Welland Valley CC has elected the first woman chair in its near 100-year history.

At the club’s 2022 annual meeting on Monday, retired teacher Judith Rout took over the hot seat from Jonathan Durnin; who’s ‘done a Teresa / Boris / Liz’ in retiring to the back benches (after a rather more successful time as leader) to spend more time with his family and his bikes.

Jon first joined the club committee in 2015 before taking over the reins as chair in 2017.

Under his stewardship, the club has grown membership from 221 to 331 and significantly widened the range of activities and events on offer to members.

Jon said: “It’s been a real pleasure and a privilege to serve the club and members as chair for the past five years.  Welland Valley has become a real community and I am grateful for the time and support so many put in to make the club what it is today. I wish Judith and the committee well and look forward to the club thriving in the future.”

Judith said: “I feel somewhat nervous about following Jon in the role of chair. Thanks to his knowledge and commitment, the club is truly thriving and I’m so grateful for all he’s taught me this year.  I am both honoured and awed to be the new chair of the club. I take on the job secure in the knowledge that we have not just a really strong committee, but also a very supportive and engaged membership.”

Since joining Welland Valley, Judith has played a major role in increasing the number of women members. She leads club runs on Fridays and Sundays and is also a British Cycling Breeze Ride leader.

In addition to the change of chair at the annual meeting, TT secretary Tim Smith also stood down after three years in post – having expertly guided the club through the challenges of staging events during covid.

Newly elected to the committee were Kamila Leska, Andy Poulton and Rhys Thomas.

The painting by local artist, Maxine Dodd presented to Jon: Wet Night at Bruntingthorpe!