Name: Gordon Hope
Role: Club President (since 1999)
First joined the club: 1982
What does the role entail: Although the role of President is essentially an Honourary one, Gordon is extremely proactive and takes a keen interest in all club members and their achievements. A weekly presence at the track on Tuesday evenings (the main Seniors training session), he also assists the coaches with the Junior Section on Thursday nights. Gordon attends many of the local races and events throughout the year, particularly those which involve the club as a whole, such as cross-country, team relays, and NEMAA Track and Field meetings. His support is always appreciated, and he is enormously proud of the progress the club has made in recent years.
What do you enjoy about your role: Ever since becoming President, Gordon has provided a trophy which is awarded at the club’s annual Presentation Night. Known as the “President’s Trophy” this highly coveted award is always a closely guarded secret right up to the point when Gordon announces his choice of winner!
Name : Graham Laverick
Role: Chairman. Have had a number of roles over the last 15 years including secretary and membership secretary.
What does your role entail: My role is to ensure that the club runs effectively and the committee meets regularly and to listen to the club membership. Chair the AGM. Take an active role in the junior
section.
What do you enjoy volunteering for crook ac: Was instrumental in the move from the club’s old home in Crook to Shildon. Part of a number of people who enabled the facilities to be upgraded at Shildon including a relay of the track. This has really established the club. I am proud to be involved with the way the club has developed and attracted new members. The philosophy is it not about how fast you are if you want to be involved in running you are welcome to be part of the club. Run to enjoy. Over the years I have met and become friends with a lot of runners who are Crook members. On a further personal level I have become an assistant coach which has allowed me to give something back to the club.
Name: Danny Oakley
Role: Secretary
Joined Crook AC: June 2019
What does your role entail: I oversee the day to day running of the club, and welcoming new members
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I really enjoy giving something back to the club, when i first joined i was made to feel welcomed by all the members, and i have made some friends for life by being part of the club.
Name: Harold Binyon
Role: Treasurer
Joined Crook AC: 1980
What does your role entail: I oversee all the finance details of the club, doing banking and all bill paying, entry fees, subscriptions etc.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I have been a member of the coaching staff for approx 30 years and hope to give my time for the benifit of the local community.
Name: Brad Wight
Role: Mens Captain
Joined: During lockdown, Dec 2020
What does your role entail: Managing relay and cross country teams, encouraging and supporting everyone, working with the committee and coaches to help promote and grow the club.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I take as much satisfaction from watching other members achieve their goals as I do hitting my own targets. I love how diverse our membership is and feel proud to be involved.
Name: Matthew Brimm
Role: Mens Vice-Captain
Joined Crook AC: January 2023
What does your Role entail: My role as vice captain is to assist and support the captains in the club and to help out at any events or races when required.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I really enjoy being part of a fantastic club, meeting new people and seeing how they progress in a sport I love!
Favourite quote : “If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far.”
Name: Peter Coser
Role: Mens Vice-Captain
Joined Crook AC: January 2023
What does your Role entail: Being Vice Captain l help with organising races and supporting The Captain.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC:The club was so welcoming and made me feel at ease straight away whe i joined. I have improved a lot since joining the club in my times for 5 and 10k. I also participate in the track and field events at NEMAA, in particular Sprinting . The club is very inclusive for all runners. This is a great club that makes everyone feel valued.
Name: Claire Hodgson
Role: Ladies Captain
Joined Crook AC: July 2021
What does your role entail: Organising teams for relays and cross country races. Encouraging members to take part in events. supporting members and being friendly, positive and inclusive to all.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I love to give something back to the club that has inspired and encouraged me to take part in events. They have Made me feel included regardless of my ability, so feels nice to be able to encourage other members to do the same.
Name : Kate Storey
Role : Female Vice Captain
Joined Crook AC: 2022
What does your role entail : Welcoming new members and organising teams for relays
What do you enjoy volunteering for crook ac: I love to see people reach their full potential and participate in a sport I really enjoy. I have made friends for life at Crook AC and I would highly recommend the club to anyone who wants to get involved in running
Name: Dom Hehir
Role: Lead Welfare Officer
Joined Crook AC: December 2023
What does your role entail:Ensuring all club members feel safe and welcome in the club, and if any issues arise being there to support the investigation and all parties involved.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC:I enjoy giving back to a club that has given me a new lease on life. Being Welfare officer is one of the best ways to do this.
Name: Clare Moore
Role: Assistant Welfare Officer, Athletics Coach, and member of the Junior Parent Committee
Joined Crook AC: February 2016 (as Junior section Coaching Assistant)
What does your role entail: General welfare and safety of all club members. Coach Junior members who’s age range is from 6 to 17 years old.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I love being part of a club that welcomes everyone, regardless of their ability. Giving my time to coach Junior members being a part of their development, watching them grow in confidence and being a part of their achievements.
Name : Geoff Hewitson
Role: Former Men’s Captain and long-standing member of the club committee
First joined the club: July 1984
What does your role entail: Supporting the work of the club captains wherever possible, Providing an updated race calendar for our weekly e-newsletter, Crook-ED. Posting the weekly track sessions on Facebook. Part of a small team responsible for welcoming potential new members and explaining to them how the club operates. Providing background information on the nominees for the various Presentation Evening award categories, thus allowing members to make informed choices when casting their votes
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for Crook AC?
I particularly enjoy meeting new members and following their progress as they develop their running and achieve their goals. The club has come a long way in the past few years and hopefully I can continue to play my part in ensuring its future success.
Name: Jon Rose
Role : Committee Member.
Joined Crook AC : 2019
What does your role entail : Attending meetings – represent the interests of members. Supporting training sessions (pending qualification)
What do you enjoy about being a volunteer: Being able to give back to the club, learn new skills, encourage others to enjoy running and try new things.
Name: Ian Thompson
Role : Committee Member.
Joined Crook AC : May 2019
What does your role entail : Club Championship Coordinator – promoting the annual club championship events
What do you enjoy about being a volunteer: This club has brought me on an unbelievable amount as a runner and I have achieved so much beyond what I thought I was capable of so its nice to be able to give something back, alot of time is spent behind the scenes by volunteers which is often overlooked to make the club a successful friendly base for everyone to enjoy their passion for Athletics so I’m always happy to help out where I can.
Name: Andy Turnell
Role: Newsletter Editor
Joined Club: January 2019
What does your role entail: I collate race reports and other related info from club members, plus parkrun results and the calendar of upcoming races into a weekly newsletter "Crook-Ed ` which is emailed to registered club members and published to the club's Facebook group.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I really enjoy representing the club as a masters athlete.
Name: Gerry Hehir
Joined Crook AC: May 1998
Role : Running coach and committee member
What does your role entail: I organise and deliver the Thursday night session in Crook which incorporates the club inov8 handicap series.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: After being involved with the club for 26 years I really enjoy helping all of the members to achieve their potential , ambition and improve their running fitness.
Name: Joanne Raine
Joined Crook AC: 2014
Role: Committee member Assistant coach
What does your role entail: Help with the juniors. Help the committee make decisions.
What do you enjoy about volunteering for Crook AC: I love the club there’s always someone to run with and talk to, it’s like a family. Love to see people achieve their goals.
