Carol Knowles is Dudley Ladies Beginner Of The Year. Presentation Evening 2006 Hailed as Best Ever

Friday 14^th July 2006 saw around 140 Dudley Ladies put on their glad rags to receive the adulation and recognition for their past efforts at the clubs annual presentation evening that was this year held at Linden House in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton.

Proceedings began at 7.30pm when Rita welcomed everyone to the event and got them to do their now customary hip gyrations before starting the evening off with a loud explosion of 140 party poppers and sitting down to a 3 Course meal of either Minestrone Soup or Iced Melon with Ginger for starters, Chicken Chasseur or Roast Topside of Beef or Feta Cheese & Broccoli Bake for main course, with Profiteroles in Hot Bailey’s Sauce or Strawberries & Cream for dessert

Following the meal, which everyone said was pretty good, as a rare treat, Rita allowed Phil to speak and he promptly grabbed the opportunity to relate a number of funny anecdotes and experiences from this years course as well as urge and inspire everyone to continue in the steps of Paula Ratcliffe, that would have inspired even the weakest of wills.

The awards ceremony  was begun by Rita recognizing the contributions made to the club by all the children present and called them all up on to the stage individually to be presented with a tiara and gift of their choice.

This was a complete surprise to the children and something that the children weren't expecting and to see their excitement on being called up to the stage and be applauded by everyone in the room was truly uplifting.

The children and youngsters called up were, Samantha Beese, Ben Cox and Holly Cox, Hannah Green and Charlotte Green, Roman Hadley and Brandon Hadley, Jasmine Sakendar, Jessica Lavender, Ryan Cartwright, Alex Glover and Zac Glover, Sarah Leigh Stokes, Jade Newton, Bethany Adams and Trudi Higgs

Then came the awards ceremony proper, with around 120 beginners each receiving their medal, certificate and tee-shirt for running a minimum of 3 miles during their recent 10 week beginners course before having their photograph taken by Jan Cook and Donna Proffitt

That done the evening then moved on to the individual award winners and as Phil explained, this year was more difficult than ever, with around 300 beginners plus the established runners in the club and everyone with a good case to put, just where do you start???

First to be recognized for their outstanding achievement this year were the established runners, with Amanda Dingley leading the way. Amanda has made tremendous improvement this year through sheer persistence and dedication.

Amanda was followed by Isobel Stavenuiter who did her first ever race this year and is unrecognizable from the lady that first came down the club three years ago.

Kerri Pearson was next up and received her award not just for being a very good runner in her own right but for all the help and support she has given to the other members in the club. This culminated with Kerri doing 20 mile and over marathon training runs every Sunday morning just to keep the others company even though she wasn't running the marathon herself.

Newcomer Jackie Fellows was honoured for the rapid progress that she has made since joining the group during the cold dark nights of February as an absolute beginner.

Karen Perry received her Outstanding Achievement Award for all the help, support and leadership that she gives to all the groups that she takes out.

And finally Rachel Harris and Sarah Jones were called up together. They always run together and have progressed together to enable them to even race together.

For the beginners awards, Rita and Phil explained that the criteria used to recognize achievement award winners was based upon "Value Added", in as much that their ability was accessed from when they joined the club to what they can do now, taking in to account other influencing factors such as returning from injury, having just had a baby, age or losing weight etc etc.

On that basis, Sarah Allman and Louise Smith - were two ladies that couldn't be split. They started as absolute beginners 10 weeks ago but now they always run together and have improved to such an extent that they could now easily go out with the established ladies and will be a real asset to the club.

Karen Collins - was next up, after everyone was told how her skill as a bra fitter helped Rita "Point all the beginners in the right direction". Karen then went on to become one of the courses most consistent runners.

Joanne Green - when people join Dudley Ladies even if they become pregnant, or injured or ill or for whatever reason they can’t make it down the club for sometime, they never really leave and this particular lady is an absolute classic example of that. Joanne first came down  the club a couple of years ago but due to various problems of one sort or another, she had to take a break but she came back and even though she had to start again from absolute scratch again and overcome a few even bigger obstacles and problems along the way, SHE DID IT !!!! and we're all really proud of her.

Ann Kelly and Eileen Bolton, are two ladies that couldn't be split, they always run together and whilst coming to the club as beginners 10 weeks ago, they have improved to such an extent that they have surprised even themselves. They turn up every week, they are a joy to be with and will be a real asset to the club.

Jade Newton – when Jade first came to the club she was worried sick, she felt self conscious and didn't think that she would ever run 3 miles. Well what a transformation!! There is now no comparison to that lady that first came down and she is now a very confident and proficient runner.

Simerjit Bal - This is another lady who doesn’t fit the normal runner’s profile. This lady started from day one and couldn’t run for a bus, let alone run around the football pitch but now through sheer guts and determination she’s done it and thoroughly deserves being recognized for what she’s achieved.

Bal Bassra - Like Simerjit Bal is not a nutural runner but between them they have done it and deserve all the recognition that they get.

Lauren Groves - This lady’s has got a wonderful personality. She’s always has a smile on her face and always leaves you feeling better for being with her. She’s not a natural runner and so for her to run 3 miles is absolutely fantastic. It’s not been easy for her but with the support of her friends, she was determined to do it so we’re really pleased that she got this award.

Karen Round - This lady doesn’t fit the normally expected runner profile but we were impressed by her sheer determination to do it and the way she conducted herself. Karen worked out what worked for her and stuck at it with bags of enthusiasm and commitment.

Beginner of the Year - Carol Knowles

This lady’s has got a wonderful personality. She’s always has a smile on her face and always leaves you feeling better for being with her. She’s not a natural runner and so for her to run 3 miles is absolutely fantastic. It’s not been easy for her but she was so determined and everyone is really pleased for her because she’s a real inspiration to everybody.  

She worked out what worked for her and stuck at it with bags of enthusiasm and commitment.  And the look on her face when she ran the 3 miles for the first time was great………Her little face beamed.

Nobody but Nobody would disagree that Carol is by far and away THE Beginner of the Year.

Other trophies presented included Sheena Di Franco's London Marathon achievements as well as:-

Star of The Year - Caroline Glover – This is a very special lady. She is an absolutely tireless worker, if she’s not doing her full time job then she’s helping out her family or supporting and working for the club and is one of those people who is always there with encouragement, advice and help for everyone even when she could do with it herself.

Club Woman Of The Year - Brenda Chapman – This lady is an inspiration to us all. She has a busy full time job, and a new impending addition to the family to care for. She is a very caring person and never ceases to amaze us with her never ending enthusiasm. Every week she is at the club, working, advising and supporting everyone that runs with her. Everybody loves her and she is the epitome of everything that Dudley Ladies is about.

Runner of The Year - Mary Lavender – For this lady, there are no barriers. Not only is she an outstanding runner in her own right but she is also the best Mrs Motivator in the Midland.She is a truly amazing lady who shows great determination and courage.  She is an inspiration to us all at Dudley Ladies and the club would certainly not be the same without her.

Finally people that no one ever notices but without whom the club couldn't function were also brought up on the stage to be recognized, they included :-

George Kosteczko - who was presented with a cut glass tankard

The evening was finished off with a number of girls slightly the worse for wear but happy that they'd done their bit to increase the profits of Bank's Brewery

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, with some even saying that it should be made compulsory as it's just too good to miss.

For further photographs of the night, click on the icon on the right