80 years a Belgravian

Olympian and Pathfinder Bill Lucas Marks Remarkable Milestone

Some years ago (6 Feb 1936) our road and country Sec Ernie Duffett signed up a young insurance agent, W.E. Lucas with a loping stride who showed promise, which he confirmed a few weeks later by placing 32nd at the South of the Thames Junior.The following year, Bill was hauled off the subs' bench to partake in the thrilling London to Brighton National 12 Stage of 1937 which the Bels only lost in the final yards; but it was to be the start of a love affair with the event that would see him win or place in a Belgrave team on 10 occasions between 1937-1954.Although less enamoured with cross-country, it should be noted that Bill anchored home the last Belgrave team that won the Southern Cross (in 1952).But his main athletic claim to fame was on the track where he was crowned Surrey champion at 1, 3 and 6 miles and represented Britain numerous times, including a battle with Emil Zatopek at the London Olympics of 1948.After retirement from competition, Bill threw himself into giving back to the sport, joining numerous committees, including our own for over 60 years.  He served as Belgrave's Road and Country sec/team manager from 1954-1969 and was club president twice, including in our Centenary; and became known as "the golden voice of British Athletics" for his many years as stadium announcer at the White City.  He states his favourite moment as calling Derek Ibbotsen's epic world record of 3:57.2 in 1957 which slashed nearly a second off John Landy's mark.Bill had a fine war record as a squadron leader in Bomber Command and as an elite pathfinder.  It was said that if you successfully carried out 30 missions you were doing 'very well'; and Bill achieved 81.  He was awarded the DFC and featured prominently in a television documentary on Bomber Command a few years ago.The club wholeheartedly congratulates and thanks Bill on this service to Belgrave, and looks forward to seeing him and Sheena at a gathering at the hall tomorrow.  Bill turned 99 on the 16th January.