The evening of Saturday 15^th December saw the much anticipated Teignbridge Trotters Annual Awards Night, this year held at the Rec Club at Newton Abbot. The awards evening is an opportunity to recognize some great personal achievements by its members throughout the calendar year, as well as the traditional and legendary Trotters disco.

The compere for the evening was Club Chairman Roger Hayes, who delivered his award winning speech expertly to the expectant Trotters.

The President of the Club, Tina Caunter was invited to make the presentations.

2021 proved to be a logistical nightmare and very challenging year for the committee members due to the pandemic. Many races were cancelled throughout the year, including our own Templer Ten race. A big thanks must go to our coaches and leaders for continuing the training sessions when permitted and to the Trotters themselves for adhering to the new guidelines. Nonetheless there were many personal achievements conquered, with new personal bests set at various distances as well as personal goals ticked off throughout the year.

A big thanks must go to Club Championship secretary, Graydon Widdicombe, who had an unenviable task this year to source enough races to form a Championship, what with all the race cancellations, some at very short notice! A new shortened Championship comprised of six races to count from the list of selected races, with no race categories to choose from. 4 ladies & 7 men qualified for each respective competition. Both Championships were keenly contested, especially in the female competition.

The Ladies Club Champion 2021 was Clare Youngman who scored an impressive 298 points. A superb achievement from Clare, who last won this prestigious title, 15 years ago! Runner up was Deb Hart, who also amassed 298 points but was pipped to the post on a count back situation. Susanne Westgate finished in 3^rd place having scored 285 points.

The Men’s Club Champion 2021 was Gary Smart, who scored the maximum point’s tally of 300. Gary retained his title, and in doing so won his 5^th consecutive Club Championship! Runner up went to Roger Easterbrook. Roger scored 290 points to edge out Alan Kember, who finished in 3rd place on 288 points. 

The Dennis’s Cup is awarded to the best coach or leader of the year. This trophy is in memory of a beloved Trotter, Dennis Milstead. A poll is created so that the members can vote for who they think deserves the award based on their experiences whilst being coached or led. This year’s winner was Joe Hornsby. Joe richly deserved this accolade, due to his coaching sessions being always tough but fun at the same time.

Helen Anthony ran the fastest Half Marathon and Marathon of the year. Helen set times of 01:30:34 & 03:09:25 at the Newport Marathon. Helen was duly awarded The Jose Waller Trophy.

Jamie Barnett set a new Club record at the Cheshire Elite Marathon. Jamie’s new personal best is now 02:28:23 and was awarded The Dave Foster Trophy. Good luck Jamie in the future while representing your new Club, Newham & Essex Beagles.

Jacki Woon clocked the fastest 10k time of the year whilst taking part in the Clubs Newton Abbots Ladies race.

Julian Scanes had a tremendous year. Julian clocked fastest times in both the 10k & Half Marathon distances, on top of a new personal best for the Marathon. Julian clocked times of 00:39:34 (Exmouth10k) & 01:25:37 (Bridgewater Half Marathon).

The most improved female award was won by Clare Youngman. Clare has had a superb season, winning the Championship, running consistently well while producing some great performances along the way.

The most improved male award was won by Adam Johnstone. Adam clocked a fantastic time of 02:42:39 at this year’s London Marathon.

The John Stott Trophy was keenly contested, and was won by Corinne Bright. Corinne richly deserved this success, as she is rapidly improving and is certainly one to watch in 2022. Runner up was newcomer Carl Bennett and 2019 winner Deb Hart was 3^rd.

The Ross Cup, presented to the first Trotter tattoo finisher, was won by the popular Derek Skinner.

The Special Achievement Award was presented to Wendy Goldthorp. Wendy completed an epic 312 mile unsupported coastal challenge along the South West Coast path. A truly amazing feat which raised a substantial amount for charity.

The most promising female newcomer award was deservedly won by Megan Morgan. Megan is the Clubs youngest member and is already showing great potential.

2021 proved to be a great year for The Teignbridge Trotters Club despite the obvious hindrance! There were some very fine performances achieved, and all our members represented the Club admirably where ever they travelled to race. The four races that the Club organised all proved very successful, thanks to the hard work from the race directors and all the Club volunteers who gave up their own time to assist in marshalling, timekeeping etc. A great team effort.

The night proved to be a great success, and thanks must go to the staff at the Rec for the lovely hot/cold buffet that was provided.

With all the formalities out the way, the Trotters partied as only Trotters know how!!

Thanks must go also go to Keith Anderson, who in partnership with Roger Hayes put in a faultless awards ceremony. Also a huge thanks must go to Suzie Mills for providing her great photographs.