News from the 2019 AGM: John Gladwin is Belgrave club president

The annual Belgrave AGM was held on the evening of Wednesday 18th September in 2019 at Belgrave Hall. Chaired by General Secretary Matt Threadgold and Treasurer Rose Grace, the meeting recapped the numbers of the past year - financial and athletic - and voted in some key changes.

New life members

Nick Goolab with Mo Farah and Andy Butchart at the Vitality 10,000 this year.

The committee made Nick Goolab, Samantha Amend and Tony Ganio life members. All three have demonstrated not only a longstanding dedication to the club through their continued scoring, assisting, coaching and support. In the case of Nick and Sammi, they have done it on the global stage very recently. The pair donned GB vests on several occasions over the past twelve months, making us all proud. Tony not only remains one of our invaluable coaches, he also attends committee meetings every month and plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the club. A huge thanks to all three! We hope this accolade goes some way towards thanking them for their contributions.

Club president

Outgoing president Jodie Albrow handed over the president's trophy and the torch to John Gladwin. Not only did John win a silver medal in the 1500m at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, he also came 5th in the event at the European Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. Almost more impressive, John still holds every senior men club record from the 800m to the mile (1:45.14 and 3:51.02, with a 3:35.26 1500m for good measure). Forced to retire from the sport due to injury, John couldn't stay away for long and now runs his own sports marketing company following several years of working with the organisers of London Marathon. He has never been a part of any other club and has 'always kept Belgrave in his heart'. We cannot think of anyone better to take over the president's responsibilities and fully trust in him.

Our current president, John Gladwin, seen here sticking to the legendary Steve Cram at the 1986 Commonwealth Games for a silver medal.

As the track season comes to and end and we look ahead towards the first fixtures of the winter season, we cannot help but feel excited. We look set for a great year in the claret and gold!