This post was prompted by a large gathering a couple of weeks ago of predominantly Tunbridge Wells Harriers members – past and present, who gathered to commemorate the life of someone who was a very important figure in the club’s history. Bob Lawrence died just before Christmas after a short illness. It was his wish to not have a funeral ceremony, but rather a gathering of friends and clubmates to celebrate his life. Although he was an understated and unassuming character, the large number of team-mates from across the years that turned out for the event bore testimony to how popular, well liked and well respected he was.
After an initial meeting near Groombridge, the assembled group set off along the Forest Way footpath, before a brief stop where the club chairman said a few words, led a minute’s applause and Bob’s ashes were scattered by his son and daughter and one or two of the club’s senior members. This was then followed by the best part of an hour’s run, jog or walk out and back along the footpath, which was one of Bob’s favourite training routes. It made for a characteristically “Harriers” send off.
Returning to meet at the Junction Inn in Groombridge, where an excellent buffet, and a display of photographs and a slideshow of old pictures had been arranged. One of Bob’s closest friends, Tony Lavender gave a speech, during which it was revealed that behind that quiet front, apart from his athletic exploits and his meticulous work as a record keeper and club statistician, the well traveled Bob had been amongst other things, the singer and guitarist in a pop group, and a professional wrestler in his time !!!
Apart from being a fitting tribute to Bob, it was also a great chance to renew acquaintanceships with clubmates from years gone by. I hope the few pictures below capture the flavour of the day.
1. The gathering 
2. Tony’s eulogy. 
3. Left to Right: Eric Schofield, Andy Howey, Liz Laurie, Tony Lavender, Pete Gander, Ian Bracken, Ian Dyke, Allan Cheek, Carol Dyke, KS, Sian (surname ?), John Hepner, Maurice Marchant, Chris Shea. Chris Elvy seated. 
4. TW Harriers London to Brighton team 1990. L to R – Steve Watts, KS, Bob Lawrence
Check the blog regularly – 80+ posts and counting. Or quick search to see different subjects on the Index page. Hit the subscribe button below – it costs nothing, to receive the next post “on the subject of…..”
On the subject of running..... 