Norman Ashcroft 1917-2005 

Norman Ashcroft, who died at the end of September aged 88, was the moving force behind the founding of the Northern Veterans A C in the late 1960's. Norman was Secretary of Sutton Harriers at the time and took on the burden of organising competitions for veterans with same enthusiasm as everything else he did in life.

Born in January 1917 Norman claimed to have learned his running in the desert. "Four retreats," he'd say with a twinkle in his eye, quickly adding, "but five advances!" He joined Manchester A C after the war, earning a place in the England team at the international cross country championship in 1947. That, of course, was at the time you had to run in the race and finish in the top nine to be selected. 

The following year he finished third behind Fred McMinnis in the Northern Cross Country Championship at Sherdley Park, St Helens. Twenty one years later he organised the same event in deep snow at the same venue watching Trevor Wright win the first of three successive championships.

He joined Sutton Harriers in the late 1950's and served as its secretary for over a decade, his dedication to the sport sustaining him when his first wife died suddenly at a relatively young age. He carried the secretarial burden of his club and the Northern Veterans A C for several years before stepping down (or should that be up) to concentrate on veterans’ matters. 

In 1977, as Secretary of the West Lancs CCA, I had the pleasure of nominating Norman to serve as President of the Northern Cross Country Association. It was an honour he deserved, never expected and accepted with humility.

Norman was first and foremost an athlete. He was small in stature but big in heart and determination. He was also an enthusiast, a gentleman and a first class organiser with no time for political infighting. With Norman, what you saw was what you got.  

He always had time to give encouragement to those of us who lacked his talent, passing on helpful tips that book-taught coaches will never learn. He was not simply helpful; he went out of his way to be helpful. I consider it a privilege to have known him and I’m sure that view is shared by many others. He is survived by his second wife, son Ian and daughter Joy. Phil Thomas

Additional Training Group:

Marc Laithwaite, assisted by Ian White, has been authorised to establish a training group, primarily for adults running 10k and above. The group meets a long time need at the club and has already attracted about twenty or so members, including several newcomers who we are confident will strengthen our first team and make the club a much stronger force on the road and cross country. Training sessions are common to all members and can be found on www.theendurancecoach.com.

Ladies Cross Country Captain:

Cecilia Fitzsimons has stepped down as cross country captain to concentrate on her own fitness and help her daughter Pam regain top form. Julia Eccleston has agreed to take on the role. Cecilia will continue to make sure that anyone who wants to get in the team will have to beat her first!!!

 

 

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