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In 2012, on a summers evening, Monday Club night, there may well be over 100 Black Pear Joggers* (usually including a number of people who are joining in for the first time). In the summer of 1999 there was an average of 12 people (and a dog!) attending the Club at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Road, Worcester, who kindly host us.
The group was always friendly and welcoming of new members, and, as a newcomer to Worcester and doing a stressful job, I found the group a great team for both exercise and companionship. Several people in that small group, like Wilf Bates, and Stuart Wild, our ‘marathon guru’, are still very much involved in the Club, which provides a consistency of the welcoming group ethos, and an accent on bringing together people of all abilities. In 2012 the main Club night usually sees about 8 groups going out: from jog/walk to 7 minute miling.
Worcester Joggers
In 2002 people decided to set up a proper club called: Worcester Joggers, The club colours were blue, and the club continued to grow, with people attracted to a friendly atmosphere, different paces, group leaders, mustering for back markers, and social events (lots of people new to the City joined to make friends). The Joggers will be holding a Summer Ball (organised by Gavin Paskin) at Worcester Cricket Ground on 30th June 2012, the annual Christmas party is a great event, and meals in different venues are organised throughout the year to help people meet up across running groups.
Chairs
The Club Chairs have been: Peter Gilbert, Richard Sowden, Ruth Bailey, Steve Bott and Gary Smith. The current Chair is Mike Lane.
In 2005 the Club applied to become affiliated to UK Athletics, and the Club’s name changed to Black Pear Joggers*, with kit from the original blue, to black with white and orange hoops. The Club has continued to grow, with 300 members; 100+ people on the Monday club nights; and 30+ people training for long distance races at weekends.
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