Archive for year: 2024
Aat van ‘t Oor C 917
Aat passed away on 08/11/2024 at the age of 82. He was a member of the Rotterdam Walking Club (RWV) and qualified as Centurion 917 when he completed walking 100 miles in 23.08.40 at the London 100 miles in 1993.
The same year Aat qualified as Continental 247 (100 miles in 23:10:12) and made many trekking adventures in the northern parts of Europe. When walking with Aat, he would tell many stories about his job repairing antique trams.
Over time walking became more and more difficult for Aat, and Dutch friends often met him at the winter race walks in Rotterdam, where he would encourage new race walkers. R.I.P.
George Barras C 361
George Barras C361
2 May 1932 – 6 Jun 2024
Tribute composed by Guy Goodair C327
It’s with a heavy heart I announce the death of my greatest ever mate, George Barras, who died of a stroke aged 92. George was an all-round sportsman, playing table tennis at county level and football for his local Guiseley club. He briefly walked for Yorks WC before joining Wakefield Harriers in June 1961. He was a member of Wakefield’s winning teams.
In the following races Manchester to Blackpool 1965,1968,1969, Bradford Walk1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, Isle of Man TT walk, 1966, 1967, Gomersal 15 1969,1969, York 20km 1967, 1968 . He became a Centurion (361) in the 1964 Leicester to Skegness race.
He won the Isle of Man TT Walk in 1966 and the Manchester to Blackpool 51.75 miles in 1969 His personal best times were 10ml 77m 57s. 20km 101m11s,20 ml 2h 49m 7s 50km 4h 41m58s.
He retired from race walking in 1969 and for a few years did LDWA events in the North of England, then in 1984 he completed the 42 peaks challenge of the Bob Graham Round, being the first person to complete the Centurion/BGR double (I believe that Boyd & Lillian Millen are the only other ones) He began doing fell races and often winning the Vets 0/50 category in such races as the Ennerdale , Coniston . Rivington Pike, Tour of Pendle and Thieveley Pike.
In 1985 He tied with Bill Gauld with 230 pts for a championship win.
One of his last races was the Everest Marathon (from Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu Glacier down to the finish in Namche Bazaar.
I’ve lost a great friend Rest in Peace George, united with his beloved Ann at last.
2024 Brentwood Country Park
2024 Brentwood Country Park
The Centurions Social Walk on May 4th saw a double-digit turnout, including Centurions Social Walks Secretary Steve Kemp and walk organiser Kim Howard, both Essex-based Centurions. John and Shaheda Arthur joined the group after completing Billericay’s 9am parkrun. The walk itself was an enjoyable occasion, part of a long-established programme of Centurions social walks open to all, including families and dogs (three of which attended). The route wound around the picturesque Brentwood County Park, starting and finishing at “The Olde Dog Inn” in Herongate village, on the outskirts of Brentwood.
Other aspects of the walk contributed to its enjoyable nature. The weather was good, and the walk led through attractive scenery, as evidenced by Brian Boggenpoel’s photograph. Upon returning to “The Olde Dog Inn,” a table had been booked for a pleasant lunch in “olde worlde” surroundings, with options ranging from bar snacks to full meals, and the availability of a large beer garden for dining. Sadly, one walker suffered a nasty fall and had to return to the start, but was greatly heartened by flowers sent by the Social Walks Secretary and messages from well-wishers.
Overall, the walk was well-received, with Centurions Secretary Chris Flint praising and thanking Steve Kemp and Kim Howard for their efforts. Despite the unfortunate fall, the general sentiment was positive, as Chris Flint commented, “It was a most enjoyable walk in good weather and through attractive scenery… We all hope bruising will fade soon. Thank goodness it was not more serious.”