors and corrections to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rank Name Club Races Mover
1 Andy Nock Halesowen 157  
=2 Mick Edwards Sparkhill 153  
3 Nick Wilson Nuneaton 152
4 Bill Nock Halesowen 148 ↑
5 Alastair Grant Halesowen 139  
6 Cavin Woodward Leamington 132  
7 Steve Howes Solihull & Small Heath 131 ↑
8 Terry Egan Rugby & Northampton 125 ↑
=9 Graham Patton Massey / Sphinx 122  
=9 Darren Riley Sparkhill Harriers 122 ↑
11 David Clarke Massey Ferguson 120 ↑
12 Dave Jones West Bromwich 115  
13 Mark Baker Northbrook AC 114 ↑
14 Nick Stringer Sparkhill Harriers 111 ↑
15 Pat Powell West Bromwich 107  
16 Graham Roberts Leamington C  & AC 106  
=17 John Peet Tamworth and Sparkhill Harriers 103  
=17 Vince Carroll Rugby & Northampton 103 ↑
19 Richard Barington City of Stoke 102  
20 Ian Keyte Bromsgrove & Redditch 100 NEW!

↑ Denotes a new count since the table was previously updated.

For this update we welcome Ian Keyte to the 100 club, pictured below at the last fixture held at Coombe Abbey.  Ian writes, "I made my debut just after turning 18 on November 4 1978 at Coventry so it has taken me 41 years to reach this goal, although living abroad for several years has dragged this out somewhat - but delighted to have eventually made it!"

 

IanKeyte 11 01 20 491

 

Division 2 Venue Change

Details
Published: 4 Jan 2020

The next race for division 2 will now be held at Coombe Abbey Park, Coventry - not Coundon Park as previously advertised.  Full details are on the FIXTURES page.

League Landmarks

Details
Published: 15 Dec 2019

The current table showing the number of league races claimed as being completed by various athletes across the years is shown below. Some of the athletes are still competing and accruing races, some have retired and some, sadly, have died. This table is correct as of the second race of the 2019/20 season. Errors and corrections to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rank Name Club Races Mover
1 Andy Nock Halesowen 157 ↑
2 Mick Edwards Sparkhill 153 ↑
3 Nick Wilson Nuneaton 152 ↑
4 Bill Nock Halesowen 147 ↑
5 Alastair Grant Halesowen 139  
6 Cavin Woodward Leamington 132  
7 Steve Howes Solihull & Small Heath 130 ↑
8 Terry Egan Rugby & Northampton 124 ↑
9 Graham Patton Massey / Sphinx 122  
10 Darren Riley Sparkhill Harriers 121 ↑
11 David Clarke Massey Ferguson 119 ↑
12 Dave Jones West Bromwich 115 ↑
13 Mark Baker Northbrook AC 113 ↑
14 Nick Stringer Sparkhill Harriers 110 ↑
15 Pat Powell West Bromwich 107  
16 Graham Roberts Leamington C  & AC 106  
17 John Peet Tamworth and Sparkhill Harriers 103  
18 Richard Barington City of Stoke 102  
19 Vince Carroll Rugby & Northampton 102 ↑

↑ Denotes a new count since the table was previously updated

Race 2 Results (07/12/2019)

Details
Published: 7 Dec 2019

Division 1 (Updated 9/12/2019)

Division 2 (Updated 8/12/2019)

Division 3 (Updated 8/12/2019)

Any queries with the published results should be passed to the Division Secretary via your Team Manager.

AGM Details

Details
Published: 20 Nov 2019
The AGM has been changed to FRIDAY 29th May & will be at Halesowen's AC Club house, 189 Manor Way, Halesowen B62 8RW
 
Our apologies for the change of date. The venue has changed due to Alexander Stadium being rebuilt for the Commonwealth Games.

President's Profile (04/11/2019)

Details
Published: 4 Nov 2019
From an early age I have always had a love for running, jumping and throwing, this probably resulted from being brought up on a farm where it was difficult to avoid. It was a fair distance to school so I would get a run in twice daily, and the odd jump over the local brook. Therefore, when I won a cup at Primary School for running it made a lasting impression. This led me to competing for my secondary school in Bridgnorth in the Shropshire Schools Championships. After leaving school at 18 I attended St.Peters College, Saltley in Birmingham to do a Main P.E Teaching Certificate. This involved numerous sports, but I remember being up early on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer to prepare the field and track (only about 300 yds because thats all we could fit in) for the afternoons events. It was here that I was first introduced to the Birmingham  League as a member of the cross country team round about 1971-72.
On leaving college in 1973 I concentrated on my second love (no, not the wife!) but rugby of course, until I became too old and battered. I then hung up the boots and concentrated on bringing up a son and daughter who I am glad to say also have a love for running.
Finally leaving the nappies and wife behind I joined Dudley Kingswinford running section in 1987 and competed for them in road relays, Birmingham League, Midland and National cross country events. During this time I have served as cross country secretary at the club and continued until the present time, when I will have a year off and enjoy visiting as many different venues as possible as President of the league.
 
Richard Sannwald 
President 2019/20
 
Editors note, Our earliest recorded appearance in the league by Richard was on November 6 1971 in Stafford where he finished in 69th place in the division 3 race.
 
2019 2020 Richard Sannwald

Birmingham Cross Country League Division One Champions (1946-2019)

Details
Published: 20 Oct 2019

*** Updated  27/10/2019***

Since publishing this article, further information has been unearthed, so the totals are now complete.

Since 1946 only 12 clubs have won the Division One title in the Birmingham & District Cross Country League.

Of these 12 clubs only 5 of them have been champions more than 3 times.

Tipton Harriers are way ahead of any other club with a massive 27 titles, which started off with four consecutive victories from 1946-49.

It wasn't until 1969 before their dominance of the league began with 10 wins in 12 years from 1969-1980, which included 8 consecutive titles from 1973. They were to be champions on another 9 occasions from 1986-99, including four more consecutive victories (1994-97).

Despite having the most ever league titles Tipton Harriers have only won it 3 times in the last 20 years with their last victory in 2012.

Coventry Godiva Harriers started their winning campaign in 1958 and went on to win three in a row along with two more in 1963 and 1964 to make it 5 titles in 7 years.

They had to wait 25 years before being crowned champions once again in 1989 and then successfully defended their title the following year. Another 19 years passed before Godiva could top the table again. On this occasion they took another three in a row (2009, 10, 11) to make it a total of 10 division one titles.

Loughborough Students have now matched Coventry's 10 overall victories and have clinched all those titles in the last 22 years. They won 5 out of 7 from 1998 – 2004, which included three consecutive in 2000, 01 & 02. It was nine years before they won again in 2013 and then retained it the following year before clinching another three in a row ( 16, 17, 18 ).

The current 2019 Champions Birchfield Harriers had to wait 31 years since their last title in 1988.
 
They have five victories from 1950-55 ( four in a row from 52-55).

Their next division one title didn't come until 1984 and they defended it successfully in 1985

So, with 9  titles to their name Birchfield Harriers are in a position to successfully defend in 2020 for the first time in 35 years.
 
Besides Tipton Harriers and Birchfield, North Staffs are the only other club to win four successive titles when they won it a total of 6 times in 8 years throughout the sixties. After winning in 1961 & 62 they achieved victories in 1965, 66, 67 & 68.

Although Birmingham University are long serving members of the Birmingham League they never won the top title until 2003. Since then, they have achieved two more in 2006 & 2015.

 The only club to break Tipton's dominance of the seventies was City of Stoke with their only two victories achieved in 1970 & 1972. 

Small Heath Harriers won the title twice in the 1950's.

Staffs Moorlands also won it twice in 1981 and 1983, which was either side of Sparkhill Harriers one solitary title in 1982.

Also gaining just one overall league victory was Stourport (1993) and  OWLS (2008).

1 Tipton Harriers 27
2 Coventry Godiva 10
3 Loughborough Students 10
4 Birchfield Harriers 9
5 North Staffs 6
6 Birmingham University 3
7 Small Heath Harriers 2
8 City of Stoke 2
9 Staffs Moorland 2
10 Sparkhill Harriers 1
11 Stourport 1
12 OWLS 1

Thank you to Terry Egan for writing this article.