THIS year, the Avon Valley Runners held their annual presentation evening over Zoom as Covid-19 and lockdown prevented them from their usual celebration at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge.
The club report, “The event celebrates and congratulates members of the club for their achievements of the previous year. Even though 2020 provided many challenges, there were still lots of awards to hand out including new Covid 19-specific trophies to thank volunteers for helping to keep the club going through the year.
“Six ‘Covid Shining Stars’ awards were given to Stephen Clarke, Jay Sims-Bagshaw, David Hyde, Darren Wrintmore, Sean Price and Steve Williams for their part in their work throughout the year including compiling the Covid-19 risk assessment, hosting Zoom social sessions and supporting others with their training.”
Club chairman Richard Newman said, “On Saturday 13th March, we held our first, and hopefully last virtual awards evening. This fantastic event was well attended and gave us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate all the achievements of many club members in 2020.
“As a club we are relishing the prospect of returning to some form of running normality in 2021, and strive to make this year another success for the club.”
The club added, “As usual, the club provided fun for members who logged in on the night by playing a round of bingo and head or tails, as well as giving free tickets to everyone for a raffle. All of the prizes are normally acquired by relying on the generosity of companies donating free items however, this year AVR took a different approach.
“The Social Working Group decided to use some of the money they saved by not needed to hire the Civic Hall, on buying raffle prizes from small, local businesses to show their support during these difficult times.
“Prizes ranged from a box of AVR cupcakes from Bunch of Cakes in Melksham, Dusty Ape Coffee in Hilperton, The Melksham Milk Station at Snarlton Farm, Lilley’s Cider in Frome, DB Max race events in Melksham and Wiltshire Fruit and Veg in Devizes.”
The club re-started training this week. New members are welcome to join for £25 a year at: www.entrycentral.com/AVRMembership.
To find out more about the Avon Valley Runners, visit their new You Tube channel at: www.youtube. com/channel/UCSJlK2xtIbV1cxV0SvFmOiQ
