Hello Team Elswick. Words & Photos from Club Chairman Harry Matthews.
A warm welcome to Peter Woodcock
Tuesday 19th November 2019 will be remembered as a special evening for members of Elswick Harriers. Club members were given the opportunity to give a warm Geordie welcome to 80 year old Peter Woodcock, son of Norman Woodcock who was given the title of Father of Elswick Harriers for his dedication and long service to our club.
The meeting came about as a result of contact made via the club’s
“Info @ Elswick Harriers”. Denis Kerr, a friend of Peter Woodcock posted a note informing the club that Peter was staying in the area and he would love to meet club members. As club Chairman and one of the few current members who knew and respected Norman, I contacted Denis and invited him and Peter to the club training session on 19th November following a meeting at the Keelman pub.
Frank Watson, Derek Nelson, Mike McLeod and I met with Peter and Denis at the Keelman and shared fond memories of the times spent with Norman.
Mike brought his two Olympic medals along to the delight of Peter and Denis.
Peter was later overwhelmed by the warm welcome offered by club members in the sports hall.
The following day, Denis informed me that Peter had expressed his joy at having had the opportunity to meet members of the athletics club that his father loved so dearly.
Peter is returning to his home in America on Sunday and he will be taking the old Norman Woodcock Memorial trophies with him to show his family and friends.
He hopes to return to the North East and meet up with Elswick club members again in the future.
Thank you to all our members for making Peter’s visit such an enjoyable experience for him. Below are some photos of the evening:
