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ISLE OF MAN FIXTURES

MRS JUDITH PERRIAM

Judith Perriam, one of Western AC’s hardest working and most loyal officials, passed away last week at the age of 59.

Judith was affectionately known as ‘Mother Hen’ by members of Western AC. All the children loved her and her gentle ways will be remembered by everyone who knew her.

Judith, along with Elaine Cain, organised the Annual Junior trips to Sale Harriers for many years, and, as Elaine Cain said, was the half of the duo who would mop up the tears of the younger members who were homesick or feeling sorry for themselves, whilst Elaine would keep rick on the others with the help of the regular travelling officials, Gordie Brew, Peter Kelly and Rosie Morrison.

Most of all, she was always on duty at the long jump pit – over at Sale and back home at Western. Her husband, John, would also be roped in when the need arose.

Judith and John have four children. Daniel, Ben, Alex and Ross, all of whom have been involved with Athletics whilst growing up. Ross, probably the best known for his success in the high jump – representing the Isle of Man on numerous occasions during recent years. Ross and his fiancee Louise are due to be married at the end of August this year.

Judith was so proud of her baby grandson, Samuel, born to Alex and Sarah only weeks ago and his photographs were viewed by all her many visitors during her time spent in hospital.

Judith will be sadly missed by her family and many friends both on and off the island.

Her funeral will take place on Wednesday at Peel Cathedral at 12.45pm and at Judith’s own request, no dark clothing is to be worn. Among those travelling to the island for the funeral will be her great friends, Anne and Graham Marshall from Sale Harriers.

REMEMBERING JUDITH PERRIAM – By Martin Aram

My joy at having retained my NatWest Island Games high jump title in Guernsey was tinged with sadness when I learned that Judith Perriam had passed away that very day.

I think Judith was about the first athletics official I met, as an enthusiastic nine year old, when I moved to the Island with my family ten years ago. Along with Gordie, Rosie, Elaine and the rest of the gang at Western A.C. she helped guide the early part of my budding athletics career and encouraged me as I progressed. She was always caring and unassuming and I never heard her voice raised in anger.

I have fond memories of the open meetings at the N.S.C., the trips to Sale Harriers, the Peel road runs and the wonderfully muddy cross-country course of that era! Judith was always there with a smile for everyone.

The lasting memories I have, are of Judith in the long jump pit at the N.S.C. on the Monday evening training nights and dancing with the youngest little athletes at the presentation evenings. She will be fondly and sadly missed.

I therefore dedicate my gold medal at the Island Games to the memory of Judith Perriam.

MRS JUDITH PERRIAM

A further tribute by Geoff Brew

I was off the Island recently in Brussels for work and on my return learned of the very sad loss of Judy on Sunday last 29th June.

As you probably know she has suffered with several illnesses during the past five or six years, and has coped with them with alarming courage, but alas those illnesses finally took their toll. And even when husband John was severely injured in a car crash three years ago, she held the family household and business together with such determination.

John and boys Ross, Alex, Ben and Daniel will miss her dreadful as she was a workaholic, both at work and at home.

She had been an active member of Western AC Committee for many years, a qualified official, and was instrumental in organising the annual visits to Sale Harriers or their trips to Peel, and the IOM in general. Her energies have been remarkable, and even the past two years when she knew she was again suffering with the start of this new illness which has taken her away.

Naturally we at Western will miss her over the coming months, but her memory will last with us probably forever, as she was just one of those reliable, caring and dedicated persons you just hope will one day turn up and help with anything you want doing. And do it well.

Her funeral is at Peel Cathedral on Wednesday 9th July at 12.45 and Judy’s request is ‘No Dark Clothing’.

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