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The British Judo Association’s
Volunteer of the Year prize has gone to Newbury Judo Club’s Jean
Beagley.
The Newbury Judo Club player
will receive the award at the National Governing Body’s Volunteer
Awards Dinner on Saturday 2 October at the Botanical Gardens in
Birmingham.
The 76-year-old was nominated
by the BJA’s South East Technical Officer Chris Doherty who said:
“Jean started judo aged 30 in 1964 while her three young boys
were members of Newbury Judo Club.
“Within two years she had
worked hard and gained her 1st Dan. Jean later qualified as a
referee and took charge of contests in France, Holland and Italy
before becoming an examiner in 1975.
“As an accomplished player
Jean was a member of the British squad and on one occasion at
the National Team Championships Jean won 16 consecutive fights.”
The Berkshire judo stalwart
started took up coaching in the 70’s and later added the role
of club treasurer to her ever-growing responsibilities.
“Along with coaching, Jean
became treasurer and set about securing a new venue for the club.
Jean sat in the council offices and refused to move until they
gave her some land to build a new facility for the club. The local
council helped with a grant but as treasurer, Jean did not want
the club to take out a loan so the children, parents and coaches
did all sorts of events to raise the money.
“Jean remained treasurer
for 30 years and after 40 years of coaching at the club decided
to hang up her Gi in June 2010. Many generations of local children
and adults have benefitted from her vast experience and knowledge
and Jean is now keeping a motherly eye on the young coaches currently
holding the club’s reins.”
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