MINUTES OF EAST CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON ATHLETICS FORUM HELD ON 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2002

 

 

Present:            N. Rowe (Chair)

P. Ross/K Reed (EVH); M & J Elliott (IS); R Warne (PH); B Phillips/F Elford (TT); M & A Erith (ECH); J Crockford/I McLeod (DML); N McClung (Tav)

 

Apologies:            P. Tabener/C. Bunting/C. & C. Ede/C. Carpenter/F. Jenkins

 

Plymouth Hoe 10:  We have been trialing the Addabox.  The traffic cones and PVC bibs are being ordered tomorrow.  The clock is insured under our insurance.  We will put some means of identification on the bibs etc for when they are borrowed.

 

The race will be held on the 23 February 2003, starting at 10.00 am.  We are looking for help.  We do not intend to meet until November.  Entry fee agreed - £5 affiliated and £6 non-affiliated; £2 extra on day; £1.50 for fun run.  We will be looking at categories with prize for over 50 lady and over 60 man.

 

Track Meeting held on 10th July:  Great success.  PCC have apologised for the problems.

 

Devon Youth Games:  Thanks once again to Keith Reed.

 

South of England Cross Country Championships:  25 January 2003 at Bicton College.  P Ross has had contact from Maurice Oat from Exmouth Harriers who wants to use the Forum to promote the event.  He is also seeking help on the day.  We do not want all the officials to come from the South East.  Please promote the event in your clubs.  No doubt they will contact clubs direct.

 

I.S. Scenic Challenge:  M Elliott said that he was pleased with the event and hoped for greater numbers next year when the event will be held on 1 June in the slot vacated by the Down Thomas run.

 

South of England Registration:  P Ross thought the meeting was a disgrace as it went off in too many different directions.  However, he was quite sure it would be voted in at a cost of £3 each.  The benefits of SEAA were discussed.  The merits of the organisation were considered negligible.  M Erith objected to the £1 insurance and felt it should be optional.

 

It was suggested that Devon and Cornwall opt out and start their own organisation.  B Phillips felt there was also a valid argument for suggesting having a road running organisation.

 

N Rowe said we are here tonight because Plymouth Harriers have moved from Beacon Park.  Use of Windsor House is free of charge.  It was agreed that we use this facility in future.

 

 

 

 

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Brickfields:  The Brickfields Steering Group has been convened, for the first time in quite some time.  The document written by the consultants did not say much.  The object is to bring it up to a mutually agreed aim.  Plymouth College of Further Education has withdrawn its capital funding for the project.  As far as athletics is concerned, our grand ideas for athletics have been revised to - £25-35k for full track certification this year; athletics development officer for a minimum of 5 years and we are looking for a home that “we can call our own”.  PCC have accepted this and will include it in a forthcoming bid to Sport England.  The track was inspected and Steve Snooks of PCC was advised it  will need relaying by 2005.  Funding for this could come from UKA.  The inspector advised that that would be the time to add two extra lanes.  It was agreed we would try and get sports hall on site as soon as possible.  The ATP will come to fruition imminently.  Albion are looking at moving to the Rectory in the new year.

 

There is a meeting with Sonya Ellis on Wednesday pm.

 

M Erith asked what was the future with PAC.  N Rowe said they currently do not have a secretary.  PAC’s treasurer asked to meet with J Crockford who suggested he attend a Forum meeting.  N Rowe said we need to be the driving force and if PAC don’t want to be part of the Forum so be it.  M Erith said there is an atmosphere on a Wednesday night.  K Reed advised there is a new rule for 2003 for composite clubs to be able to compete at a higher league. 

 

Saltram 5K:  Once the expenses have been sorted we should have a profit of £250.

 

Sports Hall Athletics:  N Rowe said it is our intention to have a taster evening, 4.30-6.00 pm aimed at 8-11 year olds at a venue in Plymouth.  We have all the equipment and want to try it out before it is set up on a regular basis.

 

N McClung advised that the Tavy 7 entry forms are available.  Numbers will be limited.

 

K Reed has Grand Prix results.  Some may be left off as not all runners entered their club names on the Saltram entry form (mainly due to omission of space for club). 

 

Beacon Challenge results are available.  Thanks to all those Forum members who came along.  81 entries.

 

With the loss of the Hope 5 there will now be 11 races in the Grand Prix with 6 races to count.

 

Richard Warne said the County road relays will now be held on the 19 October.

 

F Elford’s race is 3 weeks away.  Any help would be appreciated.  He is looking at a record entry with 300 entries so far.

 

M Erith has Cornish Marathon entry forms – 23 March 2003 starting at 8.30 am.  He is getting concerned that races start quite late in the summer and it is too hot.  He is considering recommending to the Cornwall Grand Prix organisers that they start their races earlier.

 

 

 

 

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I McLeod queried the Trotters’ policy of mementoes for those who entered after the number of runners catered for had been reached.  He was advised that they were advised of the situation and were charged a reduced rate. 

 

J Crockford said it will soon be too dark to train and Brickfields and asked whether the Forum want to carry on with winter training indoors?  Currently we are averaging 20-30 on a Wednesday.  The small hall at Lipson Community College costs £10/week from 6-7 but if people are interested we will look into hiring the large hall.  P Ross suggested booking it for a term and seeing how it goes.  Indoor training will commence from the 1st week in October.

 

J Crockford asked what we are doing about the Grand Prix prizes and presentation.  Vouchers will be bought from F Elford.  Frank has agreed to sponsor this year’s Series.

 

N Rowe said Plymouth Tri Club has affiliated to Devon County and will be invited to our meeting.

 

P Ross said he was awaiting details of a road running course at which people could go in at level 2.

 

P Ross asked if everyone was aware of the meeting on 18 November addressed by UKA.  M Erith said it would be useful to liaise at the next November Forum meeting to discuss any questions we might like to put forward.

 

Devon Grand Prix Series:  It is very noticeable that not many athletes from this area have competed which is disappointing. 

 

There is a Devon County Race Directors meeting in Exeter on 21 October.

 

Congratulations to East Cornwall ladies who are representing Cornwall for a potential £600 prize. 

 

A week ago at Exeter there was a Devon County 10k track championships at which there were 7 officials and 8 athletes! 

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

Monday 14 October 2002.  The AGM and presentations will take place beforehand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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