EAST CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON ATHLETICS FORUM

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2004

 

Present: N Rowe, F Jenkins, G Reed, K Reed, P Batten, S Rose, R Warne, J McGhee,  S Payne, A Herdman, C Bunting, B Phillips, F Elford, C Carpenter, M Erith, K Rogers, G French, L Chatfield, K Bowles, J Crockford, S Endacott, P Ross, L Oates

 

Apologies: D Dane, D Hatch

 

Brickfields:            Louise gave an update, application submitted for CARP Funding + Match Funding for an 8 lane track. Active England bid OK but Sport England said no to an 8 lane track. Support from UK:A to pester Sport England for money. Active England bid ongoing to resurface and lights to go ahead. Currently there is a power problem in the area with a new sub station to supply to be built. A funding bid has been submitted to Devonport Regeneration Company for which agreement up front has been received. A brief for contractors is being put together. Floodlights are unlikely to be in place for this closed season with planning approval to be sought for lights. A five week window was required for re-texturing the track between April and August 2005 to allow for the weather. Chris C asked who was consulted prior to Sport England’s refusal to support 8 lane track. Louise explained that they did not see the benefit of an 8 lane track to the community.

Mike E questioned the lack of toilet facilities available – Louise to check why portaloo toilets are locked when the track is in use. She reported that new changing facilities were to be built, probable start date February 05, Refurbishment planned of existing facilities but these were felt to be within Albions fenced area – Louise to check.

In reply to a statement made on lack of action from the Council at Brickfields Louise pointed out that since taking over Brickfields the Council had spend >£30K almost immediately on upgrading facilities and equipment and a bid for CARP funding submitted. There is still the possibility of development of an 8 lane track on the lower field but is funding dependant plus there may be a need to relocate the long jump areas from their present position. Pole Vault changes are not currently required and will not affect certification.

A question was raised on the use of the lower field being used for Hammer and Discus Throwing – Louise to check.

It was also stated that some equipment was not available for use at training nights eg Steeplechase barriers and long jump boards. Louise to pass on message to make them available. Ultimately there will be a single access point to the facility and hire charges will need to reflect the use of lights etc. Sportshall timetable requested – Louise stated that the building was dependant on funding but planning permission has been granted and it was planned to have in place by December 2005. There may also be the possibility of temporary lighting fed from a generator – preferably in the 4 corners of the track but lux levels need to be checked. It will be possible to use the ATP for training when the track is being re-laid.

 

Coaches:            M Erith still to reconvene the coaches meeting to discuss a unified approach to coach development.

 

 

 

Coaching

Courses:         Level 1 2nd October – Cornwall

                        Level 2 6/7 November - Ivybridge,

                        Level 2 29/30 January – Poltair

                        3rd days 11 December – Bristol - Endurance, Jumps

                                     12 December – Bristol  - Speed , Throws

                                     3 April – Poole - Speed, Throws

                                     4 April – Poole - Endurance, Jumps

                       Children in Athletics – 30 October – Cornwall

                       Fitness in Running and Walking Module 12 March – Poltair

                       Introduction to Strength Training – 21 November – Truro

                       Allan H stated that UKA are planning to hold a strength conditioning course in April 2005 and we had the opportunity for it to be held locally as the venue had not yet been fixed. Mike E recommended the course.

Additional Meetings: Officials workshops 22 September Exeter G&C Club

                                                                       29 September Truro

                            Club Development Workshops 3 December Truro County Hall

                                                                             10 December Exeter Arena

                                                                             15 December Plymouth Santas Grotto

                            Race Directors/ Road Running Meeting 25 October Exeter Arena

                            Coach Workshops  2 October 04 Summer Court

                                                           4 March 05 Exeter Arena

                                                          11 Feb 05 Plymouth

 

Forum 5k:            Thanks to all who helped but some help was not forthcoming until very late giving cause for concern. Criticism was also taken on the night on the organisation which virtually became a two man show leading up to the event. Clarification was given that previous years entries were used as a datum and with the knowledge that the entry from Tamar Trotters would be down 200 medals were ordered for the 5K ( previous highest entry 165) and 85 for fun run (65). Entries prior to the day were 85 for 5K and only a handful for fun run. On the night entries were 232 for 5K and over 100 for Fun Run. Decision taken for future 5K’s to not take on the day entries. Need earlier buy in for assistance for the Hoe 10 event from all clubs. Some apologised for lack of support for the event. Tamar Trotters who normally give good support for Forum events had previously advised that they would be unable to support. 

 

Composite

Clubs:              K & G Reed gave a presentation on Composite Club structure and constraint that EVH were now facing. There still exists problems with some leagues on acceptance of Composite Teams which curtail the Forum entering them. Some clubs had reservations on the idea and a lengthy debate ensued but in general there was support for entering a Composite team in next Seasons SW League. There is still much to

sort and will need further discussion at subsequent meetings.

 

SW Counties Road Running Development : Nigel gave feedback from the second meeting held recently to create a development plan for road running. The document will create opportunities for athlete pathways through competition. It will also bring about a South West Race Calendar for 2005. An audit of clubs will be carried out and places us in a good position for restructuring of the region within the creation of the hub structure.

 

 Finances:       From Saltram 5K £685.38

                        Total: 6287.28

John reported we are still outstanding payment for the use of the track – PAC to sort.

Keith R thanked all for the support at the Ivybridge Beacon Challenge.

 

Frank E thanked al for support at Jeremiahs Journey event which raised >£700

He also reminded attendees that there are no “on the day entries” for the forthcoming

Autumn Trail event on 26 September. Frankk was also concerned on the number of

entries received without SAE’s and asked those present to remind club members to

send them.

 

Steve P suggested we invoice the Navy for their staffs use of the Brickfields track

John C to action.

 

Allan H advised that Tavy 7 (14 Nov) Forms were available. It was noted that the

forms did not carry Frank Elford Sports logo as sponsors of the Forum GP Series.

Allan apologised but was unaware that it was part of the series.

 

Mike E advised that Deviock Bounder (10 Oct) were available. This event is also part

of the GP series

 

Paul R advised that Plymouth Tri Club were not an affiliated club as they had not paid

any SEAA or County Affiliation fees.

 

Date of next meeting which is also the AGM and Grand Prix presentation evening is Monday 11th October 2004 7.30pm.

 

Forum GP Winners:

Overall - Male – Austen Thomas DML  Vet Male – Mike Cork DML

Overall - Female – Sharon Daw ECH  Vet Female – Maggie Bunting Tamar Trotters

 

Club Winners:

DML                              Danny Daniels             Carole Sutton

East Cornwall H            Nigel Osbourne            Revis Crowle

Erme Valley H             Ian Crossley            Julie Carlin

Instinctive Sports            Alan Wilcox            Tricia Pill

Moorhaven                  Dave Hatch            No Qualifiers

Plymouth Harriers            Neil Mytton            Loretta Cook

Plymstock RR              Richard Walters            Susan Marshall

Tamar Trotters            Paul Wilsmore            Linda Pollard

Tavistock AC               Chris Eastaugh            Fiona Dunn