BRISTOL AND WEST AC MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2011 – WHITEHALL ATHLETICS ARENA

Present: C Knibb, K Brackstone, H Nash, D Taylor, C Elson, M Down, D Wolfe, N Diamond.

  1. Apologies: M Strange, S Lowrey, C Preston
  2. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting on 14.10.11 were approved and signed.

Actions Taken:

  • No-one has come forward for the roles of U11/U15 Cross Country Team Manager. KB will ask parents at training (Action KB).
  • Disabled Athletes. It was acknowledged that the Club has members with learning difficulties and KB will contact Yate AC to share good practice. (Action KB).
  • Recruitment of young athletes. KB has produced flyers and handed these out at primary and secondary schools events. He has met with Schools Games Officers and is meeting with Beth Jones at WellswaySchool in the near future.
  • Track and Field Awards. Two recreational runners have volunteered to organise a social event and 12 people have so far shown an interest in attending. It was agreed that the awards for senior/U20 athletes would be presented at the AGM. Names of potential winners were discussed.
  • BristolCity Games. CK will speak to the County with regards to Open Meetings. (Action CK)
  • Facilities. KB will meet with Paul Skipp to continue to discuss the maintenance of facilities at Whitehall. (Action KB).
  • Hargreaves Scholarships. MD will confirm with Peter Hargreaves the exact nature of these awards for 2012, and produce a schedule of names with recommended amounts for discussion at the next committee meeting. (Action MD).
  • Club Accounts. CP and KB still need to review the accounts. (Action CP/KB with DW).
  • Pole Vault Pole. KB has spoken with Mrs Bryan with regards to the purchase of a new pole, but no decision has yet been made. The Club has now reimbursed Mrs Bryan £150 for an old pole that is now in club use.
  • Road Sign. KB has written to Bristol City Council to request signage to Whitehall Athletics Arena.
  • Tent. KB has purchased a new tent frame and cover and these will be added to the store at Whitehall.
  1. Club Development.

Potential areas for development were discussed:-

  • Volunteers are needed for team management positions and as officials. KB will continue to investigate this with parents.
  • The possible introduction of a ‘Winter Series’ with parents officiating.
  • The possible establishment of tutorials ‘Introduction to…………… …………….(events, officiating etc). These could be run by experienced Club members in the meeting room at Whitehall on Wednesday evenings.
  • The possible introduction of a Sports Hall event after the Bristol Schools in January.
  • Improved relationship with the press.
  • Continue to forge links with schools.
  1. Club Financial Plan and Interim Accounts.

DW spoke to the draft budget. The Club is in a healthy position (£6161 in current account, £9117 in business account and £12,000 in a higher interest bond). Track fees have increased considerably from 2010 and increased recruitment has raised the income from subscriptions. However, the track hire figure will increase in the future as will transport costs. Discussion regarding subscription fees will take place at the next meeting with a decision for 2013 presented at the AGM.

  1. Road relays and Cross Country Championships.

National Road Relay Championships – U17 Men – Gold

Senior Women – Bronze

Senior Men – 6th

U17 Women – 9th

National Cross CountryU17 Men – 4th

U17 Women – 6th

Senior Women – 4th

U20 Men – 4th

These were very good results and it was excellent to have so many teams competing with lots of new members taking part.

  1. Track and Field Leagues AGM Reports.
  2. Avon League. The dates have been set for next season. A volunteer is needed as Results Coordinator.
  3. NJL/NYAL. HN will report back after the AGM on 19.11.11.
  4. British League. The clubs involved are Bournemouth, Cambridge Harriers (Kent), Mansfield Harriers, Nene Valley Harriers, Reading and B and W.There will be 4 fixtures and the League will help to fund transport costs. U17 athletes will be allowed to compete, but they need to be at Grade 3 level in the Standards scheme. CK will establish who provides the officials for the League meetings.(Action CK).
  5. Midland League. The club needs to recruit more senior female athletes if this team is not to suffer next season.
  1. Mike Sully/Gemma Butler/McCains.

This proved to be an extremely successful weekend. 970 people ran in the fun run event and 717 finished. Athletes paid £22 entry and so Cancer Research was delighted! Run Bristol will run this event again in 2012. The McCain Challenge will also be repeated again next year. There was much positive feedback and lots of coverage in the press/Athletics Weekly etc. Things to be resolved before next year:-

  • Should the Gwent League event be incorporated or should their date change?
  • Possible team events e.g. Regional/Celtic/Club?
  • Date for next year.

There was a vote of thanks for KB and all of the Club members who helped out during the weekend.

  1. Membership.

A list was circulated from MS and all new members were accepted.

  1. Secretary.

Nothing to report.

  1. AOB.
  2. KB will start targeting independent schools with regards to recruitment.
  3. A system is needed for people to sign in on arrival for training sessions, both for Health and Safety and because the Bristol City Council require usage numbers for the track.

Next meeting – Friday 16th December (Whitehall Athletics Arena, 7.30pm)