Vicky Bodman Joint Chairwoman
chairman@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I have been a member of AVR since 2016 and have had an active role since 2019. I am currently co-race director for the AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon and a LIRF. I have been the club secretary, organised social events including presentation evening and been part of the goal getters team. I have taken part in goal getters 3 times and achieved the platinum award twice. I enjoy running and racing with the friends I have made through running.
Tim Burrell Joint Chairman
chairman@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I first joined AVR in 2017, and having previously been involved in various aspects of the club, I took up the position of Joint Chair in 2024 along with the excellent Vicky Bodman. I look forward to progressing the aims and objectives of this brilliant club. My primary interest is in the competitive side of running, and promoting the physical, social and mental health benefits that running can deliver. I am a certified England Athletics Coach, with a specialism in endurance running, and currently lead weekly race training programmes, coach the Youth section of the club, lead a weekly social run, as well as providing one-to-one athlete training. While way too old to bother the sharp end of a race, I very much enjoy chasing the age category trophies, and contributing towards the AVR team efforts!
David Hyde Club Secretary
secretary@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I joined AVR I believe in February 2017. In January 2018 I became the Volunteer Coordinator for all AVR races. This led me to join the main AVR committee in January 2019 due to the roles I already assist with in the club. The coordinator role needed a constant feed of information on races, accurate information and discussion. In April 2019 I launched the AVR Volunteer reward scheme to assist promotion of volunteering and the positive aspects of it. I am also on the social working group assisting with the planning and running of social events within the club. In January 2019 undertook my LiRF to enable me to take regular club runs and in April 2109 I ran a 12-week 5K improvers course. AVR is a big family to me whether at events or training and I get great pleasure in helping and supporting others. The club gives me such a positive outlook and it’s a pleasure to be there help others and give back some of what other people have given to me.
Katie Oliver Assistant Secretary
secretary@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I have been a member of AVR since 2020 and have enjoyed getting involved in many aspects of the club since. Being new to the Wiltshire area, AVR helped me to both develop and improve my running ability and make many new friends with a shared interest! I’ve been actively involved in both The AVR Half Marathon and the annual Presentation Night working groups, as well as supporting the club in other areas when possible. I also currently run the AVR Instagram page, helping to promote this great club far and wide! I look forward to continue helping to support the club in my role as Assistant Secretary.
Simon Reeves Treasurer
treasurer@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
“I first joined AVR in Feb 1991 having recently moved to the area a clubmate at my previous club knew Stan Farr and pointed me in his direction. This is my third stint on the committee, the first being in the late 1990’s when I was also on the organising committee for the old AVR Trowbridge 10k race. I had a few years away from the club (2006 to 2012) as my son was training with City of Bath AC and I spent all my time running with them, however only stayed with them for 3 years. I rejoined AVR in 2012 determined to get my running back on track. I rejoined the committee in 2016 as treasurer and served 5 years. I was also part of the AVR half organising committee (sorting the volunteer marshals) for 7 years. Having left the committee at the end of 2020 I was back as treasurer (initially as a temporary measure) at the start of 2023. I have been a runner for over 40 years now and have competed from all distances from 100m up to and including the marathon, on road, track, cross country and multi terrain. I have even dabbled in triathlons and duathlons (though my swimming leaves a lot to be desired!).“
Emma Day Membership Secretary
membership@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I joined the committee as the membership secretary in Jan 2022. I have been with AVR since the beginners course of 2014. I might be at the back of the pack but I have been proud to represent the club at many events, from 5k to half marathon! AVR is for all! Following a few injuries I completed the beginners course again in 2021 and now regularly attend club sessions.
Debbie Ellis AVR Youth Secretary
juniors@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I am the AVR Youth Secretary - Co-ordinating and administering admin for AVR Youth and volunteering for training sessions to assist coaches. I joined AVR on 15th April 2010. I am predominately a Marathon runner and I much prefer long distance running to the shorter distances. I like to have a race booked for each month and always have another race booked in before the one I am training for is finished. I have done 10 Marathons, 50 Half Marathons and numerous other shorter races. My race ethic is “the bigger the challenge the better.
Martin Russam Road Race Secretary
roadrace@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I’ve been a member of AVR since 2019, after getting back into running via parkrun after my kids became more independent. As road secretary I make sure all are aware of league and other road races, liaise with Wiltshire Athletics road (WRRL) and keep standings up to date. I am also on the Goal Getters Working Group and am a Goal Getter Mentor and Mentee.
Andrew Sharratt Off Road Secretary
offroad@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I joined the committee in April 2023, having been a member of AVR for several years, started running in my mid 50’s - never too late! I have always enjoyed off road running so when the Off Road secretary role became available it was an opportunity to get involved. I try and ensure members know what is going on in the Off Road space ( can be quite fragmented). I also publicise and encourage members to take part in the Wiltshire League Off Road (WORL) events (the club league runs in parallel).
Caroline Scott AVT Secretary
avt@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
Avon Valley Triathletes (AVT) is a section of AVR. As a passionate member of AVT, I compete in various triathlon distances as well as isolated run, swim and bike events. I liaise on AVT training arrangements, promote AVT events and coordinate plans for growth with the AVT working group and AVR committee. I also organise the ‘Run to Breakfast' events every Saturday morning.
Sandra Sharratt Safeguarding Lead
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I started running and joined the C25K at AVR 10 years ago when I challenged myself to run the Great North Run for charity. I will never be a speedy runner, but with the support of AVR. I have improved my fitness, taken part in a range of running and multi-sport events; making great friends along the way. Over the years I have volunteered by marshalling at races, supported C25K groups, I am part of the AVR half working party and recently qualified at a run leader. I am proof that anyone can take up running and reap the benefits!
Hayley Anderson Minutes Secretary
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I joined AVR in 2018 via the beginners group. Since then I have taken part in Goal Getters and also completed my LiRF. I lead a group out on a Monday night which I love and most recently have taken on the role of joint Race Director for Avon Valley Half Marathon. I’m happiest when running out on the trails and exploring new routes.
Hayley Chapman Kit Manager
kit@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I have been a member of AVR since 2021. I love how inclusive the club is and have made many friends and memories since joining. I regularly attend group runs and I am part of the AVR half working group. You will see me marshalling at events and also running the tea stand the AVR half, a role I took on this year. I also manage the AVR adult kit. I have also been part of goal getters both as a mentor and a mentee.
Sarah Emery Social Media and Marketing Secretary
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I joined AVR in 2015 which was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love the club's long history, how inclusive it is and how friendly everyone is too. I have sat on the main committee in the past but I now oversee the use of the club's social media pages and sending out press releases as well as writing the monthly newsletter, The Valley News.
Alan Button Welfare Officer
welfare@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I have been a member of AVR for approximately five years and I love anything running, so being part of a friendly and successful club is fantastic. Seeing people enjoying their running, smiling, (most of the time), wearing club colours, supporting their club, achieving their personal goals, PB's etc and seeing plenty of AVR members at these league events is extremely rewarding. I always love turning up at club training sessions, where our coaches and run leaders all do such an excellent job, learning techniques, and catching up with club mates, sharing stories about races, running experiences, hills and learning about training hints and tips etc, is something that I continue to love.
Jay Sims-Bagshaw Interim Vice Chair - Welfare Officer and Committee Member
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I have been a member of AVR since 2014 and have been a committee member on and off since 2015. I was the club welfare and safeguarding lead. I am currently a LIRF and also a club coach taking regular Tuesday interval sessions. I have also been the club secretary, AVR secretary, RD for several club events including Over the Hills and leader for the beginners C25K course. I love seeing people grow and develop in confidence, achieve goals and make life long friendships and connections through running.
Julian Roughley Committee Member
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In 2023, having enjoyed Parkrun and the odd 5/10-K race for several years, I found myself lacking motivation when training by myself. I therefore decided to join the AVR C25K course run by Jay, to help me get back on track. The camaraderie, encouragement and support offered by fellow AVR runners motivated everyone, as they became fitter and completed the course. This year, I’ve joined the AVR committee to help others like myself discover benefits of running with a group.
Denise Ellis President
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I became a member of AVR as an absolute beginner in 1987, 1 yr after the formation of the club. But as my husband Bob Ellis was a founder member I have been involved from the start. It took me a long time to get to running any distance and I always ran on road. The club was very small with no coaches but a wealth of experience to draw on from other club members. I quickly became involved in committee issues, 1st supporting Bob and then becoming a committee member myself. I have been Chairman twice but our club had far fewer members then and the issues covered in meetings were nowhere near as technical and challenging as our esteemed chairman and secretary have to cope with now. In all, with 2 maternity breaks I think I have served as a committee member for over 25yrs. Time for new blood. I decided to run my 1st marathon in 1996, it was that or give up running as I was bored, and I have gone on to run a further 10 after realising distance events were my forte ( I have a marathon pb of 3.36) Later, struggling to motivate myself on tarmac, I discovered off road running about 15 yrs ago and was hooked. I now enter off road events to complete not compete. I don't attend club nights as often these days, but rest assured, if you slice me down the middle, AVR is there all the way through like a stick of rock.
Andrew Hoddinott Vice President
webmaster@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I joined AVR in 2006 after taking part in many AVR organised events - Over the Hills, Trowbridge 10K etc. I became a committee member the following year and then stood as Chairman for 5 years before handing this over to the current chairman, Warren Wade. I trained and raced regularly with AVR taking part in many local races and also triathlon. For me running has been about personal goals and fitness rather than competition. I’ve always combined it with circuit training and gym work to aid other interests such as climbing. I had shoulder injury in 2009 which took nearly 2 years to recover from, during this time I started coaching AVR with Alan Hayes. We had a great bunch of athletes and ran sessions in Trowbridge Park on Tuesday nights or Southwick Country Park on Saturdays. I will always be thankful to Alan for his time, encouragement, humour and sarcasm, helping me to become a Level 2 coach. These days I just about keep fit with a variety of fitness classes and gym work. I have been learning to fly a microlight and hope to qualify as a pilot early in 2020. AVR is a great club that I am very proud to be involved with. When I stepped down as Chairman I was given an Honorary life membership, this was not only a great surprise but also a great honour, I treasure the tankard to this day. Although I don’t get to club I am still involved in the back office helping with the website and IT. email: Webmaster
Darren Wrintmore Vice President
news@avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
I first joined Avon Valley Runners in 1987 and had several good years competing on the local road race circuit before finally ceding to injury. I also spent ten-years on the club committee serving in a number of roles including Club Captain and Honorary Secretary. I am now a Life member of the club and a Vice-President advising the current club committee on a number of issues, most recently COVID-19 compliancy. I also compile the club's monthly newsletter.
Ted Rockliffe Vice President
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Ted originally started running just to keep fit for playing squash however he has had a great running career. One of AVR’s great supporters with a wicked sense of humour and also one of the founder members of the club. Ted was the AVR Club Chairman from 1992-1995 and again in 2006-2008. He was Club President from 2012-2019 and became Vice President in January 2020.
Bob Washbourne Vice President
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I have always enjoyed running, I've never been a good runner but I've never been a bad runner. The one thing that is constant, I've always enjoyed running. That’s what running is all about, it means different things to different people. I am proud to be a founder member of a great club, but it is the people that make the club what it is, from the serious runners chasing times to the runners who use it as a means to keep fit and de-stress. The club is made and run by the Committee and the people who get involved in the activities organisation - this is something we should always be thankful for. I have been a lifelong vegetarian and believe in the sanctity of all life. My activities as you would guess are, running, swimming, cycling and walking. Other interests include travelling, Buddhism, and trying to get a recognisable tune out of my Yukulele.