Thank you for inviting me as Guest of Honour at the Annual Presentation and for your kind gift of a handsome memento. The card, with all of your names, will always remind me of that very enjoyable and memorable occasion during my first (and, I hope, not last) year in office.

My initial contact with the club was in 1954 when I ran in the Orion Schools’ Invitation Cross Country Race. The course was muddy, the finish was up hill and after 3½miles we were rewarded with beakers of tea and sticky buns, something none of the other clubs did. After National Service in the army in North Wales, where I ran for Wrescham A.C, I joined Orion Harriers in 1961. So I have been a member for half of the club’s existence! Not long compared with some current members, two of whom joined in 1931 and 1932 respectively!

In January 1908 Frankie Harriss, a member of the Orion Gymnastic Club in Hackney and also a keen footballer, tried a little running to get fit for impending cup matches. He was soon joined by another member and so the idea spread. On 7th November 1908, twenty gymnasts took part in the first Orion run at Chingford from a tumble-down building near the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Forest Side.

Fortnightly runs were held and then weekly runs and headquarters were established at the Royal Forest Hotel at Chingford, from where the former Spartan Harriers and Lea Harriers had operated. A whip round after each run paid the rent. These runs were restricted to members of the Gymnastic Club, but non-members could participate by invitation. However, it was unreasonable to expect that men who were not actively interested in gymnastics would join the Orion Gymnastic Club in order to take part in runs as members.

So, exactly two years after the first handicap race, a meeting was held on 27th March 1911 and it was decided to establish a separate club for Harriers. A committee was appointed and it called a General Meeting on 6th September, on which Orion Harriers officially came into existence. Fourteen members of the Orion Gymnastic Club, who attended that meeting, and six absentees, were described in the minute book as the twenty original members. Coincidently, a grandson of one of the Committee members in 1911 is a member of today’s committee.

Well, that is enough of the past for this Newsletter, but I hope to continue the story in the future ones. Best wishes to members, coaches, officials and supporters for the forthcoming cross country and indoor athletics seasons. Up Orion!
                           

Tommy Black gained the silver medal in the High Jump at the England AAA Track/Field Indoor Championship  
   
16 Orion juniors achieved an Essex medal at the recent
Essex Indoor Track & Field Championships

Georgia Tuckfield won an individual and team bronze medal while representing Essex in the Year 7 Schools Cross Country Inter Counties plus training partner George Hoy also took the Year 8 Essex team bronze 

Lauren Macgregor came 2nd in the 800m while representing Essex in the recent Inter Counties Indoor Track/Field Championship which supported the Essex team winning that gold award


Essex Indoor Track & Field Championship 14th & 15th Feb Lee Valley
After witnessing the above champs it’s only fair to say that Orion juniors are now regarded as an established Track and Field club. Gone are the days of Orion being seen as a cross country only club. The following results prove this; India Wellings gold u15 girl’s pole vault, Huy Vu gold junior men’s 60m hurdles and silver in the triple jump, Jermaine Hamilton gold u15 boys 200m and makes the final in the 60m sprint, Cheyenne Antoine-Chagar gold u13 boy’s 800m and a new county record, Oliver Heeks gold senior men’s 800m, Aaron Glasgow silver u15 boy’s 200m, Lauren Macgregor silver u17 women’s 800m, Deheema Rose silver junior women’s 200m,  Nikkita Sartori-Sigirist silver u15 girl’s 60m hurdles, Leah Alleyne silver u15’s girls 300m, George Hoy silver u15 boy’s 800m, Jay Andrews bronze u17 women’s 800m, Georgia Tuckfield bronze u13 girls 800m, Ashley Alexis bronze junior men’s 400m, Amy Jung bronze u17women long jump. Athletes that performed outstandingly and made the finals; Paul Inkpen u15 Boy’s 60m hurdles, Evie Padmore u15 Girl’s 60m sprint, Amy Richards u13 girl’s 60m sprint. Other outstanding performances; Channon Bramwell 60m sprint, long jump & 200m, Emily Jung 60m sprint, long jump & 200m, Daniel Penfold junior man 800m and Andrew Adams 400m & long jump.
Congratulations and well done from all at Orion

Inter counties Cross Country Championship 7th March Nottingham
The following five athletes did Orion proud by representing Essex in the above high quality event;
Ben Hall, George Hoy ,Jay Andrews, Georgia Tuckfield
and Lauren Macgregor.
Full results can be found on uka website.

Chingford League Relays and Final Overall Positions 14th March
We only managed to get the u13 boys and girls team out for the above race due to injuries and the fact that the mini marathon trials were the next day. However, both teams performed outstandingly and won both team events which resulted in both teams winning the over all league. Congratulations to the following athletes that made up the two teams; u13 girls, Millie Hall, Isabella Macqueen, Katie Inch and Georgia Tuckfield. U13 boys, Jack Waller, Zachariah Hall, Paul Inkpen and Cheyenne Antoine-Chagar.    It’s important that we mention that the 3rd leg for the under 13 girl’s should have been Rosie Hudson-Edmonds but unfortunately she got lost on her way there. So Katie Inch stepped up in true Orion style and although she was only there to watch her mum run she put on her trainers and borrowed an Orion vest, and had to stop eating her chocolate cake and ran a great leg for the team.
We are also proud to inform you that the following athletes all made the top three final individual league positions;  George Hoy 1st, Jesse Taylor 3rd , Georgia Tuckfield 2nd , Sydney Taylor 3rd,  Alex Gordon 3rd, Lauren Macgregor 2nd, Jay Andrews 3rd, Auberon Hall 1st,  and Laura O’Connor 1st.
Congratulations to all the Orion athletes that supported the league throughout the season

   
Waltham Forest Mini Marathon Trials March 15th
Anybody who attended the above event would agree what a proud day for Orion Harriers. 51 out of 60 Orion juniors made up the Waltham Forest team. 4 out of the 6 races were won by an Orion junior across the three London boroughs. The following athletes all made the top three finishing positions for their borough.  Georgia Tuckfield, Sydney Taylor,  Amelia Hall,  Yasmin Crosby,  George Hoy,  Tom Hutchinson, Samuel Glynn,  Charlotte Matthems,  Claire Huggins, Tommy Penfold, Ben Silverstone, Paul Inkpen,  Alberic Hall, Jack Waller, Cheyenne Antoine-Chagar,  Armanni Antoine-Chagar,  Jay Andrews, Laura O’Connor and Frankie Conway.
A very big thank you to all the athletes that competed and completed the course whilst raising money through sponsorship for Orion’s new club house in Chingford.
Those athletes that did qualify for the Mini Marathon will be contacted direct from Waltham Forest sport development. 
Congratulations to all the athletes that completed the course.   

Orion Juniors 5th Pentathlon day. 19th April
For those of you that are new to the club the above event is a MUST for your calendar. This day gives all athletes whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced athlete a chance to try an event that you would normally shy away from. (This event is also where we look to select athletes for our Young Athletes League team). There are trophies for the top three in each age group but more importantly this day displays what kind of club we are. This event is also open to school years 3, 4 and 5 and they will be competing in the new Quad Kids competition. The events are 600m, 70m sprint, Long jump and throwing a Vortex Howler. All competitors will receive a medal and the top three will receive trophies.  
Entry forms and details can be collected from both club rooms or downloaded from our website, there are limited places so I would recommend you pre enter to avoid disappointment, £2 pre entries or £4 on the day.
Once again we are looking for parents/grandparents and friends to help in some form throughout the day, if you are available even if it’s only for a few hours please could you inform me ASAP OF YOUR AVALABILITY.
There will be refreshments on sale throughout the day and a raffle with all proceeds going to the juniors. 

Forthcoming Leagues

UK Young Athletes League Division 1
The above league is for school years 6 to 11 and the age groups are as follows; year 6 and 7 = u13
Year 8 and 9 = u15 and years 10 and 11 = u17.
We were promoted 4 years ago to division 1 and our aim is for promotion into the premier division, however without the support of all our athletes this will not be possible.
Each Athlete can compete in at least 3 events.
We have now recruited the following team managers who will be in contact with you shortly about your availability for this coming season; u15 girls Steve Timpson u17 women Jo Hadaway & Rebecca Kipps, u15 boys Jane Farrier and u17 men Mark & Daniel Penfold. We are looking to recruit team manages for the u13 boys and girls. The duties include the following; selecting the team via to match day, making sure all athletes work as a team and that they arrive at their event on match day. The team manager will also select athletes for the end of season awards. You will receive support from all coaches and myself via and throughout match days. If your son or daughter are competing this coming season please offer your support, the more volunteers we have the smoother these match days run.

Athletes
There are 5 league matches throughout the season; if you are selected and commit to these matches you will have the opportunity of winning various trophies. They are:

Medals to all athletes who compete in 4 out of 5 matches.

Individual trophies in all age groups for the most outstanding athlete, the most improved athlete, best performance award and a merit trophy.

There are also 3 prizes for the athletes that receive the most points over all 5 meets. This is based on a scoring system where you receive 4 points for 1st place, 3 points for 2nd, 2 points for 3rd and 1 point for 4th. Points are awarded the same for an A or B athlete.

Plus, if you achieve the UKA standard level in your event you will receive a certificate, and the opportunity of winning athlete of the day.

Don’t forget you will be expected to wear an Orion vest which can be purchased from me at the subsidised price of £10. Transport to all these events will also be provided at no extra charge.

Further information can be found on www.natyal.co.uk
      
 National Junior League (under 20’s 6th form/college year 12 and 13)
This will be the first season that will be competing in this league. To share the work load we are looking for volunteers to support on match days.
If you are able to offer any support please let me know as soon as possible.

 The Southern Women’s League
We informed you in February news letter that this season Orion is competing in the above league solely as Orion and not as a composite team as in previous years. We are delighted to inform you that Natalie Kipps has offered to team manage the team for this year. If you want to compete or are able to support with officiating please contact Natalie ASAP.
natalie.kipps@btinternet.com


Official’s course
Most of you are aware that when we compete in any of the above leagues we have to supply a number of officials and if we fill our full quota of officials we will also receive our full 25 points. Marianne Ball has co-ordinated and encouraged 14 volunteers to the above course on the 22nd March at Lea Valley. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Marianne for all her hard work in organising the course and volunteers.
For more details or to book on the another course you can contact Marianne by email on; mofball@btinternet.com or by phone 020 8520 0460   

Additional training session
With the summer season fast approaching us we are offering additional coaching sessions in a variety of disciplines starting from the 1st March.
Mondays at the Lea Valley Centre; High Jump training with coach (Bill) all Orion’s welcome 6:30pm.
Tuesday Shot putt and Discus 6.30pm till 7.30pm @ Walthamstow
Saturdays 10.30am till 12am Jumps and Throws @ Walthamstow 
If you would like to train for a certain discipline but are UN sure about training for it please don’t hesitate to ask one of the coaches.

Forthcoming Events
29th March Havering Spring warm up-enter on the day
1st April Orion Cross Country Championship u9/u11 Chingford Plains
5th April Essex Road Relays (SELECTED)
11th April Chelmsford open u11 (sch yr5) & u13, u15, u17 Jun/Sen W Pre entry-closing date 9th April  
13th April Easter Egg relays-All members welcome Chingford-9.15 registration 10am start 
19th April- Orion Pentathlon Day, Pool & Track 11.45am
26th April- London Mini Marathon (selected)
26th National Junior League Under 20s
29th April Mid Week League Year 6 & Under Chingford 7pm start

Young Athletes League Dates Confirmed.
3rd May, 17th May, 31st May, 21st June and 19th July.
National Junior League
26th April, 24th May, 14th June 26th July and 30th August
The Southern Women’s League.
25th April, 30th May, 27th June, 25th July and 5th September (not August 1st as on fixture card)

Essex County Championship Track/Field 4th, 9th and 10th May.                                   
Essex County Championship Track and Field entry forms can be downloaded from the Essex website or from both club rooms the deadline is the 3rd April.  Your membership covers the entry fee only if you fill the form out and hand it back to me by the 28th March, otherwise  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ENTRY, Don’t forget NO ENTRY NO RACE!!!  
Orion is working in partnership with Greenwich Leisure Ltd to promote and provide athletics courses in the Easter holidays for local young people. These courses will be delivered by Orion coaches. There are three dates available in the Easter holidays they are 15th, 16th and 17th April 10am to 3pm.The cost for three days is £21 and £17.65 concessionary, Book early to avoid disappointment. To book call Walthamstow Pool/Track on 0208 527 5431.  
Information regarding news and races.
Orion juniors have now exceeded membership of 200 and we are continually trying to keep you up dated with forthcoming races or events, however it’s your responsibly to continually check notice boards, fixture cards (now available from both club rooms) and check on our website for any changes or just ask one of the coaches.  It is also in your interest that we have your email address because Steve Timpson or myself will keep you informed of any changes.
If you are unsure of any of the aforementioned please don’t hesitate to contact me (Jane Farrier )or any of the Orion coaches.