Senior members of two athletics clubs in the county have shared their fond memories of Sir Frank Williams, who was involved with their clubs before his death.

Sir Frank, Founder of the Williams Formula One team based in Grove near Wantage, died on November 28 last year.

He was the longest-serving Team Principal Formula 1 has ever seen and marked 50 years as an F1 team boss in 2019.

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John Stead, president of Abingdon Athletics Club, and Dave Martin, founder of White Horse Harriers Athletics Club recalled their memories of the motor sporting legend.

Oxford Mail: Frank Williams running at an event Frank Williams running at an event

Mr Martin said: “Many people have been saddened at the loss last year of Sir Frank Williams, of Grand Prix fame, not least by members of Abingdon ACC, of which he was a member, and White Horse Harriers ACC for his generosity.

“On a chance meeting John and I talked of Frank and the absence in the obituaries of any mention of his love for running and his contribution to the two clubs. In the early 80’s John struck up a friendship with Frank at a local race in which they had competed, after which they became training partners, covering many miles together on the lonely road of the long distance runners. Frank, as an unattached runner soon became a member of the Abingdon outfit, at John’s invitation.”

Mr Martin called Sir Frank a “great asset” to the team and recalled he turned out as “as often as his Grand Prix commitments would allow”.

At Abingdon ACC there is a trophy dedicated to Sir Frank which is awarded every year to the winner of the club’s annual Christmas Pud Half marathon.

Oxford Mail: Dave Martin Founder of White Horse Harriers Athletics Club, John Stead president of Abingdon Athletics Club, Tom King coach at White Horse Harriers Athletics Club and Andy Garner coach at Abingdon Athletics ClubDave Martin Founder of White Horse Harriers Athletics Club, John Stead president of Abingdon Athletics Club, Tom King coach at White Horse Harriers Athletics Club and Andy Garner coach at Abingdon Athletics Club

Sir Frank’s “generosity” was also praised by the pair.

Mr Stead explained when Williams Racing transferred from Didcot to Grove hMr Martin approached the company about a donation to the club’s half marathon event.

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He said: “Frank wrote back to say ‘that it would be inappropriate for his company to do so, please accept my personal donation’, a person cheque to the sum of £300. It was of course accepted and a letter of gratitude posted.

“Dave also invited Frank to do the club the honour of presiding over the prize giving at the event but owing to his considerable commitments to Williams Racing it was, with regret, not possible to accept.”

The pair added: “His generosity and support for both clubs says much about Frank Williams the runner.”

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