4J Awards Dinner presents chance to thank new Honorary Life Members
Five of our six Honorary Life Membership recipients over the past two years gather at the 4J Awards Dinner (L-R): Charlie Forbes, Neil Renton, Brenda Stephen, Anne Stewart, Ricky Taylor (photo by Bobby Gavin)
*Margaret Brown, a 2024 recipient, missed the Awards Dinner presentation.
Honorary Life Membership list (via History section on this website)
Honorary Life Membership is bestowed on deserving individuals via our Annual General Meeting.
David Ovens chaired the AGM for the fourth time in Septembar with a quorate online audience.
Following that meeting, this year we were delighted to confirm the Honorary Life Membership status is now afforded to Neil Renton, Brenda Stephen and Anne Stewart.
The accolades were celebrated for this trio at the 4J Annual Awards Dinner in November with presentations by David and Board member, Jill O’Neill.
In addition, with the 2024 AGM having taken place after the Awards Dinner, we celebrated the HLM status for Margaret Brown, Charlie Forbes and Ricky Taylor.
Honorary Life Membership status conferred for Margaret, Charlie, Ricky
Here are the citations for the 2025 HLM recipients . . .
Neil Renton
Neil has dedicated over four decades to athletics in Scotland, contributing as a coach, team manager, photographer and administrator.
A competitive distance runner with Gala Harriers since 1982, he served in many committee roles, including president during the club’s centenary year. Since becoming a coach in the 1990s, he has developed athletes across all age groups to national success.
Neil played a key role in forming Team Borders and has managed East District and Scottish teams at events across the UK, including the London Mini Marathon.
Professionally involved in sport since 2004, Neil has led numerous development programmes, including the Borders Schools Cross Country Championships, Sportshall Athletics and the Athlete Support Programme. He also helped deliver the Borders Sports Academy, supporting young athletes across multiple sports.
His photography at events has become a familiar and valued presence, widely shared by clubs and scottishathletics alike.
Brenda Stephen
Brenda began officiating in 1990 and has since become one of Scotland’s most experienced and respected field Officials.
Gaining her Level 4 qualification in 2007, she has held key roles including Field Referee, Meeting Manager and Technical Manager, and has officiated at countless local, national and international events, including the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and multiple British Championships and Diamond Leagues.
A calm and supportive presence, she is highly valued in leadership roles such as Call Room Manager. Brenda served eight years as the Officials Commission Secretary and helped to produce over 50 newsletters.
Now leading the Communications and Education group, she continues to mentor and tutor new officials, sharing her expertise with passion and generosity. A field tutor and long-time member of mentoring and peer groups, Brenda has given 35 years of enthusiastic service, always encouraging others to grow and succeed.
Anne Stewart
Anne has dedicated over 40 years to athletics, beginning as a supportive parent at Giffnock North AC before becoming a coach and Official.
Specialising in sprints and hurdles, she gained Level 3 coaching qualifications and continues to coach U17s, U20s, Seniors and Masters sprinters with passion and commitment. A qualified timekeeping official, Anne has officiated at all levels of competition across Scotland and played a key role in organising leagues and club events.
Anne also worked full-time as Scottish Athletics Coach Education Administrator for six years, all while continuing to coach and officiate.
Her resilience through periods of ill health, her mentorship of young coaches, and her leadership in organising club championships and community events reflect her unwavering dedication.
Now approaching her 80th birthday, Anne remains a pillar of Giffnock North AC and a widely respected figure whose longevity and legacy have enriched athletics across Scotland.
David Ovens and Jill O’Neill join 2024 HLM recipient Ricky Taylor and Charlie Forbes at our 2025 4J Awards (Margaret Brown wasn’t in attendance on the night)
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