Items of Interest 1999.

 1.                     Memorial Service for J.C. Rice

Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of

John Charles (J.C) Rice  M.B.E

born 6th March 1905 - died 12th August 1999.

held at 

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King,

Mount Pleasant, Liverpool.

Thursday 20th January 2000.

On a blustery afternoon, family, friends and colleagues of J.C. Rice gathered at the Cathedral to give thanks for his life. It was poignant to hear the organ playing the theme music to 'Chariots of Fire' at the beginning of the service, and the same music is played on the club web page.  

The service was led by: The very  Rev.Frank Dickinson (C.S.S.R), The Rev. Angus Duncan. B.Eng (Liverpool) and The Rev. Tom Farrell. B.D. (London).

Members of Liverpool Harriers along with senior figures from the world of athletics paid homage to J.C. Rice. As a youngish member of Liverpool Harriers it was a privilege to listen and hear of the life of J.C.Rice.  

A reception then followed in the cathedral tearooms.

Below is a few words from the current Chairman - T.J.O'Mahoney.

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The death of our President Charles Rice marks the end of an era: lasting 70yrs, during which he was for most of that time the dominant force in the club's progress. He joined the club in 1923 at the age of 18 and within a few years had become the Club Treasurer and a most influential voice  in committee, at the same time he had become a leading cross country and middle distance runner and a mainstay in our track and field teams. A severe chest infection returned from time to time for the rest of his life, but failed to diminish his extensive work in athletics.

He then became a spokesman locally and represented Liverpool on Northern Counties committees. At the start of the 1939-45 War, all the young club members disappeared in to the armed forces where they spent what would have been their best years athletically.

Charles Rice and one or two others kept the club ticking over until it was reactivated in 1944. He introduced a forward looking youth policy that led to the Sangster Cup race, a rapid build in our young cross country teams, and honours at National level from 1947 - 1956. On the track he was a leading coach and an official of such high standing that he was a field judge at the 1948 Olympics in London. Under his guidance many promising athletes emerged and in 1956 Tom Farrell and Ken Box represented G.B. in the Melbourne Olympics. These were the first of a stream of club members who achieved international honours with his help and encouragement.

Despite growing responsibilities at the A.A.A. and becoming Northern A.A Secretary (1969 -92), he maintained a very active interest in our expanding club and was always available for advice when required. He was involved in club affairs to the very end and will indeed be missed from his chair in the corner of the club house.

A man of integrity, ideas, innovations and loyalties.

A lovely man.

T.J O'Mahoney (Chairman).

2.    The Club went live on the web at 18.00hrs on 31st December 1999.