The Lancaster & Morecambe AC Hall of Fame has only one starting place and it would be erroneous to not honour the remarkable Arnold Bibby.
Arnold Bibbys’ contribution to athletics spans many decades and roles: athlete, statistician, historian, timekeeper and club committee member.
Our oldest & possibly proudest member, Arnold Bibby was the secretary when Primrose Harriers and Lunesdale Athletic Club amalgamated in 1962 which saw the pathway for Lancaster & Morecambe AC to be formed.
A wonderfully versatile runner, Arnold had success from the mid-1950s with the earliest record being the Galgate 8miles 6th April 1953 seeing Arnold storm to victory in 49 minutes. From Galgate you can imagine just how hilly that route might have been!
Many of the records held by Arnold are not over your standard distances of 5km, 10km or 10miles but races like 4miles and seven eighths and 5miles and four-fifths which demonstrated that at the time it was about the racing rather than PB’s or medals.
Cross Country & Road performances through the ’50s and ’60s demonstrated just how versatile and resilient Arnold was taking many titles and club championships on the road & country. His consistency and commitment were second to none!
Arnold has also made an important contribution to Lancaster & Morecambe AC off the track as an ever-present club official as a Grade 1 Timekeeper. If Arnold was on the stand you knew the times were spot on.
For many years Arnold was helped by his biggest supporter, Mary. Both Arnold & Mary ran the club shop with precision and always happy to support club events. If Arnold & Mary were involved you knew it was going to be a good day.
Arnold's commitment to Lancaster & Morecambe AC has been an inspiration to many of its clubs members with Arnold being invited to complete the 50th lap of 50 lap anniversary event marking the clubs birthday. Arnold was surrounded by members young & not so young but the love for Arnold was evident.
Arnold will always be remembered as a club legend and therefore earns his rightful place in the Lancaster & Morecambe AC Hall of Fame.
