MINUTES OF EAST CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON
ATHLETICS FORUM
9 JUNE 2003
Present: P Ross (Chair)
J Crockford/I McLeod/C Ede (DML); S Rose (PRR); C & M Bunting/
B Phillips/K O’Reilly (TT); M & J Elliott/F Jenkins (IS); C Carpenter/ P Wearne (PAC); M & A Erith/A Smyth (ECH); N McClung (TAC); J McGhee/R Warne/A & J Sparrow/S Payne (PH); D Hatch (Mhvn)
Apologies: N Rowe; K Reed and S Endacott
Paul welcomed representatives from Plymouth Harriers – Steve Payne and Alan Sparrow – Chair and Vice respectively.
Charlie Ede is the new Vice Chairman of DML.
Brickfields: Lottery bid submitted by the Council for retexturing the track and floodlight provision; expected to hear in about 8 weeks. Exeter’s bid did not get any Council support, which is good for us as the only Devon bid.
Half Marathon: Thanks to clubs and members for their support. Wash up last week – most feedback was positive.
City Centre Mile: Held day after Half Marathon. Attendance was very poor – 30+ across three races with about 2000 supporters. N Rowe suggested we give it a miss as we have tried for three yeas but it has never got off the ground.
Forthcoming Events: Sports Bug was held yesterday. Race for Life this Sunday – 15/16 marshals needed for the day please; meeting at our white van in Cottage Field, Central Park. Last year for Central Park with 2004 seeing a change of venue. Other supporters for their races charge and we will definitely do so next year.
Membership Scheme: You are aware that the membership scheme was abandoned and letters and questionnaires have been sent out on its future. It was generally felt that the benefits were questionable. General discussion followed. One question was “what would you be prepared to do in the future”. EVH said they would like to break away to the South West Athletics Association, from the SEAA. Obviously there could be advantages and disadvantages.
Clock: The next event is the Hope 5. A member of Plymouth Harriers asked to borrow the clock for a junior school triathlon event. Following much discussion it was voted on.
For: 2
Against: 2
Chairman had the deciding vote – against.
Inventory of Equipment Owned by the Forum: A list was distributed to all member clubs. It should read 24 traffic cones, not 20. J Crockford asked if this had to be noted as an asset and depreciation noted.
Devon League Track and Field Meeting: Open to Cornwall athletes. 22nd June 2003 at Brickfields. Helpers and competitors required. Last week we tried to organise an open meeting. 40+ came along and enjoyed the meeting. Numbers a bit light and disappointing. Next meeting 19th July 2003 for athletes aged 17 and under. Trophies for first three and school. Details on PAC website. Another open meeting is planned for 10th September at 6.30 pm, including Devon County 10K Championships. Cornwall clubs are welcome to come along and run as guests.
List of equipment available for Brickfields.
The company developing Brickfields is trying to get funding for a sports hall. N Rowe has written to them expressing our interest in the proposal and possible use thereof. Nigel is attending a relevant meeting. We may be expected to provide some capital investment which will be looked into.
J Crockford does not yet have this month’s accounts. However, £804 has been received from Devon AAA for putting on the Devon Championships. £4,500 in bank.
S Rose asked if anyone had any contacts for scaffolding as scaffolding is required at the start for the Duckponds. C Bunting will approach his contact.
B Phillips asked if applications for coaching places had to be in writing. Agreed – one from each club. If you get funding from elsewhere, do not apply for the same person from more than one source.
F Jenkins thanked everyone who took part in the IS Scenic Challenge. He was disappointed with numbers. Constructive criticism to Fred or Graham French please.
M Erith advised that there is due to be a children in athletics coaching course in St Austell on 5 July, but this may be cancelled due to lack of support. £25 if you book from Jackie Brett.
P Wearne was pleased to report that PAC are winning the league. They were penalised for not having 9 officials (no room for them as there were so many children on the coach!). It is good to see so much interest.
C Ede thanked everyone for turning up on Saturday night for the 5k.
N McClung reminded everyone that the Tavy 10 relay race and fun run is on 17 July, 6.30 pm start.
A Sparrow said Harriers’ race entry forms will soon be available.
D Hatch said their race on 21 June will now be 300m longer than before. He said at last Saturday’s race two Moorhaven runners came into together but their times were given as 2 minutes apart. C Ede will look into this.
P Ross reported as follows:
Officials and Running and Walking Courses: Paul asked if there was any interest and whether we could get 15 names. If so a course could be arranged for mid/late September.
UKA Issues: There are proposed changes for age groups for juniors in various events: under 13 (male and female) – 3k; 13-15 – 5k and others proposed.
It is proposed that masters for both men and women should start at 40.
Events Safety Code: Each County has received a copy to look at and make amendments to by end of this month.
New Proposals for Events on the Road: Safety Advisory Group for each Council. Permit applications would have to be received a lot earlier than previously.
Road Race Handbook: Currently in print and will be issued within the next few weeks.
Report on Medical Aspects of Road Races: Available for £7.50. Advisory at present. Races will be graded for the amount of cover.
South Hams Relays: 4 July. K Reed will send copies out to each club.
14 July 2003 at 7.30 pm.