Author: admin

Posted on by

Dave Upton – Eulogy

Extract from Roger Westhead’s Eulogy at Dave Upton’s Funeral.

Dave & Stone MM

During the latter years of the 1980s, three events occurred which drastically changed Dave (and Pats) lives. He retired, as Inspector from the Police force, moved to live in Cheddleton, which is where Maggie and I first met David and Pat, and joined The S.M.M running club, in those days a veterans club for training and running marathons. Not content just to race and socialise, Dave, and others, have worked tirelessly to organise and promote races of differing length and terrain. This has greatly enhanced the clubs profile and membership. The gratitude and affection felt by the club’s members, both past and present, is reflected in the number here today.

Dave also had a great love of cricket, and was a member of Bagnall club for many years. He was also a loyal supporter of our local Ashcombe Park team. An aspect of Dave’s cricketing life has, but for a few, been forgotten. Many years ago, and due to his enthusiasm and organising skills, he encouraged and founded the SMM cricket team of which he was captain. Forget Dads Army, the team David Upton lead onto the local grounds probably hadn’t lifted a bat or ball for twenty odd years. We looked fairly athletic, as we should, but reflexes were slower, and bending more of a problem. Balls had crashed into the boundary fence before we were halfway down, catches were not so much spilled because we didn’t get near them. Running between the wickets was almost in slow motion, the economic pace of a marathon runner. Dismissal by being run out was common. Our fast bowler did sent the an odd fast one down, but so inaccurate he not only put the fear of God into the facing batsman, but also the wicket keeper and first and second slip as well! But what great fun and fellowship we enjoyed, all down to Dave’s enthusiasm.

Roger Westhead

4th November 2015

Dave_Upton

Posted on by

Dave Upton’s Good Ear Beware

The following is a Poem written by Chris Barlow and read out at  Dave Upton’s funeral.

Dave Upton’s Good Ear Beware

For those of you who knew Dave reasonably well,
Will relate to this story I am going to tell,
About the copper who was fair but always played it by the book,
Make no mistake there was no messing with Upton and he caught
many a crook!

Stone Master Marathoner for over thirty years,
From the Hockey Cub racing past you as he moved it up a gear,
On our Sunday run for 20 miles and no turning back,
His sub three hour marathon and racing round the track,

Right out of the blue his great idea a midweek evening race
The Spring Treble Series off Road Hanchurch, Stone and the Chase,
Still firmly established we have Dave to thank,
For his charity donations and club money in the bank,

Since he was forced to retire from running he bought himself a bike,
But he moaned about the Cheddleton Hills everywhere and preferred to go for a hike,
Down to the Tennis Club his favourite Spitfire Beer at the bar,
With Roger Westhead and Susie the dog they would have a few jars,

So to sum up Dave Upton he called a spade a spade
His positive wise council often came to my aid,
Great times and many a laugh we give you three cheers,
I suppose it is my turn now to get in the beers!

 

Chris Barlow

Stone Master Marathoners

October 2015

Posted on by

Flying Fox 10 – 1st November 2015

Befitting of the morning after Halloween it was a foggy one with a nip in the air and it looked like a few of our members had not took off their masks from last nights Dusk to Dawn marathon (no names Chairman and Mr Cape..oops). I turned up ready to run but secretly hoping to marshal after feeling a bit sore still after last weekend’s XC.  VC

As is the norm I turned up ridiculously early and with Anne-Marie marshalling I was the first runner at the car park so I made my way up to meet with the fellow Bats who were looking after us today.

 

The smell of bacon at the school was very enticing but my pre race ritual is porridge first thing and that is it till after the finish line (then chocolate and sweets where possible). Had a chat with Chris and Pam Eardley along with numerous other Bats, (Chris had something stuck on his face, hope you have managed to remove it ;-). ) but they were all busy getting sorted so I wandered around getting in the zone (yeah right) ready to smash it.

The Bat Girls looked to be out in force and Mick Downes turned up in his race gear so my first in for the club was definitely under threat after quite a few successes for me in this years NSRRA races.

After what seemed ages myself and Mick Downes jogged up to the start chatting with our fellow runners and Group competitors, I am sure group D has about 300 runners this year and got ready for the start.

We had a minutes silence for Dave Upton which was impeccably observed by each and every runner which shows what a great community spirit there is in running and even more so in the North Staffs – a credit to the area.

Then we were off……there is something about the Flying Fox 10 that the flat bits appear uphill, the uphill appears uphill and the downhills dont last long enough. We started the first 2 miles undulating through the country roads in the fog and Mick Downes soon disappeared off into the gloom. I caught up with Amy and a few group D runners and we eased into the race before we had the downhill past the school and our adoring public….thanks for the cheers team although I had to encourage you !

I had had my doubts about running as the Gluteus maximus was giving me some trouble and it felt like my hamstring was really tight but like the hero I am I struggled on along the flat couple of miles before the steep hill. It was about mile 5 that Pippa strolled past looking very relaxed with shouts from the marshals that she was 2nd lady at this point….go Pippa.IMG_0339

We got to the base of the hill and i stopped for a few seconds to stretch the legs which were not feeling too good but when Kirsty ran past checking I was okay I manned up and started off, couldn’t let the Bats down could I.

We plodded up the hill to be met at the water station with Emma Dutton, Anne Griffiths and girls screaming encouragement to us which is much appreciated – thanks ladies, but I don’t usually take on water in a shortish race as more goes over my clothes than in my mouth.

By about mile 6 or 7 I knew I would finish the race but the shouts of go on girls from behind me meant that Amy and Kirsty weren’t far behind and with a few Group D’s in front I found a few extra seconds per mile and pushed on for home.

Seeing Phil Cape meant the finish was only a mile and half away although again I can’t remember coming down a hill at the beginning so I am sure they put it there whilst we were out on the course.

With a bit more effort down the last hill and along to the school I pushed on, only to be passed by a couple of Group D runners who weren’t after points today…damn I fell for that one, but crossed the line in 73:17 a PB by just over 4 minutes.

I hobbled over to Pippa and Mick, 72:00 and 66:27 respectively, with Amy (73:47) and Kirsty (74:33) hot on my heels.Fab Five

 

We then had 78:57 David-Paul Malaber (PB), 83:48 Richard Shaw, 89:26 Chris Ellerton, 95:30 Gail Evans, 98:21 David Griffiths, 99:40 Joyce Edwards (1st F65) also coming home for the Bats.

 

As it turned out Pippa, Amy and Kirsty were 2nd, 3rd and 4th lady home and with Gail they won the team prize for the ladies (Gents we need to up our game next season…who’s with me ?). Absolutely brilliant effort from the Bat Girls, and also from everyone one else some great times and effort (I think there were other prizes for the Bats but at time of writing I haven’t seen them…sorry)

Group SHot

 

As with every race a big thank you to the marshals but I must admit those today are second to none and it does make it much more enjoyable when your team mates are encouraging you when all you want to do is pack up and go home, I for one am especially proud to be a member of SMM.

 

One last request though, lets get more Bats running in the NSRRA next year, it is good fun but as the ladies showed today we have some great runners in the club and with the team spirit we can start pushing each other on getting the Bats back up and flying high.

 

Paul

Posted on by

Stone Master Marathoners – Weekend Round Up (24th/25th October 2015)

This weekend was dominated by the North Staffs Cross Country League at Stafford Common on a wet, cold Saturday afternoon.

Everyone gathered on Stafford Common to find Bernie had set up the Gazebo – with a roof !!! Thanks Bernie, it is appreciated and even though you got a good soaking we hope our turn out was worth it.

We assembled with promises of ‘fingers of fudge’, mulled wine, homemade cakes and were all offered tea and coffee to warm the fingers before the racing commenced. There was also plenty of discussion on what footwear to use (all amazed at Kirsty’s size 2 spikes) and how many layers to wear.

The set up with cross country is several junior races go off early starting about 11am before the ladies go off at 1.30pm. The ladies compete in a 5k event (two loops of the common) and the Men in a 10k event (3 extended loops of the common) setting off at 2.10pm.

11 female bats ran with the top 4 counting for the points, 1st in for the club in 23:00 was Pippa Steele with Amy Gamble (23:46), Philippa Boote (24:15) and Julie McArthur (24:20) the top four, closely followed by Kirsty Stephenson (24:24). Others included Pam Davies (26:05), Alison Brind (26:30), Anne-Marie Mountford (27:37), Julie Ebrey (28:04), Julie Boulton (30:07) and Marianne Stopka (32:51) completing her first ever cross country run.

We are seeing a really strong team with the ladies now and they came 4th in their division on Saturday with a brilliant points haul. Also with getting more members running we are pushing down other teams so a big thank you to all the girls for a tremendous effort on Saturday. (If anyone wants to write a brief overview of their experience of the race please feel free to send it to me).

As expected the rain started to fall about 10 past 2 so as the ladies were tucking into the mulled wine the men started around the course which by now had been nicely churned up, I am glad I trialled some spikes because I think I would have gone ‘head over heels’ (the polite version) had I not worn them.

The course basically starts with a steady climb before a few twists and turns around the end of the field with a nice little ditch to jump/tread carefully through which as you can probably imagine several runners disappeared into never to be seen again, one of the perils of Cross Country running. We then circled back onto the main field before looping round and completing two more laps.

The thing with cross country is because of the laps you get plenty of encouragement from your teammates, however the bloke next to me kept wondering who was shouting his name until on the last lap he realised it was Kirsty shouting c’mon Paul (his name was Karl?!), I’m not sure if Kirsty’s accent had anything to do with it !! On the last lap Amy gave me some words of wisdom ‘every vest matters’ and hopefully my sprint finish passing a couple of Trentham lads and a Stafford Harriers runner gave us a few extra points as I actually finished in the top four for the club.

9 men ran with Tim Hulse first home in 42:04 with Mick Downes (42:26), Phil Cape (43:05) and Paul Phillips (46:48) the top four. With Jamie McArthur (49:34), Nick Boulton (52:11), Richard Shaw (52:49), Tim Clegg (63:12) and Dave Turton (64:35) completing the race.

Although the men aren’t quite as strong as the ladies team regarding points it is great to have a team out this year and to be competitive. Fingers crossed we can get a few more out at Park Hall on the 14th November and push on again.

We all enjoyed the snacks on offer and Mick Downes even bought out a few bottles of beer to quench the thirst after a relatively demanding 10.4k before we all went our separate ways (a few of us via the Shirehorse) to dry out.

Big thanks again to Bernie for organising and also to each and everyone one of you for racing on Saturday.

Go Bats !!

Paul

Ps. Sorry no pictures this week unless Mike Keeling has some to add

Posted on by

The Great Birmingham Run

12105712_10207778435767892_3770758179215119710_nFollowing the constant email countdown reminders (there was no chance of forgetting) Sunday 18th October arrived and the apprehension of joining 20000 other runners for the great Birmingham run became reality. As usual I was sick with nerves and unable to stomach any food and could only manage a cup of tea!
Having researched the best travel options we drove to Wolverhampton and jumped on a train, 40 minutes later at 0930 hrs we arrived in Birmingham. Upon arrival we were greeted to a loving couple sat on the side of the street consuming strong ale and loudly exchanging insults, having been touched by the lovely welcome we hastily made our way to the start line trying to explain in the best possible way to our 13 year old what a crack rat was (a particularly loving quote she’d overheard the couple say to each other).

The race was well organised and signposted and minutes from the train station, the atmosphere was great with live music and a warm up for all waves. There were several waves and we ran in the orange wave. The start was split into two which merged into one after a mile, this was great as it reduced the bottle neck thAt can occur at the start.
We spotted Richard Fain before the start but obviously that was the last we saw of him as he finished long before us! The weather was overcast and cool but perfect conditions to race in.

The course was relatively flat and closed off to all traffic, the route led us through Bournville where we were greeted with lots of support and past cadburys world ( although we got no chocolate!) and also through the car park of Edgbason cricket ground. We ran through Cannon Hill park where music was broadcast from Free Radio, and again there was lots of support and a great atmosphere. Approximately at mile 8 I spotted the beaming smiles of Emma Dutton and Anne Grittiths, we gave each other some encouragement as we passed by! Bill, Dave and Julia all took part too and Sarah was there cheering them on!
Throughout the race there was plenty of water and isotonic drink stations and Spectators were giving out jelly babies and sweets, there was also a runner shower at mile 10. We caught up with a couple of Stafford Harriers during the race who we ran with after the park. Mile 11’s Killer hill fortunately didn’t turn out to be too much of a killer, certainly when you compare it to the riggers of Staffordshire’s countryside which we’re all used too, and after conquering that the end was in sight!

We finished in Broad street after a pleasant run and was welcomed by an amazing crowd, we received a nice goody bag which included a medal, lucazade, water, flapjack, crisps, T-shirt and cranberries. http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/21/the-great-birmingham-run/ http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/21/the-great-birmingham-run/Richard Fain came in first for the club in a fab 1:34:29, followed by myself 1:47:13, Jamie 1:49:01, Julia 2:15:46, Dave 2:18:29, Bill 2:30:17, Anne 2:30:20 and Emma 2:30:21 🙂

After the race we jumped back on the train and was home by 2pm giving jamie opportunity to sleep before his night shift. I would have liked to hit the shops with Emma, Sarah and Anne but instead I spent the afternoon watching christmas films with the girls and making up for not eating that morning!

Julie McArthur

Posted on by

Werrington 10k – 18th October 2015

This was the last club championship race of the season and after missing the South Cheshire 20 I wanted to do this to do 9 out of the 10 races. It was also the penultimate NSRRA race and my 12th ensuring I qualified for the points.

IMG_0169For once I didn’t arrive at the crack of dawn and I managed to arrive about 9:30 AM to collect my number and T shirt and then mingled with the other bats. As always there seems to be hundreds of group D runners present. We all had a quick chat and then assembled for a 1030 start, it was a perfect morning for running and after a quick safety alert from Ken Rushton we set off.

My plan was to try and stay close to Tim for once so I went off quicker than usual and after about 400 yards I was doubting my plan.! However I stuck with it and managed to do two sub 7 minute miles for the first two and felt ok.

I did this race 2 years ago and remembered there was a hill at mile 4 so although Tim was only a couple of hundred yards in front I didn’t try and catch him and tried to save myself for the hill. I went through the halfway stage slightly quicker than my 5k PB so perhaps the people who say I am not trying hard enough have a point !

The hill as I remember was ‘a beast’ not particularly steep but it just dragged on and threatened to undo all my hard work for the first 4 miles but apart from one point where I had to walk behind a Mercedes going slower than the runners I managed to get up in under 8 minutes.

This left a relatively downhill mile with a slight uphill to finish before the run through the school to finish. http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/20/werrington-10k-18th-october-2015/ http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/20/werrington-10k-18th-october-2015/I managed to pass a few D runners but the quality this year is brilliant and I will be happy with 44/45 points today but no guarantees.

I clocked a 10k PB by about 45 seconds (43:47) and was about 3 minutes faster round Werrington than 2 years ago so I was more than happy with my run.

IMG_0162

Tim ran a really good race and finished in about 41:23 with Amy Gamble not far behind me in just over 45 minutes and 1st F35. Anne-Marie, Gail, Joyce and Katie Adams also ran with Joyce 1st F65, so a good turnout with PB’s and prizes and the Bats on the up.

IMG_0214

All the results are on the website www.stonemm.co.uk

Next up is the Stafford Common Cross Country so let’s get a big turnout and start challenging.

Posted on by

Stone Master Marathoners – Vice Captain’s Weekend Round Up (17th/18th October 2015)

IMG_0079

I thought I would try and write a summary report of all the performance’s over the past weekend, no promises I will do this every week but I will try.

So where do I start this weekend saw ‘The Bats’ running across the globe from Melbourne to Werrington.

On Saturday Alison Brind and Kevin Uzzell did the Round Rotherham 50 miler, with Alison 1st F50 in 10h 13min and Kevin completing it in 12:54, a great effort by Alison and Kevin. I would also like to mention Roger Taylor who we all know is a Bat at heart even though he wears a funny green colour now and then – he came 6th overall in an amazing time of 7hr 28.

Steve Parker ran the Melbourne Marathon whilst we were all sleeping in a cracking time of 3:28 and was the 8th V60 in a field of thousands, this is Steve’s 3rd sub 3.30 marathon in a matter of weeks, massive respect out to Sparker.

12105712_10207778435767892_3770758179215119710_n
8 Bats took part in the Birmingham Half Marathon with Richard Fain 1st home for the club in 1:34 , nice to see Richard still racing after his move down South. Julie McArthur was 1st female Bat in 1:47 with a PB, beating her husband, Jamie and even making excuses for him.

Others running included Anne and Bill Griffiths, Julia Dando, Emma Dutton and Bill Clarke, very well done to everyone.12096010_10200791091056729_2399716155259569153_n

 

 

 

 

 

Over in Portugal, Club Captain, Bernie Priekulis and Phil Cape ran approx. 4:14 in the Lisbon Rock and Roll Marathon in wet conditions. http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/20/stone-master-marathoners-vice-captains-weekend-round-up-17th18th-october-2015/ http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/20/stone-master-marathoners-vice-captains-weekend-round-up-17th18th-october-2015/The excuses have already come in and I am sure we will hear all about it on Wednesday in the bar.12107976_10153555631637211_8023066519124608735_n

Closer to home, 7 Bats completed the penultimate NSRRA race, Werrington 10k with Chairman Tim Hulse first home in 41:23,IMG_0070

Vice-Captain – Paul Phillips with a PB of 43:47 and prizes for Amy Gamble – 1st F35 and Joyce Edwards – 1st F65 with Anne Marie Mountford, Gail Evans and Katie Adams also completing the race.

Only one more NSRRA race to go, Flying Fox 10 in November, its been a long season but many friends made and I for one am already planning next year and would highly recommend getting more Bats signed up as it is a great laugh.

Finally, on top of all this our Chairman managed to convince 24 of us to run in the Thunder Run (http://www.tr24.co.uk/), a 24 hour event next July. So on Monday morning Tim and his lovely wife, working on 3 PC’s booked us up and we now have 3 teams successfully entered – well done Tim 😉

Paul

Posted on by

Melbourne Marathon – 18th October 2015

Race report: Steve Parker

IMG_2093(1)Up at 5 30 usual pre marathon porridge medicine, as usual, ate until I felt sick. Off with other like minded individuals to the start, by chance, only about a mile from the B+B, out side the Rod Laver Arena on Batman Ave, of Australian Open tennis fame. http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/18/melbourne-marathon-18th-october-2015/ http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/18/melbourne-marathon-18th-october-2015/Took my cap off, as instructed, for the Ozzie National Anthem, commentator told everyone to “bugger work tomorrow, tell the boss you’ve done the M, and finished in the “G” “. Off at an early 7 00 start, thank god, as it got hot from 10 00, and plodded around, aiming for favoured negative split, started to feel real tired (sorry buggered) at about 32k and had to hang on, to the finish in the MCG home of the 1956 Olympics, although I don’t remember them!

Ran with Felicity for about 6k from Torpoint in Cornwall (out for a week just to do Marathon) moved on when she explained her husband was in the Marines and was aiming for 3 hours. Ran with Leanne (doing it for her 50th birthday, a local)  for about 25k, moved on when she suggested breakfast with her family, then with about 1.5k to go, an ex pat Kevin, (in his 30’s) came alongside and explained he had been following me all the way round, I suggested we finished together, he agreed and then sprinted (or what appeared to me like a sprint) around the inside of the MCG to the finish, I didn’t want Kev to beat me so it all became messy over the last 400 metres, I think we did finish together, possibly to ex english Kevs surprise.

Sparker_SleepDidn’t see any other bats so little else to report. Oh, finish time (on my watch) 3 28 07! Didn’t need the St Johns help so that’s a result, keeping off the trams. Usual diet Coke fuelled rehydration along with Pizza, possibly a beer or 2 later along with Pizza, possibly a beer or 2 later.

The Photo’s are from file, not from the race. However they are likely to be realistic of Sparker’s face at the sprint finish and his post race recovery.

Editor comment:   After reading Sparker’s comments on tiring at 32km, I thought I’d check what happened to the machine that is Sparker. According to the timing on the results website he was 19 seconds slower in the second 20k from the first 20k, and his sprint finish led to a fast final 2.2k, thus he was probably close to a negative split. As usual he passed runners the whole race, almost 400 in the second half! Well done Sparker, I wish I could do that in a bad race!

Posted on by

Tissington Trail Half Marathon – Sunday 4th October 2015

Race report – Margaret Shaw

Tissington_GroupWhen Richard mentioned this half marathon to me saying that it was pretty well all down hill I thought that has to be good. It was everything I enjoyed, off road but a good track,scenic and down hill! We entered very early as apparently it is very popular (I wonder why?) and limited to 400. This race is run on the Saturday and on the Sunday, so we opted for the Sunday.

The race runs from Parsley Hay Cycle Centre to Ashbourne down the old disused railway line, finishing at the Leisure Centre where there are changing and showering facilities. The route takes you from Parsley Hay(which is over 1000 ft) to Hurdlow, Hartington, Ruby Wood, Alsop-en-le-Dale, Tissington, Thorpe Station and Mapleton Lane. The Leisure Centre at Ashbourne is also the race headquarters. Buses take you from the Centre to the start at Parsley Hay.

The morning of the race arrives, the weather promises sunshine and temperatures good for running. We arrive at 8.00am and there were plenty of spaces for parking. We met with Julia Dando and some of our friends from Drayton so time soon passed and we were on the buses by 9.15 on our way to the start. We had a lovely scenic journey and were pleasantly surprised to see approximately 10 hot air balloons. At Parsley Hay there were plenty of toilets with a cafe and shop to buy hot drinks if you needed one. Julia was soon tucking into a hot chocolate (could this be the reason for her 10min PB!).

Tissington_Group3Whilst we were waiting I suddenly spotted Ann Griffiths her husband David and Bill Clarke. It was great to see them increasing our club numbers to six. As we waited we were warned to keep to the left and not wear headphones as we would be sharing the trail with cyclists and horses. As expected there were those who still wore headphones and a cyclist ran into one of them as they did not hear his warning bell. No one hurt but yet another instance in support of no headphones.

It was chilly at the start and therefore wearing a Tee Shirt or bin bag was recommended. Discarded Tee shirts were taken to the finish line for collection. We were also set off in  waves of approx 25 in order to prevent bottlenecks and to be helpful to others using the trail. This worked well.

As we set off the sun peeped through and we soon warmed up. Julia and I ran together for the first 8 miles keeping a good steady pace and it was great to have such good company. The scenery was breathtaking, changing from panoramic views to woodland and vice versa. The trail was excellent to run on, not too rocky, and yes it was definitely predominately down hill. It was a gradual downward gradient with plateaus. Do not think WOW, that must have been an easy run!! It was not! Picture yourself running at your quicker pace, nonstop for 13.1 miles. No nice hills to change pace. It is relentless. But yes PBs are on the cards. Your legs will also tell you they have been running downhill and quads will scream the next day.

Oh, one more thing, there was one short, steep hill, up to the finish! This is the result of a viaduct being removed when the railway closed down. This produced downward then upward slopes of 130ft with gradient 1:9 each.

Tissington_RichardPrizeA brilliant day. Richard took Male Vet 65 with a time of 1.48.06 and Julia Dando had a tremendous PB of 10mins. Would I do it again? Yes. http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/09/tissington-trail-half-marathon-sunday-4th-october-2015/ http://www.stonemm.co.uk/2015/10/09/tissington-trail-half-marathon-sunday-4th-october-2015/Richard & I have already entered next year Sunday 9th October and hope other bats will join us especially as we have found a good eating venue at Denstone Farm Shop/Cafe for lunch en route home. It has been given the thumbs up by our little group of runners on Sunday.

Chip Times
Richard Shaw 1.48.06
Margaret Shaw 2.06.04
Julia Dando 2.08.35
David Griffiths 2.17.39
Ann Griffiths 2.22.25
Bill Clark 2.22.25