County Club Secretary's Report 2006
Consolidated Annual Report
The secretary had received reports from each sports section that highlighted the successes and achievements during the past year. Once again, the club committee were impressed by the continued high standard of sporting talent and the countless number of first, second and third placings at PSUK Regional and National levels.
Some of these reports are detailed, some brief. Either way, they give an excellent reflection of the talented sports men and women that we have representing the force.
May this continue and may I stress at this point that it is important that Sectional secretaries report back in as much detail as possible on the achievements and activities of their members. This will enable us to continue funding support up to the limits of the money we have available.
I have just about received a report from all 27 of our Sports Sections and these will be posted on our Club Internet Website for anyone to read in the next few days.
I have identified just six significant achievements that I propose to read at the meeting today. This is not to say that these reports are the top six. There are countless other achievements recorded and I am sure, for one reason or another, there are many others that go unrecorded.
May I take this opportunity to ask all Section Secretaries to submit pictures for the website. I have received more this year and as more members go digital, the situation will improve further.
The Club are also running a photographic competition. I therefore urge you to mark up your best photos for inclusion. This will be judged later in the year when £50 cash prizes will be awarded.
Sectional Sports
Sectional Sports Reports
Athletics & Running Section top
By Secretary PC Steven Broadbent
Running seems to go from strength to strength in terms of popularity. This is probably because it is one of the key 'keep fit' sports and playing costs are minimum. Also, there is much scope to encourage all skill levels of runners who can participate at both county and national events.
January - March - Northern Police Cross Country League
Again, well turned out with the Lancashire men scoring 4th place in the team event and ladies also scoring 4th place team.
February - Inter-Divisional Cross-Country
The section organises two annual Inter-Divisional events - a cross-country in February and a 10k road race in July. The Cross Country event was held at Witton Park, Blackburn. An excellent turn-out from Lancashire with 48 runners and a further 48 runners attending from other police northern league police forces. Despite freezing cold conditions and periodic snow flurries everyone had an enjoyable race.
Pennine Division took many of the prizes with 1st places men and women's teams. However, Central's Mike Riley and Northern's Anna Willets took the men and women's individual places.
March - Police Sport UK - Cross Country
The course will be hosted by Northumbria Police on Newcastle Town Moor close to the city centre. Fine, dry, sunny weather and blue skies greeted the 275 runners representing 36 UK police forces. Lancashires men's team had their best team performance for many years scoring 5th place overall. A good effort was also had from the three Lancashire ladies. The Lancashire male veteran 40+ team also scored well placed 8th overall.
May - British Police Fell Race
Lancashire Constabulary Athletics Section volunteered to organise the 2005 British Police Fell Race course. I live in the neighbouring force area, Cumbria at the foot of the Howgill Fells. I thought it appropriate to stage this event over these somewhat 'forgotten' hills.
The highest of the Howgills stand at just over 2000 feet, Fell Head being the highest summit on the course. The range I picked tower elegantly above the M6 motorway and I am sure those travelling north on the M6 toward Scotland will often look across right and marvel at these 'elephant skin' like rolling hills.
On race day the Howgills were blessed with fine, dry and sunny weather. I started the day at 7.30 am running around the 11 mile course to place the check point markers. I had already run the course two days earlier to double check the coordinates, so my legs were a little tired.
As I climbed the last hill, Blease Fell, it was fairly apparent to me that I had set a rather 'mean' course. Having said this, I have to say it is a real 'fellrunners' course with everything on offer. Some gradual ascents and descents and some very steep ones to compliment. River crossings, grassy traverses, few rocks and plenty of very runnable, dry grassy slopes.
I completed the course in just over three hours arriving back in Tebay at 11 am to meet Ian Campbell, the race organiser. Within minutes the first competitors began to arrive, congregating at the Cross Keys Inn. We had a total of 89 entries with 70 taking part on the day. These runners represented 15 British police forces. An excellent turnout.
The race started on time with conditions still being warm and sunny with broken cloud. The field soon spread out with Cheshire's Malcolm Fowler maintaining the lead throughout the race finishing the eleven mile course in 1.30.37. His younger Cheshire colleague, Ian Weatherill took advantage of Malcolm's form and good navigational skills but was unable to take a lead, finishing third to West Yorkshire's Jonathan Wright.
Derbyshire's Christine Howard was first lady and overall sixth place finishing in a tremendous 1.41, only eleven minutes behind Malcolm Fowler.
Third in 2004, Lancashire were placed 4th this year with Mike Riley (Central) having a tremendous run being placed 5th overall. Ian Pudge (Pennine) a good race and was 2nd home with Veteran 50+ Phil Corris being our third counter flying home in just over two hours.
The bulk of the field all finished this gruelling 3200 foot ascent course in under 2 hours 30 minutes.
I, acting as sweep (and completing my second lap of the day) and my faithful border collie, Cassie, followed the last runner home in 3.30, nicely timed for the presentation and a welcome hot meal at the Cross Keys Inn, Tebay.
Despite three check-point markers going AWOL during the race, the 2005 British Police Fell Race went tremendously well. There were only two retirements. This was a record number of finishers for some years and the only injuries reported were very sore calves!
June - Tiroleon Speed Marathon and Half Marathon- Austria
Five members of the section represented the force and competed in this International event in Austria in June. Ray Entwhistle and Steve Cooney (Pennine) David Watkinson (Southern) Shirley Worrall and Sue Harrison (HQ), Michael Horne and Steve Broadbent (Northern) ran this popular alpine downhill event.
Marathon
The start of the marathon race was at 4pm on Saturday from the Italian border town of Brenner. We travelled a short train journey from Steinach to Brenner arriving in good time to allow us a relaxing hour in an Italian street cafe in 90 degrees of glorious sunshine.
The start area was well organised. Baggage lorries and staff were on hand to collect kit right up to minutes before the race. We started on time in 'no man's land' between the Austrian/Italian borders. We headed into Italy some 2 km descending gently down the Italian side of the pass before turning back uphill to cross back into Austria. We then started to make the 2500 foot, 24 mile descent toward Innsbruck. Our race numbers seemed to be accepted as our 'passports' between the two counties!
Not so fast down!
When I first read about the Tyrolean Speed Marathon I thought this must be a PB event. However, I was disappointed to find that the 'downhill' didn't assist that much. Only a month earlier I achieved a 3.20 marathon time over an undulating course. Today I struggled to finish in 3.40. Somehow my speed did not increase on the descents, I only managed short bursts of speed before my legs wanted to resume their normal cruising speed. Much of the course was flat and certain sections were a little uphill.
Excellent Course
Despite the disappointment of the 'not so fast' speed marathon course the views along the 26 mile route were magnificent. For the first half of the race the sun shone and temperatures were 80 to 90 degrees. The second half of the run was a different story. The skies darkened with torrential rain, thunder and lightening during the final hour of the race right above us. The rain cooled me down nicely and I later learned this was the worse electrical storm in Austria for many years!
I finished in the lovely city of Innsbruck with excellent crowd support and was greeted by the half marathon team who had all finished the race.
Half Marathon
The bulk of the team opted for the half marathon that started just south of our village and traversed the same route into Innsbruck. The team achieved good finishing times despite the thunder storms that they also endured while entering Innsbruck.
Steve Cooney and Ray Entwistle finished together in an excellent time of 1.34. The remainder finished well in respectable half marathon times.
July - Police Sport UK - Track & Field Athletics
Seven members travelled to Derbyshire and attended the Derby Stadium. Star jumper, PC John Wiggans (Central) won silver medals in the Men's long jump and triple jumps.
Six other members of the Athletics Section also took part in a variety of track and field events. Sue Harrison and Shirley Worrall ran a gruelling 5000m race. Though only just over three miles the pace of the track pushes a runners speed and stamina to the limits and both ladies ran a tremendous race.
Dave Watkinson and Michael Horne competed in the veterans 5k and returned excellent times in very warm, sunny conditions.
Steve Broadbent competed in a pentathalon of track races including, 5k, 3k steeplechase, 3k race walk, 1500 metres then concluded with a 200 metre leg of the medley relay.
July - Inter-Divisional 10k
The section organises two annual Inter-Divisional events - a cross-country in February and a 10k road race in July.The ever popular summer 10K Road Race was very well supported totalling 90 entries from the force with 64 completing the 6.2 mile course on the night.
Our top male runners competed for the force against a large number of north-west running clubs. Shaun Brady (Northern), Mike Riley (Central), Stuart Williams (HQ) and Chris Shaw (Pennine) placed 8th, 15, 18th and 22nd overall. A tremendous team achievement. Anna Willetts (Northern) was first lady in a great time of 44.50.
September - Police Sport UK - 10 Mile Road Race
The 2005 event was hosted by the PSNI in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Eleven Lancashire athletes flew from Liverpool to Belfast on Friday 16 September for a three day stay in Bangor.
The race started early Saturday, at 10.10 am from Bangor Park. The police race followed the Bangor Classic 10k open race that started at 10 am. The Police Sport UK 10 mile course started with a lap around the park before passing through Bangor town centre. It then negotiated the coastline eastwards beside the Belfast Lough with views looking out to the Irish Sea. The course was one lap and predominantly flat with some contra-flow sections that allowed runners to see the lead runners pass by. However, there were some short inclines that reduced overall times fractionally.
The Lancashire team returned some tremendous finishing times. Mike Riley (Central Division) was first in just on the hour with five more of Lancashire runners under 70 minutes. The ladies put in great performances with Sue Harrison picking up the 2nd Veteran 50+ prize at the award ceremony that took place that evening.
October - Police Sport UK - Marathon
Just three members of the Athletics Section entered the 2005 PSUK Championships. Steve Broadbent (Northern Division) Simon Banfield (Eastern Division) and Michael Horne (Retired Northern) travelled to Cardiff to take part in the annual Cardiff City Marathon event.
The police race was incorporated within the City Marathon and some 60 police entries joined the 1300 other marathon runners in this event.
The race started at 9am in the Cardiff High street and followed a two lap course around the City, down to the Cardiff Bay and back in and around the Pontcanna Park and along the banks of the River Taff.
The route was nice and flat. It was well marshalled with plenty of drinks stations and three Lucozade Power drink points. The weather was fine and sunny and temperatures did rise as the morning progressed.
The race followed the Cardiff Marathon that started at 8.15 am. Many of the lead marathon runners caught up with the tail end of the half marathon runners that caused a little congestion but at the same time we were able to use the slower runners as a pace.
The race finished with a lap of the football field inside the Millennium Stadium. The 400 meter finishing lap made a spectacular end to what was a very enjoyable race.
PC Steve Broadbent finished in 3 hours 14 minutes being placed 2nd in the PSUK Veteran 45+ category - 11th overall. Mr Simon Banfield ran his 3rd marathon knocking 30 minutes off his previous best finishing in 3 hours 23 minutes - 16th overall. Mr Michael Horne was running well to 16 miles but then developed a calf injury and dropped out of the race soon after.
October - December - Northern Police Cross Country League
Again, well turned out with the Lancashire men doing well in third place by the half-way point in the season.
Badminton Section top
By Secretary PC Paul Hope
A very good year for the Badminton section. Not only have we had good results but have also increased out membership significantly.
The regional championships were held in February and was well supported by Lancashire and other forces. Obviously there were differing standards of play but the event was enjoyed by everyone involved.
Three of the new players gave impressive performances. Ashley Gibson and Simon Taylor who lost in the mens doubles final. Amanda Hawron who won the ladies doubles, and Ashley and Amanda then joined forces to win the mixed doubles.
Other regional winners were Keith Aston and Paul Hope in the mens doubles, Keith Ashton and Peter Wright in the veteran mens doubles, Martin Kay and Dave Sherrington who also won through to the national finals in the veteran mens doubles and Dave Sherrington and Peter Wright who won the super veteran mens doubles.
The national championships were this year held by the Metropolitan Police in Hounslow.
The first event was the Ladies doubles. Amanda and Maxine battled through to the semi final where they came up against the titleholders and top seeds who were just a little strong for them.
The Mixed Doubles was next where Ashley and Amanda beat the holders and top seeds from Scotland in the early rounds. They then won through to the final but were unfortunate to lose in the third game to a pair from the Met.
The mens doubles were next and following closely fought games throughout the tournament the same two pairs as last year met in the final with Paul and Keith losing in the final to the pair form the Metropolitan police.
Paul Hope & Keith Aston
Peter and Keith then started the defence of their national vets mens title and went well until the final where they lost to a pair from the Met who had just come into their age group.
Keith Ashton & Peter Wright
Last was the men’s super vets. With Peter Wright now old enough to partner Dave Sherrington in this event. This one was never in doubt as these two easily won through to the final and then overpowered the opponents to take the title for the first time.
Peter Wright & Dave Sherrington
Although it sounds disappointing that we lost in 3 finals and won only one it should be noted that this is an incredibly high standard and those competitors who reach the finals should be proud of the achievement. In the team event the North West region earned the highest score for 12 years and came third.
Basketball Section top
By Secretary Inspector Peter Zsigmond
This year, the Men’s Basketball Section continued field a team in the Burnley Basketball League, and entered the Police Sport UK National Championships.
We continue to enjoy success in the league by again coming second for the third season running. The new players recruited over the last couple of seasons are now showing a marked improvement and now increasingly contributing to the success of the team. We also recruited a couple of new players from the recent intake of student officers who should significantly reduce the average age of the team.
The Regional Qualifier for the Police Sport UK National Championships was hosted in Sefton by Merseyside Police. We were narrowly defeated by both the other teams in the tournament, who went on to take third and fourth place in the final Tournament.
We are still looking to recruit new players recently, so if you are interested in playing basketball, please contact the secretary, Peter Zsigmond on 07973 254932, or email: bigzig@lineone.net or Peter.Zsigmond@lancashire.pnn.police.uk
The Women’s Basketball Section competed in the Championships held in Grangemouth, Scotland on 12-14 May 2006. They finished in 9th position, but won the Dai Potter Fair Play Trophy. They are now training for the 2007 competition to be held in London on 18/19 May. If you are an experienced player, or just fancy a go, please contact Peter Zsigmond (details shown above), or Jo Stubbs at Bispham on 07950 383393, or email: Joanne.Stubbs@lancashire.pnn.police.uk
Bowling Section top
By Secretary PC Paul Wood
Clay Shooting Section top
The 2006 season saw the Lancashire’s clay shooting team missing a few of the top scoring members at the North West regional shoots and took a bit of a backward step in the team events. Having finished in 2nd place in the down the line event (DTL), and 3rd place in the Skeet and Sporting events, with Greater Manchester Police taking 1st place in all 3 events. Although to be fair there weren’t many points separating the top 3 places.
On a positive note individually John Pemberton (retired) was the 3rd high gun in the Regional DTL event. With Matt Kneale and John Ormerod (Captain) gaining their highest individual points so far in the Novice section of the National Championships and finishing joint 5th and 7th in the country in the Sporting event.
2006 also saw some new members introduced to the team and will no doubt in 2007 show the existing members what they made off. (Nothing like a bit of internal competition to keep you on your toes). The Captain is now force to wear spectacles for distance and hopes this may lead to better scores.
Coarse Fishing Section top
By Secretary Mr Ian Bateson
Cricket Section top
By Secretary DCI Neil Gregson
Lancashire Constabulary Cricket Section enjoyed a successful season, making good progress through to the quarter-final of the Police Sport UK Knockout. The strength of the squad was also reflected in the selection of two members, Gareth Evans and Ben Dowling, for the British Police Cricket Club tour in June. Both rewarded the selectors by making impressive debuts and will no doubt be invited to represent the national police cricket team again in 2007. This is a great credit to Lancashire, who had not had anyone selected for national honours for some ten years.
In the PSUK cup first round, Lancashire travelled to play Norfolk, very much an unknown quantity having never played them before. The game was played on a glorious day, 10 May, in the equally glorious surroundings of Old Buckingham Cricket Club, deep in the Norfolk countryside. Norfolk batted first and in the face of good all-round bowling and fielding made 135 for 9 from their 45 overs. The wickets were shared (Andy Ingham and Gareth Evans 2 each, Gary Bolton, Richard McCutcheon and Neil Gregson 1 apiece) with two runouts refelecting the standard of the Lancashire fielding. In reply, opener Phil Barber departed early and despite losing two other wickets in the fifties, the result never looked in any doubt as Gareth Evans compiled a superb 92 not out, looking a quality above all other batsmen on the day. Lancashire eased home, winning by 7 wickets with 18 overs to spare.
Lancashire were again drawn ‘away’ in the second round, to another unknown quantity in Hampshire, with the game being played on another glorious hot summer’s day on 28 June, at the former Hampshire county out-ground, Basingstoke Cricket Club. Lancashire put in another good bowling and fielding performance, although after Hampshire were at one stage 100 for 7, they were let off the hook a little to finish on 171 for 8. The wickets were again shared, with Neil Gregson 3, Gareth Evans 2 and Ben Dowling, Andy Sidgreaves and Richard McCutcheon 1 each. Gareth Evans was again the hero of the batting performance, playing the anchor role with another top-quality innings of 81 not out, although Hampshire made us fight hard, taking wickets regularly at the other end. At 88 for 6 it was looking a bit shaky for Lancashire, but Richard McCutcheon played a great captain’s innings of 34 not out to keep Gareth company and see us home to victory by 4 wickets in the 39th of the 45 overs.
In the quarter-final we were again drawn ‘away’ and to play the 2005 reigning champions, Dyfed-Powys Police, at Ammanford Cricket Club, near Swansea. Unfortunately our luck with the weather, and the results, ran out. Heavy rain on the journey down through Wales was followed by further downpours at the ground itself, with no sign of the forecast improvement. Eventually it was agreed that as there was no prospect of even a 10-over game, the result would have to be decided by means of a ‘bowl-out’. This too was carried out in the pouring rain in the ‘net’ wicket, the difficulty of the conditions being reflected in the score of one-one after ten balls each! The contest went to ‘sudden death’ with Lancashire being unable to respond to a further hit by Dyfed-Powys – and certain comments that the batsmen could have bowled straighter than the five bowlers selected for the bowl-out! This was a very disappointing and frustrating way to go out of the competition. We had certainly fancied our chances against Dyfed-Powys, who went on to beat Northumbria and then the Metropolitan Police in the final, to retain the PSUK trophy. However, the rain prevented us from having a proper contest.
On a positive note, I remain convinced that we have a strong enough squad to win the national title for the first ever time, with some excellent young cricketers having been recruited recently, to complement some of the more experienced members.
Cycling Section top
By Secretary DCI Marc Vincent
Mountain Bike Championships - Sunday 9th April
Seven members entered the event at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire with the following results;
· Wendy Jacobs came second in the ladies event
10 and 25 mile Time Trial championships - 24th and 25th June
PCSO Neil Higgins and PC Frank Smith entered the events in Hampshire.
· Frank managed personal bests in both events.
Road Race - 6th August 2006
PCSO Neil Higgins and PC Frank Smith entered the event at Stoksley Cleveland.
· Neil came 3rd overall and 2nd in the police field.
· Frank managed 9th overall and a 7th in the police field.
National Best All Rounder Result
This covers those with the best all round results across the road race, time trial and mountain bike events.
· Neil Higgins was 17th in the men’s event
· Wendy Jacobs was 5th in the ladies event
General events
2006 was by far the busiest year with the highest number of members competing in local time trials and road races, which bodes well for the future.
Events for 2007
POLICE SPORT UK MOUNTAIN BIKE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007
30th September, 2007 at Borden, Hampshire as part of the final round of Southern MTB race series
4 laps for men / 3 for women (lap = 4-5 miles)
Entry fee - £12
Entry forms available direct from organiser;
E-mail :- Dick Reeve or Dick Reeve
Tel:- 01252 835153 Mobile:- 07967 988499
Fly Fishing Section top
By Secretary PS Jim Boothby
For the season of 2006 members from the club competed at 3 competitions on a regional basis.
During June 10 members fished in a 3 day boat competition at Rutland with opposition provided by Cheshire Constabulary and the Grey’s international teams. The Lancashire teams performed well in a pairs basis and the event was won by John Puttock and Dave Milburn from Pennine and HQ Division respectively with a total of 39 fish. The event is organised by the Pennine Division fishing representative, Dave Milburn. Any interested parties should contact Dave at HQ Training.
Lancashire submitted two teams for the National police pairs competition held at Draycote in October. The day is well attended by all forces and is used as a precursor for the PAA qualifiers. Although bad weather hampered the day Lancashire top entrant of James Boothby from G Division finished sixth overall in the competition.
For the rest of the year members fished in conjunction with Divisional competitions with matches held at Stocks Reservoir, Esthwaite water and Ladybower Reservoir.
Any officers wishing to be kept in touch with the organised events for the forthcoming years can contact Jim Boothby on (Int) 415783.
Colne Water Angling Club. The club owns a membership ticket for the practice facilities available on this water and during the year 35 members used the facilities throughout the year. Application has been successful for this coming year and the facilities will be available for 2007. Any member wishing to fish the facility should contact me to ensure availability as the water has limited numbers allowed. New members are welcome to make use of the facilities as a means of getting back into or interested in the sport and visits can be arranged with some members to assist novices. The club owns 2 still waters at Sabden and Colne both being stocked with Rainbow Trout. There is a security gate on the Sabden facility and the code can be obtained from me or Dave Milburn prior to visiting.
Tight Lines
Football Section top
By Secretary DS Martin ####
The Football Section operates two teams, a regular and a veterans squad. The section has developed a fine pedigree over the years in PSUK terms. The regular team have been national champions on 3 occasions and the veterans are currently champions, having recently retained their title.
The regular squad participates every Saturday during the season in the West Lancashire Football League, associated cups and the Lancashire Amateur Cup. DC Oliver Jemson (Central Division) is the current Manager and Alan Martin (VMU, HQ) is the Assistant Manager.
A combined team also participates in the Regional Frank Close Cup, which includes GMP, Merseyside, BTP, Cheshire and North Wales. Lancashire hosted the Finals Day at Police Headquarters in April 2006 and won the competition for the first time in many years. DC Craig Shirtcliffe (Western Division) is the current manager of the Frank Close Cup Squad.
The PSUK Regular team were knocked out in the Regional Final last season, losing to Northumbria. They have qualified for the Regional Final again this season and await the winners of South Yorkshire or Humberside.
The PSUK Veterans Team retained their title as National Champions, beating the Met Police 3-1 on penalties after extra time ended 1-1 at Port Vale FC ground in May 2006.
The goal in normal time was scored by PS Paul Goodall. The successful penalty takers were CI Andy Murphy, Insp Steve Anderton and PC Shaun Juriansz.
They have entered the competition on 7 occasions, winning it 6 times to - date.
PS Dave Charlton (Southern Division) who managed the successful Vets team to 5 national PSUK cups, included 4 in successive years retired in December 2006. The new Vets Manager is PC John Butler (Western Division).
Lancashire Football Section have been represented many times in the past in the Great Britain and England Police Football Squads, the list includes the current Chief Constable, Steve Finnigan, the current club captain, PC Mark Woolston and ex Preston North End Veteran CI Andy Murphy.
This season Lancashire has again had representatives in the England Squad for the Home Championship series. PC Carl McCoy, PC Chris Scott (both Pennine Division) and PC Paul Haddow were recently part of the successful England team that beat their Scottish counterparts at Clyde F.C.’s ground 2-1 in October 2006. They have been included in the Squad for the later Championship games against Wales and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Golf Section top
By Secretary DC Ian Hill
The season opener was the annual match against Myerscough College, Garstang back in mid April. It is a team of 12 played in fourball match play. The match was instigated ten years ago by this years Lancashire golf team Captain P.C Peter Murphy in an effort to engage the local students with the local officers. We had not lost the match and under the command of the match organiser confidence was high.
A short time later all was not well when the students thrashed our team 5 1/5 to a 1/5.
It was not without notice that a certain professional Richard Smith working at the college had turned out with his clubs, under the rule “ ex students welcome”.
He and his partner Tom Winn who’s father is a copper beat the Captain and secretary 5 & 4.
Other results
Samuel Hamer and Alan Foley 4&2 winners over Gary Hamer and Phil Waring.
Elliot Taylor and Sam Matthews 1up over Peter Nelson and Michael Hansen.
Sean Nicolls and Richard Simpson 1 up over Nigel Barnes and Chris Kinsen.
John Mccardell and Matt Harrison 6 &5 over Martin Kay and Dave Wilkins.
Andrew Dent and Daniel Jones halved with Chris Walsh and Craig Stackhouse.
The photo of the trophy being presented appeared in the Garstang Courier and thanks should go to Dominic Sainsbury for his efforts along with Peter to make this fixture the popular event it has become over the last decade. Now Peter has retired it is hoped this event will live on for many years and I’m sure he will be present on the first tee with his clubs for many more years to come.
Remember the 15 th May? I do it was the Northwest wettest day of the year or so it felt. It was also the 36 hole North West Police Sport UK Golf Championship, held at Stockport Golf Club. This is a course used for Open qualifying and it is a wonderful test of golf and always worthy of a day out.
We did have a water baby amongst us who turned out to be HQ based D.C Nigel Barnes. He won the overall scratch with fantastic scores of 72 and 70 gross net 68/66 against a par of 72 a truly impressive performance under any weather conditions but with such heavy rain all day a fantastic display, unbeatable even.
This edged out Merseyside player Matthew Denton who’s score I suggest would have won on any other occasion 142.
Other scores form Lancashire players were as follows. Dave Wilkins 90/77 and 86/73. 32 stableford points. Ian Hill 74/ NR. Peter Nelson 77/73 and 77/73. Mike Hansen 78/76 and 74/72. Ian Nickson 78/72 and 79/73 and 33 points. Paul Clayton 81/75 and NR. Martin Kay 83/76 and 83/76 and 23 points, David Butler 89/81 and 78/70 and 36 points. Peter Murphy 83/74 and 87/78 and 28 points. Dean White 94/76 and 94/76 and 31 points. Gordon Beattie 83/73 and 86/76 and 31 points.
Lancashire drew Wigan in the Hart trophy draw following the presentation.
Early June was National Championship time again, this year Lancashire were the host force with Fairhaven Golf Club presenting the wonderful test a of a true championship venue. It is fair to say that all the competitors considered it to be one of the best-run championships at a truly wonderful venue with the benefit of the best weeks sunshine of the golfing season. Thanks must go to Peter Murphy, Championship organiser for all his time along with a great number of team members acting as volunteers for the event. We did Lancashire proud !!
A full report of the action can be found on the Police Sport UK website.
Ian Hill and Mike Hansen represented the British Police Team in the annual match verses the Civil Service at Walton Heath, where the Civil service came out the victors in a closely fought match. It is one I know all the competitors in the Championships strive hard to finish in the top ten in order to represent their National team in.
On a pleasant day that was the 3 rd July Lancaster Golf Club hosted the Chief Constables Cup. It was fair to say this was not as well supported as in previous years. Seven players battled it out over a course that is renowned for its lovely fast undulating greens, beautiful scenery and generous hospitality. Gordon Bettie took the Captains prize with 50 points over 27 holes stableford. Harry Kay shield for pm stableford went to David Butler 79/71 35 points. Woodmansey Cup, best gross Ian Hill 75.
After a walk over against Warwickshire in June the 12 Th July at Sandwell Golf Club hosted the quarter final of the British Police team championship. We were drawn away to strong favourites West Midlands on their home track. Led by our determined Captain fantastic Peter we pulled through three matches to two in a very closely fought match. The result was not unknown until the very last put was missed on the 18 green of the last match out on the course. Away players first.
Chris Gadd, John Harries lost to Ian Hill , Nigel Barnes 2&1( Lancs).
Martin Kirk-Bride, Chris Fox beat Mike Hansen , Peter Nelson 2&1.
Dave Scriven, Kerr Ross lost to Chris Walsh, Philip Waring 2 down.
Buck Rogers, Nedd Barker lost to Peter Murphy, Gordon Beattie 1 down.
Aaron Beck, Kevin Hall beat Paul Lomax, Dean White 6&5.
On 13 July, Garstang Golf Club played host to the resurrected Inter Divisional match. This year’s format was six players per division with the best five net scores to count.
Eastern division won with the winning team net scores being Nigel Watson 67, John Ramsbottom 76, John Whitehead 66, Simon Scott 73, Mark Wheelan 74, Ian Geogarty 72. Lowest Individual score Ian Hill 64 after a card play off with Colin Gooch G Div. Eastern will now host this event in 2007 when hopefully all divisions will be able to compete, as disappointingly Pennine did not show in 2006.
In late July, Lancashire played host to GMP at sunny Garstang Golf Club. The match was an honourable draw. Home team players first the match results were as follows.
Ian Hill, Mike Hansen beat D. Gloster, Mike Schofield 3&1.
Kevin Boyce, Craig Stackhouse lost to Iain Foukes, Simon Barlow 3&2.
Peter Murphy, Gordon Beattie halved with Martin Bottomley and Alan Priestly.
Eric Taylor, Nigel Watson lost to Alan Green and Mel Pelham 1 down.
John Lomax, Dean White beat Chris Kinsen, Gary Carter 5&3.
Lancashire retained the trophy. How, I am not sure as we lost the year before!
1st September was ladies PSUK championships day at Five Lakes Essex. Two Lancashire ladies competed they were Christine Fletcher from HQ and retired Joyce Green. Alison Gemmill defended the gross title with the organiser Toni Hodge taking the net prize.
During mid September Fairhaven hosted the Hart Trophy first round match against Wigan Police. A tough match was played 18 holes fourball better ball Lancashire coming out as victors.
Home players first results were.
Hill, Hansen 3&2 winners over Caddick and Ritchie.
Nelson, Walsh 1 up over Schofield, Liptrott.
Clayton Butler 4&3 winners over Hurst, Mcmath.
Murphy, Beattie halved with Priestly , Malee.
Lomax White lost 4&3 Holden Adamson.
Lancashire travelled to Norfolk to compete in the finals of the British Police Championship in September. We were drawn against Essex in the semi final and won through to the afternoon final in a closely fought match, in lovely weather conditions. The afternoon final was played against Wiltshire. After nine holes all was not looking well at all for the Lancashire boys as we were down in four matches. It was at this point I think match fitness kicked in and the last nine holes witnessed a come back of epic proportions by Lancashire’s players who eventually won through three matches to two. The decider finishing on the twentieth hole where a par four took the title.
Lancashire had won the title for a record fifth time. Well-done guys!
The Hart trophy final at Mere in early October was somewhat of an anti climax by getting knocked out against Cheshire the eventual winners in the morning semi final.
Peter Murphy and Dave Butler took the pm stableford prize.
The end of season AGM decided the following positions for the 2007 season.
Secretary. Christopher Walsh.
Captain. Mike Hansen.
Vice Captain Phil Waring.
Chief Cons Cup. Venue. Lancaster Golf Club. date to be arranged.
2007 Fixtures of note.
First handicap national championship. Fairhaven Golf Club 16/17/18 Sept. 2 players per force.
Ladies championship. Moray Golf Club Aug
North West PSUK. Warrington Golf Club 30 May.
Scratch PSUK Calcot Park May.
Ladies British rep match Fairhaven July verses Army.
Mens British rep match Army, Ganton Golf Club June.
Mens British rep match Civil Service Aug Walton heath.
Hockey Section top
By Secretary DC Helen Knaggs
After losing to L&B, Lancashire Constabulary were drawn against local rivals GMP, a game played away in Manchester on 31st January 2006. This fixture saw a very disjointed game with Lancashire being beaten 5-3, Lancashire scorers were PC Selina Boyes and PS Wendy Jacobs x2. Once again a disappointing end to Lancashire’s run in this competition.
Lancashire entered the Police National 11 a side Hockey Championships which was held over weekend 12th & 13th August 2006 in Manchester. Our team performed very well over the weekend, winning this competition for the first time. Lancashire were drawn in Pool A with Met Police, Cambridgeshire, Strathclyde, Lothian & Borders and North Wales, the results were as follows:
Lancashire 1 v Met Police 0 scorer PC Wendy Eastham
Strathclyde 0 v Lancashire scorer PC Lisa Griffin
Lancashire 0 v L&B 0
Cambridgeshire 0 v Lancashire 2 scorers PC Lisa Dunne and PC Lisa Griffin
North Wales 0 v Lancashire 0
These results put Lancashire into the Ladies Semi Final as winners of their Pool and were drawn the next day against runners up in Pool B Thames Valley
Lancashire 2 v Thames Valley 0 scorers PC Wendy Eastham and SC Hayley Twist
Into the final Lancashire met up with rivals in their group the day before Met Police, result was a 0-0 draw and Lancashire eventually won 2-1 on penalties.
PSUK Ladies Hockey Championship 2006/07 has begun, Lancashire had a Bye in the 1st round and were then drawn against local rivals Merseyside which was played at Leyland on Weds 22nd November 2006. Result being Lancashire 2 v Merseyside 5 scorers Wendy Jacobs and Wendy Eastham. Lancashire now go into the Plate competition which will start January 2007.
Indoor Games Section top
By Secretary PC Jeanette Wilson
May 3rd 2006
For me, the year started when Steve Broadbent booked me into the PSUK 3-day event at Potters in Norfolk. This event was quite difficult as I did not know what to expect and the meals, which were at set times, often seemed to coincide with the times the bowling was set for. However, a diet of sandwiches seemed to do me the world of good, as I won the Ladies singles event, a substantial trophy for which resides in a cabinet on the eighth floor of the Central Police Station in Blackpool. I hope that I can defend this championship in 2007.
Potters was the start of my assault on the trail of the British Police Tenpin Association League of tournaments, the lone Lancashire Constabulary bowler.
July 2006
The next tournament was in Hertfordshire, a 1-day event contested over nine games, in which I came 2nd in the Female – All-events section.
Sept 2006
The Northants competition and once again I came 2nd in the all events.
Oct 2006
Tunbridge Wells for the National Singles event. I made the semi-finals in this one.
Worthing was next for the Sussex round and once again I was placed second in the female all events.
Nov. 2006
Leeds in West Yorkshire.
For the first time I managed to get a 4 man team together to represent Lancashire. PC Ben Porter and I won the doubles event, and once again I came 2nd in the female all events to the same Yorkshire policewoman. Hopefully I’ll beat her more than once next year.
The camaraderie amongst all the teams contesting the police championships is fantastic. My husband is a tenpin bowling coach who normally teaches in Blackpool and he has been training our team in his spare time. I have at least another three people interested in joining the Lancashire police team, so I hope that next year we can really make our presence felt in both the police tenpin bowling and the PSUK events.
I would like to add that all the tournaments are on a weekday. All of the team have taken own leave .
Motor Club Section top
By Secretary Mr Keith Shuck
Well, for a change The Motor Club has been quite busy in 2006.
The Northern Region AGM was held in February at Hough End, Manchester and I was re-elected as Vice Chairman.
In 1986 I started in Lancashire what was to become one of the Motor Club success stories by holding the first FBPMC Motorcycle 'TREK' on behalf of the Lancashire Constabulary Motor Club. Since then the events have gone from strength to strength with at least four such events being held round the Country each year.
The Lancashire Constabulary hosted a special '20th ' Anniversary Trek in May this year and I am happy to report that some 61 Members and some 15 guests enjoyed the event which was based at Pontin's, Blackpool and covered a 200 mile route through Lancashire, The Lakes and even Pendle Hill.
Unfortunately the weather was a bit damp but everyone managed to finish and a good time was had by all, with the event being won by the South Yorkshire Contingent.
On Saturday 23rd September 2006 a Lancashire Team took part in the South Yorkshire Trek based at Hellaby Hall, Rotherham and managed to finish 11th out of 27 teams and individually 32nd, 41st and 56th out of 73 Competitors.
We thank the Sports Club for their support and look forwards to the 2007 Season.
Netball Section top
By Assistant Secretary PC Joanna Wilson
Lancashire Constabulary netball squad have had a very mixed year with some success but also some frustration and disappointment.
The squad has again expanded; following a recent recruitment drive 21 new players have expressed an interest in joining the teams.
At present Lancashire enter two teams in the PSUK knockout and the two-day tournament
The A Team had a successful start to the season reaching the Northern Final of the Knockout Tournament. Lancashire had to play Derbyshire Constabulary, the overall winners for the previous six years. Unfortunately Lancashire were defeated and Derbyshire went on to defeat The Met and took the title crown again.
The A Team were subsequently placed joint 3rd in the overall competition.
In September 2006 Lancashire entered two teams in the PSUK weekend tournament, which was held in Merseyside. Lancashire A reached the GOLD section, playing off on the second day for a place in the top 10. Lancashire B reached the SILVER Section on the second day, playing for a position of 11-20.
Lancashire A were narrowly defeated by their arch rivals GMP, who went on to win the competition.
Lancashire B reached the final in the SILVER section and were pipped to the post by GMP B Team in a nail biting match.
Overall placings at the tournament were Lancashire A – joint 5th and Lancashire B – 12th, this was out of 31 teams that entered the tournament.
Lancashire have now employed the services of a permanent coach for the squad and it is hoped that both teams can improve their positions in next years season.
Rowing Section top
By Secretary PC Sue Palmer
The section has had limited results this year due to a lack of competing members. Despite positive responses to e-mail circulations there are still issues with persuading people to enter competitions.
Despite this PC 307 Palmer, PC 6049 McNally and PC Pete Burke represented the section at several Indoor events. PC Burke has since retired but has expressed an interest in continuing to compete once he has settled into civilian life.
PC 6049 McNally competed in the British Indoor Rowing Championships with PC Palmer in November 2006, she was poorly at this event but still performed well finishing 9th in her 2000m category with Pc Palmer 5th. It was later discovered that she had cancer and sadly died of this condition on 14th February 2007. She was a committed and long term member of the team and will be sorely missed.
Results for the year were as follows.
January 2006: England Indoor Held at Manchester.
Gold medal for PC Sue Palmer in the 40-49 2000m, Gold for Carole McNally in the 40-49 500m and Gold for PC Pete Burke in the mens’s 40-49 500m.
July 2006: Evesham Mile held Evesham on 8th July.
New British Indoor record for Sue Palmer for mile, 1609m.
November 2006: British Indoor at Birmingham.
Pc Sue Palmer 5th and PC Carole McNally 9th.
December 2006: Welsh Indoor at Cardiff 2/12/06
PC Sue Palmer Gold medals in 2000m, 500m and mixed relay.
It is hoped that further competitors can be persuaded to row in 2007, training evenings will be announced to be held at HQ’s once Sue Palmer returns from the World Police and Fire Games in Adelaide.
Rugby Section top
Rugby League - By Section Chairman Supt Clive Tattum
Hope this suffices for the combined Lancs/GMP Rugby League Annual report
The season back in March 06 got off to a slow start with a couple of unpredictable results which did not represent the quality of the combined Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Rugby League Team. The real low point was when a narrow death at the hands of a depleted Cheshire outfit as Crosfields Amateur Rugby League Club (ARLFC) in Warrington seemed the end of the road for our season. However after a careful calculation of points scored versus points conceded we were handed a very difficult game at the much fancied Metropolitan Police down in the capital. The Met had made significant impr
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