AGM report
The following is a summary of the very well attended Annual General Meeting of Southdown Velo, held on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at the Fountain Public House, Chichester.
Election of officers of the club
The following were re-elected from the previous year:
Shaun Smart - Membership Secretary
Mike Marchant - Time Trial Secretary
Tim Costello - Web and Publicity
Eugene Bardwell - everything else
Brief reports were provided by the above - more details below.
Club champions
The club champion for 2008 is Shaun Smart.
Shaun deserved his title after a season which saw him perform consistently across different racing disciplines. The highlight of his season was a narrow win at Portsmouth. Read the write-up here.
Youth champion
Joseph Marchant was awarded the youth prize for his highest placing in the Angmering series and his win at Goodwood.
Most improved rider
Richard Bevan was awarded the trophy for the most improved rider over the course of the year. Richard started his first proper road season as a 4th category rider and had risen to 3rd category by the end of the year. The selection panel were impressed by his application and determination.
This fantastic shot of Richard was taken by Sussex photographer Chris Wallis.
Picture copyright of Chris Wallis 2008.
Visit Chris' website at http://www.wallisphotos.co.uk/.
Race promotions at 2009
Southdown Velo will promote the following events during 2009:
- The Angmering youth series which runs from April to August on Monday nights.
- The Goodwood Spring Challenge mountain bike race on 10th May.
- LVRC (over 40s road racing) and youth races at Thorney Island on 10th May 9yes it is the same date).
- Surrey League road races at Thorney (TBA).
- JP's Sussex Border Race 2009 on 4th October.
- Possibly a cyclo-cross event.
Time trialling news
Mike Marchant reported that he was still waiting to hear if we will be allowed to joining the Portsmouth Time Trial League.
Mike is also investigating the promotion of time trial events in 2009.
Sponsorship and members' benefits
Sponsorship by Geared Bikes and Wear, and the Hunter Springs Consultancy will continue as before. Paid up members will be entitled to discounts at Geared Bikes and youths will receive free kit and entry fees from the Hunter Springs Consultancy.
The discounts on SIS (Science in Sport) and Continental Tyres will change slightly for 2009. These will again be available to racing members, but will be restricted British Cycling Silver members. A "racing member" is one who competes in at least five races organised under British Cycling or Cycling Time Trials regulations. Silver membership (currently £32) provides members with third party insurance and free legal cover.
Club member James Woodward Dip PT is offering his services at 20% discount to members. James is personal trainer and sports therapist. Contact James on 01243 533319 or 07789 146451.
Member Anne Marshall is also offering discounts to members. Anne is a qualified sports masseuse.
Eugene to be electronified
Eugene our hard working treasurer, administrator and bottle washer is to have a computer purchased for him by the club. A proposal to use club funds in this way was passed with a large majority (or unanimously - I wasn't counting). This should improve club communication.
Saturday club run leaders
Shaun Smart proposed that a small pool of Saturday club run leaders should be created that would be responsible for acting as "shepherds" to ensure riders are not dropped and a steady pace is maintained.
Club mentors
It was suggested that mentors should be appointed for new members. A good idea. One we should develop further.
Format of club nights
In the last few years the club nights, on the first Sunday of the month, have been a very social gathering without any structure. It was suggested that every other month we should have a talk by one of the members or an outside expert. I welcome your views on this, and if you are in favour what topics you would like to cover.
After the meeting it was questioned why we have the meetings on a Sunday night. Again, your views on alternative nights would be welcome.
Subscriptions now due
All annual subscriptions are now due:
- Senior £10
- Under 18 (youths and juniors) £1
Any member who joined within the last two month has their membership automatically carried forward to the next year. Club discounts are only available to paid up members.
Please contact Shaun Smart on 07976 446805 to renew.
New members
Welcome to new members Leon Haylock from Hambrook, Lee Hodges (former member) from Bognor Regis, Fraser Nurse from Tangmere, Trevor Delooze from Aldwick and Stephen Hasler from Chichester.
Racing round up
Tim Costello, your Cafe Velo editor, finished 17th at Cowley in the latest Wessex Cyclo-cross league event. Tim was second in his age group and won £5 and a bottle of mulled wine. Roll-on Christmas.
Picture copyright of Graham Robins 2008.
Visit Graham's website.
