Chairman's Foreword
14 April 2008 - BOFRA Season 2008
Having run in BOFRA events for 20 years now, how can I not try to convince other runners to put on their fell shoes and join us.
We are a family orientated organisation and are keen on encouraging athletes to compete at whatever level or ability.
BOFRA is a nice grounding for any runners who want a sense of achievement in their lives; it's not always the ones that win that get the most
out of races, the runners at the back of the field have everything to aim for without the pressures of those at the front.
It's a lot nicer to see a junior runner doing their first race come back with a smile on their face, than seeing a top runner get pipped
at the post coming out with a bunch of excuses or disappearing quicker than they raced!
Some of our senior champions have come from the back of the field and set a great example to other's when it comes to taking defeat on the chin, there's always next week. Paul Buckley a former BOFRA member hit it on the head when he said "it's nice to be winning, but it's winning to be nice". Everyone wants the good guys to win and your attitude to racing can influence your amount of support, so it's worth giving it some thought. With the start of the 2008 season quickly approaching, I hope you are all eager to give us your support in whatever way at our races, which start with a really nice day out at Sedbergh Gala on the 17th May.
Tim Done has taken over as Membership Secretary this year, so if you are signing up get your forms in before Sedbergh. Last year's Membership Secretary Andrew Biddle, after years of loyal service to BOFRA, stepped down from this position but will still be involved in other aspects of the organisation. He deserves a big 'thank you' for all the good work he's done. Tim's workload seems enormous with maintaining the website, stats and now the membership secretary, so any way we can make his job easier will be gladly accepted in whatever form.
Colin Beck will continue the great job he does as our Secretary which keeps the Shows, Landowners, National Parks, Pub Sponsors etc., happy and the smooth running of our events. Graham Grinstead will carry on this season as our Treasurer which means our finances are in safe hands. Kevin Rogan carries on his role as our President involves a number of tasks as the season moves on. Vice Chairman Bryan Morphet and wife Jayne will be there on the line for us at our events; and with the help of my wife Pauline, they do a sterling job, week in, week out. Without these people, there would be no point in turning up, as we wouldn't have any races. The Chairman's job will remain in my hands this year I will continue to provide support in whatever way I can. Lots of people get involved as the season progresses, but if you feel you can help us in any way it will be more than welcome. I'm sure we will all have an enjoyable 2008 season and I look forward to seeing you at our events.
Good Luck, stay fit and enjoy your racing.
Barry Scholes
BOFRA CHAIRMAN
11 January 2008 - Chairman's update
Just an update on what's happening at the start of 2008. Quite a lot of BOFRA runners are now competing in the Kendal Winter League which is a good way of keeping fit early on in the year. The next race is at Firbank fell on Sunday.
The BOFRA AGM will be held after the Barbon Fell Race on the 17th February approx 2-30pm at Ingleton Ex Service Mens Club (Bottom club). If any of our members have any idea's to improve our organization, any offers of help or sponsorship then we would appreciate it if you contacted us on the BOFRA Website so any issues can be put before the members at the AGM, or come along and voice your concerns or ideas.
The 2007 season went well with plenty of you helping out with events, which is very much appreciated. Any offers of help however big or small are gladly accepted. At the moment the start of the BOFRA championship seems a long way off but its surprising how quickly it comes round, so hopefully we will be well prepared when we start at Sedburgh Gala.
See you at the AGM or the races.
Barry Scholes.
7 October 2007 - Chairman's reflection
It's hard to believe that the 2007 season has nearly come to an end. We've had great support at our
races in all age groups and some very close competition, which has been great for the supporters and
spectators. We have also had a lot of people who have been hands-on, so things have gone really
smoothly. We have one championship race left at Wasdale which could alter some of the final top
placings in most age groups so there is still plenty to play for.
Moving on, we have Malham Relays the weekend after Wasdale which is great fun, with the juniors running with the seniors in this team event. All proceeds raised will be given to a local charity - and that's not me!
Our grand finale of the year is the BOFRA dinner where we all let our hair down. It's a great night for all the family with quizzes, raffle, games, disco and Ted doing his dancefloor athletics. It's a chance to put on your glad rags instead of your running gear. It's also a time for getting rewarded for all your efforts through the season at our Annual Presentation. If you havent been before, it's a brilliant evening with good food, good fun, refreshments and most of all good company. If you've supported our races it's a night not to be missed. 2007 has been a great year thanks to you all and I hope to see you soon!
Barry Scholes
Just an update on how the BOFRA season's going so far.
Of the first four of our championship races, there have been three different winners in both the senior men's and ladies' section,
so with most of the season in front of us, there's everything to play for. Remember it's 8 races from 15, so it's not too late to sign up
with us. If not, our races are open to everyone so give us a try, we have some excellent events still to come.
This year we've had lots of welcome new faces as well as runners who have come back to BOFRA after a break of several years which is nice to see - in some cases with younger members of their families competing as well, which is what we're all about.
On the subject of our young runners in all the age groups from the under 9's to the under 17's, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and with a lot of shows in the Dales, Lakes and Scotland to look forward to, the fun's just begun. Our junior runners have really been exciting to watch with some very close contests. Anything won this year will have to be hard fought for. We have had some very close results and some worthy winners of our races. So here's to the rest of the season - see you on the line.
Barry Scholes
Raring to go!- BOFRA season 2007
What can you say about an association that you've been an ardent follower of for nearly 20 years? "Plenty". For starters at BOFRA we like to think of ourselves as a family orientated organisation; we cover every age group from under 9's up to our super vets in the over 50's.
Whichever age group, you will find an enthusiastic bunch of supporters giving you friendly support and cheering you back as champions, wherever you come in the race. Our races are competitive, but first and foremost they are fun. Our junior runners come from far and wide and excel on the various running circuits. It's also nice to see runners come through the different age groups and come back to compete as seniors; usually at the sharp end of the races.
Our events calendar is filled with some excellent days out at Shows and Galas in the North of England and Scotland. Also, our races are usually organised with a friendly hostelry near at hand.
Either way, if you are into running Hills and Fells you will enjoy our races or it might be a nice amble up a hillside in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. You will find a warm welcome and a lot of new friends.
Apart from our runners, our race organisers are second to none, whether it's taking entries, timekeeping, flagging, marshalling or the many other aspects of organising events. You will find our team helpful and friendly, without these volunteers we at BOFRA would not function.
Our events might not be everyone's cup of tea, but unless you try it you will never know. Who knows? you may enjoy it, so give it a go!
Barry Scholes (Chairman of BOFRA)