EAST CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON ATHLETICS FORUM

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13 FEBRUARY 2006

 

Present:            N Rowe (Chair); P Ross (EVH); M & J Elliott/F Jenkins/B Aloof (IS);

B Phillips/M Bunting (TT); J Crockford/C Ede (DML); A Erith/P Parritt (ECH); C & J McGhee/S Payne/R Warne (PH); C Carpenter (PAC); D Hatch (Mhvn); F Elford; L Chatfield

 

Apologies:            C Bunting/ S Rose/D Dane/A Herdman/M Erith/K Rogers

 

Minutes of 9 January 2006 were agreed as being a true record.

 

MATTERS ARISING

Track:  Outdoor changing provision has not been officially handed over yet to Plymouth City Council by the contractors.  We are trying to secure part of the building for Sunday’s Hoe 10.  Recruitment process for staff has already started.  Discussions are also ongoing regarding setting up a separate company for managing the site.  Devonport Park and Mount Wise swimming pool may also be managed by the same company.  Bob Ivory due to come down.  C Carpenter reported that the track has been covered in mud as a result of footballers going on the track in their boots, instead of using ball boys.  Still waiting to hear about certification which is important as the first event is on the 2 April.  No news on the water jump.

 

3K Series on the Track:  Thanks to everyone who supported the event last week, particularly Keith and Jane.  Last event will take place on 8.3.06 – CC will speak to K Reed.  PAC are looking at mid week fixtures during the summer and possibly winter.  KR has now worked out results so far on a points system and it looks as though there are currently 15 different categories; therefore the Forum will contribute to the prizes as well as F Elford.  It was decided to reduce the number of vet categories by dividing them into 10 year age bands instead of 5 year.

 

Plymouth Hoe 10:  Entry now closed at 650.  Still taking entries for fun run.  Still need 3/4 marshals – names to Amanda Erith.  Some clubs are supplying lots of marshals and others only one or two.  There are roadworks around the course but hopefully these won’t interfere with the event.  The course was remeasured, thanks to John Crockford.  We should have plenty of Specials and a lead motor cycle.  Charlie Ede will be backmarking.  St Johns Ambulance suggest a “donation” of £350 for 3 ambulances + staff.  Last year we donated £200 and £150 the year before.  Please encourage club runners to use the bottom car park off Kings Road.

 

England Athletics:  Assessment centres were held for potential candidates after an internal trawl for regional manager posts.  Five people were offered jobs as Regional Managers – including Sonia Ellis for the SW.  Trawls are now being held externally to fill the other posts. 

 

Meeting with Chief Executive of England Athletics last week - confirmed that the governments of the sport will be handed over to England Athletics from 1.4.06.  Membership will be introduced from 1.4.07.  Territories will continue to issue permits until 31.12.06.  Affiliation to EA will run from 1.4.06.  Clubs will be sent a letter stating they will be affiliated to EA unless they write to the contrary.  The election process will cover the election of 5 people within the region. 

 

Finance:  J Crockford reported we have £15 in cash.  £11,421.03 in bank, mainly due to Hoe 10.

 

Sports Hall Event:  Devon came 5th and 6th in the finals at Paignton.  Cornwall came 3rd.

 

SEAA Cross County Championships at Bicton College:  Thanks to all who supported the event and congratulations to the athletes.  We did quite well as a region.  The number of officials brought in was questionable.

 

Plymouth Half Marathon:   Nothing to add except to say more help is needed.

 

Coaches Forum:  J McGhee reported that the venue had been changed to Brickfields in the hope that they may get more members.  However, more apologies were received than those present.  Concerns were raised about reduced attendance.  All coaches within the Coaching Forum to be asked whether there are any reasons why they don’t attend the meetings.  Next meeting provisionally arranged for 17.3.06 at Brickfields.  NR – development plan needs to be rewritten and coaching is an integral part of that.  The Forum subsidises clubs for their coaches’ training. 

 

Endurance Training:  S Payne – still going strong; attendance better than ever.  Thanks to John for his time.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

N Rowe - DML have spaces on their London Marathon trip – up Saturday, back Sunday - £85.  Active Devon Sports Awards – closing date for nominations 31.3.06.

 

A Erith – Bill Muller Memorial Run – 26.2.06. 

 

B Aloof – at the Moose Run people ran under “Devonshire” club.  People should be aware that they are not affiliated.

 

D Hatch – club member would like to enter some races in his electric wheelchair – he isn’t looking for prizes but would like to feel more involved.  Following discussion it was decided it was down to individual race organisers.  P Ross commented that insurance could be an issue.

 

C Ede – DML 5K entry forms available.

 

S Payne – Emma Anderson, Plymstock RR, won the Devon Under 15 cross country. 

Any news on the Taunton Half Marathon and Challenge?  P Ross working on team.

 

B Phillips – Saltash forms out, available on Sunday.  Kit Hill Run – forms also available on Sunday.

 

P Ross – received email from S Rose advising that Peter Ford, who does their race, has been talking to Bill Martin of the Herald who is keen to get a regular running slot in the paper.  It seems like a good idea.  Richard Bristow was previously our press officer but we haven’t had one since.  N Rowe will speak to Bill Martin in the first instance.

 

Email received from Bere Alston Trekkers who are interested in setting up a race and joining this group.  They may come along to a future meeting.

 

Unfortunately we can no longer use Windsor House.  Need to look at alternative venues.

 

List of races being put together covering road races, cross country etc.  Should be available on Pete Furley’s site.

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

13 March 2006.  Venue to be confirmed.