Keighley and Craven Athletics Club faces some 'special challenges' over the next 12 months, chairman John Dennis told last week's annual meeting.

In his last report before handing on the baton to John Preston, John Dennis said the past year was one of consolidation. "And like a fine wine it seems to be developing into a classic vintage," he said.

Athletically it looked good in all sections with the ladies especially strong. Socially he had never known the club better. "We are a very friendly club and there is generally a good crack when we're around and this really counts for a lot."

He highlighted a number of things the club needed to aim for in the next 12 months including better liaison with local schools and integration of the junior section. He also wanted to see a Tuesday club night, based at Greenhead track, with all members involved regularly.

Progress had been made on plans for a club headquarters with a commnity area including a coffee bar linked to changing facilities at Greenhead.

"There have been delays in doing the work but it is currently planned for March or April and we should be able to develop an excellent focal point for the club," he said.

Subscriptions are to go up for the first time to cover a new registration scheme being introduced by the Northern Counties Athletics Association details of which have yet to be announced. As an incentive 'earlybird payers' will be entered into a draw for Running Bear vouchers if they pay before the end of February.

Despite fewer competitors the Yorkshireman off-road marathon in September continued to be a keystone of the club's finances. The club had an end of year balance of almost £1,100.

Details of the club's championship programmes will be announced soon.

Information from the club can be obtained for Brett Weeden on 01535-654928.

n Over 200 runners are expected to take part in the 17 Soreen Stanbury Splash on Sunday.

The senior race starts at 11.30 am with junior races starting at 10.30 with events for Under-9's, 12's, 14's and 16's with each competitor receiving a 'Goody Bag.'

All runners in the senior race get a Soreen Malt Loaf donated by Warburton's bakers.

The seven mile race, which includes 1200ft of climbing starts from Penistone Hill Country Park, near Haworth, and heads past Ponden Reservoir with a hands and knees climb up to Ponden Kirk to Stanbury trig point and on the Pennine way back to the country park.

Entry is £2.50 for seniors and £1 for juniors.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.