Athletics in the UK: The Rise and Fall of the BAF

57 BAF is born President: Arthur McAllister Chairman: Bill Evans Vice-Chairman: Les Jones Honorary Treasurer: John Lister Honorary Secretary: David Bedford There was some discussion as to whether Mike Farrell, the General Secretary (a professional position), should be appointed as the company secretary (a legally required position) and whether, in addition, there should be an honorary secretary. Tradition, and politics, prevailed and David Bedford was appointed as honorary secretary and became the company secretary also. The membership of the Management Board was also settled and the five members in addition to the officers were Ian Clifton (representing cross country), Alan Warner (representing road running), Gordon Wright, Norma Blaine and Derek Johnson. The mood at the first meeting of the new Council was upbeat with much talk of a new beginning, the end of old divisions, working together for the good of the sport, and so on. How long would it last? In parallel, the AAA, having changed its name to AAA of England, put in place its own new organisation. At the first meeting of its General Committee, in October 1991, Marea Hartman was elected President, with David Cropper as Chairman, Geoff Clarke as Honorary Treasurer and Derek Johnson as the new Honorary Secretary. In Part ll, I will describe the ways that the management of the business of the sport developed following the big change in fortunes in 1985 and how the BAF ultimately failed.