Episode 31: Trackside at Norman Park with Blackheath and Bromley Harriers athletics club

From 5 year old athletes, to elite international athletes and Paralympians, Blackheath and Bromley Harriers athletics club is a crucible of talent in the heart of Bromley.

Bromley Buzz co-presenter Darren Weale interviews club President Nic Corry and Trustee Chris Hilditch trackside at the Norman Park athletics ground, on a sunny winters day. Nic talks about their new community centre, a project seven years in the making and due to open later in 2022, and that only after the site was scanned for unexploded wartime bombs. 

Among the sporting highlights, the pole vault team earn a mention, along with anticipation for the Channel Islands match in April, and the history of the club, which was created in 1869 and has had its Bromley base now for 150 years. Many an athlete is talked about, from the wonderfully nicknamed Sydney 'The Mighty Atom' Wooderson, to Adam Gemili, Dina Asher-Smith, Daisy Snell, parathletes Hollie Arnold and Prince Reid, and veterans such as Helen Godsell and Ken Daniel.  

Reference is made to young athletes including the Bees Academy for ages 5 to 11 years old, and their personal development and academic progress, and the great value to the club of its volunteers, and the Kent Young Athletes League - which brings 2,500 visitors to the track four times a year. Local schools and sports days at the ground are mentioned, as is race walking. 

It is quite a special place, with a unique atmosphere. And here, as Nic said, "You can run on the same track as one of the fastest women in the world."

We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. #bromleybuzz