MINUTES OF EAST CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON ATHLETICS FORUM

Apologies: D Hatch; G Sansom; R Warne; C & C Ede

It was agreed the minutes were a true reflection of the previous meeting.

Nigel welcomed Louise Oates, Sports Development Manager, Plymouth City Council, to the meeting.

Louise gave an update on Brickfields.

City Athletics Refurbishment Fund - ring fenced lottery money. We are about to submit a bid.

Two main parts of work – floodlights and retexturing of the track with various small bids for work. Other things we may have liked done are not eligible. We have to match fund – 25%; the money is secure for this. Lottery bid being submitted on 9.6.03. We have five years to draw the money down, ie floodlighting is more important than retexturing which could wait for a year or two.

We have had problems with the track certification from when we took it over from the MoD. We had hoped this would be done last season. Last Wednesday afternoon the pole vault was sorted – it is now up and running and ready to use. We are unable to have a metal cover due to the pit being larger than last time and costs involved. LO is meeting someone on site this week to try and get this done. She is also discussing with PCFE to see if their students could do a design and build.

LO is aware that there is an athletics meeting at the end of March and advised that the pole vault will be available for that day but not for training. Next league meeting on 10^th May gives us a bit of time. Situation will be reviewed again. S Endacott had seen a second hand metal cover advertised in an athletics magazine which he will look into.

There are concrete hazards around the pole vault etc; contractors resurfacing under high jump and pole vault beds, going underneath and 1.5m around each site. The high jump will be done first.

As from 1 April 2003 bookings for Brickfields will be going through the Mayflower Centre (tel 08703 000040). All bookings for football, swimming facilities etc will go through the Mayflower Centre also.

M Erith asked about athletes who turn up during the day. LO said they intend to have a proper management present on site in future. In the meantime the Facility Manager is looking at a membership card scheme. There will be windows of opportunity for individual runners to use the facilities. Blocks of time will be used by schools and other organisations.

LO will be responsible for ensuring track certification is maintained.

NR said we should be grateful to LO for all her support.

NR raised concern about throwing areas. LO and a colleague went to Brickfields and looked at installing another discus cage and think they have found a suitable site. This will form part of the CARP funding. This has not yet been taken any further forward.

S Endacott felt the javelin or hammer facilities were in the wrong place. Throwers can’t train on the same night due to facilities. LO said whilst she understands the concerns it won’t be considered this season due to other commitments.

C Carpenter asked about another pavilion going up. LO confirmed this but said it won’t be for a while. She is talking to Sonia Ellis re floor texture which could possibly take spikes for use in athletics.

LO left the meeting.

Plymouth Hoe 10: NR congratulated everyone in the organising committee for that event for a very successful race. Please pass our thanks to all those who are not here. It got the running season off to a flying start.

PR echoed Nigel’s comments. He particularly thanked Colin Bunting for entries and being put under a lot of pressure on the day; Bill Phillips and his team for setting up the Brickfields area and the finishing line; Julie Elliott and Chris McGhee for late entries and going on to the water station; Amanda Erith for organising the marshals; Keith Reed and his son for timekeeping and recording; Malcolm Elliott, Eddie Southgate and Nigel Rowe for setting up the route; Malcolm and Eddie for going on to the water station. Once again there are those who readily put their names forward. Thanks also to Steve Burnard for lead bike (and for scrounging the bike from Oceans!).

Thank you letters have been sent to PCC for their help; Sutton Harbour Co for Quay Road and for the Police; we were inundated with Specials.

The day did have some problems. One chap collapsed and fell on his face at 9 miles. We sent first aiders and the ambulance from the back. Unfortunately he spent a night in intensive care. Tests were inconclusive. He is now out of hospital but still not back at work; he is due to go back to work at the end of this week. He has got a complimentary entry for next year!

M Erith said if a runner collapses during a race call 999.

Very late entry – we had a 13 year old running (Richard Spear). PR suggested writing to him. S Endacott said he is a member of PAC and felt an official letter should be sent to the club. Brings into question whether or not we should take late entries.

Medals are left but only have “Hoe 10” on ribbons; it was decided to hang on to them for future use.

We need to put “10 miles” in bigger letters.

Toilet facilities were a bit stretched.

When we bought the ambulance from the back, there was no sweeper at the back.

Car park system worked fairly well.

Cones were moved by people who wanted to park.

We have still got some bills to be paid. Due to the good support received from St Johns it was agreed to give them a £200 donation.

M Erith said there was one area in Notte Street which was very narrow. NR suggested getting a closure on Southside Street which would be much safer for runners. It was also noted that the area near Toys R Us was hazardous.

B Phillips felt that decent bibs could be bought with the profits. NR said other thoughts are to use money to subsidise coaching and/or child protection courses for each member club. He suggested members go back to their clubs and we will discuss suggestions next month.

Track and Field: NR said finally, tonight, a coaching development programme was agreed for March – October. If the date is successful NR will put pressure on the Council to have floodlights installed as soon as possible.

We need to make people aware that we want children at Brickfields and that we have a good base of coaches.

C Carpenter raised the subject of the Young Athletes League. It was investigated whether we could put in a composite team. We can but can’t change the name which is PAC. Other teams coming in would have to pay £100/club which is a bit prohibitive. PAC may have to look at a two tier membership scheme. PAC are very short of boy athletes.

S Endacott suggested putting floodlights on both corners of the stands. NR felt it was not worth taking short cuts as the lights ordered will be £70k.

PR said track and field dates have changed from 10.8.03 to 24.8.03 at Exeter. County Championships need sub-committee but doing it on a monthly basis is not sufficient. Two weeks’ time would be better giving us four meetings. K Reed is looking at officials.

C Carpenter asked about insurance for training nights. NR needs to speak to Andy Paul at UKA re composite insurance.

Sports Hall: Ivybridge have got a successful programme up and running. Trying to do the same with Plymouth. NR met Phil Brown, PCC Sports Development Unit, who will liaise with schools.

NR said Devon Youth Games this year will be sports hall based.

Coaching: PR asked for feedback on the leadership, running and walking course. C Bunting said it was an excellent course.

M Erith said for level 4 course there is a need for mentoring. He is going on a course for “mentoring”. Those who are prepared to mentor need to put their names forward.

Child Protection Courses: Next one is at Windsor House on 27.3.03. Devon clubs can claim one place cost-wise from Devon County. Applies to levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 coaching courses as well.

Plymouth Half Marathon: Over 600 entries at the moment. Three weeks ahead of where we were this time last year.

Officials: K Reed said 40 officials attended a conference on health and safety/child protection.

Officials course on 22.3.03 at Exeter – application forms available – no charge. Does not cover road officials.

M Erith previously offered to do a marathon seminar. However, if we are going to go ahead we need to look at dates – either 31.3.03 or 7.4.03. NR will try and book a room at Windsor House.

City Centre Mile: Hopefully will need more help this year.

County Half Marathon Championships: Plan was to use County Championships to represent County at other national events. Forum member clubs were poorly represented. A team has been selected to represent Devon at the Wilmslow Half which is hosting the Inter counties Championships.

Race Directors’ meeting on Monday 28.4.03, 7.30-9.00 pm at Exeter Harriers club house.

Requests for Hire of Clock: Request from Dartmoor Discovery but same day as DML 5k. Teignbridge Trotters want it on 20.7.03; 3.8.03; 21.9.03; 16.11.03; 28.3.04 (dates in red are clashes with Forum races). Last year they were charged £150 for 4 events. Decided to charge them £125 for 3 events this year. Further bookings – Dartmoor Vale Marathon on 18.5.03 - £50; Launceston Half Marathon on 6.7.03 - £50.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

P Wearne advised that the price of travel for PAC’s girls’ team is £4,500. S Endacott suggested seeking sponsorship.

K Reed said cross country took place at Coombe Dean. Thanks to Plymstock for organising it on behalf of Plymouth Harriers. Not well supported by athletes or helpers. Need to think about next year’s format as this year has been disappointing. NR felt there was a chance there would not be an event on at all next year.

Ivybridge 10k entry forms available.

CB has entry forms for the duathlon on 7.5.03. No entries on the day.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 14^th April 2003.