Members of Tamar Trotters
8 August 2007
Dear All
Following the committee meeting on Monday 6th August 2007 we are providing the following information to reply to some of the questions raised on behalf of members and to hopefully clarify misunderstandings that appear to be circulating within the club. We have also included an update on the move to Aston House.
Agreement
with Saltash RFC
This runs out on the 31 August 2007 and although we asked for a new agreement several months ago no new agreement has been offered to date. In the discussions with the rugby club there has never been an option for us to continue to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays as the senior rugby teams were returning to training those nights. This is because the club house would be unable to accommodate that number of rugby players and runners at any one time and the parking problems would be greatly increased. We would also like to point out that we have received no other offer of staying at the rugby club.
Other
venues looked at and why they were considered not suitable
Ashtorre Rock, Waterside, Saltash
Findings: too small, only 2 toilets, limited routes for running without going up steep hills at start of running session, too far from lanes for most speed groups.
Football Club
Findings: parking ok, could not guarantee use of showers because of football matches, not sole use, share bar with social club members, would need to join social club to use bar.
Burraton Community Centre
Findings: poor parking, could not guarantee use every Tues and Thurs due to other commitments
Latchbrook Community Centre
Findings: Scouts already have a claim to the building and are due to develop the site and will use it most nights.
Wesley
Methodist Centre
Findings: limited toilets, other users
using parts of the building, could not use the gym area due to other users, poor
parking.
Community School
Findings: adequate parking, not available throughout the year though due to exams, school events, parents’ evenings etc. Additionally the hire costs worked out to over £100 per night due to the need to hire through Cornwall County Council rather than the school itself.
Primary Schools in Saltash
Findings: inadequate parking facilities and we could not negotiate on price.
Aston House
Findings: Sole use of two rooms; adequate parking; and good toilet facilities
Showers
in rugby club
You will have no doubt noticed that the tiles in the showers are being replaced just at the time we are about to leave the building. The money for the tiles was a grant to the rugby club/running club from Saltash Town Council. The grant was given for improvements to the rugby clubhouse.
Why
were members not given enough time to consider all options before making the decision?
We admit we got this wrong and if we had kept to the format of the agenda at the meeting on the 3 July and produced information beforehand particularly on the other options that had been considered then you would have been better informed.
Move
to Aston House
We have not signed a lease and any agreement we do sign will only be for a short time (probably 3 months) so we can keep our options open and remain flexible.
Shower
block (just outside main gate to rugby field)
These can be used when we move to Aston House and we already have a key.
On Saturday 25 August 2007 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. we will open Aston House for members to have a look around and the first day of training from there will be Tuesday 4 September.
We hope this goes some way to addressing the questions/concerns raised by many of the members but if you still have further questions please do not hesitate to speak to any of the committee. For questions on the financial side please speak to John Smith (Treasurer) who will provide more details which time did not allow for at the 3 July meeting.
Yours sincerely
Tamar Trotters Committee.