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The League has been informed of the recent death of Ken Westley. Ken was latterly a member of West Bromwich Harriers. Before that he had been involved with Smethwick Harriers and also Halesowen A & C.C.

Ken was a keen advocate of the Birmingham & District Cross Country League and throughout his life kept in touch with what was going on. He was a frequent attendee at our AGM’s and would make sure the current Secretary always had “stamps” so he could keep receiving the results.

He was one of the “founding fathers” of the Midland Veterans A.C. (now Midland Masters A.C.)

Over his long life he enjoyed all aspects of our sport from road running, cross country, track and onto the fells. Indeed it is believed that he was one of the very early members of the FRA.

He ventured far & wide for his sport often on impulse. His main competitive portfolio was cross country and road running up to a distance of about 15 miles. He did many of the “classics” of our sport such as Nos Galan in Mountain Ash on New Year’s Eve in the late 50’s & early 60’s. Such races were an adventure to be savoured.

He undertook many administrative tasks within the clubs & associations he was a member of over the years. He was variously a Secretary, Newsletter Editor and Promoter. At many events he would help officiate.

He was very keen on the conservation of athletic history and the League has indeed benefitted over the years from his archives with early copies of race results regularly finding their way onto this website. He also lodged near complete sets of West Bromwich Harriers Newsletters and also the MVAC/MMAC newsletters at local archives to ensure preservation. He very much enjoyed reading of great athletes such as Arthur Newton & Emil Zatopek.

His network of athletic friends, rivals & associates extended around the Midlands and beyond.

He was able to see the benefits that athletics and running could bring to a person - not just from the competitive angle but to life in general. He communicated well and inspired many he came into contact with through the clubs he was involved with.

Our thoughts are with his family.

Cards of condolence can be sent to - A Westley & Family, 12 Middlefield Lane, West Hagley, Stourbridge. DY9 0PX.

More details when/if available