Wallasey Athletic Club's international long jumper Len Platt will be presented with the Blair Trophy at Leasowe Road H.Q. next Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Platt will be the first to receive this handsome trophy, which is in memory of the late Tommy Blair who put in so much work for Merseyside athletics during the past thirty years. The trophy will be awarded each year for the best performance' either on the track or over the country by an athlete from the Northern Counties no. 5 area, which embraces; Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire and North Wales.
Platt's winning performance was his long jump of 23ft. 6ins. in last year's Northern championships the merit of which can be judged from the fact that this distance is only 8ins. short of the English native record which has been held for so long, much too long in fact, by Harold Abrahams the well known athletics commentator.
At the time Platt was considered unfortunate in not being sent over to Helsinki with the British team, but the official view was that the British standard did not justify the inclusion of a representative for this event.
The A.A.A. are open to criticism for this negative outlook particularly as Platt's 23ft. 6ins. was in fact exceeded by only four of the Olympic finalist's at Helsinki. The best way to improve standards is surely to provide as much top class competition as possible for promising athletes, as the experience gained in international events is invaluable apart from the stimulus it provides for an improved performance.
However, Len has since represented England on several occasions and it is hoped that he will have further successes this summer.
An opportunity to see Platt in action will be afforded by the club senior high jump championship which is being held before the presentation on Wednesday. The junior mile, youth half-mile, and boy's long jump will also be decided. Two commendable performances by Wallasey athletes recently were the winning of the senior half-mile championship by Dave Johnston who did 2 mins. 9 secs. despite having no serious opposition, and the 24th place achieved by 48-years-old Frank Ledward in a field of over 50 starters in the Radcliffe 21 miles road race. Ledward is not yet racing fit, but to finish this gruelling course at all augers well for his races over the full-marathon distance later this summer.
The closing date for the entries for the Cheshire County championships is May 25. Forms can be obtained from Ron Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, New Brighton. These championships are to he held at Helsby on June 6, when transport will be by coach. Those interested should inform general secretary Carl Gee as soon as possible.
Interest in women's athetics has improved considerably during the past few years, and since the club formed their women's section a few years ago, Wallasey have had several successes notably by Margaret Collings and Penny. Price. The most popular events are the 100 and 220 yards sprints, long and high jumps, and discus throwing, all of which provide a most enjoyable form of healthy, outdoor exercise. A full range of impedimentia is available for all events in addition to showers, coaching and canteen facilities.
In order to enable any young women interested to try out their talents Wallasey A.C. have arranged four novice events to be held next week which will be the100 yards sprint (under 15 and 15-19 and the high jump (under 15 and 15-19). These events will also be held next Wednesday evening before the Blair Trophy presentation. Entries will be taken on the spot and there will be no fee. Competitors will need to bring a pair of shorts and pumps. Prizes will be awarded, and the events will be open to all except present members of Wallasey A.C.
Applications for membership will be welcomed by sec. Jean Massey, 200 Seaview Road (Tel. 6455), or captain Margaret Collings, 60 Withens Lane (Tel. 2864).
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 16/05/1953 by R.M.
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