Momentous stuff already this year: and we still have a chicken. That’s all I’m saying. The AGM was the best attended I think we’ve ever had, but despite – or because of – that, it was an extremely civilised affair. Views were aired; opposing ones were respected and the status quo largely prevailed. ISCA put on a very good buffet which allowed a lot more informal discussion once the main business of the meeting had been concluded – in record time, if the outgoing Chair is to be believed.
A very few days later Dave Moulder & I attended the latest of England Athletics’ ‘roadshows’ at the Golf & Country Club – though why these aren’t held in The Harriers’ Pavilion I leave you to work out for yourselves. Of the three I’ve been to, this was much the most ‘consultative’; to the extent that a) we failed to reach the end of the scheduled Powerpoint presentation, and b) in comparison with the thirty-odd local representatives in attendance, I seemed to be remarkably moderate. OK, ask Dave or take my word for it. Whatever, there were some very grumpy people there providing a great deal of criticism for the EA person to take home with him.
On a more parochial level, The Last Chance happened despite the best efforts of its Organiser; most people seemed to enjoy themselves, especially the Ladies’ winner Lucy Hasell who went back to Wellington £267 better off, and deserving every penny of it. It was a pity the expected contest in the Men’s race failed to materialise, allowing Kairn Stone to win with ease and without threatening the record. The still conditions allowed many lesser mortals to achieve substantial PBs, indicating what might have been. Maybe next year, Jack.
MEMBERSHIP. The AGM approved several changes to our procedures regarding this. Annual subscriptions are largely unchanged, and an up-to-date Application Form will appear elsewhere on this site. As I write this, 210 of you have renewed for the year 2007-08. Renewals for April 2008 – March 2009 are now being accepted. New applicants from now on will get (up to) 14 months for the price of 12 – every little helps! In addition, anyone joining or renewing before 1 April will get their England Athletics Competition Licence for the year paid for (currently £5). However, those renewing from that date onwards will have to pay the extra £5, and, anyone who fails to renew by 30 September will be assumed no longer to wish to be a Member, and will be deleted from the Club’s records. If you are unsure of your status, please get in touch with me by any of the means indicated on the Membership Form. Some of you will have received your Competition Licences for the year to 31 March 2008; indications at the meeting mentioned above would suggest that you are the lucky ones. Said meeting failed also to clarify what you, or indeed Race Organisers, should do with them when they do finally arrive.
Watch this space for updates on any of the above. Meanwhile, can I just belatedly wish you all whatever you wish for yourselves, in a running context at least, for 2008.
Oh, and finally . . . any of you who have used www.gmap-pedometer.com, or any other Google Maps related site, as mentioned some time ago in RoadRunner, may be interested to know that hi-res photos of this area are now available; they were taken approximately April last year (after my original article). They are perfectly adequate for measuring off-road runs, though I haven’t investigated how far they extend into rural areas (but Killerton is included).
Cheers!!
Phil