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Mighty Maurice’s major milestone

27/ 1/2004

EVERY so often a milestone comes along that just has to be recognised. On Saturday such a landmark was celebrated at Rochdale Judo Club.

President Maurice Clarke (third Dan) became the first person in the club's history to reach 50 years of service.

In his competitive career, 67-year-old Clarke mixed with the best.

Perhaps one of his most outstanding displays, ironically, was when he narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the British Open championships - beaten by legend Ray Neenan who went on to take gold.

Clarke's highlight, though, came when he met the founder of British Judo, Gunji Kiozumi.

"He was like a god to me at the time," he explained.

Maurice, of Whitworth, has made a massive contribution to the club's success over the years. He still coaches the junior section on a regular basis.

He clearly revels in his role of helping to bring a new era of talent to the fore. "I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing the younger ones at the club progress" said Maurice.

Friends and colleagues presented Maurice with a decanter and whisky glass on an engraved plinth as a mark of his achievement and a measure of their gratitude for his continued contribution.