Dozens of members of a popular Burnham-On-Sea running club gathered to celebrate the group’s 30th anniversary on Friday night (October 7th).
Sixty past and current members of Burnham-On-Sea Harriers joined the celebrations at the town’s BASC Sports Ground.
The club’s secretary Brian Beale and treasurer Sheila Baker were presented with glass engraved mementos by the club’s oldest member, 90 year-old Arthur Gilbert.
Brian told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “30 years is quite a milestone for any club and we were delighted that so many current and past members gathered together to celebrate this occasion.”
A celebratory cake that had been especially baked and decorated to mark the occasion was also cut.
The Harriers were formed in September 1981 after a meeting between Graham Slocombe and Brian Beale in a fun run at East Huntspill.
In the early 1980’s, the club’s membership reached over 100 and in 1983, it had 25 members in the London Marathon.
In 1985, the club promoted the Burnham Half Marathon for 10 years and then reformed it in 2006 and continues to organise it.
The club also took over the Brent Knoll Race in the mid 1980s and continues to promote it. Club Members have supported the Burnham Aquathon and Triathlon over many years and has strong links with Burnham Swim and Sports Academy.
In 2008, Mr Beale was awarded the Jim Brunton Award for services to the Somerset County Athletic Association.
And Arthur Gilbert, the club’s oldest member, received an MBE for his contribution to charity through completing many races and triathlons.
