1. APOLOGIES:

B.Ficken, N.Simmons, G.Elrick, J.Elrick and P.Selby.

2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:

Previous minutes agreed.

3. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 7. – SEAA project funding – it had proved impossible to meet the end-January deadline but a serious effort will be made to set-up a worthwhile project before the end-August deadline to develop race-walking.

Item 7. – Surrey Track Championship – there was a question over whether the day will be Saturday 12th or Sunday 13^th May.

Item 11 – There will be a further coaching event on 11^th March.

IS/SL

IS

4. GENERAL SECRETARY – ELECTIONS:

Ellen Govier was elected as a strolling member having been proposed by David Watson and seconded by Gail Elrick (as conveyed to the Hon.Sec. by e-mail). Note: This election subsequently proved invalid due to confusion over forms. This was not Ellen’s fault and it is hoped that this election will be properly completed at the next meeting.

Heather Fenton had written to the Secretary and paid her subscription as she wants to resume walking. It was agreed that her previous resignation would now be ignored.

The deletion of Bob Maynard, Helen Older and Muriel Parry for non-payment of subscriptions was confirmed. Grace Farrely’s situation awaiting confirmation.

5. SPECIAL TOPICS: SWC LONG TERM STRATEGY:

This item was delayed to the next meeting when it was hoped that the Race Secretary would produce the promised draft.

6. GENERAL SECRETARY – WEB SITE:

No report.

7. GENERAL SECRETARY – OTHER BUSINESS:

1.      It had been reported that Race Walking events were to be dropped from the Commonwealth Games but this report is inaccurate and it is hoped that the suggestion will dismissed in due course.

2.      The Secretary had collected a box of bound copies of the Gazette from Walling Bryant. These will be retained by the Editor of the unofficial archivist Brian Brian Ficken. IS to inspect them first. Walling himself seemed infairly good health but is recovering from a 5 week period in hospital before Christmas from which recovery has taken some time.

3.      The bill for the new handbook had been paid - £490. The Secretary would maintain a file of all required amendments as they arise in order to keep it up to date. Several encouraging comments had been received and the working party responsible for the production were thanked.

4.      Among those writing to the Secretary about the handbook was Keith Fraser who had also mentioned the lack of Strolls reports in the Gazette, a view echoed by other Committee members and very much in the Editor’s mind. They are frequently seen as the highlight of the Gazette.

5.      There is a special registration scheme, including photograph, for all active officials and helpers at Club events. This will be progressed.

6.      The main matter for concern is the general registration scheme to be incorporated into the England Athletics affiliation and subscription scheme. The cost to the Club will be £50 plus £5 per active athlete (£3 for 2007/08). It was suggested that the sum of £5 should be added to the subscription of all such members from September 2007 onwards. This would mean that “non-active” members and in particular the active strollers would not share the burden of cost. It will also help define those members who wish to be registered. Unregistered members will not be entered in races in the Club’s name and will have to pay the relevant unattached athletes’ levy for each race. This will not apply to second claim members. More worrying is the requirement to supply (with the individuals consent) a detailed database of all active members and active officials (as above) containing many personal details. The theoretical date for the registration is by 1^st April but it is appreciated that some time will be needed to gather the data (not too much for SWC who has a suitable database for most of the information). There is a final cut-off date of end-September after which unaffiliated Clubs will be automatically excluded en masse.

7.      With the revised handbook completed the same sub-committee will examine the Club rules in order to improve the presentation and language. The group undertakes that the sense of the existing rules, including all revisions, will be unchanged, however, where the sense is out of date, seems incorrect or is known to be problematic among Club members these matters will be examined and a draft revision of the rule will be produced for discussion at the Committee and submission to the next AGM where appropriate.

PCH

  PCH/SL/DW

8. TREASURER:

The bill for the last Gazette had been paid.

9. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY:

£64 subscriptions and £55 donations had been recived following the last reminder. We have resignations from David Russell and Lynda Sharman due distance from the Strolling region following their move to St Leonards and also from Avril Stapleton. Martin Yates would be checked.

 ME

10. RACE SECRETARY (inc. Long Distance):

General: No Club races or report.

100 miles: The entire sub-committee had met on 12^th February and the arrangements are all on course. The next major task will be the completion of the Risk Analysis by end-March so that our formal application for the event can be submitted with the first payment. The application for an RWA permit will be made. An SWC banner, which will be reusable elsewhere, is to be produced. The final measured lap will be defined but will not be that previously used as the central avenue is now gritted not tarmaced and also the track area will be used for recording and facilities. Feeding will be supplemented by a kiosk provided by the Park management. Night lighting will be arranged. An initial press release will be produced and press/TV contacts involved.

KC
PF
PWS

PWS
DW/SL

11. COACHING & CHILD WELFARE:

Mark Easton has now completed the relevant courses and documentation and is a Level 2 coach although, as usual, CRB accreditation is still awaited. The 11^th March coaching day at Sutton will be publicised to local schools and specifically to those PE departments where there is a known interest in Athletics.

IS

12. MEN'S CAPTAIN:

Chris Flint was first SWC home at Enfield (27/1) while Stephen Crane was 1^st SWC in the Essex 10 miles at Chigwell(18/2). The LPR (21/1) had little SWC support but David Hoben was 1^st SWC. On 20^th Jan we had 4 at Horsham for the Slater Bryce 10km with PCH 1^st SWC. The London Championships were held at Victoria Park (4/2) and SWC had 8 members out. Andrew Statter was 2^nd under 12 while Ian was first SWC senior. Mark Easton was 2^nd at Bexley 5km on 10/2.

13. MEN'S CAPTAIN – CLOTHING BUSINESS:

No report.

14. STROLLS SECRETARY:

The major and very encouraging news is that the London LDWA Group has reverted to bi-weekly events and is coordinating with SWC so a revival of our numbers is expected.

15. EDITOR:

The Gazette was well received and Paul Nihill had thanked the Editor for the article about himself. The next Gazette should go out around the end of April/early May. It will contain a note on the new registration scheme. It is hoped that Strolls reports may be more regular.

 PCH

16. SOCIAL SECRETARY

No report

17. PRESS SECRETARY:

Generally reports are appearing each week although space occasionally prevents this. On occasion the Press Sec. is not present at a race and no report is submitted but it will be if the results and comments are passed to the Secretary by one of the attendees before Monday morning.

18. TROPHIES SECRETARY:

Up to date. The matter of tightening up the rules on the allocation of the annual awards, as requested at the AGM, must be raised at a future meeting when the Captain is present.

19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Any members who feel able to assist at the Europa Cup event on 20^th May at Leamington Spa should speak to Pam Ficken.

There is some consideration being given to holding an RWA Centenary Dinner on 20^th October in Birmingham, London or elsewhere.

20. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

         The next Committee meeting will be held on 19^th March 2007.

         Special topic: Long term strategy (continued)

 The meeting closed at 8.18pm.

PWS