Alistair Hill and Charlie Burke just back from Madeira. Alistair with brilliant results,  a one gold and one silver medal and Charlie with lots of satisfaction at still competing in Masters athletics against the best in Europe, striving to keep old age at bay. Two personal bests (hammer and 200m) and two efforts just short of season’s bests. An exciting and worthwhile trip. Any of you older athletes out there, why not give track and field a go next year. Six Monday evenings during the summer, plus the NEMAA Championships in June. All at Jarrow (could share lifts if interest shown). All abilities take part, from just trying it to European and World Champions.

The dramatic location of the main stadium at Ribeira Brava, during Charlies’ discus event.