Hercules Wimbledon Moves back to Wimbledon Park Track.

Tuesday, November 7^th, was a big day in the history of Hercules Wimbledon Athletic Club. It officially moved back to Wimbledon Park athletics stadium, which interestingly straddles the London Boroughs of both Merton and Wandsworth.

It was historic in another sense too - it marked the first evening floodlight training session ever staged at a track, which was originally laid down back in 1952. The Government, to mark the 1951 Festival of Britain, provided the funds. It is owned and operated by Merton Council.

Cash for the training lights, which have cost around £30,000, was provided by the London Marathon Trust and their erection brings an end to a 10 year planning battle. Wandsworth Council had consistently refused planning permission for lighting for winter athletics' training at the track in the wake of a more contentious proposal in 1983 from Corinthian Casuals football club for 16 metre high floodlight pylons there. These were rejected following a lengthy public enquiry.

After careful negotiations with both Wandsworth Council and residents' groups on that side of the boundary, permission was given for the lighting scheme, which had its first test on November 7^th.

Hercules Wimbledon was formed in 1967 by the amalgamation of the former Wimbledon Athletics Clubs and was based at the Wimbledon Park track until 1985 when the whole surface became unusable and the club transferred to the new all weather track at Tooting Bec, where it shared the facility with other clubs.

"We are hoping that moving back to Wimbledon will form a springboard to take the club into the new millennium. We are eager that the communities living around the park in Southfields, Putney, Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Park will make use of the track now that it is available throughout the year," said Hercules Wimbledon coaching co-ordinator Dennis Roll.

He added: " I must stress we are a club which caters for men and women and boys and girls of all abilities from joggers to internationals and all age groups from 10 years upwards."

Apart from promoting track and field activity, Hercules Wimbledon also has cross country and road running sections. Anyone wanting further details should ring the information hot-line on 020 8870 1196.

Hercules Wimbledon athletes and coaches are now at Wimbledon Park track for training every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday mornings from 11:00.