| Chapter 4 1969 to 1989 (page 49)
stayed to become established Seftonians, and make it through to
the Senior ranks.
With hindsight it could be argued that a long established club
has a better chance of surviving a lean period, than has a newly formed
one has establishing itself from scratch. This case is put forward from
the standpoint of an already established club having the necessary
infrastructure which has been functioning for a long time. There will be
people who are conversant with the business of an athletics club. In
addition, there is a wealth of inherited experience in a club which has
existed for 80 years. these factors, combined with tears of habit, kept
us going. There always has been Committee Meetings, AGMs; election of
Officials; paying ones affiliation fees, entering teams for
championships ect; so we just kept on doing it despite disappointments
and setbacks. It has been observed earlier in this history that
"man is a creature of habit".
When the lean years of the 1970s are discussed, they appear
to take on a gloomy aspect in the imaginations of our more recent
members. In fact, the complete opposite was the case. As one who
was fully involved during that period, the author can vouch for it being
a time of very happy comradeship. True to that observation that
"external enmity breeds internal amity", the Club spirits were
never higher than when we were in adversity. We competed in the same
championships, albeit with weak teams, had companionable coach trips,
and were involved in many activities.
During the 1970/71, at the popular request of members, we
undertook a series of sponsored runs/walks. The first one was to raise
money for seriously depleted Club funds. This was a moderate success,
and was followed by others. Turning our attention outwards, we donated
the proceeds of these to a local charity. Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Fund was a main beneficiary. these activities raised morale as well as
money and fostered the concept of working together.
1971 was a year of departures in one way and another as it marked
the deaths of three of our longest serving members. At the AGM that year
our President, Stan Lubbock spoke about Arthur Hill, Bill Davies and Ted
Rogers, and the meeting stood in tribute to their memory.
On a much less sombre note; a good Pembroke friend of ours Danny
Gilfoyle, emigrated to South Africa. This is mentioned as it
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