It is doubtful that Manchester's Great Hall has ever looked so
magnificent: the perfect venue decked out in green, white and red
for the celebration of 100 years of the country's finest athletics
club. Club members past and present descended upon the town
hall on the evening of March 19th to eat, drink,
reminisce and celebrate their club, and once there they enjoyed an
evening of nostalgia and entertainment fitting of the occasion.
The night began with a nostalgic look back on the events and
activities, the individuals, groups and teams that have combined
together over the past century to make Sale Harriers Manchester the
successful and welcoming club that we all know. With a glass
in hand, guests were able to catch up with old friends and walk
around a fantastic display that featured photos and descriptions of
every section of the club and every era from the 1920s to the
present day. In addition to the press cuttings and personal
memories, space was even found for homemade Sale Harriers knitwear
and original club kit.
As the pre-dinner drinks were finally consumed, nostalgia was
replaced by celebration, as seats were taken, food eaten, and
speeches given. In addition to speeches by club president and
long-serving women's team manager Eric Hughes, chairman David Brown
and Olympic Gold medallist Darren Campbell, there was musical
entertainment provided by swing singer Cole Page and soul singer
Wayne Allen. Fittingly, a commemorative cake was cut by
Darren and Olympian Michelle Scutt, who were joined by some of the
many Olympians and international athletes to have been produced by
the club over the years.
As the formalities ended, the music played on and there were
further opportunities for everyone to dance, chat and celebrate,
with former members from as far away as Victoria, Australia and
Nevada, USA joined by people from all over the UK and locals from
Sale, Wythenshawe and other areas of Manchester. By the
close, everyone in attendance could sit and reflect on the perfect
way to celebrate 100 years of our club, and begin to think of ways
to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
The centenary dinner will be covered more extensively in a
special edition of The Harrier.