About us...
On the 7th October 1905 the Southend Harriers set out on
their first cross-country run. It was the first activity of what
was to become our:
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
ATHLETIC CLUB
This was the name given to the amalgamation
in 1937 of the Southend and County Harriers (founded in 1905)
and the Leigh-on-Sea Harriers (founded in 1912).
It seems that the idea of starting the
Southend Harriers (as it was originally known) occurred to G.
H. Hogsflesh and T.H.Dainty in 1904, as a result of their
sporting association at the Grocers’ School, London. The
two friends ran together in the annual school sports and their
friendship and interest in athletics continued after they had
both moved to Southend. They trained together at Roots
Hall field. Throughout 1905 a few enthusiasts got together at
George Hogsflesh’s house in Westcliff to discuss what could be
done about forming an athletic club. The outcome of these
meetings was the Southend Harriers, with headquarters at the
“Blue Boar” Prittlewell. The licensee, Mr Oliver Trigg became a
Vice President of the Club, and the original founders were G.H.
Hogsflesh, T.N. Dainty, A. Whybrow, P. D. Platt, E. S Chalk, E.
B. Nethercot and A.Bonbernard.
Having got off to a successful start the
Club began to promote organised athletic meetings. On 29th May
1906, the Southend Observer reported: “One of the most enjoyable
athletic meetings held in the town took place on Wednesday at
West Street, Prittlewell. The sports were organised by the
Southend Harriers, and it must be at once admitted that all
concerned have every reason to congratulate themselves on the
immense success attained. The attendance was good,
considering the overcast weather, quite 300 being present on the
ground.” Later it rained (as it so often does), “much to
the consternation of the fair sex,” who apparently were not as
tough then as they are now! But despite the rain the management,
with the help of the Town Band, kept things going. “The
Hon. Secretary (G.H. Hogsflesh) who was here, there and
everywhere, turned out and ran from scratch in the 80 yards, but
he was far too anxious about the success of the meeting to
run up to form.” Mr Sparks, of the AAA had come down from
London especially to encourage the Club.
Judging by references in the sporting
press, by 1913 Southend Harriers had become “one of England’s
leading athletic clubs”. Reporting the first monthly
handicap, Sporting Life of 21st October mentioned that “G.H.Hogsflesh
was, of course, re-elected Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, and in
the latter connection it is to be hoped that he will be able
during the ensuing year to report better recognition of the
Club's activities in London's seaside suburb. A club like
the Harriers which carries the name of the town at every
important meeting in the country, and was instrumental in
bringing the Essex County meeting, still the Ascot of athletics,
to Southend is surely an asset to the town.”
Useful
links/documents for the club...
-
The Southend-on-Sea Athletic Club Presidents 1905-2009
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
A BLAST FROM THE PAST!!
Photograph of 1909-1910
In the picture: centre in a suit: Cllr Fred Britain, our 2nd
President; to his left is George Hogsflesh one of athletics
great movers and shakers and co-founder of Southend Harriers in
1905. Slightly to his left in the back row between two
moustachioed members, is E Stanley Chalk, another founding
father, who became President for the 1910-11 season. The vest
with heavy bands on the front row is being worn by Bill
Thorogood, the only Club member I have been able to positively
identify as having died in the Great War of 1914-1918. The
Thorogood Trophy was presented by his family in his memory. The
Trainer is standing, with the obligatory towel over his
shoulder, on the far right. To his immediate right are the
two Harmer brothers, our first Olympic representatives (1908).
Many local businessmen were involved with the Harriers: Jones
(as in RA and Cecil), Cole (as in Ekco) and Beecroft one of whom
is pictured, arms folded, next to the bearded gentleman with a
walking stick.
It is believed that Walter Beecroft took the photo (the same one who donated the Art Gallery to the town).
Reminder!
- Fixtures 2010.
Warmup meetings are now open for entry, as well as the fixtures for league meetings are out now!
_______________________________
IS NOW UP AND RUNNING WITH OVER 2000 PHOTOS YET TO BE UPLOADED!
_______________________________
_______________________________
Our Frequently Asked Questions page is worth
a visit if you are new to the club FAQs
_______________________________