We are TWO years old !!
Yes, unbelievably as it sounds given how much the club has already achieved, Tyne Bridge Harriers celebrates it’s 2nd Birthday this week.
And like any other two year old, the club continues to develop and grow in stature (not to mention causing a little mischief now and then 
)
In the space of two years the club has expanded from an initial membership of 18 to a figure now approaching 250, with each new member bringing a unique quality to TBH. So, a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved with the club and to those who have supported us during our short existence.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TBH
The future is bright, the future is Black & White!!
Early History
A group of senior men had been regularly training together meeting at houses in Wallsend, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay in North Tyneside. The issue of forming a brand new club was broached by Kenny Mac late in 2010 during a traditional, long run on a Sunday morning. This was followed by a meeting involving a wider group of established runners in Balmoral Terrace, South Gosforth shortly after Christmas and before the New Year celebrations. The meeting continued in ‘The Victory’ pub in South Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Plans were made to have a further meeting to progress the launching of a new club.
A more formal meeting was held early in 2011 in ‘The Jolly Bowman’ pub in Hadrian Park. This meeting was chaired by Chris Robson.
First Training Session – 18th Jan 2011
TBH 18/01/11 L-R: Rob Kirtley, Kerry Reed, Catherine Willis, Steve Allerdyce, Steve Hargreaves, Dave Anderson, Chris Mitsides, David Daniels, Kenny Mac, Sean Kelly, Gareth Huxley, Louis Goffe, Derek Reed, Dave Moir. photo: Tony Carter
On Tuesday 18th January 2011, the first training session of the new club, provisionally named Newcastle Harriers, took place. The club used the East End Pool, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne as its meeting point and base. The first training session was attended by fifteen people. The session consisted of 8 x 0.5 miles with 90 seconds recovery.
Those in attendance were Rob Kirtley, Kerry Reed, Catherine Willis, Steve Allerdyce, Steve Hargreaves, Dave Anderson, Chris Mitsides, David Daniels, Kenny Mac, Sean Kelly, Gareth Huxley, Louis Goffe, Derek Reed, Dave Moir & Tony Carter
A lot has happened since then, most significantly the change of name to Tyne Bridge Harriers, but what hasn’t changed is the friendliness and enthusiasm that permeates every training session. Whether a member can run 5K in 15 minutes or 35 minutes, they are treated as equals, shown the same respect and admiration as every other club member.
2012 was a momentous year for TBH, with spring witnessing both the men and women winning promotion in their first season of competition in the North East Harrier League cross country championships. This was followed in the summer by the men qualifying for the prestigious National 6-Stage Road Relay Championships. And it wasn’t just club success that brought recognition to TBH. In June, Steve Cairns won the Tynedale 10K road race, and in November Steve, Keith Smith and Kenny Mac represented their country in the British Masters Cross Country Championships, held in Belfast. But whilst it’s tremendous to have members picking up international caps, it’s just as inspiring when a member completes their first marathon (Jude Smith), an ultra-marathon (John Hurse finished the Comrades event under 9 hours) or a member runs a sub-40 minutes 10K for the 1st time (Rob Kirtley). The list of members who recorded a PB (Personal Best) in the past twelve months would go on and on (and on), and that is what Tyne Bridge Harriers is all about, aspiring to be the very best you can become.
Join TBH
If you are currently looking for assistance with your training and would like to be part of a forward thinking club & our growing success, we would love to see you. Whether you are an established runner or someone taking their very first running steps.
Come along to one of our sessions held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We meet in the foyer at The East End Pool & Library, Shields Road, Byker from 6:00 pm and sessions start at 6:30 pm.
We have 5 different training groups, from fast paced runners to slower runners and those returning from injury. There is a group for everyone and no-one gets left behind in training.
Come and try a few sessions to see if it is what you are looking for before you make any decisions to join.
Have a look around this website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
20 Responses
A great article Shades, sums up the club brilliantly. An unbelievable two years of growth and development. Happy Birthday TBH
cheers Dave .. but it was DD who wrote most of this.. :-), I just lumbered him with the idea .. Thanks DD
Still a great idea and cheers to the legend that is DD for writing the article.
Amazing what the club has become in such a short space of time! Happy Birthday TBH, and especially thanks to the coaches, committee etc. who’ve helped it grow to what it is
Brilliant article Rob & DD, happy birthday TBH!
As one of the runners who used to meet at various houses around North Tyneside, I have to admit to being fairly sceptical when the idea of setting up a new running club was mentioned. How wrong could I have been
Congratulations to everyone involved with TBH. Now where’s that birthday cake!!
One of my better decisions in life. I think it was Deka who thought of the name. Rob K rightly one TBH member of the year in 2011 for the work he did.every member has made this club a success. Happy Birthday. ….
yey, Happy Birthday to TBH.
Still remember the first session so well off down walkergate… we all went out as one group as there were only a few of us and we helped each other along, all different running abilities, but one unit
great night and look how far we’ve come! We’d struggle to get out as one group now, way too many peeps! Onwards and upwards to TBH – may our success long continue!
It would be a sight to behold if we could all go out again as one group and do a session together. Different group members mingling and helping each other out.
I can picture the headline now “A tidal wave of black and white vests swept along the quayside”
Well done DD for a smashing celebratory piece, and a joyful reminder of how far the club has progressed in the past two years. This wonderful sport of ours is blessed with the capacity to change so many lives for the better, and joining a club is one of the best ways to enjoy the fellowship and comradeship of other like-minded people. Everyone who has been associated with TBH should be justly proud of their contribution to this wonderful club – Happy Birthday!!!
Great summary Rob, inspired to got for a run now….
I remember we all agreed on Micky Baker saying “surely the club can’t get any bigger” when we had Brian Scott and Daniel Coyle presented with T.shirts for being the joint 50th members.
Then it was Holly White and James Robson our joint 100th members and we agreed with Micky again when he said “it must stop at some point”.
Steve Allerdice will correct me but I think we now have 240 members and I don’t think it will stop growing as the well organised sessions and friendliness of all members making all who come to TBH feel welcome.
Great write up Rob and David , Happy Birthday TBH !
Great article Rob!
Can’t believe TBH is 2 years old today, the time has flown by so fast!
So much has been achieved in such short period of time, the energy, drive and commitment shown by every member is what makes us the great club we are, long may it continue
Happy Birthday everyone!
Great article! Happy birthday TBH
Ahh many a great idea was spawned in the Vic, none better than TBH though. Great article. Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday TBH! Coming up to my 1 year TBH anniversary and I couldn’t imagine being part of a nicer club. Long may it continue!
Many more birthdays to come I hope. Quick pub quiz question…Who is not in the photo because they are taking it? This person was also part of the first club session.
the post has been updated
Happy Birthday TBH. I hope it NEVER stops
Happy birthday TBH, and many more