I am not quite a founder member but it’s as near as makes no difference.

It all started when I told my daughter that athletic clubs didn't cater for ten year old girls. I was of course proven wrong and I am still here today after twenty-five years or so with the likes of Frank and Kath Crook, Pat Keane, Glyn and Maureen Platt and Maurice Houghton to name but a few.

We were then based at Limbrick and I began by helping out at the training sessions - doing whatever I could. Probably about 1983ish I and another couple of dads took the assistant club coaches course - which covered all events. I soon realised track work wasn't for me and I concentrated on field events - mainly the throws in which I specialised in later years.

I have attended many joint "teach ins" for athletes and their coaches and enjoyed every one, particularly the squad sessions which were held at Blackpool and the multi events held at Wavertree from the mid nineties to 2002. It’s a great feeling to know that you have helped many youngsters to realise their potential and become champions at their school, their district sports, at Lancashire school and County level, but most of all I hope they leave a session having enjoyed themselves.

Two to mention who achieved the aforementioned ( who showed a willingness to learn, to train and to compete) are Eloise Manger who qualified for the English Schools, in the javelin event, on four consecutive years, and James Roden who also experienced English schools competition in the javelin and as a multi-eventer. Both are ex Holy Cross pupils.

I am a level 2 coach qualified to coach throws plus athletics conditioning work involving running and using athletics equipment. I also hold certificates for attending courses on PACESETTERS GOOD PRACTICE AND CHILD PROTECTION EQUITY IN COACHING, COACHING DISABLED PERSONS HEALTH AND SAFETY, FUNDAMENTALS OF MOVEMENT FIRST AID and SAQ.

I attend primary schools (along with John Payn) to teach sports hall athletics and at a secondary school where I coach shot discus and javelin to pupils in readiness for their school and district sports days. We have also coached and managed the Chorley Borough Athletics Teams winning three and coming second and third. On Saturdays I am a volunteer assistant at Chorley Wildcats - a children’s disability club.